Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty (IPP).@*METHODS@#Sixty girls with IPP were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases were eliminated). The girls in the control group were treated with healthy diet and proper exercise for 12 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the girls in the observation group were treated with acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking. The acupuncture was applied at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Guilai (ST 29), etc., the needles were retained for 20 min, acupuncture was given twice a week (once every 3 days). The auricular point sticking was applied at Luanchao (TF2), Neishengzhiqi (TF2), Neifenmi (CO18), Yuanzhong (AT2,3,4i), etc., twice a week. The treatment was given for 12 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up after 12 weeks of treatment completion, the Tanner stage of breast, serum contents of sex hormone (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estradiol [E2]) were observed. The ovarian volume, the number of follicles with diameter>4 mm, and the uterine volume were measured by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound. In addition, the safety of the observation group was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was improved after treatment and in follow-up (P<0.05); after treatment and in follow-up, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of LH and E2 in the observation group were increased (P<0.05), and the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05) in follow-up. Compared with before treatment, the serum contents of LH, FSH and E2 in the control group were increased (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was increased (P<0.05) after treatment and in follow-up. The serum levels of LH, FSH and E2 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was smaller than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the uterine volume in the two groups was larger in follow-up (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups after treatment and in follow-up (P>0.05). During the treatment, 3 cases in the observation group had slight abdominal pain and subcutaneous blood stasis, without serious adverse reactions.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking could improve the Tanner stage of breast, reduce the level of sex hormone, slow down the development and maturation of ovary and follicle, and control the degree and speed of sexual development in girls aged 3-8 years with IPP.

Effects of breast milk intake ratio during hospitalization on antibiotic therapy duration in preterm infants less than 34 gestational weeks: a multicenter retrospective cohort study / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of breast milk to total milk intake ratio during hospitalization on the duration of antibiotic therapy in preterm infants less than 34 weeks of gestation.Methods:Clinical data of preterm infants ( n=1 792) less than 34 gestational weeks were retrospectively collected in 16 hospitals of Jiangsu Province Neonatal-Perinatal Cooperation Network from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The days of therapy (DOT) were used to evaluate the duration of antibiotic administration. The median DOT was 15.0 d (7.0-27.0 d). The patients were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of DOT: Q 1 (DOT≤7.0 d), Q 2 (7.0 d<DOT≤15.0 d), Q 3 (15.0 d<DOT≤27.0 d) and Q 4 (DOT>27.0 d) groups. According to the breast milk intake ratio (breast milk intake to total milk intake during hospitalization×100%), they were also divided into four groups: very-low-ratio breastfeeding group (breast milk intake ratio≤25%), low-ratio breastfeeding group (25%<breast milk intake ratio≤50%), medium-ratio breastfeeding group (50%<breast milk intake ratio≤75%) and high-ratio breastfeeding group (breast milk intake ratio>75%). Univariate analysis ( Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test) was used to analyze the factors influencing DOT. Spearman correlation analysis and trend Chi-square test were used to explore the relationship between breast milk intake ratio and DOT. After using multiple imputations to address missing data, two models were constructed after adjusting for different factors, and multinomial logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the effects of the breast milk intake ratio on DOT. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the stability of the models. Results:(1) Of the 1 792 preterm infants, there were 507 (28.3%) in the Q 1 group, 422 (23.5%) in the Q 2 group, 438 (24.4%) in the Q 3 group and 425 (23.7%) in the Q 4 group. (2) The median values of DOT in the very-low-ratio, low-ratio, medium-ratio and high-ratio breastfeeding groups were 20.0 d (11.0-31.0 d), 20.0 d (11.0-32.0 d), 13.0 d (6.0-25.8 d) and 10.0 d (4.0-21.0 d), respectively. Compared with the very-low-ratio and low-ratio breastfeeding groups, the medium-ratio and high-ratio breastfeeding groups had shorter DOT (all P<0.05). (3) After adjusting for factors with P<0.1 (prenatal glucocorticoid exposure, antimicrobial use within 24 h before delivery, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar score≤7 at 1 min, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, infectious pneumonia and early-onset neonatal sepsis) between the DOT quartile groups, it showed that medium-ratio and high-ratio breastfeeding were protective factors in contrast to very-low-ratio breastfeeding in the Q 2, Q 3 and Q 4 groups as compared with the Q 1 group [Q 2 group: OR=0.50 (95% CI: 0.30-0.85) and OR=0.36 (95% CI: 0.26-0.51); Q 3 group: OR=0.31 (95% CI: 0.18-0.55) and OR=0.20 (95% CI: 0.14-0.29); Q 4 group: OR=0.22 (95% CI: 0.12-0.42) and OR=0.17 (95% CI: 0.12-0.26)]. Conclusion:Breast milk intake accounting for over 50% of total milk intake has a positive impact on reducing DOT in premature infants requiring antibiotics, which suggests that breastfeeding should be actively encouraged.

