Glutamine relieves the hypermetabolic response and reduces organ damage in severe burn patients: A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Severe burns can cause a hypermetabolic response and organ damage. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid with various pharmacological effects. In this study, whether glutamine could alleviate the hypermetabolic response and maintain organ function after burn injury was analyzed. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, single-blind, parallel controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of glutamine in decreasing hypermetabolism after burn injury. Physiological and biochemical indexes, such as vital signs, metabolic hormones, metabolic rate, and organ damage, were recorded on the 7th and 14th days after treatment. RESULTS: In total, 55 adult burn patients with a total burn surface area (TBSA) of 30-70% were included in this study and randomly divided into the burn control (B, 28 patients) and burn+glutamine (B+G, 27 patients) groups. Except for the glutamine administration, the groups did not differ in the other treatments and nutrition supplements. The levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), lactulose/mannitol (L/M), ß2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) and cardiac troponin l (cTnl) in the B+G group were significantly lower than those in the B group (p < 0.05 or 0.01). The levels of resting energy expenditure (REE), serum catecholamines, glucagon, lactate and Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in the B+G group were significantly lower than those in the B group (p < 0.05 or 0.01). No significant difference was found in the length of hospitalization or the mortality rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Glutamine moderately alleviates the hypermetabolic response and reduces organ damage after severe burns. Therefore, the early application of glutamine, which is effective and safe, should be used as an active intervention as early as possible.

Comparable efficacy of 100 mg aspirin twice daily and rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following primary total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Aspirin has demonstrated safety and efficacy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, inconsistent dose regimens have been reported in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of 100 mg aspirin twice daily with rivaroxaban in VTE prophylaxis following THA.@*METHODS@#Patients undergoing elective unilateral primary THA between January 2019 and January 2020 were prospectively enrolled in the study and randomly allocated to receive 5 weeks of VTE prophylaxis with either oral enteric-coated aspirin (100 mg twice daily) or rivaroxaban (10 mg once daily). Medication safety and efficacy were comprehensively evaluated through symptomatic VTE incidence, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on Doppler ultrasonography, total blood loss (TBL), laboratory bloodwork, Harris hip score (HHS), post-operative recovery, and the incidence of other complications.@*RESULTS@#We included 70 patients in this study; 34 and 36 were allocated to receive aspirin and rivaroxaban prophylaxis, respectively. No cases of symptomatic VTE occurred in this study. The DVT rate on Doppler ultrasonography in the aspirin group was not significantly different from that in the rivaroxaban group (8.8% vs. 8.3%, χ2 = 0.01, P = 0.91), confirming the non-inferiority of aspirin for DVT prophylaxis (χ2 = 2.29, P = 0.01). The calculated TBL in the aspirin group (944.9 mL [658.5-1137.8 mL]) was similar to that in the rivaroxaban group (978.3 mL [747.4-1740.6mL]) (χ2 = 1.55, P = 0.12). However, there were no significant inter-group differences in HHS at post-operative day (POD) 30 (Aspirin: 81.0 [78.8-83.0], Rivaroxaban: 81.0 [79.3-83.0], χ2 = 0.43, P = 0.67) and POD 90 (Aspirin: 90.0 [89.0-92.0], Rivaroxaban: 91.5 [88.3-92.8], χ2 = 0.77, P = 0.44), the incidence of bleeding events (2.9% vs. 8.3%, χ2 = 0.96, P = 0.33), or gastrointestinal complications (2.9% vs. 5.6%, χ2 = 1.13, P = 0.29).@*CONCLUSION@#In terms of safety and efficacy, the prophylactic use of 100 mg aspirin twice daily was not statistically different from that of rivaroxaban in preventing VTE and reducing the risk of blood loss following elective primary THA. This supports the use of aspirin chemoprophylaxis following THA as a less expensive and more widely available option for future THAs.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Chictr.org, ChiCTR18000202894; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=33284.

Research Development of Treating Mental Diseases with Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

The prevalence of various types of mental illness has reached 17.5％, and the current treatment of mental illness generally includes western medicine, psychotherapy and physical therapy. Due to the high disability rate, low cure rate and easy recurrence, mental illness has become a major public health problem that seriously affects human health and social stability. And it has attracted the attention of the government and society. At present, the typical western medicine for treating mental illness has serious side effects, while new types of medicine for treating mental illness has a slow efficacy. Physical therapy has an unstable effect, and the side effects of drugs for treating mental illness lack effective method. These problems are expected to be successfully solved through traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and acupoint stimulation. This paper puts forward the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine for the treatment of mental illness, and strives to build a technical system for the treatment of mental illness with integrated Chinese and Western medicine through the organic combination of multidisciplinary and multi-technology.Meanwhile, it lists some classic cases of treatment in order to provide reference for those who are keen on the integrated Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of mental disease.

