Effects of Chinese Medicine on Symptoms, Syndrome Evolution, and Lung Inflammation Absorption in COVID-19 Convalescent Patients during 84-Day Follow-up after Hospital Discharge: A Prospective Cohort and Nested Case-Control Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the changes of symptoms, Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome, and lung inflammation absorption during convalescence in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who had not totally recovered after hospital discharge and whether CM could promote the improvement process.@*METHODS@#This study was designed as a prospective cohort and nested case-control study. A total of 96 eligible patients with COVID-19 in convalescence were enrolled from Beijing Youan Hospital and Beijing Huimin Hospital and followed up from the hospital discharged day. Patients were divided into the CM (64 cases) and the control groups (32 cases) based on the treatment with or without CM and followed up at 14, 28, 56, and 84 days after discharge. In the CM group, patients received the 28-day CM treatment according to two types of CM syndrome. Improvements in clinical symptoms, CM syndrome, and absorption of lung inflammation were observed.@*RESULTS@#All the 96 patients completed the 84-day follow-up from January 21 to March 28, 2020. By the 84th day of follow-up, respiratory symptoms were less than 5%. There was no significant difference in the improvement rates of symptoms, including fatigue, sputum, cough, dry throat, thirst, and upset, between the two groups (P>0.05). Totally 82 patients (85.42%) showed complete lung inflammation absorption at the 84-day follow-up. On day 14, the CM group had a significantly higher absorption rate than the control group (P<0.05) and the relative risk of absorption for CM vs. control group was 3.029 (95% confidence interval: 1.026-8.940). The proportions of CM syndrome types changed with time prolonging: the proportion of the pathogen residue syndrome gradually decreased, and the proportion of both qi and yin deficiency syndrome gradually increased.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Patients with COVID-19 in convalescence had symptoms and lung inflammation after hospital discharge and recovered with time prolonging. CM could improve lung inflammation for early recovery. The types of CM syndrome can be transformed with time prolonging. (Registration No. ChiCTR2000029430).

Analysis on the route of conception vessel and governor vessel in / 中国针灸

On the base of the analysis on the original text in

Effect of Taiji Quan on Sleep Quality of Patients with Chronic Insomnia Disorder / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effect of Taiji Quan on the sleep quality of patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID) and its mechanism. Methods:From January, 2015 to December, 2017, 31 patients with CID were enrolled in the sleep disorder clinic. Before and 24 weeks after Taiji Quan exercise, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess their sleep quality, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF-β, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNF-R)1 and sTNF-R2 were detected with protein chip, and the correlation between the total score of PSQI and the serum levels of TNF-α, TNF-β, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 were analyzed after exercise. Results:After Taiji Quan exercise, the scores of PSQI factors (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction) and the total score of PSQI decreased (t > 4.080, P < 0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α and TNF-β decreased (t > 13.580, P < 0.01), however, the serum levels of sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 significantly increased (t > 160.189, P < 0.001). The serum levels of TNF-α and TNF-β were positively correlated with the total score of PSQI (r > 0.638, P < 0.001), while the serum levels of sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 were negatively correlated with the total score of PSQI (r > 0.532, P<0.001). Conclusion:Taiji Quan exercise could help to improve the sleep quality of patients with CID. The mechanism may be related to the decrease of the serum levels of TNF-α and TNF-β, and the increase of the serum levels of sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2.

Understanding Qi Running in the Meridians as Interstitial Fluid Flowing via Interstitial Space of Low Hydraulic Resistance / 中国结合医学杂志

Qi, blood and the meridians are fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine (CM), which are components of the human body and maintain physiological function. Pathological changes of qi, blood and meridians may lead to discomfort and disease. Treatment with acupuncture or herbal medicine aims to regulate qi and blood so as to recover normal function of the meridians. This paper explores the nature of qi as well as compares and correlates them with the structures of the human body. We propose a conceptualization of qi as being similar to the interstitial fluid, and the meridians as being similar to interstitial space of low hydraulic resistance in the body. Hence, qi running in the meridians can be understood as interstitial fluid flowing via interstitial space of low hydraulic resistance.