Preadmission follow-up condition of neonates hospitalized due to severe hyperbilirubinemia after discharge from the department of obstetrics and influencing factors for follow-up compliance: a multicenter investigation / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the preadmission follow-up condition of neonates hospitalized due to severe hyperbilirubinemia after discharge from the department of obstetrics and the influencing factors for follow-up compliance.@*METHODS@#A multicenter retrospective case-control study was performed for the cases from the multicenter clinical database of 12 units in the Quality Improvement Clinical Research Cooperative Group of Neonatal Severe Hyperbilirubinemia in Jiangsu Province of China from January 2019 to April 2021. According to whether the follow-up of neonatal jaundice was conducted on time after discharge from the department of obstetrics, the neonates were divided into two groups: good follow-up compliance and poor follow-up compliance. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for follow-up compliance of the neonates before admission.@*RESULTS@#A total of 545 neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia were included in the study, with 156 neonates (28.6%) in the good follow-up compliance group and 389 (71.4%) in the poor follow-up compliance group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low gestational age at birth, ≥10% reduction in body weight on admission compared with birth weight, history of phototherapy of siblings, history of exchange transfusion of siblings, Rh(-) blood type of the mother, a higher educational level of the mother, the use of WeChat official account by medical staff to remind of follow-up before discharge from the department of obstetrics, and the method of telephone notification to remind of follow-up after discharge were associated with the increase in follow-up compliance (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Poor follow-up compliance is observed for the neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia after discharge from the department of obstetrics, which suggests that it is necessary to further strengthen the education of jaundice to parents before discharge and improve the awareness of jaundice follow-up. It is recommended to remind parents to follow up on time by phone or WeChat official account.

Clinical Efficacy of Tongqiao Huoxuetang Plus Acupuncture on Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment and Its Effect on Neurotransmitters and Neurological Function of Patients / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To explore the clinical efficacy of Tongqiao Huoxuetang plus acupuncture on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and its effect on neurotransmitters and neurological function of patients. Method::Totally 122 PSCI patients admitted in our hospital from January 2017 to March 2019 were randomly divided into observation group and control group by simple random number table method, with 61 patients in each group. Both groups were given oral donepezil hydrochloride tablets. The control group was given acupuncture treatment, while the observation group was given Tongqiao Huoxuetang plus acupuncture in addition to therapy of control group. All patients were treated continuously for 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy was compared between two groups. Before and after treatment, the general cognitive function of two groups was tested by mini-mental state examination (MMSE), changes of their neurologic impairment and daily living ability were evaluated by National institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) and Barthel index (BI) respectively, and euzymelinked immunosorbent assay was adopted to test the levels of neurotransmitters [acetyl choline (ACh), dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NE), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and neurologic impairment markers [neuronspecific enolase (NSE), visinin-like protein-1 (VILIP-1), myelin basic protein (MBP)]. And the occurrence of adverse reactions was recorded. Result::The overall effective rate of the observation group was 91.8% (56/61), which was much higher than 78.7% (48/61) of control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups saw much higher MMSE and BI scores but lower NIHHS scores than before treatment (P<0.05), and above indicators in observation group were improved more significantly than those in control group over the same period after treatment (P<0.05). The levels of serum ACh, DA, NE and 5-HT after treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and observation group had significantly higher ACh, DA, NE and 5-HT levels than control group over the same period (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups witnessed a great decrease in NSE, VILIP-1, MBP (P<0.05), while the observation group saw dramatically lower NSE, VILIP-1, MBP levels than control group over the same period after treatment (P<0.05). Neither of two groups saw serious adverse reactions. Conclusion::In treating PSCI, Tongqiao Huoxuetang plus acupuncture can significantly improve neurological function of the patients, which may be due to increase of neurotransmitters. Besides, Tongqiao Huoxuetang plus acupuncture is proved to be generally effective in promoting the recovery of patients' neurological function and enhancing their abilities in daily life, with a good tolerance among patients.

