Moxibustion alleviates decreased ovarian reserve in rats by restoring the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Moxibustion, a common therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, has potential benefits for treating decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). The present study investigates the protective effect of moxibustion in a rat model of DOR and explores the possible mechanisms. METHODS: Sixty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, DOR, moxibustion (MOX), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The DOR rat model was established by intragastric administration of 50 mg/kg Tripterygium glycoside suspension (TGS), once daily for 14 days. MOX and HRT treatments were given from the day TGS administration was initiated. The ovarian reserve function was evaluated by monitoring the estrus cycle, morphological changes in ovaries, levels of serum estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), pregnancy rate and embryo numbers. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end-labeling staining was used to identify ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis, while the protein and mRNA expressions of Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in ovarian tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Compared with the DOR group, MOX improved the disordered estrous cycle, promoted follicular growth, reduced the number of atresia follicles, increased the concentrations of serum E2 and AMH, and decreased serum FSH and LH concentrations. More importantly, the pregnancy rate and embryo numbers in DOR rats were both upregulated in the MOX treatment group, compared to the untreated DOR model. Further, we found that the MOX group had reduced apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced expression of Bax. Furthermore, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was triggered by the moxibustion treatment. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion improved ovarian function and suppressed apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in a rat model of DOR induced by TGS, and the mechanism may involve the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Interpretation of Intelligence Attribute of Supramolecular "Qi Chromatography" Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Combined Application with Artificial Intelligence / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In the era of artificial intelligence based on big data， data acquisition， storage and processing are more convenient， which provides a guarantee for accelerating the development of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， but it has not yet achieved organic integration with TCM theory. Based on preliminary research on the supramolecular "Qi chromatography" theory of TCM， combined with the current development trend of artificial intelligence， this paper analyzed the biological intelligence attribute of the function of TCM supramolecular "imprinting template"， in order to provide reference for the development of TCM drug innovation. Both the human body and Chinese materia medica are giant complex supramolecular bodies evolved from natural organisms. According to the "imprinting template"， the "social molecules" are controlled step by step to form the meridians and viscera. The interaction produces the original theory of TCM， in which the self-recognition， self-assembly， self-organization and self-replication of the "imprinting template" reflect the "intelligence" function attributes：the human body uses the "imprinting template" to self-identify and sense the ingredients of TCM， and store the memory information database in the meridian and collateral organs in the form of "imprinting template"， and then pass the "imprinting template". The comparison， analysis， and judgment of imprinting templates guide the self-assembly， self-organization and self-replication among "molecular society"， synthesize biological machines， produce biological functions， repair or strengthen biological supramolecular bodies， and present the most basic "intelligence" attribute. This suggests that the theory of theory-method-prescription-medicine of TCM is the weak embodiment of biological "intelligence"， while the human brain function is the strong embodiment of biological "intelligence". Since the intelligent function of supramolecular "imprinting template" runs through the natural world， artificial intelligence that can characterize the strong "intelligence" form of the human brain will also be integrated into all aspects of the natural world， suggesting the development direction of "intelligence" functionalization of drug innovation mode.

Exploration of Ideas and Strategies for TCM Modernization Experimental Research Based on Precise Messenger Targeting of Exosomes and TCM Supramolecular "Qi Chromatography" Theory / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Exosomes are lipid bilayer membranous vesicles actively secreted by various cells in the organism， which are like nanoparticles and have messenger targeting. Combining with the theory of supramolecular "Qi chromatography" of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， research ideas and strategies of modernization of TCM can be constructed. Exosomes are secreted by cells， and the membrane contains nucleic acids， proteins， lipids and small molecular metabolites and others， which can accurately coordinate the functions of each cell， concentrate and transmit the functional information of the parent cell， and is the concise form of reflecting cell functions. At the same time， it is loaded with the "imprinted templates" of the supramolecular "Qi chromatography" theory of TCM. If the "imprinted templates" carrying rules among the gene-protein-lipid-small molecules wrapped in it is studied， the modern experimental research ideas and strategies of TCM theory can be established for revealing the functions of the body's meridians and viscera. Firstly， the present situation of exosomes， including discovery， secretion， characteristics， functions， attribution， uptake， research methods and application status， were reviewed in this paper. And the natural properties of its precise messenger targeted delivery vehicle were elaborated， reflecting the operation law of microscopic substances in meridians and viscera. Secondly， to explore it as an important carrier of the concentrated "imprinted templates" of the supramolecular "Qi chromatography" theory of TCM， and integrating the research methods of exosomes and supramolecular chemistry of TCM， this paper proposes experimental research ideas and strategies on the microscopic material basis of meridians and viscera， compatibility of TCM compound， and targeting of TCM targeted preparations.

