Marinobacter sediminicola sp. nov. and Marinobacter xiaoshiensis sp. nov., Isolated from Coastal Sediment.

Two Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped, motile bacterial strains, designated F26243T and F60267T were isolated from coastal sediment in Weihai, China. Strains F26243T and F60267T were grown at 4-40 °C (optimum 33 °C), pH 7.0-9.5 and pH 6.5-9.5 (optimum at pH 7.0), in the presence of 1.0-7.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2.5%) and 1.0-12.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2.0%), respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequences phylogenetic analysis showed that strains F26243T and F60267T are closely related to the genus Marinobacter and exhibited the highest sequence similarities to Marinobacter salexigens HJR7T (97.7% and 98.0%, respectively), the similarity between two isolates was 96.7%. Strains F26243T and F60267T displayed genomic DNA G + C content of 53.6% and 53.8%, respectively. When compared to the M. salexigens HJR7T, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values were 83.7% and 84.1%, and the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) values were 79.9% and 84.6%, respectively. Ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) was the only respiratory quinone detected in both isolates. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10.0%) were summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c), C16:0 and C18:1ω9c. The polar lipid profiles of strains F26243T and F60267T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, aminophospholipid and one unidentified phospholipid. Based on genomic characteristics, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic, strains F26243T and F60267T represent two novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the names Marinobacter sediminicola sp. nov. and Marinobacter xiaoshiensis sp. nov. are proposed, the type strains are F26243T (= KCTC 92640T = MCCC 1H01345T) and F60267T (= KCTC 92638T = MCCC 1H01346T).

Aequorivita vitellina sp. nov. and Aequorivita xiaoshiensis sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.

Two Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, short-rod-shaped and non-motile strains, forming yellow colonies and designated F47161T and F64183T, were isolated from marine sediment of Xiaoshi Island, Wei Hai, PR China. Strain F47161T grew at 15-37 °C (optimally at 30 °C) and pH 6.0-9.0 (optimally at pH 7.5) and in the presence of 1-9 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally at 3 %). Strain F64183T grew at 10-37 °C (optimally at 30 °C) and pH 6.0-8.5 (optimally at pH 7.0) and in the presence of 1-8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally at 3 %). The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that F47161T and F64183T were related to members of the genus Aequorivita. The strains shared 97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to each other. F47161T and F64183T shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Aequorivita sinensis JCM 19789T, and the values were 97.5 % and 98.4 %, respectively. The predominant cellular fatty acids of both F64183T and F47161T were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, but the predominant fatty acids of F47161T also included anteiso-C15 : 0. The sole respiratory quinone of F47161T and F64183T was menaquinone 6 (MK-6), consistent with that observed for all related strains. Between F47161T and F64183T, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values were 75.8 % and 20.5 %, respectively, and between the novel isolates (F47161T and F64183T) and A. sinensis JCM 19789T they were 76.0 % and 94.2 % and 20.6 % and 57.1 %, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C contents of F47161T and F64183T was 37.3 % and 34.5 %, respectively. The polar lipid profiles of F47161T and F64183T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two aminolipids, one glycolipid, one phosphoglycolipid and two unidentified polar lipids. Differential phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the two strains indicated that the two strains should be classified as representing two novel species of the genus Aequorivita, for which the names Aequorivita vitellina sp. nov. and Aequorivita xiaoshiensis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are F47161T (=MCCC 1H00509T=KCTC 92017T) and F64183T (=MCCC 1H00507T=KCTC 92016T), respectively.

Winogradskyella immobilis sp. nov., an Alginate-Hydrolyzing Bacterium Isolated from the Brown Algae Saccharina japonica.