Study on the application of oral magnesium sulfate solution in split doses as bowel preparation for colonoscopy in elderly patients / 中华内科杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral magnesium sulfate solution in split doses as bowel preparation in elderly patients undergoing colonoscopy.Methods A total of 368 elderly patients undergoing colonoscopy were enrolled at PLA General Hospital.The patients were randomly divided into magnesium sulfate solution orally in split doses group (group A,n=178) and single dose group (group B,n=190).Parameters including general information,defecation frequency,Boston bowel preparation score (BBPS),detection rate of lesions and adverse reactions.Results The frequency of defecations in group A was (7.6± 1.4),more than that in group B (6.6± 1.5) with statistical significance (P＜0.05).The duration of bowel preparation in group A was (128.6±25.3) min,shorter than that of group B (165.4±29.7) min (P＜0.05).The BBPS in group A was (8.09±0.67),better than that of group B (7.34±0.58) (P＜0.05).The detection rates of intestinal polyps and micropolyps (diameter＜0.5 cm) in group A were 73/178 (41.0％) and 51/178 (28.7％) respectively,compared with 58/190 (30.5％) and 37/190 (19.5％) in group B (both P＜0.05).In group A,8 patients reported adverse reactions as abdominal distension and discomfort.One patient had ST-T abnormality of electrocardiogram (ECG).No nausea or vomiting occurred,yet 2 cases needed enema for inadequate bowel preparation.Twenty-one cases in group B reported adverse events including 7 with nausea and vomiting.There were 13 patients treated with enema.Abnormal ECG was found in 4 patients in group B.The satisfaction rate of group A was 97.8％,higher than that of group B (91.6％) (P＜0.05).Conclusions The effect of bowel preparation of elderly patients with magnesium sulfate solution in split dose has a better tolerance,good cleaning effect and low incidence of adverse reactions.It is an ideal choice for the elderly to prepare colonoscopy.

Endogenous ω-3 Fatty Acid Production by fat-1 Transgene and Topically Applied Docosahexaenoic Acid Protect against UVB-induced Mouse Skin Carcinogenesis.

The present study was intended to explore the effects of endogenously produced ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin inflammation and photocarcinogenesis using hairless fat-1 transgenic mice harboring ω-3 desaturase gene capable of converting ω-6 to ω-3 PUFAs. Upon exposure to UVB irradiation, fat-1 transgenic mice exhibited a significantly reduced epidermal hyperplasia, oxidative skin damage, and photocarcinogenesis as compared to wild type mice. The transcription factor, Nrf2 is a master regulator of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant gene expression. While the protein expression of Nrf2 was markedly enhanced, the level of its mRNA transcript was barely changed in the fat-1 transgenic mouse skin. Topical application of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a representative ω-3 PUFA, in wild type hairless mice induced expression of the Nrf2 target protein, heme oxygenase-1 in the skin and protected against UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and papillomagenesis. Furthermore, transient overexpression of fat-1 gene in mouse epidermal JB6 cells resulted in the enhanced accumulation of Nrf2 protein. Likewise, DHA treated to JB6 cells inhibited Nrf2 ubiquitination and stabilized it. Taken together, our results indicate that functional fat-1 and topically applied DHA potentiate cellular defense against UVB-induced skin inflammation and photocarcinogenesis through elevated activation of Nrf2 and upregulation of cytoprotective gene expression.

