Improvement effect of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on neurological and motor functions in patients with acute cerebral infarction / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the improvement effect of acupuncture combined with early rehabilitation training on clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, and neurological and motor functions of patients with acute cerebral infarction.Methods:A total of 76 patients with acute cerebral infarction who received treatment in the Department of Neurology at Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital from June 2019 to June 2022 were included in this prospective study. These patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method, with 38 patients in each group. The control group received early rehabilitation training, while the observation group received acupuncture combined with early rehabilitation training. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. Pre- and post-treatment traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and neurological and motor functions were compared between the two groups.Results:The overall response rate in the observation group was 89.47% (34/38), which was significantly higher than 67.59% (25/38) in the control group ( Z = 2.41, P = 0.016). After treatment, the scores of hemiplegia, mouth and eye deviation, and speech difficulty in both groups were significantly decreased compared with before treatment, and the observation group showed a greater degree of decline in these indices than the control group ( t = 4.73, P < 0.001; t = -10.58, P < 0.001; t = 6.42, P < 0.001). After treatment, the neurological deficit scale scores in each group were decreased compared with before treatment, and the observation group showed a greater degree of decline compared with the control group ( t = -7.33, P < 0.001). After treatment, the Fug-Meyer motor function scale and Barthel index scores in each group were significantly increased compared with before treatment, and the observation group showed a greater degree of increases compared with the control group ( t = 3.72, P < 0.001; t = -5.02, P < 0.001). After treatment, the bare hand muscle strength scores of the core muscles in both groups of patients were increased compared with before treatment, and the observation group showed a greater improvement compared with the control group ( t = 3.31, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training can enhance clinical efficacy, improve traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, enhance neurological and motor functions, and strengthen core muscle strength in patients with acute cerebral infarction. This treatment approach is worthy of being further promoted in clinical practice.

Therapeutic effect of acupoint pressing acupuncture combined with moxibustion at Baihui acupoint on infantile cold and nasal obstruction caused by exogenous wind and cold / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupoint pressing acupuncture combined with moxibustion at Baihui acupoint on infantile cold and nasal obstruction caused by exogenous wind and cold. Methods:This study included a total of 120 children with exogenous wind and cold-induced infantile cold and nasal obstruction who were treated at the Jinhua Maternal & Child Health Care Hospital from February 2021 to May 2022. They were divided into three groups using a random number table method, namely the acupoint pressing acupuncture group, the moxibustion group, and the combined therapy group, each containing 40 children. Based on routine treatment, children in the acupoint pressing acupuncture group received acupoint ( Yintang, Shuangyingxiang, Shuangbitong) pressing acupuncture treatment, while those in the moxibustion group underwent mild moxibustion at Baihui acupoint, and those in the combined therapy group underwent acupoint ( Yintang, Shuangyingxiang, Shuangbitong) pressing acupuncture Baihui combined with mild moxibustion at Baihui acupoint. The clinical efficacy of each group was evaluated. At 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, differences in nasal congestion symptom scores were compared among the three groups. Sleep quality was also compared among the three groups before and after treatment. Results:The response rate in the combined therapy group was 92.5% (37/40), which was significantly higher than 75% (30/40) in the acupoint pressing acupuncture group and 65% (26/40) in the moxibustion group ( χ2 = 4.50, 9.04, both P < 0.05). At 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, the nasal congestion symptom score in the combined therapy group was (2.05 ± 0.55) points, (1.80 ± 0.64) points, (1.33 ± 0.59) points, and (0.90 ± 0.18) points, respectively, while it was (2.43 ± 0.59) points, (2.15 ± 0.57) points, (1.73 ± 0.84) points, and (1.18 ± 0.80) points, respectively, in the acupoint pressing acupuncture group, and (2.50 ± 0.59) points, (2.13 ± 0.78) points, (1.88 ± 0.81) points, and (1.45 ± 0.81) points, respectively, in the moxibustion group. At the above-mentioned time points, the nasal congestion symptom score was statistically significant among the three groups ( F = 3.15, 9.27, 16.17, 20.22, all P < 0.05). After treatment, daytime sleep duration and nocturnal sleep duration in the combined therapy group were (3.41 ± 0.31) hours and (12.36 ± 1.17) hours, respectively, which were significantly longer than (2.95 ± 1.07) hours and (11.33 ± 1.38) hours in the acupoint pressing acupuncture group and (2.93 ± 0.98) hours and (11.21 ± 1.93) hours in the moxibustion group ( F = 6.37, 12.31, both P < 0.05). Nocturnal wake time, the number of night wakings, and sleep onset time in the combined therapy group were (18.74 ± 2.21) minutes, (1.64 ± 0.18) times, and (15.43 ± 2.03) minutes, respectively, which were significantly shorter or less than (21.13 ± 3.78) minutes, (2.15 ± 0.66) times, and (17.63 ± 5.24) minutes in the acupoint pressing acupuncture group, and (20.53 ± 2.90) minutes, (2.11 ± 0.32) times, and (17.22 ± 2.88) minutes in the moxibustion group ( F = 15.93, 15.36, 10.11, all P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in sleep quality score among the three groups ( F = 23.45, P < 0.05). Conclusion:The combination of acupoint pressing acupuncture and moxibustion at Baihui acupoint is highly effective against infantile cold and nasal obstruction caused by exogenous wind and cold. The combined therapy can alleviate the symptoms of nasal congestion in children and improve sleep quality.