Text mining technology-based discovery of rhinitis treatment rules / 中华医学图书情报杂志

Objective To discover the treatment rules of rhinitis and its complications with or without Chinese and Western drugs using the text mining technology. Methods The treatment rules of rhinitis and its complication were discovered using Chinese text words, data cleaning, word frequency and correlation analysis respectively with CNKI-covered papers and doctors-patients interactive forum data as the sources. Results The rhinitis received Western drug therapy, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, traditional Chinese medicine preparation therapy and non-drug therapy respectively . Xanthium was often used as a folk prescription for rhinitis, Jade Screen Powder was used as an important traditional Chinese medicine reparation for rhinitis, acu-puncture and massage were used as non-drug therapies for rhinitis, immune therapy and desensitization therapy were recommended, normal saline was usually used as an adju-vant therapy. Combined traditional Chinese medicine and Western drug therapy was advised at present. The incidence of nasosinusitis was the highest, followed by that of trachi-tis, pharyngitis, tympanitis, pneumonia, etc. Their symp-toms were different and were thus treated with different drugs. Conclusion The treatment rules of rhinitis and its complication can provide reference for drug selection and basic research, verify the usability of medical network da-ta and the feasibility of text mining.

Construction and practice on rational medication model of Chinese patent medicine for orthopedics based on ″symdrome-dosage-toxicity differentiation″ theory / 中国中药杂志

Chinese patent medicines for orthopedics are among the hotspot and difficulty in the rational medication of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), because they mostly contain toxic medicinal herbs and oriented to special patients. According to the hospital pharmacy practices and the therapeutic theories of TCM, this paper focused on a novel model of rational drug use of Chinese patent medicine for orthopedics based on the principles of ″syndrome-dosage-toxicity differentiation″. We also proposed relevant specifications for guiding their clinical use. Firstly, we proposed a list of the primary clinical application characteristics for rational drug use of orthopedic TCMs, including the syndromes of patient, the dosage of medicine and the toxic ingredients in medicine. Secondly, a database was established for recording the package inserts of all of the 81 orthopedic patent medicines in our hospital, and 2 000 retrospective recipes were analyzed for looking for the high-frequency medicines and common irrational factors. Then clinical case reports involving the adverse reactions and side effects of related drugs were searched from CNKI, VIP and WanFang databases. Then the key information for rational application of each medicine was extracted from these resources and some survey questionnaires. Finally, we established a guide named instructions for clinical use of orthopedic Chinese patient medicines (ICUOCPM) after the discusstion with experts. According to the effect after the practice in hospital for 2 months, the proposed principles of ″syndrome-dosage-toxicity differentiation″ in this paper were believed to be the core elements and the most important clinical monitoring points in TCM for orthopedic patents. It would provide innovative ideas, theoretical guarantee and data support for the development of TCM clinical pharmacy.

Preliminary study on general safe medication regularity of Chinese patent orthopedic medicines based on adverse reaction/event literature analysis / 中国中药杂志

Chinese patent orthopedic medicines feature complex components, mainly including desperate and toxic herbal pieces, narrow safety window, more clinical contraindications and frequent adverse drug reaction/events (ADR/ADE). To study the general safe medication regularity of Chinese patent orthopedic medicines, define key points in the medication education and ensure rational clinical medication, the authors took 80 types of commonly used Chinese patent orthopedic medicines as the study objects, collect 237 cases from 164 ADR/ADE documents through a system retrieval strategy, make a multidimensional literature analysis to determine the common risk factors for safe and rational medication of Chinese patent orthopedic medicines and establish an ADR/ADE prevention regularity. First, in the aspect of clinical symptoms, skin allergy is the most common ADR/ADE and closely related to the toxic ingredients, particularly accumulated liver or kidney damage caused by some drugs. Second, there are three time nodes in the ADR/ADE occurrence; The ADR/ADE occurred in 30 minutes is closely related to the idiosyncrasy; the ADR/ADE occurred between several months and half a year is related to the drug-induced liver and kidney damages; The most common ADR/ADE was observed within 7 days and predictable according to the pharmacological actions; Third, toxicity is an important factor in the occurrence of ADR/ADE of Chinese patent orthopedic medicines. Fourth, emphasis shall be given to the special medication factors, such as the combination with western medicines and Chinese herbal decoctions, overdose and long-course medication and self-medical therapy. In conclusion, the general ADR/ADE prevention regularity for Chinese patent orthopedic medicines was summarized to provide supports for clinicians in safe and rational medication and give the guidance for pharmacist in medication education.

