Assessing the effects of Kampo medicine on human skin texture and microcirculation.

In this study, we verified the effectiveness of Kampo medicine by evaluating the changes in the feature values of facial skin texture and microcirculation at two distinct tissue depths (subcutaneous 2 mm and 8 mm). A total of 80 patients who took the Kampo formula participated in this study, and the changes in the feature values of facial skin texture and microcirculation were measured before and after Kampo treatment. The treatment period lasted 6-18 months, according to the doctor's judgment. The total area of the sulci cutis and the average thickness of the sulci cutis significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the pixels of the grayscale image increased after Kampo treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the blood flow velocity at 8 mm depth significantly increased after Kampo treatment (P < 0.05). In this study, we specifically noted changes in the skin texture and microcirculation after Kampo treatment.

Effects of ω-3 PUFA and ascorbic acid combination on post-resuscitation myocardial function.

Accumulating evidence demonstrated that administration of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) or ascorbic acid (AA) following cardiac arrest (CA) improves survival. Therefore, we investigate the effects of ω-3 PUFA combined with AA on myocardial function after CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a rat model. Thirty male rats were randomized into 5 groups: (1) sham; (2) control; (3) ω-3 PUFA; (4) AA; (5) ω-3 PUFA + AA. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced and untreated for 6 min followed by defibrillation after 8 min of CPR. Infusion of drug or vehicle occurred at the start of CPR. Myocardial function and sublingual microcirculation were measured at baseline and after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Heart tissues and blood were collected 6 h after ROSC. Myocardial function and sublingual microcirculation improvements were seen with ω-3 PUFA or AA compared to control after ROSC (p < 0.05). ω-3 PUFA + AA shows a better myocardial function than ω-3 PUFA or AA (p < 0.05). ω-3 PUFA or AA decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines, cTnI, myocardium malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) modified proteins compared to control (p < 0.05). ω-3 PUFA and AA combined have lower MDA and 4-HNE modified proteins than alone (p < 0.05). ω-3 PUFA or AA treatment reduces the severity of post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction, improves sublingual microcirculation, decreases lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation in the early phase of recovery following CA and resuscitation. A combination of ω-3 PUFA and AA treatment confers an additive effect in suppressing lipid peroxidation and improving myocardial function.

Exposure to mercury in susceptible population groups living in the former mercury mining town of Idrija, Slovenia.

500 years of mercury (Hg) mining in the town of Idrija has caused severe pollution in Idrija and its surroundings. Following the closure of the mine in 1995, the environment remains contaminated with Hg. Sources of elemental-, inorganic- and methyl Hg exposure were identified, potential environmental level of exposure to Hg was evaluated and actual internal exposure to Hg was assessed in selected susceptible population groups comprising school-age children and pregnant women living in Idrija and in control groups from rural and urban environments. The study of pregnant women (n=31) was conducted between 2003 and 2008, and the study of school-age children (n=176) in 2008. Potential interaction of Hg with selenium (Se) in plasma was assessed in both study populations, while in pregnant women antioxidative enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) in erythrocytes of maternal and cord blood was also assessed. Actual exposure to Hg as indicated by levels of Hg in children's blood (geometric mean (GM) 0.92µg/L), mother's blood (GM 1.86µg/L), children's urine (GM 1.08µg/g crea.), mother's urine (GM 2.51µg/L), children's hair (GM 241ng/g) and mother's hair (GM 251ng/g) was higher in the two study groups from Idrija than in the control groups from rural areas, but was still at the level of a "normal" population and reflects mainly exposure to elemental Hg (Hg°) from dental amalgam and, to a certain extent atmospheric Hg°. Furthermore, the internal doses of Hg received during pregnancy did not decrease the bioavailability of Se. Based on observation in children, the increase in Se protein expression is suggested to be a consequence of moderately elevated exposure to Hg°. The observed changes in activity of antioxidative enzymes, as biomarkers of oxidative stress, appear to be mainly associated with pregnancy per se and not with an increased exposure to Hg. In view of the continuing increased potential for Hg exposure and the low number of pregnant women studied, the results warrant a further longitudinal study of a larger group of pregnant women residing in the area of the former mercury mine.

