<strong>Introduction:</strong> Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (SAID) long considered very rare in Africa are increasingly the subject of publications. The objective of this work is to identify the difficulti...<strong>Introduction:</strong> Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (SAID) long considered very rare in Africa are increasingly the subject of publications. The objective of this work is to identify the difficulties in the management of these pathologies in an internal medicine department in northern Senegal by analyzing the epidemiological, clinical-biological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of SAID. <strong>Methods:</strong> This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the internal medicine department of the Saint-Louis University Hospital Center. Included were all the files of patients followed in outpatient and/or hospitalization for autoimmune diseases according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, during the period from January 2017 to December 2020. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0. As the study was descriptive, no statistical test was performed. <strong>Results: </strong>Out of 3800 patients, 70 presented SAID, <i>i.e. </i> a hospital prevalence of 1.8%. Polyarthritis was the first reason for consultation in 97% followed by skin manifestations in 8%. The patients had positive anti-nuclear autoantibodies in 88% of cases. Rheumatoid arthritis was the predominant condition (71%) followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (15%) and undifferentiated autoimmune diseases in 10%. Eleven percent (11%) of patients had an associated autoimmune disease. Corticosteroids were used in the treatment of these conditions in 97% of cases and methotrexate was the most prescribed immunosuppressant (54%). Thirty-two percent (32%) of patients are lost to follow-up. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> SAID are diverse and under diagnosed;they are characterized by diagnostic delay above all linked to access to specialists and sometimes to the high cost of paraclinical examinations, in particular immunology. Treatment remains based primarily on corticosteroid therapy and conventional immunosuppressants in the face of the unavailability of biotherapies.展开更多
The frequency range of electroacupuncture in treatment of Alzheimer's disease in rats is commonly 2-5 Hz(low frequency) and 50-100 Hz(high frequency). We established a rat model of Alzheimer's disease by injecti...The frequency range of electroacupuncture in treatment of Alzheimer's disease in rats is commonly 2-5 Hz(low frequency) and 50-100 Hz(high frequency). We established a rat model of Alzheimer's disease by injecting β-amyloid 1-42(Aβ1-42) into the bilateral hippocampal dentate gyrus to verify which frequency may be better suited in treatment. Electroacupuncture at 2 Hz or 50 Hz was used to stimulate Baihui(DU20) and Shenshu(BL23) acupoints. The water maze test and electrophysiological studies demonstrated that spatial memory ability was apparently improved, and the ranges of long-term potentiation and long-term depression were increased in Alzheimer's disease rats after electroacupuncture treatment. Moreover, the effects of electroacupuncture at 50 Hz were better than that at 2 Hz. These findings suggest that high-frequency electroacupuncture may enhance hippocampal synaptic transmission and potentially improve memory disorders in Alzheimer's disease rats.展开更多
This article aims to provide some thoughts on the prevention and treatment of Coronaviras Disease 2019(COVTD-19)from the perspective of JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula).It is believed that the vague theore...This article aims to provide some thoughts on the prevention and treatment of Coronaviras Disease 2019(COVTD-19)from the perspective of JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula).It is believed that the vague theoretical understanding of COVTD-19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine does not hinder the precise treatment of the disease by following the rale of“With this Zheng,prescribe this Fang.”According to the principle of“Fang-Zheng Correlation”and the knowledge gained from the thousands of years of experience in treating febrile diseases,Xiao Chai Hu Decoction(小柴胡汤)and its modifications are recommended with the emphasis on individualized treatment.As another form of practicing“Fang-Zheng Correlation,”generalized group treatment should also be paid attention to.Giving considerations to(ire historical medical data,Jing Fang Bai Du Powder(荆防败毒散)and Shi Shen Decoction(十神汤)are reconunended for group prevention treatment.Assisting the Zheng(Upright)Qi and using tonic formulas are two entirely different concepts.According to the principle of“Fang-Zheng Correlation,”tonics abuse should be avoided in the prevention of COVID-19,and the using of Huang Qi(黄芪Radix Astragali seu Hedysari)should also be very carefully done.展开更多
