Genomic characterization of peritoneal lavage cytology-positive gastric cancer

Objective: Positive peritoneal lavege cytology(CY1) gastric cancer is featured by dismal prognosis, with high risks of peritoneal metastasis. However, there is a lack of evidence on pathogenic mechanism and signature of CY1and there is a continuous debate on CY1 therapy. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of CY1 is crucial for treatment strategies and targets for CY1 gastric cancer.Methods: In order to figure out specific driver genes and marker genes of CY1 gastric cancer, and ultimately offer clues for potential marker and risk assessment of CY1, 17 cytology-positive gastric cancer patients and 31matched cytology-negative gastric cancer patients were enrolled in this study. The enrollment criteria were based on the results of diagnostic laparoscopy staging and cytology inspection of exfoliated cells. Whole exome sequencing was then performed on tumor samples to evaluate genomic characterization of cytology-positive gastric cancer.Results: Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) algorithm identified 43 cytology-positive marker genes, while Mut Sig CV identified 42 cytology-positive specific driver genes. CD3G and CDKL2 were both driver and marker genes of CY1. Regarding mutational signatures, driver gene mutation and tumor subclone architecture, no significant differences were observed between CY1 and negative peritoneal lavege cytology(CY0).Conclusions: There might not be distinct differences between CY1 and CY0, and CY1 might represent the progression of CY0 gastric cancer rather than constituting an independent subtype. This genomic analysis will thus provide key molecular insights into CY1, which may have a direct effect on treatment recommendations for CY1and CY0 patients, and provides opportunities for genome-guided clinical trials and drug development.

Impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on gastric cancer survival: Peritoneal metastasis and cytology perspectives

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer presenting with peritoneal metastasis is notably associated with diminished survival prospects.The use of cytoreductive surgery in conjunction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)has been shown to increase survival rates in these patients.Despite these advancements,debates persist regarding the magnitude of survival improvement attributed to this treatment modality.The present investigation examined survival outcomes following HIPEC in individuals diagnosed with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis,and it took a comparative analysis of patients exhibiting positive and negative cytological findings.Between April 2013 and March 2020,84 patients with advanced gastric cancer treated at our institution were categorized into three cohorts:HIPEC(20 patients with peritoneal metastasis),cytology-positive(23 patients without peritoneal nodules but with positive wash cytology),and cytology-negative(41 patients with advanced gastric cancer,no peritoneal nodules,and negative wash cytology).The HIPEC cohort underwent gastrectomy with HIPEC,while the cytology-positive and cytology-negative groups received gastrectomy alone.The demographic,pat-hological,and survival data of the groups were compared.RESULTS The HIPEC cohort-predominantly younger females-exhibited relatively extended surgical durations and high blood loss.Nevertheless,the complication rates were consistent across all three groups.Median survival in the HIPEC group was 20.00±4.89 months,with 1-year,2-year,and 3-year overall survival rates of 73.90%,28.70%,and 9.60%,respectively.These figures paralleled the survival rates of the cytology-positive group(52.20%at 1 year,28.50%at 2 years,and 19.00%at 3 years).Notably,47%of patients experienced peritoneal recurrence.CONCLUSION HIPEC may offer a modest improvement in short-term survival for patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis,mirroring the outcomes in cytology-positive patients.However,peritoneal recurrence remained high.

Nomogram based on liver stiffness and spleen area with ultrasound for posthepatectomy liver failure:A multicenter study

BACKGROUND Liver stiffness(LS)measurement with two-dimensional shear wave elastography(2D-SWE)correlates with the degree of liver fibrosis and thus indirectly reflects liver function reserve.The size of the spleen increases due to tissue proliferation,fibrosis,and portal vein congestion,which can indirectly reflect the situation of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.It was reported that the size of the spleen was related to posthepatectomy liver failure(PHLF).So far,there has been no study combining 2D-SWE measurements of LS with spleen size to predict PHLF.This prospective study aimed to investigate the utility of 2D-SWE assessing LS and spleen area(SPA)for the prediction of PHLF in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients and to develop a risk prediction model.AIM To investigate the utility of 2D-SWE assessing LS and SPA for the prediction of PHLF in HCC patients and to develop a risk prediction model.METHODS This was a multicenter observational study prospectively analyzing patients who underwent hepatectomy from October 2020 to March 2022.Within 1 wk before partial hepatectomy,ultrasound examination was performed to measure LS and SPA,and blood was drawn to evaluate the patient’s liver function and other conditions.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify independent predictors of PHLF and develop a nomogram.Nomogram performance was validated further.The diagnostic performance of the nomogram was evaluated with receiver operating charac-teristic curve compared with the conventional models,including the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score and the albumin-bilirubin(ALBI)score.RESULTS A total of 562 HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy(500 in the training cohort and 62 in the validation cohort)were enrolled in this study.The independent predictors of PHLF were LS,SPA,range of resection,blood loss,international normalized ratio,and total bilirubin.Better diagnostic performance of the nomogram was obtained in the training[area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC):0.833;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.792-0.873;sensitivity:83.1%;specificity:73.5%]and validation(AUC:0.802;95%CI:0.684-0.920;sensitivity:95.5%;specificity:52.5%)cohorts compared with the MELD score and the ALBI score.CONCLUSION This PHLF nomogram,mainly based on LS by 2D-SWE and SPA,was useful in predicting PHLF in HCC patients and presented better than MELD score and ALBI score.