A novel bacterium, designated E313T, was isolated from brown algae Saccharina japonica in Weihai, China. The strain is a Gram-stain-negative, non-flagellated, non-gliding, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that grows optimally at 28 °C with pH levels between 7.0 and 7.5 and in the presence of 2-3% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the strain within the monophyletic cluster of the genus Winogradskyella, exhibiting the highest similarity to Winogradskyella wandonensis KCTC 32579T (96.8%). Genome comparison of strain E313T with W. wandonensis KCTC 32579T and W. thalassocola KCTC 12221T revealed average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 74.2% and 74.8%, and DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of 19.0% and 19.5%, respectively, lower than prokaryotic species delineation values. The strain E313T could hydrolyze alginate. A total of 123 carbohydrate-active enzymes were annotated according to the CAZy database. Especially, one oligo-alginate lyase and one poly(ß-D-mannuronate) lyase were identified in the genome of strain E313T. Strain E313T possessed MK-6 quinone and iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G, iso-C17:0 3-OH, and iso-C15:0 3-OH as main fatty acids. Its major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one unidentified aminolipid, and two unknown lipids. Thus, based on phylogenetic, physiological, and chemotaxonomic analyses, we propose a novel species of the genus Winogradskyella, named Winogradskyella immobilis sp. nov., with E313T (= MCCC 1H00506T = KCTC 82731T) as the type strain.

Psychroserpens luteolus sp. nov., isolated from Gelidium, reclassification of Ichthyenterobacterium magnum as Psychroserpens magnus comb. nov., Flavihalobacter algicola as Psychroserpens algicola comb. nov., Arcticiflavibacter luteus as Psychroserpens luteus comb. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, motile by gliding, catalase positive, facultative anaerobic strain, designated strain XSD401T, was isolated from an unidentified Gelidium species of Xiaoshi Island, Shandong Province, China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated strain XSD401T had a sequence similarity of 96.9% with Psychroserpens damuponensis KCTC 23539T and 96.3% with Psychroserpens burtonensis DSM 12212T. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 33.9%. The ANI values between strain XSD401T and P. damuponensis KCTC 23539T, P. burtonensis DSM 12212T, were 76.9% and 76.9%, respectively. The dDDH values between strain XSD401T and P. damuponensis KCTC 23539T, P. burtonensis DSM 12212T, were 20.4% and 20.3%, respectively. The AAI values and POCP values of these 8 species were all over 72% and 50%. Combined with the results of comparative genomic analysis, Ichthyenterobacterium magnum, Flavihalobacter algicola and Arcticiflavibacter luteus were reclassified into Psychroserpens. Furthermore, the differences in morphology, physiology and genotype from the previously described taxa support the classification of strain XSD401T as a representative of the genus Psychroserpens, for which the name Psychroserpens luteolus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XSD401T (= MCCC 1H00396T = KCTC 72684T = JCM 33931T).

Predation capacity of Bradymonabacteria, a recently discovered group in the order Bradymonadales, isolated from marine sediments.

Bacterial predation is a vital feeding behavior that affects community structure and maintains biodiversity. However, predatory bacterial species in coastal sediments are comparatively poorly described. In this study, the predation capacity of all nine culturable Bradymonabacteria strains belonging to the recently discovered order Bradymonadales was determined against different types of prey. The predatory efficiency of Bradymonabacteria increased as the initial prey proportion in a mixed culture decreased. When the initial prey proportion was 0.5, the number of surviving prey bacterial cells significantly decreased after 4 h of predation with the Bradymonabacteria strains TMQ1, SEH01, B210 and FA350. However, growth of the prey strain occurred in the presence of the Bradymonabacteria strains TMQ4, TMQ2, TMQ3, V1718 and YN101. When the initial prey proportion decreased to 0.1 or 0.01, most of the Bradymonabacteria strains preyed efficiently. Furthermore, established neighboring colonies of prey were destroyed by Bradymonabacteria. This invading predation capacity was determined by the predation ability of the strain and its motility on the agar surface. Our findings provide new insights into the potential ecological significance of predatory Bradymonabacteria, which may serve as a potential probiotic for use in the aquaculture.