Basic Research Progress and Thinking of Acupuncture Treatment for Primary Dysmenorrhea / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

The mechanism of acupuncture in treating primary dysmenorrhea(PD)in rats was reviewed.The research on the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of PD involves endocrine,nervous,immune,metabolic and other aspects.However,the basic research did not actively pay attention to the clinical problems encountered in the treatment of PD by acupuncture and moxibustion,including the rule of point selection and the correlation mechanism between acupoints and uterus in the treatment of PD by acupuncture and moxibustion,the key technical parameters of the treatment of PD by acupuncture and moxibustion and the rule of the action of acupuncture and moxibustion.The basic research of acupuncture treatment of primary dysmenorrhea should pay attention to translational medicine.

Effects of acupoint application therapy with Chinese medicine combined with tiotropium bromide inhalation on quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of acupoint application therapy with Chinese medicine combined with tiotropium bromide inhalation on quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:A total of 109 patients with stable COPD admitted to People's Hospital of Gaomi from March 2019 to May 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group ( n = 54) and an observation group ( n = 55). Both groups were given tiotropium bromide powder inhalation and acupoint application therapy ( Dazhui, Shenque, Feishu, Pishu, Shenshu and Zusanli). Chinese medicine ointment was applied in the observation group, but not in the control group. All patients were treated for 6 consecutive months. Before and after treatment, pulmonary function indicators [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), the percentage of expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1%), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV 1/FVC], modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale score, and the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and quality of life. Results:Before and after treatment, there were no significant differences in FEV 1, FEV 1% and FEV 1/FVC between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, mMRC score and SGRQ total score in the observation group were (1.91 ± 0.27) points and (38.54 ± 8.18) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than (2.43 ± 0.33) points and (43.12 ± 7.86) points in the control group ( t = 4.93, 4.47, both P < 0.05). The number of exacerbations and the number of hospitalizations were (0.42 ± 0.09) times/6 months and (0.27 ± 0.05) times/6 months in the observation group and they were (0.69 ± 0.17) times/6 months and (0.47 ± 0.13) times/6 months in the control group. There were significant differences in these indices between the two groups ( t = 3.90, 3.85, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Acupoint application therapy with Chinese medicine combined with tiotropium bromide inhalation has a good therapeutic effect on stable COPD. The combined therapy can reduce the number of acute attacks and improve patient's quality of life. This study is scientific and innovative.

