Effect of electroacupuncture at Tinghui (GB 2) and Benshen (GB 13) on abnormal auditory response in children with autism spectrum disorder / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect of electroacupuncture at Tinghui (GB 2) and Benshen (GB 13) combined with routine rehabilitation training and simple routine rehabilitation training on abnormal auditory response in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).@*METHODS@#A total of 70 children with ASD were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The control group was given routine rehabilitation training. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the observation group was given electroacupuncture at Tinghui (GB 2) and Benshen (GB 13), disperse-dense wave, frequency in 2 Hz/10 Hz, 20 min each time, and 1 day off after 6 days of treatment. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The incidence of abnormal auditory response, the scores of childhood autism rating scale (CARS) and autism behavior checklist (ABC) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the total incidences of abnormal auditory response in the two groups and the incidences of dull and hypersensitive auditory response in the observation group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). The total incidence of abnormal auditory response and the incidence of hypersensitive auditory response in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, CARS and ABC scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at Tinghui (GB 2) and Benshen (GB 13) combined with routine rehabilitation training can reduce the incidence of abnormal auditory response and improve the core symptoms in children with ASD, and the clinical effect is better than the simple routine rehabilitation training.

Effects of electroacupuncture pretreatment on cardiac function and immune inflammatory response in mice with acute myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on the cardiac ejection fraction (EF), the number of macrophages in spleen and heart, and the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in myocardium in mice with acute myocardial ischemia, and to explore the possible mechanism of EA pretreatment on promoting myocardial protection.@*METHODS@#A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EA pretreatment group, 10 rats in each group. The acute myocardial ischemia model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery in the model group and EA pretreatment group, while threading but no ligating at left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery was applied in the control group. In the EA pretreatment group, mice were intervented with EA at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6), disperse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz, intensity of 2 mA; each EA treatment last for 20 min, once a day, and 3-day treatment was given before model establishment. The EF value was evaluated by ultrasonic cardiogram; the number of macrophages in spleen and heart was measured by flow cytometry; the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in myocardium was measured by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the EF value was decreased in the model group (<0.001), the number of macrophages in the heart and spleen was increased (<0.001), and the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the myocardium was increased (<0.001, <0.01). Compared with the model group, the EF value was increased in the EA pretreatment group (<0.01), the number of macrophages in the heart and spleen was decreased (<0.01), and the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the myocardium was decreased (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA pretreatment could reduce the number of macrophages in spleen and heart, down-regulate the expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in myocardial tissue in mice with acute myocardial ischemia, which could relieve the local inflammatory response and achieve the myocardial protective effect.

Effect of Modified Yangxintang on Chronic Pulmonary Heart Disease with Syndrome of Deficiency of Heart and Lung Qi / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To discuss the effect of modified Yangxintang on chronic pulmonary heart disease (CPHD) with syndrome of deficiency of heart and lung Qi and progress of disease. Method:One hundred and twenty-eight patients were randomly divided into control group 64 cases and observation group 64 cases by random number table. Patients in control group got comprehensive rehabilitation measures of western medicine. Those who had respiratory distress got Salmeterol ticasone powder inhaler, 1-2 times/day, 1 inhale/time.And those who had cough and phlegm got Ambroxol hydrochloride tablets for 1-2 week, 1-2 tablet/time, 3 times/day. In addition to the therapy of control group, patients in observation group was also added with modified Yangxintang, 1 dose/day, 5 days/week. Record the and times of acute aggravate and cold, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were recorded during 48 weeks. Before and after treatment, scores of modified British medical research council respiratory questionnaire (mMRC questionnaire), Minnesota Heart Failure Quality of life scale (MLHFQ), syndrome of deficiency of heart and lung Qi and 6-minute walking test (6 MWT) were scored. And levels of N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET-1), CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ were detected. Result:The clinical efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=2.108, P<0.05). During 48 weeks of observation period, times of acute aggravate and cold in observation group were less than those in control group (P<0.01). Levels of PASP, MPAP and NT-proBNP were lower than those in control group (P<0.01). And levels of LVEF, SV, CO, 6 MWT and NO were higher than those in control group (P<0.01), levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). And levels of mMRC, MLHFQ, score of syndrome of deficiency of heart and lung Qi, TNF-α , IL-6, ET-1, CD8+ and were all lower than those in control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion:In addition to anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and anti-tussive therapies, modified Yangxintang can improve the immune function, relieve the symptoms of heart and lung, improve the function of heart and lung and the quality of life, inhibit the inflammatory reaction, improve the function of vascular endothelium, reduce the pulmonary hypertension, control the progress of disease.