Application Analysis of High Risk HPV Detection Combined with Cervical Cytology, Colposcopy and Pathology in Cervical Lesions of Women in Tiandeng County

Purpose: To understand the application of high-risk HPV detection combined with cervical cytology, colposcopy and pathology in cervical lesions of women in Tiandeng County. Method: Women in the outpatient and inpatient departments of our hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were collected for high-risk HPV testing, TCT, colposcopy and pathological examination according to their personal wishes, to understand the application of relevant examinations in cervical lesions. Result: In 2021, the number of patients was 5801, among whom 1743 patients had received cervical cancer examination in the past, accounting for 30.05% of the total number of patients, and 5795 who had volunteered for TCT examination this time, accounting for 99.90% of the total;A total of 289 cases of atypical squamous cells with unclear significance (ASC-US) were detected, excluding 11 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H), 122 cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 16 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 4 cases of atypical adenocyte (AGC);Atypical cervical adenocytosis and cervical carcinoma in situ were not detected. The number of people who volunteered for high-risk HPV testing was 4237, and the number of positive cases was 740, accounting for 17.47% of the screening population;Among 740 HPV-positive patients, 488 high-risk HPV-positive patients were selected for TCT examination, and 87 patients were found to be TCT positive;From 401 high-risk HPV-positive and TCT negative patients, 287 patients with possible lesions were screened out for colposcopy;The results showed that 60 patients may have certain cervical lesions and need further pathological examination and the results showed that 28 patients had CTN1 and 18 patients had CIN2 - 3. In 2022, 8840 patients received medical treatment, among which 3188 patients had received cervical cancer examination in the past, accounting for 36.06% of the total number of patients, and 8314 patients voluntarily underwent TCT examination, accounting for 94.05% of the total number of patients. 434 cases of atypical squamous cells with ambiguous meaning (ASC-US) were detected, excluding 13 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H), 217 cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 35 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 1 case of squamous cell carcinoma, and 4 cases of atypical adenocarcinoma (AGC);Atypical cervical adenocytosis and cervical carcinoma in situ were not detected. The number of volunteers for high-risk HPV testing was 3871 cases, and the number of positive cases was 654 cases, accounting for 16.89% of the screening number. 527 high-risk HPV-positive patients were selected from 654 HPV-positive patients for TCT examination, and the number of TCT-positive patients was found to be 49. From 478 high-risk HPV-positive patients with TCT negative, 276 patients with possible lesions were screened out for colposcopy;The results showed that 66 patients may have certain cervical lesions and need further pathological examination;and then the results showed that 31 cases of CTN1 and 6 cases of CIN2 - 3. Conclusion: Gynecological high-risk HPV examination can provide better etiological sources for cervical cancer screening;Cervical cytology examination has high sensitivity;Colposcopy examination has high specificity;Pathological examination can be used as an effective supplement for cervical cytology examination and colposcopy;So high-risk HPV combined with cytology examination, colposcopy examination and pathological examination has high clinical application value;It is worth popularizing and applying.