Clinical efficacy of acupoint application therapy combined with pressing needle in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupoint application therapy combined with pressing needle therapy in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods:Eighty-six patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who received treatment at Lishui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2022 to August 2022 were retrospectively included in this study. They were randomly divided into Group A ( n = 29), group B ( n = 29), and the combined treatment group ( n = 28) according to different treatment methods. All three groups were treated with conventional Western medicine. Based on this, group A was treated with acupoint application therapy, group B was treated with pressing needle therapy and the combined treatment group with treated with acupoint application therapy and pressing needle therapy. Clinical efficacy was compared among the three groups. Traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, pulmonary function index, blood gas index, and quality of life score pre- and post-treatment were compared among the three groups. Results:There was a significant difference in total response rate among group A [75.86% (22/29)], group B [79.31% (23/29)], and the combined treatment group [96.43% (27/28), H = 6.15, P < 0.05]. After treatment, the scores of cough, expectoration, and dyspnea in the three groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of cough, expectoration, and dyspnea in the combined treatment group were (1.79 ± 0.48) points, (2.30 ± 0.32) points, and (1.96 ± 0.43) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in (2.32 ± 0.41) points, (2.68 ± 0.42) points, and (2.27 ± 0.36) points in group A and (2.17 ± 0.50) points, (2.91 ± 0.43) points, and (2.33 ± 0.43) points in group B ( F = 9.81, 17.38, 6.72, all P < 0.05). After treatment, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), and FEV 1/FVC were increased in each group compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, FVC, FEV 1, and FEV 1/FVC in the combined treatment group were (3.95 ± 0.47) L, (2.01 ± 0.36) L, and (82.91 ± 13.35)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (3.63 ± 0.59) L, (1.76 ± 0.21) L, and (73.23 ± 10.85)% in group A and (3.89 ± 0.38) L, (1.64 ± 0.37) L and (73.91 ± 7.62)% in group B ( F = 3.49, 9.80, 7.05, all P < 0.05). After treatment, blood gas indicators in each group were significantly increased compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, blood oxygen partial pressure in the combined treatment group, group A and group B was (85.76 ± 3.21) mmHg, (81.05 ± 4.23) mmHg, and (80.62 ± 4.03) mmHg, respectively. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the three groups was (37.74 ± 5.88) mmHg, (44.32 ± 5.59) mmHg, and (43.22 ± 6.41) mmHg, respectively. There were significant differences in blood oxygen partial pressure and partial pressure of carbon dioxide among the three groups ( F = 15.50, 9.88, all P < 0.05). After treatment, the quality of life score in each group was significantly increased compared with that before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, the quality of life score in the combined treatment group, group B, and group A was (43.97 ± 6.34) points, (39.16 ± 4.45) points, and (40.19 ± 4.67) points, respectively, and there was significant difference among the three groups ( F = 4.12, P < 0.001). Conclusion:In the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acupoint application therapy combined with pressing needle therapy is highly effective than monotherapy. The combined therapy can better improve traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and blood gas indicators, effectively enhance pulmonary function, and improve quality of life than monotherapy.

Comparison of the efficacy of acupuncture at the TUNG's extra points and the traditional Chinese medicine points for elderly patients with chronic low back pain in Thailand / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To compare the efficacy of acupuncture at TUNG's extra points and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) points for elderly patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Thailand. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 84 elderly volunteers with CLBP was designed. The patients were randomly assigned either to the group getting acupuncture at TUNG's extra points or to the group getting acupuncture at TCM points. The treatment period was 30 min per session for seven consecutive days. Before and after treatment, the score of the numeric rating scale (NRS), the back range of motion (BROM), and the back strength were measured and compared. Results: After treatment, both groups were found with decreased NRS scores and increased BROM (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference in their back strength in comparison with that before treatment in the same group (P>0.05). Regarding the between-group comparisons, no significant differences were found in the NRS score or BROM in the direction of forward flexion and right lateral flexion or the back strength after treatment (P>0.05). However, statistical differences were found in the BROM in directions of back extension (P<0.01) and left lateral flexion (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture at TUNG's extra points can decrease the low back pain NRS score and increase the back strength and the BROM in directions of forward flexion and right lateral flexion, equivalent to acupuncture at TCM points. Acupuncture at TCM points has a better effect in increasing the BROM in directions of back extension and left lateral flexion; acupuncture at TUNG's extra points is suitable for elderly CLBP patients, and it should be supported and promoted.

Effects of rhubarb combined with acupuncture treatment on plasma interleukin-6 level and T and B lymphocyte subsets in patients with severe traumatic brain injury / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of rhubarb combined with acupuncture treatment on plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and T and B lymphocyte subsets in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Methods:A total of 112 patients with severe traumatic brain injury who received treatment in The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng from September 2020 to August 2022 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 56 per group). Both groups were given routine treatment. Additionally, the control group was treated with rhubarb, while the observation group was treated with rhubarb and acupuncture. The ratios of T lymphocyte subsets to B lymphocyte subsets, IL-6 levels, and prognoses were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 89.29% (50/56), which was significantly higher than 73.21% (41/56) in the control group ( χ2 = 4.75, P = 0.029). At 7 days after treatment, IL-6 level in each group was significantly decreased compared with that before treatment ( P < 0.05). At 7 days after treatment, IL-6 level in the observation group was (469.60 ± 196.54) mg/L, which was significantly lower than (695.25 ± 277.67) mg/L in the control group ( t = 4.96, P < 0.05). The ratios of T lymphocyte subsets (CD 4+, CD 8+, CD 4+/CD 8+) to B lymphocyte subsets (CD 19+, CD 20+) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group and were closer to the normal ratios (all P < 0.05). At 3 months after treatment, the Glasgow Outcome Scale scores in each group were significantly increased compared with those at 1 month after treatment (both P < 0.05). At 1 and 3 months after treatment, the Glasgow Outcome Scale scores in the observation group were (2.94 ± 0.53) points and (4.06 ± 0.53) points, respectively, which were significantly higher than (2.63 ± 0.58) points and (3.72 ± 0.48) points in the control group ( t = 2.95, 3.56, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Rhubarb combined with acupuncture can greatly reduce serum IL-6 level in patients with severe traumatic brain injury, regulate the ratio of T lymphocyte subsets to B lymphocyte subsets, reduce inflammatory reactions, and improve prognosis.