Efficacy and Safety of Modified Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang in Treating Mild to Moderate Essential Hypertension Complicated with Depression and Liver-Yang Hyperactivity Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of modified Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang in treating mild to moderate essential hypertension complicated with depression and liver-Yang hyperactivity syndrome.Method:Totally 121 mild to moderate hypertensive patients complicated with depression in line with the inclusive criteria were randomized into treatment group and control group. All of the enrolled patients in treatment group and control group were treated with conventional therapy. In treatment group, patients were given modified Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang, one dose per day. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks. Blood pressure, patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score, score of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelial-dependent vasodilation, and adverse effect were observed in this study.Result:Both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered when compared to control group (P<0.05). PHQ-9 score was significantly improved in treatment group (P<0.05). The score of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome was significantly improved in treatment group compared to control group (P<0.05). CRP was significantly improved in treatment group compared with control group (P<0.05). Endothelial-dependent vasodilation was significantly improved in treatment group compared with control group (P<0.05). No severe adverse effect was observed in this research.Conclusion:Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang has a creation clinical efficacy in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension with depression. In addition to the effect in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, modified Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang was also effective in improving depression, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and endothelial-dependent vasodilation, and reducing the level of CRP with little adverse effect.

Effects of electroacupuncture on sympathetic nerve-related substance in myocardial tissue in mice with myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on sympathetic nerve-related substance in myocardial tissue in mice with myocardial ischemia (MI), and to explore its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#Thirty adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group and an EA group, 10 mice in each one. The model of MI was established in the model group and EA group by ligating the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery. The mice in the sham operation group were not treated with ligating at left anterior descending branch of coronary artery, but the remaining procedure was similar with the model group. The mice in the EA group were treated with EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6) with 2 Hz/100 Hz of frequency and 2 mA of intensity, 20 min per treatment, once a day for totally 5 days. No EA was given for model group and sham operation group. The electrocardiogram was recorded and △ST value was calculated to evaluate the model. TTC staining was applied to evaluate the infarct size. Immunohistochemical (IHC) method was applied to evaluate the positive nerve fiber density in myocardial tissue. Western blot method was applied to test the protein expression levels of neuregulin-1 (NRG-1), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43).@*RESULTS@#The electrocardiogram (lead II) results indicated compared with the sham operation group, the S-T segments in the model group and EA group were increased obviously (both <0.01), indicating the MI model was established successfully. The TTC staining results indicated compared with sham operation group, the infarction size was significantly increased in the model group (<0.01); compared with the model group, the infarction size in the EA group was significantly reduced (<0.01). The IHC results indicated compared with the sham operation group, the positive nerve fiber density in myocardial was increased in the model group (<0.01); compared with the model group, the positive nerve fiber density in myocardial was reduced in the EA group (<0.05). The Western blot results indicated compared with the sham operation group, the expression levels of TH, NRG-1 and GAP-43 were significantly increased in the model group (<0.01); compared with the model group, the expression level of TH and GAP-43 were significantly reduced (<0.01) and that of NRG-1 was increased in the EA group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA could increase the expression of NRG-1 and reduce the expression of TH and GAP-43 in myocardial tissues in MI mice, which could suppress sympathetic nerve hyperexcitability after infarction to achieve myocardial protection effect.