[Clinical efficacy of fire needling combined with cupping therapy on herpes zoster of acute stage and the effect on Th17/Treg cellular immune balance].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy between the combined therapy of fire needling and cupping, and western medication on herpes zoster of acute stage, as well as the effects on Th17 and Treg cells and inflammatory factors, i.e. IL-10 and IL-17 in the peripheral blood. METHODS: Eighty patients with herpes zoster of acute stage were randomly divided into a combined therapy (fire needling plus cupping) group and a western medication group, 40 cases in each one. In the combined therapy group, the pricking and scattering techniques with fire needle were used at ashi points and Jiaji (EX-B 2) corresponding to the affected spinal segments; afterwards, cupping therapy was delivered. The combined treatment was given once daily. In the western medication group, valaciclovir hydrochloride tablet and vitamin B1 tablet were administered orally. The duration of treatment in each group was 10 days. Before each treatment from day 1 to day 10 and on day 11 , the score of symptoms and physical signs was observed in the two groups separately. Before each treatment from day 1 to day 10 and on day 11, 30, 60, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and skin lesion indexes were observed in the two groups. On day 60, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was recorded in the two groups. The levels of Th17 and Treg cells, Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were detected before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: From day 6 to day 10 during treatment and on day 11, the scores of symptoms and physical signs in the combined therapy group were lower than those of the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On day 3, day 6 to day 10 during treatment and day 11, day 30, VAS scores in the combined therapy group were lower than those of the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On day 60, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia in the combined therapy group was lower compared with that in the western medication group (P<0.05). The blister arresting time and scabbing time in the combined therapy group were shorter than those of the western medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, the level of Th17, and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as the serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were all lower in comparison with those in the western medication group (P<0.05). The curative and remarkably effective rate was 82.5% (33/40) in the combined therapy group, higher than 62.5% (25/40) in the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The early application of fire needling combined with cupping therapy can effectively treat herpes zoster of acute stage, relieve pain, and reduce the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, which may be related to reducing the levels of Th17 and Treg cells, and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as the serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 so that the cellular immune balance is modulated.

[Effect of Aging on Adsorption of Tetracycline by Microplastics and the Mechanisms].

As new pollutants, microplastics (MPs) can adsorb antibiotics in the water environment and migrate together as carriers. However, microplastics will age continuously in the environment, and their adsorption capacity and adsorption mechanism will change accordingly. With polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) as the target MPs, which were irradiated by ultraviolet (UV-254), the changes in the physical and chemical properties of MPs before and after aging, such as the color, surface morphology, and functional groups, were compared, and their effects on the adsorption of tetracycline (TC) as well as the related mechanism were explored. The results showed that the pseudo-second-order model could better fit the adsorption process, the adsorption equilibrium was reached within 24 hours, the adsorption capacity of aged MPs for TC was significantly higher than that of original MPs, and the adsorption capacity of PS was higher than that of PE. Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal adsorption equations could both describe the adsorption isothermal test data, and the adsorption of TC on MPs was a spontaneous and endothermic physical adsorption process, whereas aging had no obvious effect on the adsorption thermodynamic characteristics of MPs. With the increase in pH value, the adsorption capacity first increased and then decreased. The maximum adsorption capacity of MPs before and after aging was reached at pH=5. UV aging increased the specific surface area of MPs, generating oxygen-containing functional groups such as -C＝O, -OH, and O＝C＝O, changing the physical and chemical properties of MPs, and thus changing the adsorption mechanism of MPs for TC. Compared with the original PE MPs, in addition to hydrophobic distribution, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions, pore filling was also an important adsorption mechanism of aged PE. The main adsorption mechanisms of original PS microplastics were hydrophobic distribution, van der Waals forces, electrostatic interaction, and π-π interaction, whereas there was hydrogen bonding for aged PS.

[Criteria of "arrival of qi" of acupuncture from "reaction of spirit produces curative effect": inheriting SHI Xue-min's thoughts of treating spirit].

From "arrival of qi produces curative effect", it is considered that arrival of qi, qi reaching and acupuncture sensation cannot contain the effect attribute, location attribute and performance attribute of acupuncture at the same time, so it is necessary to find a more suitable standard to measure the arrival of qi and clinical curative effect. Inspired by "the arrival of qi should be reaction of spirit, and reaction of spirit produces curative effect", the authors propose to use the term "reaction of spirit" to summarize the numerous external manifestations of arrival of qi, and to coordinate the attributes of arrival of qi, qi reaching and acupuncture sensation. Academician SHI Xue-min guides the clinical treatment with "reaction of spirit produces curative effect", attaches importance to the spirit treatment to improve the clinical curative effect, and evaluates whether acupuncture is successful or not with "reaction of spirit".