Study on acupoint selection law of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder based on data mining / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To analyze the acupoint selection law of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using data mining techniques.Methods:Literature related to acupuncture for ASD was retrieved from the CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, Wanfang, and PubMed databases from the establishment of the databases to April 1, 2022, and then a database of acupuncture prescriptions was established. The frequency analysis of acupoint use was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019; the Apriori algorithm was used to analyze the association law of acupoints/acupoint areas; SPSS 26.0 was used to perform intergroup cluster analysis.Results:A total of 97 relevant articles with 97 acupuncture prescriptions and 98 acupoints/acupoint areas were included. The most frequently used acupoint was Shenmen (HT 7). The acupoint area of Jin's three-needle therapy and the Governor Vessel acupoints are commonly used. The most frequently occurring part of the acupoint/acupoint area was the head, and the most commonly used specific acupoint was the rendezvous acupoint. Association rule analysis yielded 40 groups of acupoints/acupoint areas, and the most commonly used combination was Laogong (PC 8) and Shenmen (HT 7). Four categories were extracted among high-frequency acupoints/acupoint areas by cluster analysis.Conclusion:Acupuncture treatment for ASD mainly selects the head acupoints, mainly selecting the acupoint area of Jin's three-needle therapy and the Governor Vessel acupoints, and paying attention to the use of specific acupoints.

Diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy under the guidance of traditional Chinese and western medicine theory / 中国基层医药

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the serious microvascular diseases caused by diabetes. It is the leading cause of visual impairment among workers over 40 years old in developed countries. At present, western medicine methods for treating diabetic retinopathy include pan-retinal photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and other methods. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment of diabetic retinopathy is mainly to treat patients using oral Chinese herb preparation based on syndrome differentiation and using certain external traditional Chinese medicine methods, such as auricular point therapy. This paper investigates the research progress of diabetic retinopathy treatment with traditional Chinese and western medicine and provides novel ideas for treating diabetic retinopathy with traditional Chinese combined with western medicine.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of different acupoints on pulmonary ventilation function in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of different acupoints on pulmonary ventilation function in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods:Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-25.0 kg/m 2, undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were divided into 3 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), Zusanli-Sanyinjiao group (group S 1) and Feishu-Chize group (group S 2). Pulmonary ventilation function was monitored by electrical impedance tomography after admission to the operating room, group S 1 and group S 2 underwent transcutaneous electrical stimulation of bilateral Zusanli-Sanyinjiao and Feishu-Chize acupoints at 30 min before induction of anesthesia, with disperse-dense waves, a frequency of 2/100 Hz and the wave width of 0.6 ms at 2 Hz and 0.2 ms at 100 Hz.The intensity of stimulation was the maximum current that patients could tolerate.In group C, electrodes were only placed without electrical stimulation.The percentages of area in center of ventilation (CoV) and tidal volume in the dependent areas were determined on admission to the operating room (T 1), at 5 min after tracheal intubation (T 2), at 15 min after pneumoperitoneum (T 3), and at 30 min after removal of the tracheal tube (T 4). The extubation time and development of hypoxemia and atelectasis within 48 h after tracheal extubation were recorded. Results:Compared with the baseline at T 1, the percentages of area in CoV and tidal volume in dependent areas at T 3-4 were significantly decreased in S 1 and S 2 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group C, the percentage of tidal volume in dependent areas at T 4 was significantly increased, and the extubation time and incidence of hypoxemia and atelectasis within 48 h after tracheal extubation were decreased in S 1 and S 2 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group S 1, the percentage of tidal volume in dependent areas at T 4 was significantly increased, and the incidence of hypoxemia within 48 h after tracheal extubation was decreased in group S 2 ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of Feishu-Chize acupoints in improving pulmonary ventilation function is better than that of Zusanli-Sanyinjiao acupoints in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Acupuntura en la recuperación de la anestesia general en pacientes intervenidas quirúrgicamente de nódulo de mama / Acupuncture in the recovery from general anesthesia in patients who underwent a breast nodule surgery