The View ofon Infertility / 浙江中医药大学学报

Objective] To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of infertility according to the related comments in. [Method] Analyzing the infertility related scripture in and carefully reading the related annotations to analyze and elaborate the etiology and therapeutic principles of infertility. [Result]suggested that the uterus, Jing from parents, Du Yang, Yin and Yang of kidney were essential to fertility. Deficiency of kidney and insufficient Du were main etiologies of infertility. recommended that tonifying kidney and warming Du as treatments for infertility. [Conclusion]The theory about the etiology and therapeutic principles of infertility has taken shape in.is a cornerstone in the development of the etiology and therapeutic principles of infertility.

Dual Blockade of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System in Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the efficacy and safety of dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) among patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>We searched the major literature repositories, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and EMBASE, for randomized clinical trials published between January 1990 and October 2015 that compared the efficacy and safety of the use of dual blockade of the RAAS versus the use of monotherapy, without applying any language restrictions. Keywords for the searches included "diabetic nephropathy," "chronic kidney disease," "chronic renal insufficiency," "diabetes mellitus," "dual therapy," "combined therapy," "dual blockade," "renin-angiotensin system," "angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor," "angiotensin-receptor blocker," "aldosterone blockade," "selective aldosterone blockade," "renin inhibitor," "direct renin inhibitor," "mineralocorticoid receptor blocker," etc.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>The selected articles were carefully reviewed. We excluded randomized clinical trials in which the kidney damage of patients was related to diseases other than diabetes mellitus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Combination treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor supplemented by an angiotensin II receptor blocking agent is expected to provide a more complete blockade of the RAAS and a better control of hypertension. However, existing literature has presented mixed results, in particular, related to patient safety. In view of this, we conducted a comprehensive literature review in order to explain the rationale for dual blockade of the RAAS, and to discuss the pros and cons.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Despite the negative results of some recent large-scale studies, it may be immature to declare that the dual blockade is a failure because of the complex nature of the RAAS surrounding its diversified functions and utility. Further trials are warranted to study the combination therapy as an evidence-based practice.</p>

Secondary haemochromatosis in a haemodialysis patient

A 39-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease, which was maintained on haemodialysis, developed secondary haemochromatosis after receiving blood transfusions and intravenous iron supplementation without sufficient serum ferritin concentration monitoring. The patient received intravenous deferoxamine three times a week, combined with high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin therapy and haemodialysis. After three months, improvements in biochemical indicators and iron overload were noted.

Chinese medicine approach in clinical practice for breast cancer survivors / 中国结合医学杂志

A Chinese medicine (CM) approach, designed based on the clinical experiences of the West Los Angeles Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a practical path for assessing and treating breast cancer survivors. The approach consists of balancing the body with deciphering the cause of the patient's chief complaints by assessing and recognizing the six physiological dysfunctions that include gastrointestinal problems, sleeps problems, emotional imbalance, low body energy, menstrual change and pain. Multifaceted interventions are used for eliminating various CM pathologies based on identifying the basic CM patterns (syndromes) differentiation. Watching to assess the above two situations dynamically is used for outcome evaluation and predicting prognosis. Therefore this approach is called BMW. It can serve as a reference for CM clinical practice and integrative clinical care. It also can be used to simplify the clinical interpretation of CM and provide an easier way for CM doctors to communicate with Western medical doctors and patients. Additionally, it can be used as a guide for patients to assess their own symptoms for self-monitoring and self-care.