Transport characteristics of Shuxiong prescription across Caco-2 cell monolayer model / 中国中药杂志

Shuxiong prescription (Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizome and Carthami Flos) has the function of activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis, activating meridians to stop pain. This paper was mainly aimed to discuss the transport characteristics of Shuxiong prescription across Caco-2 cell monolayer. Safe concentration range of Shuxiong prescription against Caco-2 cell monolayer model was determined by MTT assay. The mechanism of Shuxiong prescription bidirectional transport was investigated by Caco-2 cell monolayer model. The apparent permeability coefficient Papp of digoxin was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The test results showed that the Papp of extract from Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizome, Carthami Flos, Chuanxiong Rhizome+Carthami Flos and Shuxiong prescription transport from apical (AP) side to basolateral (BL) side was (3.12±0.73)×10⁻⁶, (2.58±0.41)×10⁻⁶, (4.97±0.64)×10⁻⁶, (4.63±0.57)×10⁻⁶, (5.79±0.68)×10⁻⁶ cm·s⁻¹, respectively, indicating that the transport of digoxin across Caco-2 cell monolayer model was active absorption, and the P-gp protein took part in the process. Chuanxiong Rhizome could significantly decrease the transport of digoxin from BL→AP(<0.01) and increase its transport from AP→BL(<0.05) significantiy. After the addition of Shuxiong prescription, the transport of digoxin from BL→AP was significantly inhibited(<0.01). The results suggested that the extract of safflower had no effect on P-gp transport, nor on the independence diffusion of digoxin. The transport of digoxin could be degraded by the extract of Chuanxiong Rhizome and the extract of Shuxiong prescription from BL→AP(<0.01), significantly; pseudo-ginseng had no effect on the independence diffusion of digoxin; the extract of safflower+Chuanxiong Rhizome had the same experimental result as Chuanxiong Rhizome extract.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous microwave ablation in the treatment of recurrent thyroid nodules / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effect of ultrasound guided microwave ablation in the treatment 01 recurrent thyroid nodules.@*METHOD@#Seventy-five cases of recurrent thyroid nodules were treated with ultrasound guided microwave ablation(MWA) under local anesthesia. All the patients underwent biopsy puncture, then the microwave ablation needle puncted in the center site of nodule with energy of 25-35 W, and the center tempera- ture could reach to 70-95 °C.@*RESULT@#MWA were successfully performed in all the patients without significant com- plications. Temporary hoarseness occurred in 5 cases and dispeared after 1-3 weeks, choking water occurred in 2 patients and recovered 3-5 days later. Ultrasound examination showed that the bloodstream of thyroid nodules disappeared in all the patients, and the nodules diminuted with varying degrees at 3-month and at 6-month follow- up Serum FT4 and TSH did not change significantly.@*CONCLUSION@#Ultrasound guided MWA could be effective in the treatment of recurrent thyroid nodule with minimal invasive technology.

Four new compounds from Imperata cylindrica.

Four new compounds, impecylone (1), deacetylimpecyloside (2), seguinoside K 4-methylether (3) and impecylenolide (4), were isolated from Imperata cylindrica along with two known compounds, impecyloside (5) and seguinoside K (6). Their structures were elucidated mainly by spectroscopic analyses including 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques, and the absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. In calcium assay, the result indicated that compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 cannot obviously inhibit the calcium peak value compared with the negative control, and suggested that the four compounds could not have anti-inflammatory activity.

Absorption, metabolism and effect of compatibility on absorption of qishenyiqi dropping pill.