Identification and function analysis of target group for cardioprotection of Baoyuan decoction / 中国中药杂志

Baoyuan decoction (BYD) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula for coronary heart disease with Qi deficiency. However, the detailed pharmacological mechanism of BYD is still unknown because of its complicated chemical compositions. In this study, we synthesized a kind of solid beads with benzophenone groups on its surface. Benzophenone can be activated and chemically cross-linked with the C-H bonds of the chemical compositions in BYD (BYD beads) under UV activation. We thus captured all the target proteins from mouse heart tissue lysates by using BYD beads. Based on proteomics analysis, we discovered totally 46 potential binding target proteins, most of which were located in mitochondria. KEGG analysis revealed that these target proteins were mainly associated with TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism signaling pathways, suggesting that the cardioprotection of BYD might be associated with regulating mitochondrial function and energy production. Moreover, JC-1 staining analysis also confirmed the protective effect of BYD on mitochondrial damage. In summary, our findings elucidated the potential mechanism of BYD on cardioprotection through "target fishing" strategy, and further explained its traditional efficacy in the molecular level. In addition, we also provide an approach for investigating the target group of complicated compositions in Chinese herbal formula. This novel method may provide a methodological reference for exploring the pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese formula in the future.

[The effects of Shadu Cao Mixture on immune functions of immunosuppression mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Shadu Cao Mixture (SDCM, traditional Chinese medicine) on immune functions of immunosuppression mice. METHODS: Fifty BALB/C mice were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, SDCM low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose group. Except the blank control group, other groups were intraperitoneal injected with cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) to establish immunosuppression mice model. The blank control group and model group received gavage administration with nonnal saline, while the other groups received gavage administration with different doses of SDCM (10, 20, 40 m/kg for 15 days) respectively. The number of leukocytes and serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in peripheral blood, spleen index, and the function of NK cells were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the model group , SDCM increased the number of leukocytes and serum concentrations of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in peripheral blood and improved the spleen index and the function of NK cells significantly (P < 0.05-0.01). CONCLUSION: SDCM could remarkably enhance the immune functions of immunosuppression mice induced by cyclophosphamide.

Discrimination of Coptidis Rhizoma and its processed products by odor objectify / 中国中药杂志

Different processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma have its unique odor, which is an important assessment index for pro- cessed products identification of Coptidis Rhizoma. Objectify odor as an entry point in this study, an electronic nose technology was used, and a suitable method for Coptidis Rhizoma measurement was built firstly. Then different processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma were detected by the method built. Finally, different processed products were identified by combining with chemometrics based on the objective odor information obtained. Electronic nose detection indicated that a significant difference in odor between different processed products was performed. Coptidis Rhizoma processed or not can be distinguished based on statistical quality control (SQC) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). Principle component analysis (PCA) model showed that Coptidis Rhizoma and its various processed products discriminated obviously. In addition, in order to identify the processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma, a correct recognition rate of 100% was acquired by discriminant factor analysis (DFA) , and the initial identification rate and cross-validation recognition rate of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is 100%, 94.4% respectively. In conclusion, differentiationin odor of different processed Coptidis Rhizoma was performed by the electronic nose technology used, and different products Coptidis Rhizoma were dis- criminated by combining with chemometrics. This research can be a reference for objective identification in odor of traditional Chinese medicine, and is good for the inheritance and development of traditional experience in odor identification.

Observation on clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatment on functional dyspepsia based on syndrome differentiation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy difference in treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) between syndrome differentiation based acupuncture and ordinary acupuncture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy FD patients were assigned to a syndrome differentiation based acupuncture group (Group A) and an ordinary acupuncture group (Group B) by Excel Software randomization. Zhongwan (RN12 ), Tianshu (ST25), and Zusanli (ST36) were needled as main points for patients in Group A. Meanwhile, different combined acupoints were needled according to syndrome differentiation. Only the same main points were needled for patients in Group B. All patients were needled once per day, 30 min each time, 6 days as one treatment cycle, 2 treatment cycles in total. Fasting serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were determined before treatment and after 2 treatment cycles. 36-item Short-form Heath Survey (SF-36) and Nepean Dyspepsia Index [NDI, including Nepean Dyspepsia Symptom Index (NDSI) and Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI)] were assessed before treatment, after 2 treatment cycles, and one month after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with before treatment in the same group, serum levels of GAS and MLT increased in the two groups after 2 treatment cycles (P <0. 05), but changes were more obvious in Group A (P <0. 05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, SF-36 and NDLQI score increased, and NDSI score decreased in the two groups after 2 treatment cycles and 1 month after treatment (all P <0. 05). Compared with Group B, SF-36 and NDLQI score increased in Group A after 2 treatment cycles and 1 month after treatment (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). But NDSI score at 1 month after treatment was lower in Group A than in Group B (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Syndrome differentiation based acupuncture could evidently improve dyspeptic symptoms of FD patients, and significantly improve their quality of life with remarkable curative effect.</p>