Case-control study on influence factors of birth defects / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To investigate the influence factors of birth defects. Methods The congenital malformational fetuses born from 13 week of gestation to 7 days after birth were selected as the study group between April 1st, 2009 and March 31st, 2010. The health born fetuses were set as control in the same period. Case-control and the three-level of monitor network of birth defects were used in the study in the participating 75 hospitals (Qingdao Women and Children's Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, etc.) . The study and control group's parents were interviewed by an uniformed questionnaire which was designed specially with influence factors of birth defects. Results (1) There are 466 congenital malformational fetuses in the total of 77 231 fetuses collected in 75 hospitals. The congenital malformational rate accounts for about 6. 034‰. The top six defect diseases were congenital heart disease (112 cases) , total harelip (cleft lip; cleft lip with palate; 85 cases) ,polydactyly (53 cases) , neural tube defects (38 cases) , congenital hydrocephalus (37 cases) and limb reduction defect (27 cases) in turn, which amounts to 353 cases (54.48% , 353/648). (2) Their mother education level in the birth-defect group (25. 6%) were significantly lower than that in control group (30. 0% , P < 0. 05). (3) The rate of passive smoking, drinking, raising pets of the parents in birth-defect group were significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0. 05). (4) The rate of exposure to harmful chemical and physical factors of mothers in birth defects group (13.9% and 20. 5% , respectively) was higher than that in control group (1.1% and 11.7% , respectively) , the difference between which were significant (P < 0. 01) . The rate of disease (34. 3%) , fever (13. 1%) , taking drugs (33. 8%) in pregnancy period in birth defect group were higher than that in control group (13. 5% , 1.5% and 9. 9% ,respectively) , the difference between which were significant (P <0. 01). The rate of bad moral irritation to the mother in pregnancy in birth defect group (11. 3%) was significantly higher than that in control group (1.4% , P<0.01). (5) There were 19 cases (2.9% , 19/648) with family heredity medical history in birth defect group, but there were none in the control group, the difference between which were significant (P<0. 01). There were 89 cases (13.7% , 89/648) with unusual birth history of their mothers in birth defect group, but there were 31 cases (4. 8% , 31/650) in control group, the difference between which were significant (P<0. 01). (6) Conditional Logistic Regression model was used for univalent and multivariate analysis. The results showed that main influence factors were identified as having important effect on birth defects, including mothers' exposure to harmful chemical factors (OR=13. 46) , disease (OR=3. 37) ,taking drugs (OR=2. 20) , exposure to bad moral irritation (OR=5. 44) , food-choosy (OR=1. 90) ,anemia (OR=1. 52) in gestational period, polyembryony (OR=4. 40) , father drinking (OR=1. 55) .While it was protective factors to supplement microelements such as the calcium iron and nutrient, etc. in pregnancy period (OR=0. 45). Conclusions First, the main birth defects were congenital heart disease, total harelip (cleft lip; cleft lip with palate) , polydactyly, neural tube defects, congenital hydrocephalus and limb reduction defect in turn. Second, the main influence factors identified as having important effect on birth defects were mothers' exposure to harmful chemical factors, ill, taking drugs, exposure to bad moral irritation, food-choosy, anemia in gestational period, polyembryony, father drinking. But it is protective factors to supplement microelements such as the calcium iron and nutrient, etc. in pregnancy period. Finally, it is the important part to prevent the birth defects by reducing and controlling dangerous factors in pregnancy period.