Qishenyiqi dropping pill (QSYQ), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for treating heart diseases in China. Knowledge concerning the systemic identification of active compounds and metabolic components of QSYQ is generally lacking. Therefore, it is essential to develop a valid method for the analysis of active compounds of the combined prescription and determination of interactions among the herbs. The absorbable compounds and metabolites of QSYQ were profiled using computational chemistry prediction, an improved everted gut sac in vitro experiment, the Caco-2 cell monolayer in vitro test, a rat in vivo experiment and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrum (UPLC/DAD/Q-TOF MS). In total, 42 prototype compounds were recognized as absorbable compounds, and eight metabolites were identified by UPLC/DAD/Q-TOF MS. The absorption rates of phenolic acids and saponins were significantly improved and the absorption of isoflavone was inhibited after compatibility. The volatile oil component had an improved effect on the absorption of other compounds, while its own absorption was inhibited. In conclusion, the present study established a rapid and effective strategy for demonstrating the absorption and metabolism of QSYQ and revealing the compatible relationship among herbs. This investigation can provide a reference for the compatibility of prescriptions and the modernization of TCM.

[Anti-inflammatory mechanism of qingfei xiaoyan wan studied with network pharmacology].

This study aims to clarify out the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan. Chemical constituents of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan identified by UPLC Q-TOF, were submit to Molinspiration, PharmMapper and KEGG bioinformatics softwares for predicting their absorption parameters, target proteins and related pathways respectively; and the gene chip and real time-PCR were carried out to investigate the expression of inflammatory genes on lung tissue of guinea pigs or human bronchial epithelial cell lines. The predicted results showed that 19 of the 24 absorbable constituents affected at 9 inflammation-related pathways through 11 protein targets; Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan treatment can significantly reduce the infiltration of cytokines through ERK1 gene and 5 inflammatory pathways (Focal adhesion, Fc epsilon RI, Toll-like receptors, NK cell-mediated cytotoxic, and ERK/MAPK). The results of real time-PCR further confirmed that the anti-inflammatory effects of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan were due to active ingredients such as arctigenin, cholic acid and sinapic acid intervened focal adhesion, Fc epsilon RI signaling and ERK/MAPK pathways. The novel approach of 'drug-target-pathway' will present an effective strategy for the study of traditional Chinese medicines.

Anti-inflammatory mechanism of qingfei xiaoyan wan studied with network pharmacology / 药学学报

This study aims to clarify out the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan. Chemical constituents of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan identified by UPLC Q-TOF, were submit to Molinspiration, PharmMapper and KEGG bioinformatics softwares for predicting their absorption parameters, target proteins and related pathways respectively; and the gene chip and real time-PCR were carried out to investigate the expression of inflammatory genes on lung tissue of guinea pigs or human bronchial epithelial cell lines. The predicted results showed that 19 of the 24 absorbable constituents affected at 9 inflammation-related pathways through 11 protein targets; Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan treatment can significantly reduce the infiltration of cytokines through ERK1 gene and 5 inflammatory pathways (Focal adhesion, Fc epsilon RI, Toll-like receptors, NK cell-mediated cytotoxic, and ERK/MAPK). The results of real time-PCR further confirmed that the anti-inflammatory effects of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan were due to active ingredients such as arctigenin, cholic acid and sinapic acid intervened focal adhesion, Fc epsilon RI signaling and ERK/MAPK pathways. The novel approach of 'drug-target-pathway' will present an effective strategy for the study of traditional Chinese medicines.

Metabolic pathways of the psychotropic-carboline alkaloids, harmaline and harmine, by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy.

The ß-carboline alkaloids, harmaline and harmine, are present in hallucinogenic plants Ayahuasca and Peganum harmala, and in a variety of foods. In order to establish the metabolic pathway and bioactivities of endogenous and xenobiotic bioactive ß-carbolines, high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry, was used to identify these metabolites in human liver microsomes (HLMs) in vitro and in rat urine and bile samples after oral administration of the alkaloids. Three metabolites of harmaline and two of harmine were found in the HLMs. Nine metabolites for harmaline and seven metabolites for harmine, from the rat urine and bile samples, were identified. Among them, four in vivo metabolites were isolated and fully characterised by NMR analysis. For the first time, harmaline is shown transforming to harmine by oxidative dehydrogenation in rat. Five metabolic pathways were therefore proposed, namely, oxidative dehydrogenation, 7-O-demethylation, hydroxylation, O-glucuronide conjugation and O-sulphate conjugation.