A survey on iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Wuhan from 2016 to 2020 / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To understand the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Wuhan, and to provide a basis for guiding pregnant women to supplement iodine scientifically and adjust the prevention and control strategy of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods:From May 2016 to September 2020, each district of 13 administrative districts in Wuhan was divided into 5 areas according to east, west, south, north and middle. One township (street) was selected from each area, and 20 pregnant women were selected from each township (street). Edible salt and urine samples were collected to detect the contents of salt iodine and urinary iodine. Salt iodine was determined by direct titration, Sichuan salt and other fortified edible salt by arbitration method; urinary iodine was detected by arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. Salt iodine and urinary iodine were analyzed according to different years, regions (central and far urban areas), age [low age (< 25 years old), appropriate age (25 - 34 years old), old age (≥35 years old)], and pregnancy [early pregnancy (< 13 weeks), middle pregnancy (13 - 27 weeks), and late pregnancy (28 - 40 weeks)].Results:A total of 5 200 edible salt samples from pregnant women's homes were collected, and the median salt iodine was 24.41 mg/kg. Among them, there were 32 non-iodized salts, 4 962 qualified iodized salts, and 206 unqualified iodized salts. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.38% (5 168/5 200), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 95.42% (4 962/5 200). A total of 5 200 pregnant women's urine samples were tested, and the median urinary iodine was 161.24 μg/L. Urinary iodine < 150 μg/L was found in central urban area, early pregnancy, middle pregnancy, low age and old age pregnant women in 2016 (141.74, 149.00, 132.34, 135.17, 121.00 μg/L); in early pregnancy, middle pregnancy and old age pregnant women in 2017 (128.00, 149.00, 141.41 μg/L); and in middle pregnancy and old age pregnant women in 2020 (148.95, 138.00 μg/L), which was at iodine deficiency level.Conclusions:Pregnant women in Wuhan are generally at iodine appropriate level, but close to the lower limit of the appropriate value, some pregnant women are at risk of iodine deficiency. It is still necessary to pay close attention to iodine nutrition status of pregnant women, and advocate pregnant women to eat qualified iodized salt actively.

Acupuncture for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes.

ABSTRACT: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the effects of acupuncture in women with breast cancer (BC), focusing on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was carried out for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting PROs in BC patients with treatment-related symptoms after undergoing acupuncture for at least four weeks. Literature screening, data extraction, and risk bias assessment were independently carried out by two researchers. RESULTS: Out of the 2, 524 identified studies, 29 studies representing 33 articles were included in this meta-analysis. At the end of treatment (EOT), the acupuncture patients' quality of life (QoL) was measured by the QLQ-C30 QoL subscale, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General/Breast (FACT-G/B), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), which depicted a significant improvement. The use of acupuncture in BC patients lead to a considerable reduction in the scores of all subscales of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measuring pain. Moreover, patients treated with acupuncture were more likely to experience improvements in hot flashes scores, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and anxiety compared to those in the control group, while the improvements in depression were comparable across both groups. Long-term follow-up results were similar to the EOT results. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that acupuncture might improve BC treatment-related symptoms measured with PROs including QoL, pain, fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disturbance and anxiety. However, a number of included studies report limited amounts of certain subgroup settings, thus more rigorous, well-designed and larger RCTs are needed to confirm our results.

Targeting CD155 by rediocide-A overcomes tumour immuno-resistance to natural killer cells.