Relation of serum estradiol and progesterone levels with abortive anticipation in pregnant women with fetal irritability and vaginal bleeding / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the serum levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in patients with the auras of threatened abortion (ATA), i.e., fetal irritability and vaginal bleeding, and the relation with prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chinese medicine syndrome of 598 pregnant women with ATA consulted in authors' hospital were differentiated into 5 types, 151 patients of Shen-deficiency type; 151 of Pi-Shen deficiency type; 36 of qi-blood insufficiency type, 235 of blood-heat type, and 25 of traumatic injured type. Their serum levels of E2 and P at the 5th to 13th gestation week were monitored by competitive chemiluminescnet enzyme immunoassay. And the outcome of pregnancy, continued or defeated, was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) From the 7th gestation week on, serum E2 level in women with continued pregnancy (CP) increased continuously, showed a higher value than that at the previous week (P < 0.05), and was higher than that in women with defeated pregnancy (DP) of same gestation age (P < 0.05). (2) Serum P level was not different in CP women at various gestation age (P > 0.05), but from the 7th week on, it was higher in CP women than in DP women of same gestation age (P < 0.05). (3) The comparison of serum E2 in CP versus DP of women with Shen-deficiency type or Pi-Shen deficiency type was identical to that in CP versus DP of all women enrolled.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Serum levels of E2 and P in women with ATA at 5th to 13th gestation weeks were obtained. The 7th week of pregnancy is the critical period of pregnancy development, a comparative high E2 levels and its sustained and steady elevation indicates the good-ending of pregnancy with fetal irritability and vaginal bleeding. The Chinese medicine syndrome presented in women with ATA is dominantly the Shen-deficiency type. The variation of serum E2 is one of the important material foundation in pregnancy with fetal irritability and vaginal bleeding of Shen-deficiency type.</p>

The nutritional status among children under 60 months year-old after one year of the Earthquake in Wenchuan / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of Wenchuan Earthquake on the nutritional status, growth, and the prevalence nutritional anemia, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and vitamin D deficiency among children under 60 months old living in the disaster areas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A nutritional survey was conducted in April 2009. The survey recruited 466 under 60 months old children, including 162 children aged 0 months old and 304 children aged 24 - 59 months old. The children's growth status, prevalence of anemia, and the iron deficiency prevalence, vitamin A, D, B(12), folic acid status were measured. The study findings were compared to the results from 2002 Chinese Nutritional and Health Survey.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The exclusive breast milk feeding rate among infants under 6-months was 58.8% (30/51). Among the 0 - 23 months old children, only 10.7% (16/150) got breast feeding within one hour after delivery. Ninety-two per cent (149/162) 0 - 23 months old children never received any nutrient supplements. The average cereals and roots intakes of the 24 - 59 months old children living in the disaster area were (267.2 ± 154.3) g/d, higher than the result of rural children average (178.75 g/d) of 2002 National Nutrition and Health Survey (u = 9.995, P < 0.01). The average intakes of vegetables, aquatic products, meat and poultries were (63.6 ± 56.7), (2.6 ± 7.9), (19.4 ± 24.0) g/d, respectively, significantly lower than 2002 results 135.05, 8.82 and 32.23 g/d (u = 21.971, 13.728 and 9.321, P < 0.01). Fruits, dairy products and legumes intakes were (102.2 ± 110.8), (65.2 ± 123.8) and (20.5 ± 29.0) g/d, respectively, higher than 2002 results (32.81, 2.87 and 6.50 g/d; u = 10.919, 8.778 and 8.417, P < 0.01). The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and marginal deficiency was 15.4% (29/188) and 30.3% (57/188), respectively. The sum of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 92.0% (183/199). The prevalence of anemia of the 0-months old children and 24 - 59 months old children was 47.5% (77/162) and 21.5% (60/279), respectively. The prevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies was 45.7% (86/188) and 65.5% (127/197). The prevalence of stunt was 13.6% (38/279) among the 24 - 59 months old children.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results indicated that the dietary structure of the children living in the disaster area was not ideal. Although, the intakes of energy and protein supporting foods could meet the requirements, but the dietary lacks of meats, poultries, dairy products, legume products, aquatic products and vegetables. The vitamin A, vitamin D deficiency, iron and zinc deficiencies are of a high prevalence in the disaster area.</p>