Anatomical Retrofitting:Pi(脾)as Spleen and the Persistence of Ontological Ambivalence

Over the past decade,medical researchers in China have debated whether the Pi(脾)corresponds to the biomedical spleen or pancreas.This debate exemplifies a broader phenomenon of“anatomical retrofitting”,or the anachronistic imposition of contemporary categories onto living historical objects.“Anatomical retrofitting”as a means of rectifying cases of mistranslation further positions the biomedical spleen and pancreas as representing ahistorical,universal truths.This framework gives rise to a conceptual binary:while the biomedical spleen is universalized as what philosophers may describe as“logical”ontology,the Pi connects to a different nature of reality,or“metaphysical”ontology.Far from being an object of imprecision,the Pi was a dynamic vessel that also shared characteristics with the humoral spleen.Given that scholars in China have already subjected Pi to historical scrutiny,this paper urges scholars to do the same with biomedical anatomy.For instance,historically situating the humoral spleen demonstrates that it became less known and less articulated as it transformed into the biomedical spleen.Meanwhile,the pancreas remained an unstable epistemic object that took on the dynamic functions of the humoral spleen in nineteenth-century organotherapy.Through primary source analysis and literature review,this paper contends that the apparent ontological incommensurability between Pi and spleen is neither mutually exclusive nor irreconcilable.Instead,the dynamic nature of internal viscera,their many functions,and their participation in epistemic practices contribute to an ongoing ontological ambivalence that persists despite the forced certainty of anatomical retrofitting.

Follow-up strategy for early detection of delayed pseudoaneurysms in patients with blunt traumatic spleen injury: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND The spleen is the most commonly injured solid organ in blunt abdominal trauma,and splenic pseudoaneurysm rupture is associated with a high risk of mortality.Nonoperative management has become the standard treatment for hemodynam-ically stable patients with splenic injuries.On the other hand,delayed splenic pseudoaneurysms can develop in any patient,and at present,there are no known risk factors that may reliably predict their occurrence.Furthermore,there is a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate strategies for monitoring and mana-ging splenic injuries,especially lower-grade(I-III).AIM To determine the predictors of pseudo-aneurysm formation following splenic injury and develop follow-up strategies for early detection of pseudoaneurysms.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients who visited the Level I Trauma Center bet-ween January 2013 and December 2022 and were diagnosed with spleen injuries after blunt abdominal trauma.RESULTS Using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma spleen injury scale,the splenic injuries were categorized into the following order based on severity:Grade I(n=57,17.6%),grade II(n=114,35.3%),grade III(n=89,27.6%),grade IV(n=50,15.5%),and grade V(n=13,4.0%).Of a total of 323 patients,35 underwent splenectomy and 126 underwent angioembolization.19 underwent delayed angioembolization,and 5 under-went both initial and delayed angioem-bolization.In 14 patients who had undergone delayed angioembolization,no extravasation or pseudoaneurysm was observed on the initial computed tomography scan.There are no particular patient-related risk factors for the formation of a delayed splenic pseudoaneurysm,which can occur even in a grade I spleen injury or even 21 days after the injury.The mean detection time for a delayed pseudoaneurysm was 6.26±5.4(1-21,median:6,inter-quartile range:2-9)days.CONCLUSION We recommend regular follow-up computed tomography scans,including an arterial and portal venous phase,at least 1 week and 1 month after injury in any grade of blunt traumatic spleen injury for the timely detection of delayed pseudoaneurysms.

Spleen volume is associated with overt hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Portal shunt and immune status related to the spleen are related to the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy(HE).It is unknown whether spleen volume before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is related to postoperative HE.AIM To investigate the relationship between spleen volume and the occurrence of HE.METHODS This study included 135 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent TIPS,and liver and spleen volumes were elevated upon computed tomography imaging.The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to compare the difference in the incidence rate of HE among patients with different spleen volumes.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the factors affecting overt HE(OHE).Restricted cubic spline was used to examine the shapes of the dose-response association between spleen volumes and OHE risk.RESULTS The results showed that 37(27.2%)of 135 patients experienced OHE during a 1-year follow-up period.Compared with preoperative spleen volume(901.30±471.90 cm3),there was a significant decrease in spleen volume after TIPS(697.60±281.0 cm^(3))in OHE patients.As the severity of OHE increased,the spleen volume significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with patients with a spleen volume≥782.4 cm^(3),those with a spleen volume<782.4 cm^(3) had a higher incidence of HE(P<0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that spleen volume was an independent risk factor for post-TIPS OHE(hazard ratio=0.494,P<0.05).Restricted cubic spline model showed that with an increasing spleen volume,OHE risk showed an initial increase and then decrease(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Spleen volume is related to the occurrence of OHE after TIPS.Preoperative spleen volume is an independent risk factor for post-TIPS OHE.