CONTEXT: Therapeutic benefits of immunotherapy are restricted by cancer immune-resistance mechanisms. Rediocide-A (Red-A), a natural product extracted from Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a promising agent to battle against cancer which acts as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Red-A on NK-cell tumouricidal activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NK cells were co-cultured with A549 or H1299 cells and treated with 10 or 100 nM Red-A for 24 h. Cells treated with 0.1% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) was employed as vehicle control. NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity was detected by biophotonic cytotoxicity and impedance assay. Degranulation, granzyme B, NK cell-tumour cell conjugates and ligands profiling were detected by flow cytometry. Interferon-γ (IFN- γ) production was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Red-A increased NK cell-mediated lysis of A549 cells by 3.58-fold (21.86% vs. 78.27%) and H1299 cells by 1.26-fold (59.18% vs. 74.78%), compared to vehicle control. Granzyme B level was increased by 48.01% (A549 cells) and 53.26% (H1299 cells) after 100 nM Red-A treatment. INF-γ level was increased by 3.23-fold (A549 cells) and 6.77-fold (H1299 cells) after 100 nM Red-A treatment. Red-A treatment down-regulated the expression level of CD155 by 14.41% and 11.66% in A549 cells and H1299 cells, respectively, leading to the blockade of tumour immuno-resistance to NK cells. CONCLUSIONS: Red-A overcomes immuno-resistance of NSCLCs to NK cells by down-regulating CD155 expression, which shows the possibility of developing checkpoint inhibitors targeting TIGIT/CD155 signalling to overcome immuno-resistance of cancer cells.

Efficacy and effect on serum VEGF-C of mild moxibustion plus functional exercise for upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the efficacy of mild moxibustion combined with functional exercise in the treatment of upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery and its effect on serum vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). Methods: Seventy-eight patients were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method, with 39 cases in each group. The control group received functional exercise and the observation group received mild moxibustion plus functional exercise. The differences in circumference between the two upper limbs, the lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb, the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, the functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast (FACT-B) score and serum VEGF-C level between the two groups were compared before and after treatment. Efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The difference in circumference between the two upper limbs of the two groups decreased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb of the two groups increased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The DASH scores of the two groups decreased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The FACT-B scores of the two groups increased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum VEGF-C level increased significantly in the observation group (P<0.05), whereas the control group did not show significant change (P>0.05). The post-treatment serum VEGF-C level was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of mild moxibustion combined with functional exercise for upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery is certain, which can reduce the difference in circumference between the two upper limbs, increase the lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb, improve the limb function and the quality of life, and regulate the serum VEGF-C level.

Construction of Evaluating Method and Experimental Research for Targeting of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations Based on Supramolecular Qi Chromatography Theory / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To construct the targeting evaluation method of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） preparations based on supramolecular Qi chromatography theory， and to study the liver targeting effect of Bupleuri Radix on Pien Tze Huang. Method:The molecular connectivity index （MCI） was used to analyze the characteristics of imprinted template and liver targeting tendency of TCM mainly attributed to liver meridian and components of Pien Tze Huang， and combined with target dynamics and total statistical moment principle， aimed at the independent action characteristics of multi-component imprinted template of TCM， a method for evaluating the targeting of TCM preparations was established. Hepatoma rats in Pien Tze Huang group， Bupleuri Radix<italic> </italic>group， Pien Tze Huang+Bupleuri Radix group and blank group were tested and verified. Result:After the average value of MCI of TCM mainly attributed to liver meridian was deducted， the MCI similarity between Pien Tze Huang group and Bupleuri Radix group was 0.376 8， Pien Tze Huang+Bupleuri Radix group and Bupleuri Radix group was 0.988 2， so it was predicted that Bupleuri Radix could enhance the liver targeting of Pien Tze Huang. A system for evaluating the targeting of TCM compounds was established， including relative total uptake efficiency （RUE_T）， relative total concentration （RC_T）， relative imprinted tendency （RIT_T） and relative imprinted variance （RIV_T）. The RUE_T and RC_T of liver were the highest in all tissues （RUE_T=1.88>1，RC_T<italic>=</italic>2.30>1）， and the corresponding values of other tissues were all <1， indicating that Pien Tze Huang combined with Bupleuri Radix could increase its distribution in liver and enhance liver targeting. Except for plasma， the RIT_T and RIV_T of other tissues fluctuated around 1.0， indicating that targeted modification did not change imprinted tendency of Pien Tze Huang and had no significant effect on the types of components. Conclusion:Under the guidance of supramolecular Qi chromatography theory， a targeting evaluation parameter system can be established to characterize the multi-component imprinted effect of TCM preparations by MCI and total statistical moment parameters， so as to realize the evaluation of targeting of TCM preparations. The addition of Bupleuri Radix can increase the liver targeting of Pien Tze Huang.