[Effect of Bushen Huatan Recipe on the Akt signal pathway in polycystic ovarian syndrome model rats with insulin resistance: an experimental research].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Bushen Huatan Recipe (BHR) on the Akt signal pathway in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) model rats with insulin resistance (IR). METHODS: Fifty Wistar female PCOS rats were randomly and equally divided into 5 groups, i.e., the control group, the model group, the low dose BHR group (5.406 g/kg), the medium dose BHR group (10.812 g/kg), and the high dose BHR group (21.624 g/kg), 10 in each group. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin were detected to calculate homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), glycogen synthetase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR-gamma) mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. The expression of insulin signal transduction molecular kinase B (Akt) was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, HOMA-IR and the mRNA expression of PPAR-gamma mRNA significantly increased, the mRNA expression of GSK-3beta, GLUT-4, and IRS-1, protein expression of Akt and p-Akt significantly decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, HOMA-IR significantly decreased, the mRNA expression of GSK-3beta, GLUT-4, IRS-1, and Akt protein significantly increased in the high dose BHR group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of p-Akt protein increased more obviously (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). mRNA expression of GSK- 3beta and GLUT-4 significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the mRNA expression of PPAR-gamma significantly decreased in the low and middle BHR groups (P < 0.05). The expression of p-Akt significantly increased in the low dose BHR group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IR and abnormal insulin signal pathway existed in PCOS model rats. BHR could improve IR of PCOS rats, which was correlated with regulating protein expression of insulin signal transduction molecules.

[Effect of electro-acupuncture on clinical outcomes and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on clinical outcomes and the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation. METHODS: Totally 109 patients who routinely received in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at Reproductive Center were assigned to the control group (56 cases) and the EA group (53 cases) according to even and odd-numbered date. Patients in the control group received controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) referring to GnRH-a long protocol. On the basis of COH, those in the EA group received EA from the day of Gn injection to the day of embryo transfer. Estradiol (E2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and angiotensin (AT) II were measured in all patients on the day of hCG injection, the day of ovum pick up (OPU), and the day of embryo transfer (ET), respectively. The oocyte retrieval rate, good quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, the abortion rate, and the occurrence of OHSS were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, serum E2 levels on the day of OPU and the day of ET were significantly lower in the EA group (P < 0.05). On the day of OPU levels of VEGF and IL-6 also significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Serum levels of VEGF and IL-6 reached the highest line on the day of hCG in the two groups, and then showed a decreasing trend. Compared with the control group at the same time point, serum levels of VEGF and IL-6 obviously decreased on on the day of OPU, hCG, and ET (P < 0.05). The occurrence of OHSS and the canceling rate of transplant cycle were significantly lower in the EA group than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA, as an adjunctive therapy, could reduce the occurrence of OHSS in IVF. Besides, it did not decrease good embryo rates and pregnancy rates in IVF-ET, which might be associated with lowering local vascular permeability of ovaries.

Difference in effect between asthma-based mouse model and Stemona tuberosa extracts / 中国中药杂志

In this study, OVA-induced asthma mice was taken as the model, and orally administered with different concentration of ethanol extracts of crude and processed Stemona tuberosa, in order to determine the cytokine level released from Th1 and Th2 in splenocytes. RT-PCR was carried out to determine the genetic expression of T-bet/GATA-3 in lung, and compare the differentiation between ethanol extracts of crude and processed S. tuberosa in therapeutic effect on asthma in mice. According to the results, compared with the crude samples, processed samples significantly increased the levels of inflammatory factor INF-gamma (P < 0.05) and decreased IL-5 (P < 0.05) in splenocytes. According to the RT-PCR results, the administration of processed samples could increase the ratio of T-bet/GATA-3 (P < 0.05). The experiment showed that ethanol extracts of both crude and processed S. tuberosa could treat asthma by regulating Th1/Th2 ratio, but processed samples showed more notable effect. This indicated that crude and processed S. tuberosa had significant pharmacological difference. Therefore, it was more rational to apply processed S. tuberosa in clinical treatment of asthma and chronic cough, which layed a foundation for further revealing the processing mechanism of S. tuberosa.