This article aims to provide some thoughts on the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID‑19)from the perspective of JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula).It is believed that the vague theore...This article aims to provide some thoughts on the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID‑19)from the perspective of JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula).It is believed that the vague theoretical understanding of COVID‑19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine does not hinder the precise treatment of the disease by following the rule of“With this Zheng,prescribe this Fang.”According to the principle of“Fang‑Zheng Correlation”and the knowledge gained from the thousands of years of experience in treating febrile diseases,Xiao Chai Hu Decoction(小柴胡汤)and its modifications are recommended with the emphasis on individualized treatment.As another form of practicing“Fang‑Zheng Correlation,”generalized group treatment should also be paid attention to.Giving considerations to the historical medical data,Jing Fang Bai Du Powder(荆防败毒散)and Shi Shen Decoction(十神汤)are recommended for group prevention treatment.Assisting the Zheng(Upright)Qi and using tonic formulas are two entirely different concepts.According to the principle of“Fang‑Zheng Correlation,”tonics abuse should be avoided in the prevention of COVID‑19,and the using of Huang Qi(黄芪Radix Astragali seu Hedysari)should also be very carefully done.展开更多
The TCM philosophy of a meridian and associated channels pertains to the specific function of one or more organs. We define the <span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lung Primary Meridian (LUM) together w...The TCM philosophy of a meridian and associated channels pertains to the specific function of one or more organs. We define the <span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lung Primary Meridian (LUM) together with the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lung Sinew (LUSC), Divergent (LUDC), Luo-connecting (LULCC) Channels as a system of routes plus some parts of the body (such as muscles) to fulfil respiration, as a main function under different situations. There is very limited information about the Lung associated channels in classical literature of TCM. With a clear focus on the function of respiration, we have carried out a detailed analysis of the biomedical consequence of stimulating the LUM, analysed the roles played by LUSC, LUDC, and LULCC. The updated LUM and LUDC include acupoints of other meridians, serving the same purpose of performing satisfactory respiration starting from checking the quality of the inflow through the nose. The LUSC includes the respiratory muscles (plus the associated connective tissues) extending to various parts of the body. The muscles of the limb (as part of the LUSC) embrace the nerves that provide routes for somatosensory reflexes and play the role of locomotion, providing voluntary respiration via the pectoralis muscles. The muscles of LUSC are bounded by stiff connective tissue layers, forming compartments, and are part of the pulley system for various body locomotions. Within a compartment, the interstitial fluid, blood, lymph flows must be potent to protect the associated nerves related to LUM;the healthy state of the LUSC also provides freedom of various types of locomotion. The LULCC exists because the vagus nerve has a part of it passing through the spinal cords all the way down to the sacrum domain, with exiting nerve innervating two-third of the large intestine. The crucial steps of our deductions </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">are supported by experimental evidence based on modern neurophysiology and kinesiology. We discover that all the four channels stated above work as a unit system to allow respiration to be possible under various postures/conditions. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The complexity of structures and processes is eased off by providing 29 figures and 13 tables for the relevant muscles and nerves. In addition to respiration, the Lung system in TCM context includes interaction of this system with the sweat gland and neuroendocrine system;such aspects will be left to another study.</span>展开更多
Objective:Qu Du Qiang Fei 1 Hao Fang(QDQF1)is a novel Chinese herbal medicine formula used to treat coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the pharmacological mechanisms of action of QDQF1 remain unclear.The objec...Objective:Qu Du Qiang Fei 1 Hao Fang(QDQF1)is a novel Chinese herbal medicine formula used to treat coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the pharmacological mechanisms of action of QDQF1 remain unclear.The objective of this study was to identify the effective ingredients and biological targets of QDQF1 for COVID-19 treatment.Materials and Methods:The effective ingredients and mechanisms of action of QDQF1 were analyzed by using network pharmacology methods,which included an analysis of the effective ingredients and corresponding targets,COVID-19-related target acquisition,compound-target network analyses,protein-protein interaction network analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)and Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment analyses,and molecular docking studies.Results:In total,288 effective QDQF1 ingredients were identified.We identified 51 core targets from the 148 targets through an overlap between putative QDQF1 targets