Quantitative Integration and Verification of Components and Target Clusters of Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Supramolecular Qi Chromatography Theory / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The application of modern scientific theories and technologies to explore the mechanism of Chinese medicine and its compounds is one of the key issues in realizing the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） research. Chinese medicine and its compounds produce comprehensive pharmacodynamics through multiple components acting on multiple targets， the core of clarifying the mechanism is to solve the key scientific problems of static correlation and dynamic integration verification between the components and the target network topology. At present， the effective method to clarify the mechanism of Chinese medicine and its compounds is to statically correlate the topological network of in vitro components and targets through network pharmacology. Although there are also component-target verification studies， they often learn from research idea of single component-single target， it is urgent to establish a quantitative integration and overall verification method that conforms to the characteristics of TCM. According to supramolecular Qi chromatography theory of TCM， the microscopic mechanism of interaction between Chinese medicine and human body is actually the two supramolecular host and object groups （the active ingredient group of Chinese medicine and the target group of human body） based on imprinted template， which shows the macroscopic properties and pharmacodynamics. Based on this， the author proposes to use supramolecular Qi chromatography theory as the guidance， combined with supramolecular chemistry， network dynamics， quantitative pharmacology and other methods to quantitatively integrate and verify the compositions and the target groups with imprinted template as the core predicted by network pharmacology， looking for the optimal quality markers， greatly reducing the difficulty of multi-component-multi-target experimental verification of Chinese medicine and its compounds.

Mechanism of Chinese Medicine in Induction of Apoptosis of Lung Cancer Cells： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Lung cancer， a malignancy with high incidence rate and mortality rate， is a major threat to human life and health. At present， the common methods for the treatment of lung cancer include surgical resection， radiotherapy， chemotherapy， targeted therapy， and immunotherapy， but these methods generally have the problems of severe toxic/side effect and high treatment cost. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） has a history of more than 2 000 years of application in China and has its unique advantages in the treatment of tumors. Modern pharmacological experiments have found that TCM can inhibit tumor growth， prolong patients' survival， and improve clinical symptoms and patients' quality of life by inducing tumor cell apoptosis， inhibiting tumor angiogenesis， and reducing tumor cell drug resistance. Apoptosis is a process of spontaneous programmed cell death， which is closely related to the occurrence and development of the tumor. Studies have shown that many Chinese medicines can inhibit the development of lung cancer by inducing apoptosis. This study searched， analyzed， and summarized the available papers on the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of lung cancer by inducing apoptosis. It is found that Chinese medicine induces lung cancer cell apoptosis mainly by regulating apoptosis-related factors and apoptosis-related signaling pathways ［inhibitor of apoptosis proteins （IAPs）， B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， p53 protein， the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase （SMAC）/direct IAP-binding protein with low isoelectric point （DIABLO）， extrinsic apoptotic pathway， endogenous mitochondrial pathway， Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT） signaling pathway， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， and phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway. In addition， the Wnt/β-catenin/survivin signaling pathway and the Notch signaling pathway also play an important role in inducing apoptosis.

HPLC Fingerprint Analysis of Substance Benchmark of Xiao Chengqitang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish a high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） fingerprint of the substance benchmark of Xiao Chengqitang and evaluate its quality with chemical pattern recognition method. Method:Diamonsil C₁₈ column （4.6 mm×150 mm， 5 μm） was used， mobile phase was consisted of methanol （A）-0.1% phosphoric acid solution （B） for gradient elution （0-60 min， 20%-90%A； 60-70 min， 90%-100%A）， the flow rate was 1 mL·min^-1， the column temperature was 25 ℃， and the detection wavelength was 254 nm. The similarity evaluation system of chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine （2012 edition） was used to evaluate the similarity of HPLC fingerprint of 15 batches of substance benchmark of Xiao Chengqitang， and the chromatographic data were analyzed by cluster analysis， principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis， in order to evaluate the quality difference between different batches of substance benchmarks of Xiao Chengqitang and find out the main chemical components that caused the quality difference. Result:The HPLC fingerprint of Xiao Chengqitang substance benchmarks was established， 31 common peaks were identified， and 18 components were identified by comparing with the reference substances. The similarities of 15 batches of HPLC fingerprint of Xiao Chengqitang substance benchmarks were >0.92. The samples could be divided into two categories by three chemical pattern recognition methods. Nine main components leading to the quality discrepancy of samples between batches were screened out， including rhein， chrysophanol-8-<italic>O</italic>-<italic>β</italic>-<italic>D</italic>-glucoside， aloe-emodin-8-<italic>O</italic>-<italic>β</italic>-<italic>D</italic>-glucoside， sennoside A， chrysophanol-1-<italic>O</italic>-<italic>β</italic>-<italic>D</italic>-glucoside， rhein-8-<italic>O</italic>-glucoside and others. Conclusion:The established fingerprint analysis method is accurate， stable and reproducible， which basically reflects the overall chemical composition characteristics of Xiao Chengqitang， and can be used for the quality control of Xiao Chengqitang preparations.