The effects of Shadu Cao Mixture on immune functions of immunosuppression mice / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Shadu Cao Mixture (SDCM, traditional Chinese medicine) on immune functions of immunosuppression mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty BALB/C mice were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, SDCM low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose group. Except the blank control group, other groups were intraperitoneal injected with cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) to establish immunosuppression mice model. The blank control group and model group received gavage administration with nonnal saline, while the other groups received gavage administration with different doses of SDCM (10, 20, 40 m/kg for 15 days) respectively. The number of leukocytes and serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in peripheral blood, spleen index, and the function of NK cells were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group , SDCM increased the number of leukocytes and serum concentrations of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in peripheral blood and improved the spleen index and the function of NK cells significantly (P < 0.05-0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SDCM could remarkably enhance the immune functions of immunosuppression mice induced by cyclophosphamide.</p>

Retrospective Analysis on Implement Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Pathway for Wind-warm Lung-heat Disease (Non-severe Community-acquired Pneumonia) / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to evaluate the feasibility of wind-warm lung-heat disease (non-severe community-acquired pneumonia, CAP) from the clinical curative effect, hospitalization days, medical expenses and other aspects. This study selected 198 wind-warm lung-heat disease (non-severe CAP) inpatients from January, 2012 to December, 2012 with the conventional therapy in the Respiratory Department, Wuhan Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Western Medicine Hospital as the control group. And another 179 wind-warm lung-heat disease (non-severe CAP) inpatients were selected from January, 2013 to December, 2013 with the TCM clinical pathway treatment in the Respiratory Department of the same hospital as the treatment group. Retrospective analysis was used to compare the clinical curative effects, hospitalization days, and medical cost differences. The results showed that TCM clinical pathway for wind-warm lung-heat disease (non-severe CAP) can shorten the hospitalization days and reduce patients’ medical costs, and ensure the clinical curative effects. It was concluded that the standardized TCM clinical pathway had positive effect on wind-warm lung-heat disease (non-severe CAP). Therefore, the formulation and implementation of TCM clinical pathway was of great significance in the treatment of wind-warm lung-heat disease (non-severe CAP).

Effects of syndrome-differentiation acupuncture on life quality in patients with functional dyspepsia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effects of syndrome-differentiation acupuncture on life quality in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) in order to evaluate its clinical efficacy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and five cases of FD were randomly divided into a syndrome-differentiation acupuncture group, a regular acupuncture group and a non-acupoint group, 35 cases in each one. Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36) were selected as main acupoints in the syndrome-differentiation acupuncture group. After syndrome differentiation, Danzhong (CV 17) and Zhangmen (LR 13) were added for those with stagnation of liver qi; Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) were added for those with deficiency of spleen-stomach qi; Qimen (LR 14) and Taichong (LR 3) were added for liver-qi invading stomach and Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Neiting (ST 44) were added for dampness-heat blocking stomach. The selection of acupoints in the regular acupuncture group was the same as main acupoints in the syndrome-differentiation acupuncture group. The points 10 mm lateral to the main acupoints were selected in the non-acupoint group. The treatment was given once a day, six days as a treatment course and totally two courses were required. The symptom total score, health-related quality of life survey (SF-36) and Nepean dyspepsia index (NDI) were evaluated before and after the treatment as well as one month after the treatment (follow-up visit), respectively. The efficacy was also assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the treatment, the total effective rate was 87.5% (28/32) in the syndrome-differentiation acupuncture group, which was superior to 74.2% (23/31) in the regular acupuncture group and 20.7% (6/29) in the non-acupoint group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared before the treatment, the SF-36, NDI and symptom total score after the treatment and in the follow-up visit were all obviously improved in the syndrome-differentiation acupuncture group and regular acupuncture group (all P < 0.05), which was the most obvious in the syndrome-differentiation acupuncture group [after the treatment, SF-36: 84.54 +/- 5.93 vs 81.44 +/- 6.22, 63.46 +/- 6.59; NDSI: 18.94 +/- 9.30 vs 21.23 +/- 8.39, 43.93 +/- 11.26; NDLQI: 71.42 +/- 7.23 vs 63.11 +/- 7.06, 54.87 +/- 6.00; symptom total score: 22.06 +/- 15.80 vs 32.52 +/- 16.88, 47.97 +/- 10.92]; the improvement in the regular acupuncture group was more obvious than that in the non-acupoint group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared before the treatment, only NDSI score was improved in the non-acupoint group after the treatment (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The syndrome-differentiation acupuncture could obviously improve patient's life quality in the treatment of FD, which is an effective therapy for FD.</p>