and COVID-19-related targets.Six key components,including formononetin,kaempferol,luteolin,naringenin,quercetin,and wogonin were identified through component-target network analyses.GO functional enrichment analysis of the core targets revealed 1296 items,while KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 148 signaling pathways.Nine central targets(CCL2,CXCL8,IL1B,IL6,MAPK1,MAPK3,MAPK8,STAT3,and TNF)related to the COVID-19 pathway were identified in the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.Furthermore,molecular docking analysis suggested that the docking scores of the six key components to the nine central targets were better than those to remdesivir.Conclusions:QDQF1 may regulate multiple immune-and inflammation-related targets to inhibit the progression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,and thus,may be suitable for the treatment of COVID-19.展开更多
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (SAID) long considered very rare in Africa are increasingly the subject of publications. The objective of this work is to identify the difficulties in the management of these pathologies in an internal medicine department in northern Senegal by analyzing the epidemiological, clinical-biological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of SAID. <strong>Methods:</strong> This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the internal medicine department of the Saint-Louis University Hospital Center. Included were all the files of patients followed in outpatient and/or hospitalization for autoimmune diseases according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, during the period from January 2017 to December 2020. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0. As the study was descriptive, no statistical test was performed. <strong>Results: </strong>Out of 3800 patients, 70 presented SAID, <i>i.e. </i> a hospital prevalence of 1.8%. Polyarthritis was the first reason for consultation in 97% followed by skin manifestations in 8%. The patients had positive anti-nuclear autoantibodies in 88% of cases. Rheumatoid arthritis was the predominant condition (71%) followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (15%) and undifferentiated autoimmune diseases in 10%. Eleven percent (11%) of patients had an associated autoimmune disease. Corticosteroids were used in the treatment of these conditions in 97% of cases and methotrexate was the most prescribed immunosuppressant (54%). Thirty-two percent (32%) of patients are lost to follow-up. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> SAID are diverse and under diagnosed;they are characterized by diagnostic delay above all linked to access to specialists and sometimes to the high cost of paraclinical examinations, in particular immunology. Treatment remains based primarily on corticosteroid therapy and conventional immunosuppressants in the face of the unavailability of biotherapies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81373741
文摘The frequency range of electroacupuncture in treatment of Alzheimer's disease in rats is commonly 2-5 Hz(low frequency) and 50-100 Hz(high frequency). We established a rat model of Alzheimer's disease by injecting β-amyloid 1-42(Aβ1-42) into the bilateral hippocampal dentate gyrus to verify which frequency may be better suited in treatment. Electroacupuncture at 2 Hz or 50 Hz was used to stimulate Baihui(DU20) and Shenshu(BL23) acupoints. The water maze test and electrophysiological studies demonstrated that spatial memory ability was apparently improved, and the ranges of long-term potentiation and long-term depression were increased in Alzheimer's disease rats after electroacupuncture treatment. Moreover, the effects of electroacupuncture at 50 Hz were better than that at 2 Hz. These findings suggest that high-frequency electroacupuncture may enhance hippocampal synaptic transmission and potentially improve memory disorders in Alzheimer's disease rats.
文摘This article aims to provide some thoughts on the prevention and treatment of Coronaviras Disease 2019(COVTD-19)from the perspective of JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula).It is believed that the vague theoretical understanding of COVTD-19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine does not hinder the precise treatment of the disease by following the rale of“With this Zheng,prescribe this Fang.”According to the principle of“Fang-Zheng Correlation”and the knowledge gained from the thousands of years of experience in treating febrile diseases,Xiao Chai Hu Decoction(小柴胡汤)and its modifications are recommended with the emphasis on individualized treatment.As another form of practicing“Fang-Zheng Correlation,”generalized group treatment should also be paid attention to.Giving considerations to(ire historical medical data,Jing Fang Bai Du Powder(荆防败毒散)and Shi Shen Decoction(十神汤)are reconunended for group prevention treatment.Assisting the Zheng(Upright)Qi and using tonic formulas are two entirely different concepts.According to the principle of“Fang-Zheng Correlation,”tonics abuse should be avoided in the prevention of COVID-19,and the using of Huang Qi(黄芪Radix Astragali seu Hedysari)should also be very carefully done.