Study on time-toxicity relationship and mechanism of Gardeniae Fructus extract on hepatoxicity in rats based on proteomics / 中国中药杂志

To study the time-toxicity relationship and mechanism of Gardeniae Fructus extract on the hepatoxicity in rats. Rats were randomly divided into C group(0 day), D5 group(5 days), D12 group(12 days), D19 group(19 days), and D26 group(7 days recovery after 19 days of administration). The rats in normal group received normal saline through intragastric administration, and the rats in other groups received 10 g·kg~(-1 )Gardeniae Fructus extract through intragastric administration. After the final administration, the livers were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver tissue. Total liver proteins were extracted for proteomic analysis, detected by the Nano-ESI liquid-mass spectrometry system and identified by Protein Disco-very software. SIEVE software was used for relative quantitative and qualitative analysis of proteins. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed based on STRING. Cytoscape software was used for cluster analysis of differential proteins. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) database was used to perform enrichment signal pathway analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was performed for the screened differential protein expression and liver pathology degree score. The results showed that the severity of liver injury in D5, D12 and D19 groups was significantly higher than that in group C. The degree of liver damage in D5 group was slightly higher than that in D12 and D19 groups, with no significant difference between group D26 and group C. Totally 147 key differential proteins have been screened out by proteomics and mainly formed 6 clusters, involving in drug metabolism pathways, retinol metabolism pathways, proteasomes, amino acid biosynthesis pathways, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. The results of Pearson correlation analysis indicated that differential protein expressions had a certain temporal relationship with the change of liver pathological degree. The above results indicated that the severity of liver damage caused by Gardeniae Fructus extract did not increase with time and would recover after drug with drawal. The above pathways may be related to the mechanism of liver injury induced by Gardeniae Fructus extract.

Intestinal dysfunction of spinal cord injury treated with moxibustion: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect on intestinal dysfunction of spinal cord injury (SCI) between the comprehensive therapy of moxibustion (moxibustion for opening the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) and rehabilitation training and the simple treatment with rehabilitation training.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with intestinal dysfunction of SCI were randomized into a comprehensive therapy group and a rehabilitation group, 30 cases in each one (3 cases were dropped out in each group). On the base of the routine western medicine treatment and rehabilitation training, the bowel training and rectal function training were provided, once a day in the rehabilitation group. In the comprehensive therapy group, on the base of the treatment as the rehabilitation group, the moxibustion was exerted at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Zhiyang (GV 9), Dazhui (GV 14) and Baihui (GV 20), etc, once a day, 30 min each time. In both groups, the treatment for 4 weeks was as one course and 3 courses of treatment were required. Separately, before treatment, after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) and World Health Organization quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were observed and the clinical effect was evaluated after 12 weeks of treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the total effective rate was 88.9% (24/27) in the comprehensive therapy group, which was higher than 74.1% (20/27) in the rehabilitation group (<0.05). After 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, NBD scores were all reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01). After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, NBD scores in the comprehensive therapy group were lower than the rehabilitation group (both <0.05). After 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of all of the domains (psychology, physiology, social relations and environment) in WHOQOL-BREF were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01). After 4 weeks of treatment, the scores in the psychology and physiology domains in the comprehensive therapy group were higher than the rehabilitation group (all <0.05). After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of all of the domains in the comprehensive therapy group were higher than the rehabilitation group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The comprehensive treatment of moxibustion and rehabilitation training achieves the better effect on intestinal dysfunction of SCI than the simple rehabilitation training and greatly improves the quality of life in SCI patients.