Recent Situation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Stomach Pain with Deficiency and Cold of Spleen and Stomach

Stomachache is one of the most common diseases of digestive system, among which stomach pain of deficiency cold of spleen and stomach is the most common. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy as an external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for relieving stomach pain due to deficiency of spleen and stomach, has the advantages of convenient operation, small adverse reactions and remarkable curative effect, which is easy for patients to accept. In this paper, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy such as moxibustion and warm acupuncture therapy for stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type is summarized to provide evidence-based basis for clinical treatment of stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on symptoms of patients with spleen and stomach deficiency-related tinnitus

BACKGROUND Tinnitus affects 10%-30%of the population.Recent evidence suggests that tinnitus is associated with spleen deficiency.However,compared with kidney deficiency-related tinnitus,less research has been conducted on the impact of spleen defi-ciency-related tinnitus.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of using Guipi Wan and dietary and lifestyle modification based on traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of patients with spleen and stomach deficiency-related tinnitus.METHODS We enrolled 110 patients with spleen and stomach deficiency-related tinnitus who were distributed into treatment(58 cases)and control(52 cases)groups.Tinnitus severity,sleep quality and emotional state were assessed by questionnaires[Tinnitus Evaluation Questionnaire(TEQ);Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI);Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21(DASS-21)]that were used for analysis in the two groups during the initial and intervention and after.In the treatment group,patients were treated with oral administration of Guipi Wan and consulted for healthy dietary and lifestyle modification.In the control group,patients were only assessed and not treated.RESULTS At the end of the 6-months,TEQ scores decreased significantly in the treatment group(P=0.021)but not in the Control group.Significant effects in the treatment group were noted for PSQI total score(P=0.043)and several PSQI component scores in the treatment group(P<0.05).After treatment,the DASS-21 scores were significantly reduced in the treatment group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Guipi Wan combined with dietary and lifestyle modification based on regulating the spleen and stomach can be considered core to the treatment of tinnitus related to spleen and stomach deficiency.

Therapeutic effects of Buzhong Yiqi decoction in patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency after routine surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the spleen and stomach are the basis of acquired nature and the source of qi and blood biochemistry.After surgery and chemotherapy,patients with colorectal cancer often develop spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome,leading to decreased immune function.Buzhong Yiqi decoction,a classic TCM prescription,has the effect of tonifying middle-jiao and invigorating qi,boosting Yang,and suppressing immune-related inflammation.Moreover,it is widely used in the treatment of spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome.AIM To investigate the effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction on spleen and stomach qi deficiency in patients with colorectal cancer.METHODS One hundred patients with colorectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and laparoscopy at The First TCM Hospital of Changde from January 2022 to October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided equally into control and observation groups.Both groups underwent conventional rehabilitation surgery,and the observation group was supplemented with Buzhong Yiqi decoction.SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analyses.Theχ2 test was used for univariate analysis;independent sample t-tests were used in all cases.RESULTS No significant differences were observed preoperatively in the general characteristics of the two groups.Fourteen days post-surgery,the abdominal distension,emaciation,loose stool,loss of appetite,and vomiting scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Immune function and interleukin(IL)-10 levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group,whereas IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,and C-reactive protein levels,tumor biological indexes,and adverse reactions in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).One month after surgery,the patients’quality of life in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the patients in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Buzhong Yiqi decoction can regulate inflammatory responses and metabolic processes by enhancing immune function,thereby promoting overall immune nutrition and restoring the body’s balance.

Network pharmacology-based exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome.The Chinese herbal compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe has been used to treat chronic heart failure;however,the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear.AIM To identify the effective active ingredients of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe and explore its molecular mechanism in the treatment of chronic heart failure.METHODS The effective active ingredients of eight herbs composing Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform.The target genes of chronic heart failure were searched in the Genecards database.The target proteins of active ingredients were mapped to chronic heart failure target genes to obtain the common drugdisease targets,which were then used to construct a key chemical componenttarget network using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the String database.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed through the Metascape database.Finally,our previously published relevant articles were searched to verify the results obtained via network pharmacology.RESULTS A total of 227 effective active ingredients for Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified,of which quercetin,kaempferol,7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone,formononetin,and isorhamnetin may be key active ingredients and involved in the therapeutic effects of TCM by acting on STAT3,MAPK3,AKT1,JUN,MAPK1,TP53,TNF,HSP90AA1,p65,MAPK8,MAPK14,IL6,EGFR,EDN1,FOS,and other proteins.The pathways identified by KEGG enrichment analysis include pathways in cancer,IL-17 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,cAMP signaling pathway,NF-kappaB signaling pathway,AMPK signaling pathway,etc.Previous studies on Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe suggested that this Chinese compound preparation can regulate the TNF-α,IL-6,MAPK,cAMP,and AMPK pathways to affect the mitochondrial structure of myocardial cells,oxidative stress,and energy metabolism,thus achieving the therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure.CONCLUSION The Chinese medicine compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe exerts therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure possibly by influencing the mitochondrial structure of cardiomyocytes,oxidative stress,energy metabolism,and other processes.Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of the IL-17 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,and other pathways in mediating the therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure.