[Treatment of ureaplasma urealyticum infection patients of Qi deficiency blood stasis syndrome by pengyan pill: a clinical observation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of penyan pill (PP) in treating ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection patients of qi deficiency blood stasis syndrome (QDBSS). METHODS: Totally 188 UU infection patients of QDBSS were randomly assigned to two groups, the treatment group and the control group. Patients in the treatment group were treated with PP (10 g each time, thrice daily, 14 consecutive days as one therapeutic course), while those in the control group took azithromycin (10 g each day, 7 consecutive days as one therapeutic course). They were continually treated for 3 therapeutic courses. The clinical symptom integrals were observed in the two groups before and after treatment. The short-term efficacy was judged. Their recurrence rates were followed-up to assess their long-term efficacies. RESULTS: The total effective rate of the comprehensive efficacy in the treatment group was 91.4%, while it was 79. 3%in the control group, showing no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Better effects were obtained in improving Chinese medical clinical symptoms in the treatment group (P <0.01). There was no statistical difference in the negative conversion rate between the two groups after treatment (P >0. 05). There was statistical difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups (12. 82% vs 54.76%,P <0. 05). CONCLUSIONS: PP showed equivalent effects in treating UU infection patients of QDBSS to those of azithromycin. But PP showed obvious advantages over azithromycin in improving Chinese medical syndromes.

Treatment of ureaplasma urealyticum infection patients of Qi deficiency blood stasis syndrome by pengyan pill: a clinical observation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy of penyan pill (PP) in treating ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection patients of qi deficiency blood stasis syndrome (QDBSS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 188 UU infection patients of QDBSS were randomly assigned to two groups, the treatment group and the control group. Patients in the treatment group were treated with PP (10 g each time, thrice daily, 14 consecutive days as one therapeutic course), while those in the control group took azithromycin (10 g each day, 7 consecutive days as one therapeutic course). They were continually treated for 3 therapeutic courses. The clinical symptom integrals were observed in the two groups before and after treatment. The short-term efficacy was judged. Their recurrence rates were followed-up to assess their long-term efficacies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of the comprehensive efficacy in the treatment group was 91.4%, while it was 79. 3%in the control group, showing no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Better effects were obtained in improving Chinese medical clinical symptoms in the treatment group (P <0.01). There was no statistical difference in the negative conversion rate between the two groups after treatment (P >0. 05). There was statistical difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups (12. 82% vs 54.76%,P <0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PP showed equivalent effects in treating UU infection patients of QDBSS to those of azithromycin. But PP showed obvious advantages over azithromycin in improving Chinese medical syndromes.</p>

[Effect of activated charcoal on rooting in tissue culture seedling of Begonia fimbristipula on Dinghushan Mountain].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of different plant growth substance and activated charcoal on rooting in culture seedling of Begonia fimbristpula on Dinghushan mountain. METHODS: Tissue culture single factor experiment method was used. RESULTS: NAA 0. 3 mg/L + IBA 0. 2 mg/L preferably induction adventitious bud clump with corm to take rooting, but the number of adventitious root were less, short and small, callow shoot more germination. 300 mg/L activated carbon obviously increased radicate quality and inhibited fine buds point differentiation, root number up to 15.5 institia, root length range was 2.0-5.1 cm, root system developed. Tissue culture seedlings were higher, corn and leaf were good quality, strong growth. Took root of seedling cultivation with bulb for bush in the form of scattered bud planted to peat soil: perlite (3:1) mixed in matrix, after the transplant survival rate reached 100%, plant form seedlings fast, grew exuberant. CONCLUSION: MS with sucrose 30 g/L + NAA 0.3 mg/L + IBA 0.2 mg/L + activated carbon 300 mg/L + carrageenan 7.0 g/L as the tissue culture seedling of Begonia fimbristipula radicate system, is rapid propagation and preserve local unique plant in an effective way.

Natural herbal medicine Lianhuaqingwen capsule anti-influenza A (H1N1) trial: a randomized, double blind, positive controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is associated with the high risk of severe complications and is spreading more rapidly throughout the world than other reported seasonal influenzas. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the nature herbal medicine Lianhuaqingwen capsule (LHC) in patients infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus. METHODS: A total of 244 patients aged 16 - 65 years confirmed with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection by the real time RT-PCR were randomized to one of two treatment groups of 122 patients each. Each group assigned to receive either LHC or Oseltamivir for five days and observation for seven days. The patients were enrolled within 36 hours of illness onset if they had an axillary temperature of ≥ 37.4°C and with at least one of the following symptoms: nasal obstruction, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, myalgia, chills and sweating. The primary end point was the duration of illness. RESULTS: Of 244 patients, 240 (98.36%) patients with a median age 21 years completed the study between October 24, 2009 and November 23, 2009. There were no significant overall differences between LHC treated and Oseltamivir treated patients in the median duration of illness (LHC 69 hours vs. Oseltamivir 85 hours P > 0.05) or the median duration of viral shedding (LHC 103 hours vs. Oseltamivir 96 hours, P > 0.05). However, it was worthwhile to note that LHC significantly reduced the severity of illness and the duration of symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue (P < 0.05). Both study medications were well tolerated. No drug related serious adverse events occurred during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with Oseltamivir, LHC achieved a similar therapeutic effectiveness reduction of the duration of illness and duration of viral shedding. Therefore, LHC might be an alternative therapeutic measure for influenza A (H1N1) virus infections.