Auricular acupressure promotes uterine involution after cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum subinvolution of the uterus is a more common condition after cesarean section. Auricular acupressure (AA) is widely used for the treatment of postpartum diseases. However, few studies have explored the effects of AA as a treatment of uterine involution following cesarean section to date. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of AA for uterine involution after cesarean section. METHODS: A total of 109 women who underwent cesarean section participated in this study. They were randomly allocated to either real AA or sham AA in a 1:1 ratio by a computer program. For 3 days, the real AA and sham AA groups received treatment 3 times daily. A series of assessments at 42 days after cesarean section, namely on the uterine size, the incidence of hydrometra, the first anal exsufflation time, bleeding volume at 6 hours, bleeding volume at 6-24 hours along with other general assessments were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 89 women completed the study. The uterine size at 42 days after a cesarean section was 6.3 cm smaller in the real AA group than in the sham AA group (P < 0.01). The incidence of hydrometra on day 42 postpartum was lower in the real AA group than in the sham AA group (P < 0.01). The lochia duration and the first anal exsufflation time after cesarean section were shorter in the real AA group than in the sham AA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AA improves uterine involution after cesarean section. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1800015569.

[ZHANG Jia-wei's experience for treating press ulcer with fire-moxibustion].

To summarize ZHANG Jia-wei 's experience for treating press ulcer with fire-moxibustion. Through syndrome differentiation and examined factors, ZHANG Jia-wei believes that the disease is caused by qi deficiency and blood stasis, and advocates that the treatment should be weighed against deficiency and excess, and selection by stages. The cotton-moxibustion is used to diffusing and obstruction-removing qi and blood duingⅠstage of press ulcer. The Lingnan fire-needling is adopted for removing dampness, blood stasis and toxic substance to generate new muscles duringⅡand Ⅲ stage of press ulcer. Stage Ⅳof pressure ulcer and deep pressure ulcer should be treated with Taiyi moxa stick and aconite cake-separated moxibustion combined or alternately to expel toxin and grow muscles.

[Analysis of adverse reactions of acupoint catgut embedding therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the safety of acupoint catgut embedding therapy. METHODS: A total of 331 patients who received acupoint catgut embedding therapy were enrolled and summarized through the inpatient medical record system, follow-up record and adverse reaction report card. The statistical analysis was performed from the aspects of patients' gender, age, marital status, history of allergy, history of diabetes and the time, symptoms, duration and prognosis of adverse reactions, etc. RESULTS: Among 331 patients who received acupoint catgut embedding therapy, 70 patients had adverse reactions, which were divided into 9 types, including post-treatment discomfort, local hematoma or subcutaneous hemorrhage, local swelling, local induration, severe pain, thread-body rejection, local pruritus, post-treatment body temperature rising, local redness, swelling, fever and pain. The incidence rate of adverse events was 21.15%, and the incidence of serious adverse events was 0. Among the patients with adverse reactions, 58 patients (82.86%) relieved without treatment, and 12 patients (17.14%) received after symptomatic treatment; all patients had no sequelae. CONCLUSION: The acupoint catgut embedding therapy is relatively safe and the incidence of adverse reactions is low.

[ZHUANG Li-xing's experience of using mind-regulation acupuncture for postherpetic neuralgia].

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's clinical experience of using mind-regulation acupuncture for postherpetic neuralgia is summarized. Professor ZHUANG believes that the physical pain symptoms in patients could cause negative emotions, which often lead to a series of mental symptoms, which in turn aggravate or induce pain. Therefore, the treatment for this disease should start with mind regulation, with Baihui (GV 20) through Sishenzhen, Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6), Siguan (Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3)), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shuigou (GV 26) and Suliao (GV 25) as main acupoints to regulate mind and relieve pain, in combination of local analgesia and ear acupuncture, which has obtained satisfied curative effect.

Astrovirus infection in young children with diarrhea hospitalized at Beijing Children's Hospital.