Herb-separated moxibustion on dysmenorrhea in ovarian endometriosis: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion on dysmenorrhea in ovarian endometriosis.@*METHODS@#A total of 54 patients with ovarian endometriosis dysmenorrhea were randomized into a herb-separated moxibustion group and a waiting-list group, 27 cases in each one (3 cases dropped off in the herb-separated moxibustion group, 4 cases dropped off in the waiting-list group). Herb-separated moxibustion was applied at hypogastrium and lumbosacral area for 30 min in the herb-separated moxibustion group, once a week for 3 months, and oral ibuprofen sustained-release capsule was given to relieve pain when necessary. Excepting giving ibuprofen sustained-release capsule when necessary, no more intervention was adopted in the waiting-list group. Before and after treatment and in 3 months follow-up, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, days of dysmenorrhea, total dose of oral painkiller were observed.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores after tratment and in follow-up were decreased in the herb-separated moxibustion group (<0.05), and were less than those in the waiting-list group (<0.05); the days of dysmenorrhea and the total doses of oral painkiller after tratment and in follow-up were decreased in the herb-separated moxibustion group (<0.05), and were less than those in the waiting-list group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Herb-separated moxibustion can effectively improve dysmenorrhea symptom and shorten dysmenorrhea days in patients with ovarian endometriosis.

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.

[Effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress and apoptosis in ovarian hypofunction induced by Tripterygium Glycosides].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether manual acupuncture stimulation of "Shenshu " (BL23), "Guanyuan" (CV4), "Zhongwan" (CV12) can improve the ovarian function by resisting oxidant stress and reducing apoptosis of granulosa cells in rats with ovarian hypofunction. METHODS: Forty female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into blank control, model, hormone therapy and acupuncture groups (n=10 rats in each group). The ovarian hypofunction model was established by gavage of Tripterygium Glycosides suspension (50 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 14 successive days. Rats of the hormone therapy group were treated by gavage of estrogen and progesterone, and those of the acupuncture group treated by manual acupuncture stimulation of bilateral BL23 or CV4 and CV12 alternatively by using uniform reinforcing-reducing method for 10 s every 5 min (3 times in 10 min). The treatment was performed once daily for 14 days. The blank group was given equal volume of normal saline daily. On the 9th day, the estrous cycle of each rat was observed by means of vaginal smear test. The ovarian index, serum estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents were detected by ELISA. Histopathological changes of the ovary tissue were observed by H.E. staining. The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 and their mRNAs of the ovaries were determined by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real time-PCR separately. RESULTS: The menstrual disorder rate was 100% in the model group, and was significantly higher than those in the hormone therapy (30%) and acupuncture (40%) groups (P<0.01). Following modeling, the ovarian wet weight and index, E2 and SOD contents, Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and serum FSH, LH and MDA levels, Bax protein and mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the model group in comparison with the blank control group. H.E. staining showed a large amount of connective tissue in the ovary, with fewer mature follicles, increase of atresia follicles, significant reduction of luteal tissue, and appearance of scarring tissue in the model group. Compared with the model group, there were more mature follicles, fewer atresia follicles, lower abnormal granulosa cell morphology and lower estrous cycle disorder ratio in both hormone therapy and acupuncture groups. After the interventions, the decreased ovarian wet weight and index, serum E2 and SOD contents, expressions of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the increased levels of FSH and LH, MDA, expressions of Bax protein and mRNA were significantly decreased in both hormone therapy and acupuncture groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The effect of acupuncture was significantly superior to that of hormone in up-regulating SOD, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expressions (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can improve the menstrual disorder in rats with ovarian hypofunction, which is closely related to its effects in improving antioxidant stress ability and regulating the expressions of apoptosis-related protein and mRNA of ovarian gra-nulosa cells.

Effect of early application of magnesium sulfate on neurological dysfunction in severe hand, foot, and mouth disease / 中华传染病杂志