Mercury in crude oil processed in the United States (2004).

The mean and range of concentrations of mercury in crude oil processed by U.S. refineries in 2004 were determined using two analytical methods. One hundred seventy separate crude oil streams were sampled repetitively to obtain 328 individual samples. Samples were retrieved immediately upstream of refinery tank farms. Losses of mercury during production, separation, and transportation were not examined. The arithmetic mean and median of 170 oil streams were 7.3 and 1.5 microg/kg in total mercury, respectively. The total mercury concentration of oil processed in the United States in year 2004, including all species and both dissolved and suspended forms, expressed as a volume-weighted mean was calculated to be 3.5 +/- 0.6 microg/kg. The range of measured concentrations extended from below the analytical detection limit (0.5 microg/kg) to approximately 600 microg/kg. Good agreement was found with other recent and independent studies of mercury in crude oil refined in North America. The total amount of mercury in crude oil processed in the U.S annually is less than five percent of the amount contained in U.S. coal produced annually.

[Acupuncture combined with massage for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with massage on irritable bowel syndrome. METHODS: Ninety-three cases of irritable bowel syndrome were randomly divided into three groups: group of acupuncture combined with massage (group A), simple acupuncture control group (group B), simple massage control group (group C), 31 cases in each group. Their therapeutic effects were compared. RESULTS: The cured rate and the effective rate in the group A were significantly higher than those in both group B and group C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with massage therapy shows a better therapeutic effect on irritable bowel syndrome, and they should be jointly used in clinical treatment.

[Effects of moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) on cerebrovascular function in the patient of ischemic apoplexy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) treatment of ischemic apoplexy, and to evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect. METHODS: With the design of sequential trial, the patients were divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group were treated by addition with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) on the basis of basic expectant treatment, once each day, for 20 consecutive days; and the control group with basic expectant treatment for 20 days. Changes of cerebrovascular functions before and after treatment were investigated by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) in the matched-pair's patients of ischemic apoplexy; the clinical therapeutic effect was assessed by nervous function defect before and after treatment. RESULTS: All the test lines of the research targets reached to the effective margin the sequential trial figure, with a significant difference as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) has good regulative action on cerebral vasomotorial response, auto-regulation of cerebral blood flow, and establishment of collateral circulation, and improves recovery nervous functions.

[Samples for therapeutic errors in cupping therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore mechanisms, operating principle, indications and contraindications of cupping therapy. METHODS: Analyze some examples of clinically erroneous application of cupping therapy. RESULTS: Erroneous application of cupping therapy for the patient of deficiency syndrome has a poor therapeutic effect, even exacerbates. CONCLUSION: Clinically, application ranges of cupping therapy should be definited.

[Clinical observation and mechanism study on acupuncture combined with massage for treatment of vertebrobasilar insufficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To search for the best program increasing clinical therapeutic effect on vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) and to study the mechanism. METHODS: The patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture plus massage group, an acupuncture group and a massage group. Their therapeutic effects were observed and compared. And transcranial Doppler (TCD) was used for detection of systolic flow velocity (Vs), enddiastolic peak flow velocity (Vd), mean peak flow (Vm) and pulsatility index (PI) before and after treatment. RESULTS: The cured rate and the total effective rate in the acupuncture plus massage group were significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the massage group (P < 0.05). And there were significant differences in Vm, PI and DI in the left vertebral artery (LVA), the right vertebral artery (RVA) and the basilar artery (BA) before and after treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with massage can improve Vm, PI, DI of VA-BA and the clinical therapeutic effect on VBI as well. It is superior to the simple acupuncture therapy and simple massage therapy. At present, it is one of the best therapy for VBI.