BACKGROUND: This study was to assess certain epidemiological and clinical characteristics of astrovirus infection in children with diarrhea below 5 years old hospitalized at the Beijing Children's Hospital. METHODS: From September 1999 to August 2001, a total of 288 children with diarrhea below 5 years old hospitalized at Beijing Children's Hospital were studied. Fecal specimens collected from each patient were tested for astrovirus by using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and further serotyped by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using serotype-specific primers. RESULTS: Astrovirus antigen was positive in 9.0% of the patients, and the rate of coinfection with rotavirus was 19.2% among the astrovirus positive patients. The patients with astrovirus infection were at the age of 7 days to 17 months, most (92.3%) of them were less than 12 months. Astrovirus infection occurred mainly between October and March of the following year. Main symptoms included watery stool, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Increased activity of myocardial enzyme was seen in 4 patients. Of the 22 astrovirus positive specimens, 14 were successfully serotyped by RT-PCR and they were all serotype 1. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of astrovirus infection in young children with diarrhea hospitalized at the Beijing Children's Hospital was 9.0%. The predominant serotype was type 1. Astrovirus may play an important role in viral diarrhea in young children in Beijing, China.

Transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells is associated with neural differentiation and functional improvement in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage.

AIMS: To examine whether transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) induces neural differentiation and improves neural function in a rat intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) model. METHODS: Adipose-derived stem cells cells were isolated from inguinal fat pad of rat. ICH was induced by injection of collagenase type IV into the right basal ganglia of rat. Forty-eight hours after ICH, ADSCs cells (10 µL of 2-4 × 10(7) cells/mL) were injected into the right lateral cerebral ventricle. The differentiation of ADSCs was detected in vitro and in vivo. The neural function was evaluated with Zea Longa 5-grade scale at day 1, 3, 7, 14, or 28. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that ADSCs differentiated into cells that shared the similarities of neurons or astrocytes in vitro. Transplantation of ADSCs decreased cell apoptosis and the transplanted ADSCs were able to differentiate into neuron-like and astrocyte-like cells around the hematoma, accompanied with upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression and improvement of neural function. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that transplantation of ADSCs could be a therapeutic approach for ICH stroke.

[Character and sources of conventional anion in different water bodies on the summer in Yulong Snow Mountain area].

Different water samples were collected at Mt. Yulong Region located in lijiang city, Yunnan Province from July 22 to July 28 in 2005. The concentration of anion was measured by Dionex-3000 Ion chromatography and Dionex-600 ion chromatography, different water bodies anion composition and concentration in the study area were analyzed by applying approaches of cluster analysis sea salt iron tracer and typical backward trajectories analyze. The results show that the anion concentration of water of altitude higher than 3 180 m takes on natural state and the influence of human activities and foundation rock is less significant. However, human activities and foundation rock exert direct and decisive influence on the anion concentration of water of altitude lower than 3 180 m, with more significant effects than high altitude. Cluster analysis shows that at high altitude anion concentration and composition of water have strong consistency, the consistency of different water bodies in low altitude area anions is weak, indicating the influence factors is more complex in low altitude than high altitude. Sea salt tracer analysis indicates that the average proportion of nonmarine source of Cl- is 65%; NO3- is predominantly of continental origin; nonmarine sources proportion of SO4(2-) is 93.7%. Typical backward trajectories analyze found that the mostly vapor in the region mainly from the Indian Ocean, part of the vapors from the eastern Pacific, the west wind South Branch occasionally along Tibetan Plateau into the study area. SO4(2-) and NO3(-) which from mainly from Southeast Asia and South Asia input with the monsoon circulation.

In vitro evaluation of the compatibility of a novel collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffold with olfactory ensheathing cells.

BACKGROUND: Stroke and traumatic injury to the nerve system may trigger axonal destruction and the formation of scar tissue, cystic cavitations and physical gaps. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can secrete neurotrophic factors to promote neurite growth and thus act as a prime candidate for autologous transplantation. Biological scaffolds can provide a robust delivery vehicle to injured nerve tissue for neural cell transplantation strategies, owing to the porous three-dimensional structures (3D). So transplantation of the purposeful cells seeded scaffolds may be a promising method for nerve tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of a novel collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffold with olfactory ensheathing cells in vitro. METHODS: Collagen-heparan sulfate (CHS) biological scaffolds were made, and then the scaffolds and OECs were co-cultured in vitro. The viability of OECs was tested by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay at days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Statistical analysis was evaluated by student's t test. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05. OECs were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), and the CFSE-labeled OECs were seeded into CHS scaffolds. The attachment and growth of OECs in CHS scaffolds were observed and traced directly by fluorescent microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). RESULTS: CHS biological scaffolds had steady porous 3D structures and no cytotoxicity to OECs (F = 0.14, P = 0.9330). CHS biological scaffolds were good bridging materials for OECs attachment and proliferation, and they promoted the axonal growth. CONCLUSION: The compatibility of CHS biological scaffolds with OECs is pretty good and CHS biological scaffold is a promising cell carrier for the implantation of OECs in nerve tissue bioengineering.