Measurement of soluble solids content in watermelon by Vis/NIR diffuse transmittance technique / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Watermelon is a popular fruit in the world with soluble solids content (SSC) being one of the major characteristics used for assessing its quality. This study was aimed at obtaining a method for nondestructive SSC detection of watermelons by means of visible/near infrared (Vis/NIR) diffuse transmittance technique. Vis/NIR transmittance spectra of intact watermelons were acquired using a low-cost commercially available spectrometer operating over the range 350~1000 nm. Spectra data were analyzed by two multivariate calibration techniques: partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) methods. Two experiments were designed for two varieties of watermelons [Qilin (QL), Zaochunhongyu (ZC)], which have different skin thickness range and shape dimensions. The influences of different data preprocessing and spectra treatments were also investigated. Performance of different models was assessed in terms of root mean square errors of calibration (RMSEC), root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) and correlation coefficient (r) between the predicted and measured parameter values. Results showed that spectra data preprocessing influenced the performance of the calibration models. The first derivative spectra showed the best results with high correlation coefficient of determination [r=0.918 (QL); r=0.954 (ZC)], low RMSEP [0.65 degrees Brix (QL); 0.58 degrees Brix (ZC)], low RMSEC [0.48 degrees Brix (QL); 0.34 degrees Brix (ZC)] and small difference between the RMSEP and the RMSEC by PLS method. The nondestructive Vis/NIR measurements provided good estimates of SSC index of watermelon, and the predicted values were highly correlated with destructively measured values for SSC. The models based on smoothing spectra (Savitzky-Golay filter smoothing method) did not enhance the performance of calibration models obviously. The results indicated the feasibility of Vis/NIR diffuse transmittance spectral analysis for predicting watermelon SSC in a nondestructive way.

Erxian tang--introduction of a Chinese herbal formula, clinical practice, and experimental studies / 中国结合医学杂志

Erxian Tang is a Chinese herbal formula developed for the treatment of menopausal syndrome in women. In the past 50 years, EXT has shown positive efficacy in the treatment of many chronic diseases in TCM, involving syndrome types of Shen yin-yang deficiency, yin-deficiency caused yang-flourishing, and disharmony of Chong-Ren meridian. Experimental studies have revealed that EXT has multiple pharmacological actions on such multiple targets as hypothalamus-pituitary-target gland axis, immune function and free radical metabolism, etc.

[Clinical observation on Qidi Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Recipe in treating diabetic nephropathy at stage III and IV].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Qidi Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Recipe (QYYHR) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) at stage III and IV. METHODS: One hundred type 2 DN patients of qi-yin deficiency with blood-stasis syndrome were randomly divided into two groups, all were treated with basal hypoglycemic treatment but with QYYHR given to the treatment group additionally for 3 months. The symptoms were observed, blood glucose, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and hemorheological parameters were detected before and after treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate was higher in the treatment group than that in the control group (89.6% vs. 68.1%, P < 0.01), and the improvement of UAER, BUN, Cr and hemorheological parameters was also significantly better in the former than in the latter (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QYYHR has favorable effects on type 2 DN of qi-yin deficiency with blood-stasis syndrome.

Experimental study on effect of matrine in alleviating renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction model / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of matrine on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model and to explore its mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Model rats of UUO were established and randomly divided into 6 groups: the normal group, the sham group, the UUO model group, the fusinopril treated group (F group), the high dose and low dose matrine treated groups (HM and LM). The expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 ( MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), fibronectin (FN), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were determined semi-quantitatively by immunohistochemistry on the 14th day.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of MMP-3 in the UUO model rats was significantly lowed on the 14th day, compared with that in rats not modeled in the normal and the sham groups (P < 0.05), but it was higher in the three treated groups than that in the UUO model group (P < 0.05); the expressions of TIMP-1, FN, CTGF and alpha-SMA were lower in the normal group and sham UUO group than those in all the UUO model groups, while they were lower obviously in the three treated groups than those in the UUO model group (P < 0.05); there was no significant difference in the above-mentioned indexes between HM group and F group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Matrine could decrease the expressions of TIMP-1, FN, CTGF and alpha-SMA in the tubulointerstitium, and partly restore the expression of MMP-3, so as to delay the progression of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis.</p>