RESUMEN Introducción: en el período de recuperación de la anestesia general se deben metabolizar los medicamentos empleados y restablecer las alteraciones fisiológicas. La acupuntura es un método de tratamiento que ha sido estudiado en el período perioperatorio con diferentes fines; sin embargo, es menos conocido su efecto en la recuperación de la anestesia general. Objetivo: describir el efecto de la estimulación con Acupuntura en la recuperación de la anestesia general balanceada en pacientes intervenidas quirúrgicamente por nódulo de mama. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo, en 60 pacientes intervenidas quirúrgicamente de nódulo de mama con anestesia general endotraqueal balanceada, de enero de 2014 a enero de 2016, en el Hospital Provincial Docente José Ramón López Tabrane, de Matanzas. Se conformaron dos grupos: grupo I, al que al finalizar la cirugía se le colocaron agujas de acupuntura en los puntos R1, Du26 y P9; y grupo II, al que no se le realizó acupuntura. El efecto de la acupuntura en la recuperación anestésica se midió a través de la Escala de Aldrete. Resultados: la edad de mayor incidencia fue de 40 a 49 años. El estado físico de las pacientes, según la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología, es I. Prevaleció un tiempo anestésico de 61 a 90 minutos. Más del 75 % de las féminas tuvieron un tiempo de recuperación anestésica entre 31 y 60 minutos. Se presentaron dos complicaciones leves atribuibles a la acupuntura. Conclusiones: la aplicación de la acupuntura acortó el tiempo de recuperación anestésica en las pacientes estudiadas (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: in the recovery period from general anesthesia the used drugs should be metabolized and the physiological alterations restored. Acupuncture is a treatment method that has been studied in the perioperative period with different aims; nevertheless its effect on the recovery from general anesthesia is less well known. Objective: to describe the acupuncture stimulation effect on the recovery from general balanced anesthesia in patients who underwent a breast nodule surgery. Materials and methods: a prospective, observational study was performed in 60 patients who underwent a surgery of breast nodule with balanced endotracheal general anesthesia, from January 2014 to January 2016, at the Provincial Teaching Hospital "Jose Ramon Lopez Tabrane" of Matanzas. Two groups were formed: group I included patients to whom acupuncture needles were placed in R1, Du 26 and P9 acupoints after surgery, and Group II patients to whom acupuncture was not performed. The acupuncture effect on anesthetic recovery was assessed using the Aldrete Scale. Two groups were formed: group I, whose members at the end of the surgery were placed acupuncture needles to in the points R1, Du26 and P9; and group II, whose members did not receive acupuncture. The effect of acupuncture on anesthetic recovery was measured through the Aldrete Scale. Results: the highest incidence age was 40 to 49 years. The physical condition of the patients, according to the American Society of Anesthesiology, was I. An anesthetic time of 61 to 90 minutes prevailed. More than 75% of the women had an anesthetic recovery time between 31 and 60 minutes. There were two minor complications attributable to acupuncture. Conclusions: acupuncture application shortened the anesthetic recovery time in the studied patients (AU).

Low Electrical Resistance Properties of Acupoints: Roles of NOergic Signaling Molecules and Neuropeptides in Skin Electrical Conductance / 中国结合医学杂志

Early studies from several independent laboratories demonstrated that acupoints possess the characteristics of low electrical resistance. New devices are developing to increase the reliability of electrical skin impedance measurements for counteracting the factors including skin dryness, skin thickness, size of the sensing electrode, pressure applied on the electrode, interelectrode distance, room temperature, and humidity. Morphological studies have identified that blood vessels, hair follicles, and nervous components are enhanced in the meridians/acupoints, which represent areas of potentially high neuronal activity. Recent evidence shows that nitric oxide (NO) concentrations are enhanced in skin acupoints/meridians. L-arginine-derived NO synthesis modifies skin norepinephrine (NE) synthesis/release in acupoints/meridians, and NO-NE activations play an important role in mediating the skin conductance responses to electrical stimulation. NOergic signaling molecules interact with gap junction and transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1. Other studies reported that the high conductance at acupoints is a result of the release of the neuropeptides substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide during neurogenic inflammation in the referred pain area. Pathological body conditions caused considerable changes in skin conductance or impedance at acupoints. Although systematic research with an improved equipment and research design to avoid the influencing factors are requested for a definite answer in this field, the results from anatomical and biochemical studies consistently show that acupoints exist higher levels of nervous components, and NOergic signaling molecules and neuropeptides involved in the skin low resistance at acupoints. The increased interest in the acupoints/meridians has led to an open-minded attitude towards understanding this system, which is fundamental important to establish the valid aspects of scientific basis of Chinese medicine mechanisms and therapies.