Protective effect of Danning tablet on acute livery injury with cholestasis induced by α-naphthylisothiocyanate in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Danning tablet, as a composite prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used clinically to relieve liver and gallbladder diseases in China. However, the mechanisms involved are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation was designed to assess the effects and possible mechanisms of Danning tablet on α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced liver injury with cholestasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Danning tablet (3, 1.5 or 0.75g/kg body weight/day) was intragastrically (i.g.) given to experimental rats for seven days before they were treated with ANIT (60mg/kg daily via i.g.) which caused liver injury. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GTP), total bilirubin (T-Bil), direct bilirubin (D-Bil), total bile acid (TBA) and bile flow were measured to evaluate the protective effect of Danning tablet at 48h after ANIT treatment. Furthermore, protective mechanisms of Danning tablet against ANIT-induced liver injury were elucidated by assays of liver enzyme activities and component contents including myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), as well as liver lipid peroxide (LPO) and glutathione (GSH). The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination. Phytochemical analysis of Danning tablet was performed by UPLC-MASS. RESULTS: Obtained results demonstrated that high dose (3g/kg) of Danning tablet significantly prevented ANIT-induced changes in bile flow (P<0.01), and serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GTP, T-Bil, D-Bil (P<0.01) and TBA (P<0.05). In addition, ANIT-induced increases in hepatic MPO, GST activities and GSH, LPO contents were significantly (P<0.01) reduced, while SOD, Gpx, CAT activities in the liver tissue which were suppressed by ANIT were significantly (P<0.01) elevated in the groups pretreated with Danning tablet at the dose of 3g/kg B.W. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that pathological injuries were relieved after Danning tablet (3g/kg) pretreatment. The results also showed that medium dose (1.5g/kg) of Danning tablet exhibited partially protective effect on ANIT-induced liver injury with cholestasis by reversing part of biochemical parameters and histopathological changes. Low dose (0.75g/kg) of Danning tablet did not show any protective effect on ANIT-induced liver injury with cholestasis. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids and stilbene in the Danning tablet. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Danning tablet exerts a dose-dependently protective effect on ANIT-induced liver injury with cholestasis in rats, and the possible mechanism of this activity is likely due to its attenuation of oxidative stress in the liver tissue and neutrophil infiltration.

[Clinical observation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with tibial-remnant preserving technique using hamstring autograft].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the outcome of ACL reconstruction with tibial-remnant preserving technique using hamstring autograft. METHODS: From January 2007 to June 2009,18 patients, including 11 male and 7 female with an average age of 28.2 years (from 18 to 42 years), received ACL reconstruction in Kunshan traditional Chinese medicine hospital, Jiangsu province. All cases were confirmed that the remnant of torn ACL were more than 1/3 by arthroscopic observation. The gracillis and semitendinosus tendons harvested from the patient were folded and weaved as a graft, which was pulled into the femoral and tibia tunnel through the sheath formed by the remnant preserved carefully, then fixed by Rigidfix at femoral side and Intrafix at tibial side respectively. The Lysholm scores were recorded at the last follow-up to evaluate the postoperative knee function. The knee stability, range of motion (ROM), and proprioception were evaluated by physical examination. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up of all 18 patients was 17.3 months (ranged from 15 to 24 months), no synovitis, graft tear, and ROM limitation were found. The average postoperative Lysholm score was (91.56 +/- 4.60) improved from preoperative (49.43 +/- 2.85) (P < 0.05). There were no differences between bilateral knees on the knee flexion (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: To preserve the tibial remnant of torn ACL during ACL reconstruction had good outcomes, and contributed to recovery of knee proprioceptive function.

Clinical observation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with tibial-remnant preserving technique using hamstring autograft / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the outcome of ACL reconstruction with tibial-remnant preserving technique using hamstring autograft.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2007 to June 2009,18 patients, including 11 male and 7 female with an average age of 28.2 years (from 18 to 42 years), received ACL reconstruction in Kunshan traditional Chinese medicine hospital, Jiangsu province. All cases were confirmed that the remnant of torn ACL were more than 1/3 by arthroscopic observation. The gracillis and semitendinosus tendons harvested from the patient were folded and weaved as a graft, which was pulled into the femoral and tibia tunnel through the sheath formed by the remnant preserved carefully, then fixed by Rigidfix at femoral side and Intrafix at tibial side respectively. The Lysholm scores were recorded at the last follow-up to evaluate the postoperative knee function. The knee stability, range of motion (ROM), and proprioception were evaluated by physical examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average duration of follow-up of all 18 patients was 17.3 months (ranged from 15 to 24 months), no synovitis, graft tear, and ROM limitation were found. The average postoperative Lysholm score was (91.56 +/- 4.60) improved from preoperative (49.43 +/- 2.85) (P < 0.05). There were no differences between bilateral knees on the knee flexion (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>To preserve the tibial remnant of torn ACL during ACL reconstruction had good outcomes, and contributed to recovery of knee proprioceptive function.</p>