Traditional Chinese Medicine's Spleen Strengthening and Intestinal Microecology

The"spleen"in traditional Chinese medicine is the"acquired foundation"and the"source of qi and blood biochemistry".Strengthening the"spleen"is one of the important treat‐ment methods in traditional Chinese medicine;The gut microbiota has been a hot topic in modern scientific research in recent years,and its nutritional and immune functions correspond to some of the functions of the spleen in traditional Chinese medicine.In terms of philosophy,traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the balance between the spleen and the gut microbiota,emphasizing the importance of supporting the right and eliminating evil,preventing diseases before they occur,seeking the root cause of treat‐ment,and adapting measures to the three causes;Clinically,the treatment of obesity,con‐stipation,diarrhea and other diseases by invigorating the spleen and the treatment mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion,chiropractic and invigorating the spleen are all related to microecology.This article combines relevant literature on traditional Chinese medicine's"spleen"and"spleen health"to explore the treatment concept,clinical application,and correlation with intestinal microbiota of traditional Chinese medicine's"spleen health".It also elaborates on the latest literature,aiming to exchange ideas with peers and promote research on the microbiota of traditional Chinese medicine's"spleen".

Clinical Effect of Modified Shengyang Yiwei Decoction in the Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome due to Spleen and Stomach Weakness

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of Shengyang Yiwei Decoction in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)due to spleen and stomach weakness.Methods:40 patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS who were treated from April 2018 to April 2020 were taken as samples.TCM(traditional Chinese medicine)syndrome differentiation found that they were all due to spleen and stomach weakness.They were randomly divided into two groups.Group A was treated with modified prescriptions of Shengyang Yiwei Decoction,while Group B was treated with Western medicine.The therapeutic effects in the two groups were compared.Results:The treatment efficacy in Group A was higher than that in Group B(P<0.05);the symptom scores of Group A such as loose stools,chills,physical weakness,poor appetite,and abdominal distension after meals were all lower than those in Group B(P<0.05);the SF-36(36-Item Short Form Health Survey)scores of patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS in Group A were higher than those in Group B(P<0.05);the treatment satisfaction of Group A was higher than that of Group B(P<0.05).Conclusion:Treatment of diarrhea-predominant IBS patients with spleen and stomach weakness by Shengyang Yiwei Decoction can promote the disappearance of gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms,improve the quality of life,and enhance treatment efficacy.Hence,it is an efficient and feasible treatment for diarrhea-predominant IBS due to spleen and stomach weakness.

Discussion on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Liver-Depression-Spleen-Deficiency Type Insomnia Based on the State-Target Theory and the Regulation of Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

Insomnia has become an urgent clinical problem in modern society.Current research has found that the gut flora-gut-brain axis plays an important role in regulating insomnia.The state-target theory is a product of the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and modern molecular biology technology.This paper clarifies the correlation between the state-target theory,the intestinal flora-gut-brain axis,and liver-depression-spleen-deficiency insomnia.The use of traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the structure and abundance of intestinal flora was also explored,aiming to integrate traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine for the prevention and treatment of liver-depression-spleen-deficiency insomnia.

Clinical Observation of the Therapeutic Effects of Wenzhong Hewei Formula in Treating Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency Syndrome in Internal Medicine Diseases

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Wenzhong Hewei Formula in treating spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome in internal medicine diseases.Methods:Sixty patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome admitted to the hospital from April 2022 to June 2023 were randomly divided into observation and control groups,with 30 patients in each group.The control group received conventional internal medicine treatment,while the observation group was additionally treated with Wenzhong Hewei Formula on the basis of conventional treatment.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.Results:The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores of both groups were significantly lower than before treatment,with the observation group showing a more pronounced reduction(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Wenzhong Hewei Formula can effectively improve clinical symptoms in patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome,enhance clinical efficacy,and have a high level of safety,making it worthy of clinical promotion.