Rule of point selection in treatment of cerebral palsy in children with acupuncture based on data mining of 1584 electronic medical records / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the rule of point selection in treatment of cerebral palsy with acupuncture in preschool children.@*METHODS@#Based on the electronic medical records of Xi'an Encephalopathy Hospital of TCM, through structuring medical record text, acupuncture prescriptions were extracted. Using the data mining tools of the ancient and modern medical record cloud platform V2.2.3 and the clinical effective prescription and molecular mechanism analysis system of traditional Chinese medicine V2.0, the cluster analysis and complex network analysis were conducted on acupuncture prescriptions.@*RESULTS@#Of 1584 acupuncture prescriptions for cerebral palsy in children, there were 84 acupoints and stimulating areas of scalp acupuncture, of which, foot-motor-sensory area, balance area and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were the top 3 acupoints with the highest use rate. With cluster analysis, 5 groups of common supplementary acupoints and stimulating areas were found, named, Weizhong (BL 40) and Waiguan (TE 5), Shousanli (LI 10), Xingjian (LR 2), Xuanzhong (GB 39) and Chengfu (BL 36), foot-motor-sensory area, balance area and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuehai (SP 10) and Fenglong (ST 40), Pishu (BL 20), motor area and Yanglingquan (GB 34). With complex network analysis on core prescriptions, 13 core acupoints and stimulating areas of scalp acupuncture were obtained, including 3 core main points, i.e. Sanyinjiao (SP 6), balance area and foot-motor-sensory area and 10 sub-core points, i.e. Taichong (LR 3), motor area, Xuehai (SP 10), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20) and Shenshu (BL 23).@*CONCLUSION@#In treatment of acupuncture for cerebral palsy in preschool children, the core prescriptions reveal the simultaneous treatment of exterior and interior, the mutual regulation of

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain in living kidney donors / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain in living kidney donors (LKDs).Methods:Seventy-two American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ LKDs, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-28 kg/m 2, undergoing living kidney transplantation, were selected, and divided into 2 groups ( n=36 each) using a random number table method: TEAS group (group T) and sham stimulation group (group S). In group T, TEAS was performed on the forenoon at 1 day before surgery (T 0), at 30 min before anesthesia induction on the morning of the operation day (T 1) and on the forenoon at 1 day after surgery (T 2) at bilateral Neiguan, Taichong and Yintang with a frequency 2-100 Hz, disperse-dense waves and current intensity 6-15 mA, and each TEAS lasted for 30 min.Only electrode patches were applied at the same acupoint and at the same time point, but no stimulation was applied in group S. In T and S groups, brachial venous blood samples were collected before each stimulation for measurement of the plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration.The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) scores at T 0, T 1, T 2, on day 3 after surgery (T 3) and before discharge (T 4) in the 2 groups were recorded.The consumption of anesthetics during operation, laryngeal mask airway removal time, requirement for rescue analgesia within 72 h after surgery and the development of postoperative complications were recorded.The LKDs were followed up by telephone at 3 months after surgery (T 5) to record the scores of HADS-A and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Sign (LANSS) scale. Results:Compared to group S, the incidence of anxiety was significantly decreased T 1, T 2 and T 3, the incidence of rescue analgesia within 72 h after surgery was decreased, plasma concentration of 5-HT was increased at T 1 and T 2, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was decreased, and the time to first flatus was shortened in group T ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the consumption of anesthetics during operation, laryngeal mask airway removal time, and the incidence of anxiety and neuropathic pain within 3 months after surgery between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:TEAS can relieve early preoperative and postoperative anxiety and alleviate postoperative pain in LKDs.