[Debating some issues on the application of auricular point].

Some issues on the auricular acupuncture including its effectiveness and side effects, the relationship of positive reaction and diseases, the key point of auricular point selection and standard auricular point popularization and application, are debated in this paper according to the authors' comprehension based on their many years clinical and teaching practice. In the paper, the authors point out that the auricular acupuncture has the characteristics of the high effective rate, low cured rate and some recurrence rate. The relationship of positive reacted point in the auricular acupuncture and disease include two kinds of reaction as "one point for multiple diseases" and "one disease for multiple points". Correct locating and reasonable selection of auricular points are the key point for using auricular point. Finally, the authors propose that standard auricular point still has not been popularized, and also, it should be paid attention to the problem of side effect induced by the auricular acupuncture.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of acupoint application on dysmenorrhea of excess syndrome and effect on prostaglandins].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of acupoint application on dysmenorrhea of excess syndrome and its effect on prostaglandins. METHODS: The patients with primary dysmenorrhea of excess syndrome were randomly divided into an application group and a medication group. The application group of 31 cases were treated with application of Chinese medicine composed of Zhinanxing (Rhizoma Arisaematis), Sanleng (Rhizoma Sparganii), Ezhu (Rhizoma Zedoariae), etc. at Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6); and the medication group of 30 cases were treated with oral administration of Tianqi Tongjing Capsules. The scores for the pain degrees and the duration of dysmenorrhea were observed and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contents in peripheral blood were determined before and after treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate of 93.5% in the application group was significantly better than 73.3% in the medication group (P < 0.05); after treatment, the scores of the symptoms were significantly decreased in the two groups (both P < 0.01), with more obvious improvement in the application group than the medication group (P < 0.01). The PGE2 content was significantly increased, and the PGF2alpha content and PGF2alpha/PGE2 were significantly decreased in the application group (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupoint application has a better therapeutic effect on dysmenorrhea of excess syndrome and has benign regulative action on synthesis of prostaglandins in the patients with primary dysmenorrhea.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of acupoint sticking therapy on simple obesity].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into effectiveness and safety of acupoint sticking therapy for simple obesity. METHODS: One hundred and eight cases were randomly divided into an acupoint sticking group (n = 58) and an acupuncture group (n = 50). The acupoint sticking group were treated with TCM plaster sticking at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. The acupuncture group were treated with simple acupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. Their therapeutic effects were observed after 3 therapeutic courses. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 84.5% in the acupoint sticking group, 86.0% in the acupuncture group with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05); after treatment, the body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference decreased and the cumulative score of clinical symptoms decreased in the two groups with no significant difference between the two groups, but the waist-hip ratio did not significantly change. CONCLUSION: TCM acupoint sticking therapy has a definite therapeutic effect on simple obesity.

[Observation on the therapeutic effect of acupoint application on constipation].

OBJECTIVE: To test the therapeutic effect, safety of acupoint application for treatment of constipation. METHODS: Forty-two cases were randomly divided into a treatment group of 22 cases and a control group of 20 cases. The treatment group were treated with acupoint application, with the cake made by Sanleng (Rhizoma Spargani), Ezhu (Rhizoma Zedoariae), Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) and Bingpian (Borneolum), which was applied at Tianshu (ST 25), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4); the control group were treated with oral administration of Congrong Tongbian Oral Liquid. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 81.8% in the treatment group and 50.0% in the control group, the treatment group being better than the control group (P < 0.05); the first defecation time was (5.1 +/- 2.8) h in the treatment group and (10.1 +/- 7.3) h in the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TCM acupoint application therapy has a definite therapeutic effect on constipation.