Comparison of brush and basket cytology in differential diagnosis of bile duct stricture at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND： A previous report has identified a significantly higher sensitivity of cancer detection for dedicated grasping basket than brushing at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreato- graphy （ERCP）. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Geenen brush and Dormia basket cytology in the differential diagnosis of bile duct stricture. METHOD： The current study enrolled one hundred and fourteen patients who underwent ERCP with both Geenen brush and Dormia basket cytology for the differential diagnosis of bile duct stricture at our institution between January 2008 and December 2012. RESULTS： We adopted sequential performances of cytologic samplings by using initial Geenen brush and subsequent Dormia basket cytology in 59 patients and initial Dormia basket and subsequent Geenen brush cytology in 55 patients. Presampling balloon dilatations and biliary stentings for the stricture were performed in 17 （14.9%） and 107 patients （93.9%）, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of Geenen brush cytology for the diagnosis of malignant bile duct stricture were 75.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 66.7% and 83.3%, respectively, and those of Dormia basket cytology were 64.5%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 58.5% and 76.3%, respectively （P=0.347 and 0.827 for sensitivity and accuracy, respectively）. The good and excellent cellular yields （≥grade 2） were obtained by Geenen brush and Dormia basket cytology in 88 （77.2%） and 79 （69.3%） patients, respectively.CONCLUSION： The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of biliary sampling with a Dormia basket are comparable to those with conventional Geenen brush cytology in the detection of malignant bile duct stricture.

Comparisons of voided urine cytology, nuclear matrix protein-22 and bladder tumor associated antigen tests for bladder cancer of geriatric male patients in Taiwan, China

Aim： To compare the results of bladder tumor associated antigen （BTA TRAK）, nuclear matrix protein 22 （NMP 22） and voided urine cytology （VUC） in detecting bladder cancer. Methods： A total of 135 elderly male and 50 healthy volunteers enrolled in this study were classified into three groups： （i） 93 patients with bladder cancer; （ii） 42 patients with urinary benign conditions; and （iii） 50 healthy volunteers. BTA TRAK and NMP 22 kits were used to detect bladder cancer. Voided urine cytology was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the screening tests. Results： The sensitivity and specificity of cytology, BTA TRAK and NMP 22 were 24% and 97%, 51% and 73%, 78% and 73%, respectively. The level of NMP 22 increased with tumor grading. The BTA TRAK kit has the lowest sensitivity among the screening tests. The NMP 22 with the best sensitivity can be an adjunct to cytology for evaluating bladder cancer. Conclusion： The NMP 22 test has a better correlation with the grading of the bladder cancer than BTA TRAK. As cytology units are typically not available in hospitals or in outpatient clinics, NMP 22 might be a promising tool for screening bladder cancer.

Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by cytology and telomerase activity in exfoliated cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing during endoscopy

BACKGROUND: Telomerase activity is reported to be specific and frequent in human pancreatic cancer. We conducted this study to assess the usefulness of monitoring telomerase activity in exfoliated cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Exfoliated cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing during ERCP from 21 patients (18 with pancreatic cancer, 3 with chronic pancreatitis) were examined. Telomerase activity was detected by polymerase chain reaction and telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay (PCR-TRAP-ELISA). RESULTS: D450 values of telomerase activity were 0.446 +/- 0.2700 in pancreatic cancer and 0.041 +/- 0.0111 in chronic pancreatitis. 77.8% (14/18) of patients with pancreatic cancer had cells with telomerase activity. None of the samples from patients with chronic pancreatitis showed telomerase activity, when the cutoff value of telomerase activity was set at 2.0. Cytological examination showed cancer cells in 66.7% (12/18) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase activity may be an early malignant event in pancreatic cancer development. Cytology and telomerase activity in cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing may complement each other for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology in pancreaticobiliary carcinomas:diagnostic efficacy of cell-block immunocyto-chemistry

BACKGROUND： Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology was demonstrated to be a useful tool for the diagnosis and staging of pancreaticobiliary neoplastic le- sions. Nonetheless, the diagnostic value of this procedure may be limited by low cellularity of the specimen, contamination of intestinal cells and unfeasibility of ancillary immunocy- tochemical procedures. The present study was to evaluate its usefulness in the diagnosis of neoplastic lesions.