Objective To explore the protective effect of magnesium sulfate on the nerve injury in severe hand, foot and mouth disease ( HFMD) caused by enterovirus A71 ( EV-A71) and to investigate its clinical and prognostic effects.Methods A total of 240 cases of severe HFMD with EV-A71 infection and nerve injury were enrolled.According to the random number table method, the patients were randomly divided into conventional treatment group (control group) and magnesium sulfate treatment group ( treatment group), with 120 cases in each group.The control group was given the routine treatment, and the treatment group was given the magnesium sulfate adjuvant treatment on the basis of routine treatment.The neurological symptoms and signs, clinical efficacy and prognosis were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.The blood and cerebrospinal fluid neuron-specific enolase ( NSE), S100-βprotein and neuropeptide Y ( NPY) were analyzed before and after treatment.The amplitude integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) was used to monitor the abnormal recovery of EEG.The t-test was applied to analyze quantitative data, and the chi-square test was used for qualitative data comparison.Results Among children with severe HFMD, there were 83 cured cases, 29 improved cases and 8 ineffective cases in control group, with the total effective rate of 93.3%; while in the treatment group, 101 cases were cured, 18 cases were improved and 1 case was ineffective, the total effective rate was 99.2%.The therapeutic effects (Z＝2.918, P＝0.004) and the total effective rate ( χ2 ＝4.156, P＝0.041) were statistically significantly different between the two groups.Three days after treatment, the average levels of serum NSE, S100-βprotein and NPY in magnesium sulfate treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group (t＝-7.239,-10.020 and -11.053, respectively, all P＜0.01).Five days after treatment, the average levels of cerebrospinal fluid NSE, S100-β protein and NPY in magnesium sulfate treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group ( t＝-6.546,-13.308 and -10.258, respectively , all P＜0.01).After treatment, the neurological function score in treatment group was significantly lower than that in control group and that before treatment , and the differences were statistically significant ( t ＝-9.473 and 12.162, respectively, both P ＜0.01 ).The recovery time of the main symptoms and signs in treatment group was ( 2.33 ±0.76 ) d, which was significantly shorter than that of control group ([3.21 ±0.82] d), the difference was statistically significant (t＝-12.52, P＜0.05).The average length of hospital stay in treatment group was (5.79 ±1.42) d, which was shorter than that in control group ([ 6.71 ±1.46 ] d ), and the difference was statistically significant ( t＝-4.932, P＜0.05).Of the 240 children with severe HFMD, 194 (80.8%) patients had abnormal aEEG.Before treatment, the aEEG abnormal rates in control group and the magnesium sulfate treatment group were 79.2%(95 cases) and 82.5%(99 cases), respectively, there was no significant difference ( χ2 ＝0.430, P＞0.05); while after treatment for 3 days, 76 cases in treatment group returned to normal, and the recovery rate of aEEG was 76.8%, which was higher than that in control group (52.6%). The difference was statistically significant ( χ2 ＝12.406, P ＜0.05 ).Conclusions Magnesium sulfate adjuvant therapy can reduce the abnormal levels of NSE, S100-βand NPY in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, relieve clinical symptoms, shorten the course of disease and average length of hospital stay, improve the neurological function score, and promote the recovery of abnormal aEEG.Thus, it has neuroprotective effect on severe HFMD with nervous system lesion.

Clinical value of B－mode ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease / 中国基层医药

Objective To study the clinical application value of B －ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease.Methods From June 2017 to July 2017,400 suspected patients with hepatic cystic hydatid disease in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Zhoushan were screened in Tibet.All the patients were examined by CT and B－ultrasound.Two CT diagnostics experienced in CT diagnosis and two ultrasound doctors experienced in ultrasound diagnosis were selected to analyze the CT images,B－ultrasound images of the patients,and make the diagnosis. The results of operation or serological examination (clinical diagnosis ) were used as the reference.The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT ,B－ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease were calculated and compared.The consistency between CT , B －ultrasound diagnosis and clinical diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease was analyzed by consistency test.According to the results of clinical diagnosis ,the patients with hepatic cystic hydatid disease were divided into simple cyst type ,multiple cyst type,daughter cyst cysts type ,cyst calcification type and cyst solid type.The diagnostic coincidence rate of CT ,B－ultrasound for different types of hepatic cystic hydatid disease was compared.Results A total of 358 cases were confirmed as hepatic cystic echinococcosis by operation and serological examination ,and the remaining 42 cases were confirmed as hepatic bubble echinococcosis.The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT in the diagnosis of liver cystic echinococcosis were 94.13%,83.33%,93.00%, respectively,which were lower than those of B －ultrasound (98.88%,97.62%and 98.75%) (χ2 ＝11.978,4.974, 16.720,all P＜0.05).According to the consistency test,the consistency coefficient(Kappa) of CT and B－ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic echinococcosis was 0.549 and 0.713,respectively, and the diagnostic consistency between B－ultrasound and clinical diagnosis was better than CT.The diagnostic coincidence rates of B －ultrasound for hepatic cystic echinococcosis of simple cyst type ,multiple cyst type,descendant cyst type and cyst consolidation type was higher than those of CT (χ2 ＝13.832,6.747,6.331,5.008,all P＜0.05).The diagnostic coincidence rate of B－ultrasound and CT for calcified hepatic cystic echinococcosis had no statistically significant difference ( χ2 ＝0.213,P＞0.05).Conclusion B－ultrasound can accurately diagnose hepatic cystic hydatid disease and can be used as the first choice for diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease , and B －ultrasound can also differentiate different types of hepatic cystic hydatid disease.The diagnostic value is significant.