Explore new clinical application of Huanglian and corresponding compound prescriptions from their traditional use / 中国中药杂志

Huanglian is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb in the ancient and the present. It has a history of 2000 years in clinical application, having the efficacy of "Clear away heat and remove dampness, purge the sthenic fire and eliminate toxic materials", therefore can be used for various diseases or syndromes in types of dampness-heat and fire-toxin by internal or external use. Compound prescriptions mainly based on Huanglian or prescribed by Huanglian, such as Puji Xiaodu Yin, Huanglian Jiedu Tang, Zhusha Anshen Wan, Qingying Tang, Angong Niuhuang Wan, Niuhuang Qingxin Wan, Jiaotai Wan, Huanglian Ejiao Tang, Zuojin Wan, Danggui Longhui Wan, Huanglian Yanggan Wan, Wu Xiexin Tang, Lianpu Yin, Gegen Huangqin Huanglian Tang, Baitouweng Tang, Xianglian Wan etc. All of these are well-known formulas for clearing away toxin of heat-fire of heart and liver, as well as dampness-heat of stomach and intestines. Nowadays, Huanglian is generally considered as a kind of antibiotic and antivirus herb and is widely used for many infective diseases. In fact, it is also used to cure cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer based on pharmacological studies. Having been using Huanglian in treating the above diseases and having conducted clinical and experimental research on cancer and liver diseases, the author observed that Huanglian and its compound prescriptions have obvious effects on liver diseases such as acute or chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer due to types of dampness-heat and fire-toxin. Part of the effects has been proved by experimental research and it is worth carrying out more research in this area for development and clinical application.

Clinical observation on cake-separated mild-warm moxibustion for treatment of knee osteoarthritis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe clinical therapeutic effect of monkshood cake-separated mild-warm moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Xiyan (EX-LE 5) on knee osteoarthritis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patients of monkshood cake-separated mild-warm moxibustion group were treated with monkshood cake-separated mild-warm moxibustion at Dubi (ST 35), Zusanli (ST 36) and Neixiyan (EX-LE 4) on the affected side, and the medication group with oral administration of Xianling Gubao Capsules. After treatment for 4 weeks, VAS and index of severity of osteoarthritis (ISOA scale) were used for assessment of clinical therapeutic effect.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the arthralgia and the index of severity significantly improved in the two groups (P < 0.01), and the analgesic effect and improvement of ISOA in the monkshood cake-separated mild-warm moxibustion group were better than those in the medication group (P < 0.05). The basic clinical cured rate was 80.0% and the effect-producing time was (10.91 +/- 4.17) days in the monkshood cake-separated mild-warm moxibustion group, and 53.3% and (12.28 +/- 4.60) days in the medication group, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Therapeutic effect of monkshood cake-separated mild-warm moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis is better than that of oral administration of Xianling Gubao Capsules.</p>

[Effects of Erxian Decoction and its separate prescriptions on the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in anterior pituitary cells from female rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Erxian Decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese compound herbal medicine and its separate prescriptions such as Wenshen Yijing Recipe (WSYJR, a recipe for warming kidney and replenishing essence), Ziyin Xiehuo Recipe (ZYXHR, a recipe for nourishing yin and dispersing fire) and Tiaoli Chongren Recipe (TLCRR, a recipe for regulating thoroughfare and conception vessels) and some extracts from EXD on the levels of LH and FSH in the primary cultured anterior pituitary cells from female rats. METHODS: EXD, its separate prescriptions and traditional Chinese herbal extracts from EXD were added directly to the incubators. The levels of LH and FSH were tested by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The levels of LH and FSH in the supernatant of anterior pituitary cells treated by EXD or its separate prescriptions including ZYXHR and TLCRR were increased significantly as compared with those in the blank control. There was a tendency for stimulating the secretions of LH and FSH in the WSYJR-treated group too. Dimethyl sulfoxide as the solvent of icariin and curculigoside could interfere with the results. CONCLUSION: EXD and its separate prescriptions such as ZYXHR and TLCRR can increase the levels of LH and FSH significantly.