A clinical observation on therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine granules made by formula of ;Shegan Mahuang decoction for treatment of patients with asthma / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)granules made by the formula of Shegan Mahuang decoction for treatment of patients with asthma. Methods A prospective study was conducted,51 cases of light to moderate asthma(cold type)patients were randomly divided into treatment group (25 cases)and control group(26 cases). Conventional symptomatic treatments were of the same in two groups. The patients in control group were given salbutamol aerosol inhalation,100μg each time,4 times per day;based on the treatment of the control group,additionally the above mentioned TCM granules dissolved in water was administered orally 1 dose/day taken twice once in the morning and another once in the evening in treatment group. The therapeutic course was 12 weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment,the asthma control test(ACT)score,forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1)and peak expiratory flow(PEF)were observed. The therapeutic effect,adverse reaction and compliance were evaluated. Results The number of patients with asthma completely controlled in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group(16 cases vs. 9 cases,χ2=4.82,P=0.028). In the patients of two groups,FEV1,PEF and ACT scores were significantly improved after treatment,and in the treatment group,they were obviously higher than those in control group〔FEV1(L):2.67±0.46 vs. 2.32±0.47,PEF(L/min):327.6±49.4 vs. 273.1±42.8,ACT score:22.8±2.0 vs. 21.1±2.6,all P<0.05〕. After treatment,FEV1%predicted value was increased in the treatment group but decreased in control group,there was significantly statistical difference〔(0.68±0.07)% vs.(0.80±0.11)%,P<0.05〕,no significant adverse reaction was found,compliance was good. Conclusion TCM granules made by formula of Shegan Mahuang decoction can improve the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function and control level in patients with asthma,so it is an effective medicine for the control of asthma.

Odour correlation study during preparation process of Gastrodiae Rhizoma Formula Granule / 中草药

Objective: To study the change and correlation of odour during the preparation process of Gastrodiae Rhizoma-pieces- extract-formula granules. A new overall evaluation index of preparation process was introduced to investigate the preparation process of Chinese medicinal granules, which was in line with the overall concept of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods: The odour data of all samples were collected using an electronic nose technology. Then the characteristic data were analyzed through statistical methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant factor analysis (DFA), and statistical quality control analysis (SQCA). Results: The odour loss was very small during the preparation process of herb-pieces-extract; while the odour loss during extract-formula granules process was bigger. This prompted that it was feasible to evaluate the technology of TCM formula particles according to the existing mode of chemical drugs, but it was different from the evaluation results using the overall concept of TCM as evaluation index. Conclusion: The electronic nose technology could be used for collecting odour data of Gastrodiae Rhizoma samples in different forms. Through data analysis with various models, the difference and correlation among different odour of Gastrodiae Rhizoma samples could be identified. The odour could be used as the overall evaluation index during the preparation process of Gastrodiae Rhizoma Formula Granule.

Phloretin inhibits phorbol ester-induced tumor promotion and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in mouse skin: extracellular signal-regulated kinase and nuclear factor-κB as potential targets.