Dry eye syndrome of deficient lacrima production treated with the acupoint thread-embedding therapy: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effects on the relevant symtoms in the patients with dry eye syndrome treated with the acupoint thread-embedding therapy versus topical artificial tears eye drops.@*METHODS@#A total of 88 patients with dry eye syndrome of deficiency lacrima production were randomized into an acupoint thread-embedding therapy group (thread-embedding group) and a control group with topical artificial tears eye drops (medication group), 44 cases in each one. In the thread-embedding group, 3 cases were dropped out. In the thread-embedding group, Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) etc. were selected and the acupoint thread-embedding therapy was operated once every 30 days, totally for two treatments. In the medication group, the topical artificial tears eye drops was used, 4 to 6 times a day, one drop each time, for 8 weeks totally. Separately, before treatment, after 4-week treatment and 8-week treatment as well as in 8 weeks and 12 weeks of the follow-up, the levels of lactoferrin in tears were determined and the scores of the relevant symptoms of ocular surface such as eye dryness, foreign body sensation in the eyes and eye fatigue were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#In the thread-embedding group, after 4-week and 8-week of treatment as well as in 8-week and 12-week follow-up, the scores of eye dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation of eye, phengophobia and eye fatigue were reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment (all 0.05). The levels of lactoferrin in tears at each time point after treatment in the thread-embedding group were higher than the medication group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The acupoint thread-embedding therapy effectively improves in the relevant symptoms of ocular surface, such as eye dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation of eye, phengophobia and eye fatigue, and increases the level of lactoferrin in tears in the patients with dry eye syndrome of deficiency aqueous production. In the follow-up, the therapeutic effects of the acupoint thread-embedding therapy are significantly better than artificial tears eye drops.

Clinical value of B-mode ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To study the clinical application value of B-ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease.@*Methods@#From June 2017 to July 2017, 400 suspected patients with hepatic cystic hydatid disease in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Zhoushan were screened in Tibet.All the patients were examined by CT and B-ultrasound.Two CT diagnostics experienced in CT diagnosis and two ultrasound doctors experienced in ultrasound diagnosis were selected to analyze the CT images, B-ultrasound images of the patients, and make the diagnosis.The results of operation or serological examination(clinical diagnosis) were used as the reference.The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT, B-ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease were calculated and compared.The consistency between CT, B-ultrasound diagnosis and clinical diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease was analyzed by consistency test.According to the results of clinical diagnosis, the patients with hepatic cystic hydatid disease were divided into simple cyst type, multiple cyst type, daughter cyst cysts type, cyst calcification type and cyst solid type.The diagnostic coincidence rate of CT, B-ultrasound for different types of hepatic cystic hydatid disease was compared.@*Results@#A total of 358 cases were confirmed as hepatic cystic echinococcosis by operation and serological examination, and the remaining 42 cases were confirmed as hepatic bubble echinococcosis.The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT in the diagnosis of liver cystic echinococcosis were 94.13%, 83.33%, 93.00%, respectively, which were lower than those of B-ultrasound (98.88%, 97.62% and 98.75%) (χ2=11.978, 4.974, 16.720, all P<0.05). According to the consistency test, the consistency coefficient(Kappa) of CT and B-ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic echinococcosis was 0.549 and 0.713, respectively, and the diagnostic consistency between B-ultrasound and clinical diagnosis was better than CT.The diagnostic coincidence rates of B-ultrasound for hepatic cystic echinococcosis of simple cyst type, multiple cyst type, descendant cyst type and cyst consolidation type was higher than those of CT(χ2=13.832, 6.747, 6.331, 5.008, all P<0.05). The diagnostic coincidence rate of B-ultrasound and CT for calcified hepatic cystic echinococcosis had no statistically significant difference (χ2=0.213, P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#B-ultrasound can accurately diagnose hepatic cystic hydatid disease and can be used as the first choice for diagnosis of hepatic cystic hydatid disease, and B-ultrasound can also differentiate different types of hepatic cystic hydatid disease.The diagnostic value is significant.