Efficacy of externally applied Chinese herbal drugs in treating psoriasis: a systematic review / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the efficacy and safety of external application of Chinese herbal drugs (ex-CHD) in the treatment of psoriasis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Literature regarding randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of psoriasis treatments with ex-CHD, either alone or combined with Western medicine (WM) or physiotherapy, controlled by untreated, placebo or WM treatment were found in electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database and VIP database from their inception through July 2011. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted according to the Cochrane standards.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 10 randomized trials (involving 1,435 patients) were included. Because both test and control drugs used in the RCTs were different from each other, the effects can only be described singly and calculated. Regarding the total effective rate for the treatment of psoriasis, ex-CHD in combination with ultraviolet radiation b (UVB) or narrow band ultraviolet radiation b (NB-UVB), which was reported in 6 trials, was superior to UVB alone. One study reported that ex-CHD and externally applied WM had equivalent effects. In another study, ex-CHD showed better results than placebo. However, another two comparisons of ex-CHD and WM (all in combining with oral WM) showed uncertain outcomes. Nine trials reported adverse reactions. Of these, 7 RCTs included statistical analysis. The results showed that the side-effects that occurred in ex-CHD combined with UVB were less severe than those caused by UVB alone, but the incidence was roughly the same as WM.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The evidence supporting the efficacy of ex-CHD with respect to treating psoriasis is quite limited and must be strengthened by high-quality studies.</p>

Active ingredients in rhubarb with anti-proliferative effects on scar fibroblasts / 药学学报

This study is to explore the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine rhubarb with antiproliferative activity on hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSF). Rhubarb was extracted with Soxhlet extraction method by different polar solvents. MTS method was used to screen rhubarb solvent extracts (25 microg x mL(-1)) with anti-proliferative activity on HSF, and flow cytometry was used to detect their influences on cell cycle. Then, the active ingredients were analyzed by HPLC. The components with high activity were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF and verified by HE staining. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of rhubarb had higher anti-proliferative activity (P < 0.01), increased significantly the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase (P < 0.01), and reduced the proliferation index (PI) (P < 0.01). The main active ingredients were anthraquinones. The results of confirming experiment showed that emodin, rhein and gallic acid could inhibit cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the ethyl acetate extract of rhubarb showed anti-proliferative activity on HSF, and the anti-proliferative ingredients might be anthraquinones.

Effect of the ethanol extract of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora on the progression of chronic kidney disease in a rat remnant kidney model / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of the ethanol extract of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora (EPS) on renal function and tissue damage in a rat remnant kidney model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat models of chronic kidney disease induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) were randomly assigned into two groups for treatment with a gavage of either EPS or vehicle for 9 weeks. The rats in the control group received only sham operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with vehicle-treated 5/6 Nx rats, the EPS-treated rats displayed significantly decreased urinary excretion of malondialdehyde, serum levels of AGEs and AOPPs, and increased serum SeGSHPx activities. These changes were associated with attenuated urinary protein excretion, glomerular sclerosis and interstitial fibrosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EPS can obviously improve the renal functions and renal pathologies in rats with chronic kidney disease probably by inhibiting the oxidative stress.</p>

Clinical observation on acupoint catgut embedding therapy for treatment of ulcerative colitis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare therapeutic effects of acupoint catgut embedding therapy and western medicine on ulcerative colitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and sixteen cases of ulcerative colitis were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group of 56 cases were treated with catgut embedding at Dachangshu (BL 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and other points, and the control group with oral administration of salicylazosul-fapyridine, 4-6 g/day. The therapeutic effects and improvement of symptoms were evaluated by reexamination of endoscopy before and 4 weeks, 6-8 weeks after treatment in the two groups, and changes of stool property and abdominal pain were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The short-term therapeutic effect and the long-term therapeutic effect of the treatment group were better than those of the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupoint catgut embedding therapy has a better therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis with less adverse reactions.</p>