The present study investigated the effect of phloretin [2',4',6'-trihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propiophenone] on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and tumor promotion in mouse skin and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Topical application of phloretin significantly inhibited 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-initiated and TPA-promoted mouse skin carcinogenesis. Pretreatment with phloretin on the dorsal skin of mice inhibited TPA-induced COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying COX-2 inhibition by phloretin, we examined its effect on TPA-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a ubiquitous transcription factor responsible for TPA-induced COX-2 expression in mouse skin. Topically applied phloretin decreased the TPA-induced DNA binding of NF-κB. In addition, phloretin inhibited the phosphorylation as well as the catalytic activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which was previously found to activate NF-κB and induce COX-2 expression in TPA-treated mouse skin. Taken together, the inhibitory effects of phloretin on TPA-induced NF-κB activation and COX-2 expression through the modulation of ERK signaling may partly account for its antitumor-promoting effect on mouse skin carcinogenesis.

Analysis of evidence-based clinical practices on timing factor in acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>By using the evidence-based medicine approach to analyze the optimum timing in acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis, to provide the scientific evidence for acupuncture clinical practices.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Computer searches were conducted in the CNKI literature database from January 1994 to August 2009, using the keywords "facial paralysis", "acupuncture" and "acupuncture timing/treatment timing". According to the standard of Cochrane, the literatures were retrieved and conducted with evidence-based analysis. The SPSS 13.0 Software was used for the statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 133 retrieved literatures which met the inclusion criteria of the study, there were 11 literatures on the effect of acupuncture or electroacupuncture treatment in acute phase observation group and conventional medical treatment group. Using Mann-Whitney U test, the difference of treatment effect is statistically significant (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Early intervention in acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis in acute phase can improve the efficacy and promote neurological recovery. In the acute phase, animal experiments and clinical observations provide evidence to support the application of electric needle and traditional acupuncture treatments.</p>

Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11) for treatment of essential hypertension / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Quchi (LI 11) on blood pressure and blood plasma catecholamines in the patient of essential hypertension and to investigate the mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases of essential hypertension were randomly divided into an EA group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). In the EA group, bilateral Quchi (LI 11) were selected; and in the control group, western medicine Nicardipine was taken. The variation of blood pressure and blood plasma catecholamines were examined before and after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) After treatment, there were significant reduction in the levels of systolic blood pressure and diastole blood pressure in both groups (P < 0.01); (2) After treatment, significant reduction in levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline were also found in both groups (P < 0.01), however, no significant differences in the level of dopamine were observed in both groups (P > 0.05); (3) The effective rate of 66.7% in the EA group was similar to that of 70.0% in the control group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both EA at Quchi (LI 11) and western medicine are able to beneficially regulate blood pressure of patients with essential hypertension through adjusting blood plasma catecholamines.</p>

Survey of acupuncture and moxibustion for clinical treatment of renal diseases / 中国针灸

In order to understand survey of medication combined with acupuncture and moxibustion for clinical treatment of renal diseases, clinical application and the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of renal diseases were summarized by electric retrieval of literature from 1982 to 2007. It is indicated that acupuncture and moxibustion can increase human immunity, reduce urinary protein, improve renal function, antagonize the side-effects of glucocorticoid hormones, etc. and medication combined with acup-moxibustion has the advantages of convenience, lower cost, safety, no adverse effects, etc.

Effects of electroacupuncture at "Fenglong" (ST 40) on NO, ET and CGRP levels in the rat with hyperlipidemia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe the regulative effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Fenglong" (ST 40) on blood lipids in hyperlipidemia (HLP) rats and the mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group (fed with basal forage), a model group (fed with high fat forage), an EA group (fed with high fat forage + EA treatment), a western medicine group (fed with high fat forage + Pravastatin sodium). Contents of serum total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), endothelin (ET), nitric oxide (NO) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were determined before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, the body weight, levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and ET were significantly elevated (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and the levels of HDL-C, NO and CGRP were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the model group; compared with the model group, the body weight, levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) and the levels of NO and CGRP were significantly increased in the western medicine group and the EA group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); compared with the EA group, HDL-C level significantly increased in the western medicine group (P < 0.01), and ET level decreased in the EA group and the western medicine group with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both EA and Pravastatin sodium have better benign regulative effects on TC, TG, LDL-C, NO and CGRP and can decrease ET level to a certain extent in the rat of hyperlipidemia.</p>