Clinical observation on Qidi Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Recipe in treating diabetic nephropathy at stage III and IV / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of Qidi Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Recipe (QYYHR) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) at stage III and IV.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred type 2 DN patients of qi-yin deficiency with blood-stasis syndrome were randomly divided into two groups, all were treated with basal hypoglycemic treatment but with QYYHR given to the treatment group additionally for 3 months. The symptoms were observed, blood glucose, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and hemorheological parameters were detected before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was higher in the treatment group than that in the control group (89.6% vs. 68.1%, P < 0.01), and the improvement of UAER, BUN, Cr and hemorheological parameters was also significantly better in the former than in the latter (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QYYHR has favorable effects on type 2 DN of qi-yin deficiency with blood-stasis syndrome.</p>

Evaluation on clinical therapeutic effect of needle-knife therapy on cervical spondylosis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare therapeutic effects of needle-knife therapy and acupuncture on cervical spondylosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Multi-central clinical randomized controlled trial was adopted. The patients were divided into a needle-knife treatment group treated with needle-knife therapy at the upper and lower interspinal ligaments of the affected vertebral body and bilateral posterior joint capsules; and the acupuncture control group were treated with acupuncture at Laozhen, Ashi points and cervical Jiaji points, etc. The short-term and the long-term therapeutic effects were observed at the end of the therapeutic course and 6 months after the end of the therapeutic course.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The short-term therapeutic effect and the long-term therapeutic effect were 91.3% and 94.7% in the needle-knife treatment group and 59.4% and 56.6% in the acupuncture control group, respectively, with a very significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The needle-knife treatment in the therapeutic effect on cervical spondylosis is superior to acupuncture treatment.</p>

Interventional effect of acupuncture treatment at Yifeng, Ermen and Zhongzhu acupoints on auditory brain-stem response in gentamicin-induced hearing impairment / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Some researches indicated that the acupuncture treatment, especially at Sanjiao meridian might be effective for otopathy. However, the mechanism is not clear yet.OBJECTIVE: To observe the hearing improvement of the cavies induced by gentamicin after the animals received the acupuncture at Sanjiao meridian acupoints: Yifeng (SJ 17), Ermen (SJ 21) and Zhongzhu (SJ 3).DESIGN: Complete randomization.SETTING: Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences.MATERIALS: Sixty healthy white male cavies of 3-4 months old, common grade, 250-300 g weight and normal auricle reflex were selected and randomly arranged into 5 groups: normal group, model group, acupuncture groups of Yifeng (SJ 17), Ermen (SJ 21) and Zhongzhu (SJ 3), with 12 ones in each.METHODS: The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January to July in 2001. ①The normal cavies were bred at normal conditions, while other cavies were injected intramuscularly with 80 mg/kg gentamicin every day, continuously for 20 days. At the same time of gentamicin injection, Yifeng (SJ 17), Ermen (SJ 21) and Zhongzhu (SJ 3) were selected for acupuncture treatment in the corresponding groups. The fixed cavies were pricked subcutaneously with 0.35 mm×25 mm stainless steel acupuncture needles for 10 mm straight depth. The needles were twisted with mild reinforcing-reducing method once in half a minute, repeated every 10 minutes, and remained for 30 minutes one day for 20 days.②Before and after the intervention, auditory brain-stem response (ABR) was detected with 7S11A evoked potential apparatus, in which the sound source was input by earphone for measuring the threshold value of ABR in cavies. ③The difference of measurement data were compared with t test between groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The effect of acupuncture treatment at Yifeng (SJ 17), Ermen (SJ 21) and Zhongzhu (SJ 3) on the ABR threshold in cavies injured by gentamicin.RESULTS: Totally 60 cavies were involved in the result analysis. There was insignificant difference in the ABR threshold of each group before the intervention (P ＞ 0.05); After the intervention, the ABR threshold was obviously lower in normal group than in other 4 groups (P ＜ 0.01), and also obviously lower in 3 acupuncture groups than in model group (P＜ 0.01),and especially in Yifeng group than in model group.CONCLUSION: The acupuncture treatment at Ermen (SJ 21), Zhongzhu (SJ 3), and especially at Yifeng (SJ 17) acupoints can relieve the hearing impairment in the cavies due to drug toxicity.