Reflections on the calculation methods of the imbalance degree in the biophysical properties of meridian points / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To analyze and compare the features and strengths of different methods for calculating the biophysical properties of meridian points, and thus propose corresponding suggestions to fully achieve the research and application value of biophysical properties of meridian points.Methods: We searched and collected the literature on the imbalance of biophysical properties of meridian points between January 1, 2005 and March 1, 2020 in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP) and PubMed database, and then analyzed, compared, and summarized the applied methods for calculating the imbalance degree of the biophysical properties of meridian points. Results: The current methods for calculating the imbalance degree of the biophysical properties of meridian points are diverse and can be summarized as the following three: direct comparison of the measured values of the left and right namesake points, difference method, and ratio method. The low uniformity of the calculation methods has limited the promotion and application of its research results. Conclusion: In future research on the biophysical properties of meridian points, multidisciplinary cooperation in terms of imbalance degree calculation methods, detection instruments, and health data models is necessary to achieve more widely applicable scientific conclusions and more generalized experimental results.

Experimental observation of effects of acupoints, cone numbers and durations of moxibustion with different moxibustion methods on skin surface and inside temperature / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of acupoints, cone numbers and durations of moxibustion with different moxibustion methods on skin surface and inside temperature, and to provide references for the clinical standardization of moxibustion amount. Methods: The 42 big-ear white rabbits were divided into 6 groups according to the random number table method, a 1-cone direct moxibustion group, a 2-cone direct moxibustion group, a 3-cone direct moxibustion group, a 1-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, a 2-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, and a 3-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, with 7 rabbits in each group. Shenque (CV 8), Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) were used in each group, but the moxibustion methods, cone numbers and durations of moxibustion were different. Rabbits in each group received moxibustion once every other day for 5 times in total. During the intervention, a thermoelectricity coupled probe and a temperature recorder were used to record the real-time acupoint skin temperature and the temperature at different time points, so as to observe, analyze and process the real-time changes in the temperature difference between the surface and inside of acupoint skin. Results: For herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion, the best temperature for cone changing was (46.38±0.51) ℃ when the highest surface temperature was (49.20±0.52) ℃; the multi-factor comparison of acupoint × cone number × time and acupoint × moxibustion method × time showed that time × acupoint, time × moxibustion method and cone number × acupoint had interactive effects (all P<0.05). Comparing skin temperature differences between different cone numbers at the same acupoint, Shenque (CV 8) on the 1st and the 5th days, Shenshu (BL 23) on the 3rd and the 7th days, Zusanli (ST 36) on the 1st and the 9th days of experiment showed statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The skin temperature comparison of different moxibustion methods at the same acupoint all had statistical differences (all P<0.05), except for Shenque (CV 8) before moxibustion, Shenshu (BL 23) before moxibustion and on the 5th day; Zusanli (ST 36) only showed statistical differences on the 5th and 7th days (both P<0.05). The skin temperature differences of different acupoints after moxibustion in the 1-cone, 2-cone and 3-cone groups were statistically different (all P<0.05); direct moxibustion and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion at different acupoints were all statistically different (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Cone changing temperature under the same specifications of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion was confirmed. Temperature difference between surface and inside of different acupoint skin at the same maximum temperature was significantly different due to the cone numbers and moxibustion methods, which showed the highest at Shenshu (BL 23), the second at Shenque (CV 8), and the lowest at Zusanli (ST 36). The influence of acupoint factor should be considered to determine the quantitative indicators of moxibustion.

Initiation mechanisms of acupuncture effect: a literature review of basic studies / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To summarize the research status of the changes in local microenvironment of acupoints caused by acupuncture, provide theoretical guidance for the initiation mechanisms of local acupuncture effect at acupoints. Methods: Using acupuncture, acupoint as key words to search China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), PubMed and other databases, the representative articles were selected for review. Results: Acupuncture could excite afferent nerves, activate cells, and promote the release of chemical substances like neuropeptide, hormone, cytokines, etc. in the local site of acupoints. Besides, it may cause mechanical deformation of connective tissues, and change chemical ions as well as ion channels. Conclusion: The microenvironment changes around acupoints are crucial to acupuncture effect; the concept of 'acupoints network' can be used to objectively describe the local changes around the acupoints after acupuncture.