Clinical observation on treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with cake-separated mild moxibustion combined with Western medicine / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect-increasing action of cake-separated mild moxibustion on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to probe a new method for RA.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group (n=30) were treated with oral administration of methotrexate (MTX) as basic treatment, and non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) according to conditions of the patient. The treatment group (n=30) were treated with the same treatment as the control group, and Fuzi case-separated moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) was added. They were treated for 3 months.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment of 3 months, the total effective rate was 83.3% in the treatment group, which was higher than 60.0% in the control group (P < 0.05); there were significant differences before and after treatment in all indexes in the two groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); the ratio of the patients who completely withdrew NSAIDs in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05); the rate of adverse reaction in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fuzi cake-separated mild moxibustion can increase clinical therapeutic effect on RA and reduce dosage of NSAIDs.</p>

Clinical study on treatment of obsessive compulsive neurosis by acupoint stimulating control / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical effect of acupoint stimulating control (ASC) in treating obsessive compulsive neurosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The comparative study was conducted in 65 patients with obsessive compulsive neurosis, they were divided into two groups, the 33 patients in the control group treated with chlorimipramine and the 32 in the tested group treated with ASC. The therapeutic efficacy and adverse reaction were assessed according to the standard for clinical efficacy evaluation by Yale-Brown scale for obsession (Y-BOCS)and adverse reaction scale.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The curative rate and markedly effective rate in the control group was 24.2% (8/33) and 27.3% (19/33), which in the tested group was 37.5% (12/32) and 34.4% (11/32) respectively. Significant difference was shown in comparison of Y-BOCS score between the two groups from the end of the 4th week of treatment (P < 0.05), indicating the efficacy in the tested group was better than that in the control group. Moreover, the occurrence of adverse reaction was higher in the control group than that in the tested group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ASC is a treatment with good effect, less adverse reaction and favourable safety superior to the treatment by chlorimipramine.</p>

Bioadhesive characterization of poly(methylidene malonate 2.12) microparticle on model extracellular matrix.

The efficacy of a drug delivery system is predicated on its retention in the target tissue. Microparticle is one of the most popular and effective drug delivery configurations. Recently, it has been shown that the interaction between drug-loaded microparticles and tissues is related to the effectiveness of paclitaxel delivery to the bladder wall of mice for treating superficial bladder cancer. In this study, the adhesive interaction between poly(methylidene malonate 2.12) or PMM 2.1.2 microparticles and collagen, which serves as the model extracellular matrix for bladder wall, was probed with confocal reflectance interference contrast microscopy (C-RICM), single-particle compressive force measurement and contact mechanics theory. Young's modulus of single PMM 2.1.2 microparticle was determined as 1.56 +/- 0.25 x 10(4)N/m(2). For plain PMM 2.1.2 microparticle in water (pH 5.5), the degree of deformation (a/R) on collagen coated substrate decreased from 0.77 to 0.26 against the increase of mid-plane diameter from 2 to 18 microm. The adhesion energy of PMM 2.1.2 microparticle was determined from Maguis-JKR theory and remained at around 1.5 mJ/m(2) against the increase of particle diameter. At pH 4, the average degree of particle deformation and adhesion energy was increased by 11% and 32%, respectively, in comparison with that at pH 5.5. The loading of paclitaxel in PMM 2.1.2 microspheres enhanced the deformation and adhesion of microspheres at pH 5.5. It is hypothesized that the electrostatic repulsion between paclitaxel and collagen at pH 4 reduces the adhesion energy of PMM 2.1.2-paclitaxel microsphere. This study may offer insight for design of future microparticulate delivery systems by providing the experimental and theoretical tools to study the bioadhesive interaction between drug-loaded microparticles and model extracellular matrices.

Clinical Study on Acupoint Stimulation Combined with Small Dose of Chlorimipramine for Treatment of 30 Cases of Obsession / 中医杂志

Objective:To study the clinical therapeutic effect of acupoint stimulation on obssession.Methods:60 inpatients and outpatients of obsession were divided into two groups,a chlorimipramine group(control group)and an acupoint stimulation plus chlorimipramine group(treatment group),30 cases in each group.Their therapeutic effect and adverse effects were evaluated with Y-BOCS, HAND,BPRS and TESS,respectively.Results:The cured rate and the markedly effective rate were 26.7% and 56.6% in control group and 43.3% and 76.7% in treatment group,respectively,the treatment group being better than the control group.The adverse reactive rate was 73.33% in control group and 46.67% in the treatment group with a significant difference between the two groups(P