Effect of acupuncture at Yifeng, Ermen and Zhongzhu acupoints on pathohistological and morphological changes of basilar membrane in guinea pigs with drug poisoning auditory injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: At present, there is no ideal way to treat auditory injury, and acupuncture would become an effective method to prevent and cure drug auditory injury.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture at Yifeng, Ermen and Zhongzhu acupoints on improving histopathologic form of basilar membrane of guinea pig with drug poisoning auditory injury.DESIGN: Completely randomized design on the basis of experiment al animals.SETTING: Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences.MATERIALS: A total of 45 white male guinea pigs with normal Preyer's reflex were selected in this study. Guinea pigs were 3-4 months old, of general grade and weighted from 250 g to 300 g. All guinea pigs were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal group, model group, Yifeng group, Ermen group and Zhongzhu group with 9 in each group.METHODS: The experiment was completed at the Laboratory of College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Affiliated to Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April to July 2002. ① Normal group: Guinea pigs were fed with normal feed. Other four groups: Guinea pigs were injected into muscle with 80 mg/kg gentamycin for 20 days, and guinea pigs in Yifeng group, Ermen group and Zhongzhu group were acupunctured at corresponding acupoints at the same time. Before acupuncture, guinea pigs were fixed and rapidly acupunctured into subcutaneous tissue with stainless steel needle sized 0.35 mm × 25 mm. The needle was inserted about 10 mm. According to uniform reinforcing-reducing method, the needle was thrusted once every 10 minutes with each for 30 seconds and retained for 30 minutes. The course was 20 days. ② Basilar membrane of guinea pigs was established. Amount of hair cell was calculated under optic microscope (×200) to record deletion amount of hair cell and observe activity of succinic dehydrogenase; meanwhile, ultrastructure of hair cells was observed with transmission electron microscope (×5 000). Measurement data were compared with t test among groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Activities of succinic dehydrogenase of hair cell in stretched preparation and changes of ultrastructure of hair cell in cochlea of guinea pigs.RESULTS: All 45 guinea pigs were revolved in the final analysis. ① Comparing activities of succinic dehydrogenase: Activity in normal group was great, and structures of inter and outer hair cells were normal. Activity in mode group was reduced gradually till disappeared. Outer hair cell at base was damaged severely, and there was significant difference from that in normal group (P ＜ 0.01). Activity of succinic dehydrogenase in Yifeng group was changed a little as compared with that in normal group, and difference was not obviously (P ＞ 0.05). Activity of succinic dehydrogenase in Ermen group was decreased, and hair cell showed a little swelling and deletion. Activity of succinic dehydrogenase in Zhongzhu group was decreased remarkably, and outer hair cell at base was damaged severely.There was significant difference between Ermen group and Zhongzhu group as compared with that in normal group (P ＜ 0.01). ② Deletion amount of outer hair cells in basilar membrane of guinea pigs: Amounts in Yifeng group, Ermen group and normal group were less than those in model group (P ＜ 0.05-0.01), but those in Zhongzhu group were similar to those in model group. ③ Ultrastructure: Structure of hair cell of cochlea was normal in normal group, pathological changes were observed on hair cells in model group, and pathological changes in acupuncture groups were milder than those in model group. Pathological changes of outer hair cells were mild in Yifeng group, structure of hair cells was changed a little in Ermen group,pathological changes in Zhongzhu group were severe, but its degree was milder than that in model group.CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can improve and maintain the activity of succinic dehydrogenase, relieve or resist toxic effect of gentamycin, especially at Yifeng, then at Ermen and Zhongzhu.