Clinical effect of acupoint application combined with conventional anti-tuberculosis treatment on pulmonary tuberculosis and its influence on the immune function / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To explore the effect of acupoint application combined with conventional anti-tuberculosis treatment on pulmonary tuberculosis and its effect on the immune function of patients.@*Methods@#A total of 64 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who visited Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital from March 2016 to September 2017 were selected in the study.The patients were randomly divided into control group (n=30) and observation group (n=34) according to the digital table.The clinical curative effect (obvious absorption, absorption, no change and deterioration), lung function (FVC, FEV1 and FVC/FEV1), immune function(CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, IgC, IgA, IgM) were compared between the two groups.@*Results@#The absorptive rate of the control group was 46.67%, which was significantly lower than that of the observation group(76.47%, χ2=6.04, P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of FVC, FEV1 and FVC/FEV1 of the two groups were significantly increased compared with before treatment..After treatment, the levels of FVC, FEV1 and FVC/FEV1 in the observation group were (2.20±0.48)L, (2.50±0.34)L, (87.44±13.60)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(1.63±0.32)L, (2.02±0.44)L, (80.28±12.66)%] (t=6.607, 5.687, 2.558, all P<0.05). After treatment, the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, IgC, IgA, IgM levles in the observation group were significantly increased compared with before treatment (all P<0.05). After treatment, the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, IgC, IgA, IgM levles in the observation group were (73.25±6.17)%, (38.65±5.75)%, (36.58±3.17)%, (1.52±0.65), (15.49±1.49)g/L, (3.07±1.30)g/L, (1.94±0.50)g/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group[(68.43±6.4)%, (34.72±5.68)%, (35.02±3.08)%, (1.16±0.78), (12.61±1.64)g/L, (2.23±0.90)g/L, (1.68±0.35)g/L] (t=3.590, 3.223, 2.340, 2.340, 8.594, 3.550, 2.846, all P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Conventional anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy drugs combined with acupuncture has better effect than conventional anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy drugs.It can significantly improve the immune function of patients, improve the success rate of treatment, and speed up the improvement of the patients' condition.

Improvement of cardiac function in CHF patients treated with acupuncture and moxibustion and western conventional medicine / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effect of warm acupuncture combined with Western medicine on cardiac function in patients with CHF.@*Methods@#A total of 120 patients with CHF who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups, 60 in each group. The control group was treated with conventional medicine, and the Chinese and western medicine group was combined with warm acupuncture on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The 6 min walking distance were compared. The LVEF%, LVEDd, and LVESd were measured by color Doppler ultrasound. The Plasma NT-proBNP was detected by ELISA.@*Results@#The total effective rate was 95.0% (57/60) in the Chinese and western medicine group and 90.0% (54/60) in the Western medicine group. The difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.218, P=0.027). After treatment, the LVEF% level of the Chinese and western medicine group (49.5% ± 4.7% vs. 47.0% ± 4.5 %, t=2.976), 6 min walking distance (348.9 ± 38.1 m vs. 319.7 ± 35.0 m, t= 5.107) were significantly higher than those of the Western medicine group (P<0.01); and the LVEDd (47.3 ± 4.0 mm vs. 50.0 ± 4.6 mm, t=-3.431), LVESd (38.5 ± 3.5 mm vs. 40.8 ± 3.9 mm, t=-3.400), NT-proBNP (750.2 ± 158.5 ng/L vs. 900.4 ± 183.7 ng/L, t=4.960) were significantly lower than those of the western medicine group (P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#Warm acupuncture combined with Western medicine can improve the heart function of CHF patients.

Improvement of cardiac function in CHF patients treated with acupuncture and moxibustion and western conventional medicine / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of warm acupuncture combined with Western medicine on cardiac function in patients with CHF. Methods A total of 120 patients with CHF who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups, 60 in each group. The control group was treated with conventional medicine, and the Chinese and western medicine group was combined with warm acupuncture on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The 6 min walking distance were compared. The LVEF%, LVEDd, and LVESd were measured by color Doppler ultrasound. The Plasma NT-proBNP was detected by ELISA. Results The total effective rate was 95.0% (57/60) in the Chinese and western medicine group and 90.0% (54/60) in the Western medicine group. The difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.218, P=0.027). After treatment, the LVEF% level of the Chinese and western medicine group (49.5% ± 4.7% vs. 47.0% ±4.5 %, t=2.976), 6 min walking distance (348.9 ±38.1 m vs. 319.7 ±35.0 m, t=5.107) were significantly higher than those of the Western medicine group ( P<0.01); and the LVEDd (47.3 ± 4.0 mm vs. 50.0 ± 4.6 mm, t=-3.431), LVESd (38.5 ± 3.5 mm vs. 40.8 ± 3.9 mm, t=-3.400), NT-proBNP (750.2 ± 158.5 ng/L vs. 900.4 ± 183.7 ng/L, t=4.960) were significantly lower than those of the western medicine group (P<0.01). Conclusions Warm acupuncture combined with Western medicine can improve the heart function of CHF patients.