文摘This article aims to provide some thoughts on the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID‑19)from the perspective of JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula).It is believed that the vague theoretical understanding of COVID‑19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine does not hinder the precise treatment of the disease by following the rule of“With this Zheng,prescribe this Fang.”According to the principle of“Fang‑Zheng Correlation”and the knowledge gained from the thousands of years of experience in treating febrile diseases,Xiao Chai Hu Decoction(小柴胡汤)and its modifications are recommended with the emphasis on individualized treatment.As another form of practicing“Fang‑Zheng Correlation,”generalized group treatment should also be paid attention to.Giving considerations to the historical medical data,Jing Fang Bai Du Powder(荆防败毒散)and Shi Shen Decoction(十神汤)are recommended for group prevention treatment.Assisting the Zheng(Upright)Qi and using tonic formulas are two entirely different concepts.According to the principle of“Fang‑Zheng Correlation,”tonics abuse should be avoided in the prevention of COVID‑19,and the using of Huang Qi(黄芪Radix Astragali seu Hedysari)should also be very carefully done.
文摘The TCM philosophy of a meridian and associated channels pertains to the specific function of one or more organs. We define the <span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lung Primary Meridian (LUM) together with the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lung Sinew (LUSC), Divergent (LUDC), Luo-connecting (LULCC) Channels as a system of routes plus some parts of the body (such as muscles) to fulfil respiration, as a main function under different situations. There is very limited information about the Lung associated channels in classical literature of TCM. With a clear focus on the function of respiration, we have carried out a detailed analysis of the biomedical consequence of stimulating the LUM, analysed the roles played by LUSC, LUDC, and LULCC. The updated LUM and LUDC include acupoints of other meridians, serving the same purpose of performing satisfactory respiration starting from checking the quality of the inflow through the nose. The LUSC includes the respiratory muscles (plus the associated connective tissues) extending to various parts of the body. The muscles of the limb (as part of the LUSC) embrace the nerves that provide routes for somatosensory reflexes and play the role of locomotion, providing voluntary respiration via the pectoralis muscles. The muscles of LUSC are bounded by stiff connective tissue layers, forming compartments, and are part of the pulley system for various body locomotions. Within a compartment, the interstitial fluid, blood, lymph flows must be potent to protect the associated nerves related to LUM;the healthy state of the LUSC also provides freedom of various types of locomotion. The LULCC exists because the vagus nerve has a part of it passing through the spinal cords all the way down to the sacrum domain, with exiting nerve innervating two-third of the large intestine. The crucial steps of our deductions </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">are supported by experimental evidence based on modern neurophysiology and kinesiology. We discover that all the four channels stated above work as a unit system to allow respiration to be possible under various postures/conditions. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The complexity of structures and processes is eased off by providing 29 figures and 13 tables for the relevant muscles and nerves. In addition to respiration, the Lung system in TCM context includes interaction of this system with the sweat gland and neuroendocrine system;such aspects will be left to another study.</span>
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81973543)the Shanghai Sailing Program(No.22YF1449800),China。
文摘Objective:Qu Du Qiang Fei 1 Hao Fang(QDQF1)is a novel Chinese herbal medicine formula used to treat coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the pharmacological mechanisms of action of QDQF1 remain unclear.The objective of this study was to identify the effective ingredients and biological targets of QDQF1 for COVID-19 treatment.Materials and Methods:The effective ingredients and mechanisms of action of QDQF1 were analyzed by using network pharmacology methods,which included an analysis of the effective ingredients and corresponding targets,COVID-19-related target acquisition,compound-target network analyses,protein-protein interaction network analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)and Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment analyses,and molecular docking studies.Results:In total,288 effective QDQF1 ingredients were identified.We identified 51 core targets from the 148 targets through an overlap between putative QDQF1 targets and COVID-19-related targets.Six key components,including formononetin,kaempferol,luteolin,naringenin,quercetin,and wogonin were identified through component-target network analyses.GO functional enrichment analysis of the core targets revealed 1296 items,while KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 148 signaling pathways.Nine central targets(CCL2,CXCL8,IL1B,IL6,MAPK1,MAPK3,MAPK8,STAT3,and TNF)related to the COVID-19 pathway were identified in the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.Furthermore,molecular docking analysis suggested that the docking scores of the six key components to the nine central targets were better than those to remdesivir.Conclusions:QDQF1 may regulate multiple immune-and inflammation-related targets to inhibit the progression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,and thus,may be suitable for the treatment of COVID-19.