Correction: An E-selectin targeting and MMP-2-responsive dextran-curcumin polymeric prodrug for targeted therapy of acute kidney injury.

Correction for 'An E-selectin targeting and MMP-2-responsive dextran-curcumin polymeric prodrug for targeted therapy of acute kidney injury' by Jing-Bo Hu et al., Biomater. Sci., 2018, 6, 3397-3409, https://doi.org/10.1039/C8BM00813B.

Narrowband Ultraviolet-B Persistent Luminescence in an Indoor-Lighting Environment through Energy Transfer from Host Excitons to Gd3+ Emitters in ScPO4.

Narrowband ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) luminescent materials are characterized by high photon energy, narrow spectral width, and visible-blind emission, thus holding great promise for photochemistry and photomedicine. However, most NB-UVB phosphors developed so far are photoluminescent, where continuous external excitation is needed. Herein, we realize NB-UVB persistent luminescence (PersL) in an indoor-lighting environment by exploiting the interaction between self-trapped/defect-trapped excitons and Gd3+ emitters in ScPO4. The phosphor shows a self-luminescing feature with a peak maximum at 313 nm with a time duration of >24 h after ceasing X-ray irradiation, which can be clearly imaged by an UVB camera in a bright environment. Spectroscopic and theoretical approaches reveal that thermo- and photo-stimulations of energies trapped at intrinsic lattice defects followed by energy transfer to Gd3+ emitters account for the emergence of the afterglow. The present results can initiate more exploration of NB-UVB PersL phosphors for emerging applications in secret optical tagging and phototherapy.

Microecology-turbidity toxin theory: correlation between helicobacter pylori infection and manifestation of tongue and gastroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the relationship between helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, tongue manifestation and gastroscopic manifestation, and explore the mechanism of action of "oral-gastric microecology" in the occurrence and development of stomach-related diseases. MEDHODS: A total of 1100 patients were divided into Hp positive group and Hp negative group according to 13C breath test results. The tongue manifestation materials from patients were collected to make tongue printing slides for morphological observation of exfoliative cells from tongue coating, and electronic gastroscopy was performed on the patients and the data was analyzed. RESULTS: Hp infection rate was about 45.95%; and the greasy coating was mostly observed in Hp positive group (63.14%, 0.05). The total tongue coating distribution was as follows: yellow greasy coating (56.66%, 0.05) > yellow coating > white coating > white greasy coating. The gastric mucosal roughness and mucosal hematoplastic plaques in the two groups were more common in the Hp positive group ( 0.05). There was a significant difference in the granular subgroup and in the rough mucosal group (< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hp infection is more commonly observed in yellow greasy coating, and this can be used as a reference for Traditional Chinese Medicine in determining whether it is Hp infection or not. Mucosal granule roughness, hyperemia, and oral Hp showed association with Hp infection in the stomach and interacted with micro-ecological environment that is composed of the oral cavity.

Major Plant in Herbal Mixture Gan-Mai-Da-Zao for the Alleviation of Depression in Rat Models.

Gan-Mai-Da-Zao (GMDZ) is a well-known product in Chinese traditional medicine and includes three major plants: blighted wheat (Fu Mai), licorice (Gan Cao), and jujube (Da Zao). GMDZ is widely used as an efficacious and well-tolerated prescription for depression in clinics. The present study was designed to investigate the main plant of GMDZ for its antidepressant-like effect using the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model on rats who received an injection with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) to produce the chemical model. In rats subjected to the UCMS model, forced swim tests, open field tests, and sucrose preference tests were applied to estimate the chronic effect of GMDZ. We found that the oral administration of GMDZ for 21 days significantly alleviated the behavior in rats with depression induced by either UCMS or PCPA. The expression levels of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of the rats with depression were markedly increased by GMDZ. Additionally, rats that received the herbal mixture without licorice showed a markedly lower response than GMDZ. These results suggest that GMDZ may alleviate the depressive-like behaviors in depressive rats, possibly via licorice (Gan Cao), to increase 5-HTT and BDNF signals in the hippocampus. The present study confirmed the antidepressant-like effects of GMDZ. Additionally, licorice (Gan Cao) may play a key role in the effectiveness of GMDZ.

Effect of Myofascial Trigger Points Electric Stimulation on Phantom Limb Pain after Lower Limb Amputation / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of myofascial trigger point electric stimulation based on mirror therapy on phantom limb pain after lower limb amputation. Methods:From May to November, 2020, 50 patients with phantom limb pain after lower limb amputation were randomly divided into control group (n = 25) and experiment group (n = 25). Both groups accepted mirror therapy, while the experiment group received myofascial trigger point electric stimulation before mirror therapy, for four weeks. They were assessed with short-form of McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Timed 'Up & Go' Test (TUGT) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) before and after treatment. Results:All the indexes improved in both groups after treatment (|t| > 8.210, P < 0.001), and improved more in the experiment group than in the control group (|t| > 5.103, P < 0.001), except the present pain intensity of SF-MPQ. Conclusion:Mirror therapy is effective on phantom limb pain after lower limb amputation in terms of pain, sleep, anxiety and walking, and the effect could be stronger after myofascial trigger point electric stimulation.

Historical evolution of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processing methods / 中国中药杂志

China has a long history of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processing with multiple methods available. The pre-sent study collated and summarized the Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processing methods recorded in 23 related herbal medicine books, all editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the 1988 edition of National Regulations for Processing of Chinese Medicine, and 20 current local processing specifications and standards. The results demonstrated various processing methods of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, such as removing residual part of stem, plantlet, or soil, smashing, filing, cutting, decocting, washing with wine, soaking in wine, and stir-frying with wine or blood from pig heart, while raw and wine-processed products are mainly used in modern times. Due to the lack of unified standards, the phenomena of multiple methods adopted in one place and different methods in different places have led to uneven quality of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces, even affecting the safety and effectiveness of its clinical medication. This study is expected to provide a reference for the development of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processing and its rational medication.

Calycosin Influences the Metabolism of Five Probe Drugs in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Calycosin (CAL), a type of O-methylated isoflavone extracted from the herb Astralagusmembranaceus (AM), is a bioactive chemical with antioxidative, antiphlogistic and antineoplastic activities commonly used in traditional alternative Chinese medicine. AM has been shown to confer health benefits as an adjuvant in the treatment of a variety of diseases. AIM: The main objective of this study was to determine whether CAL influences the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system involved in drug metabolism. METHODS: Midazolam, tolbutamide, omeprazole, metoprolol and phenacetin were selected as probe drugs. Rats were randomly divided into three groups, specifically, 5% Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for 8 days (Control), 5% CMC for 7 days + CAL for 1 day (single CAL) and CAL for 8 days (conc CAL), and metabolism of the five probe drugs evaluated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS: No significant differences were observed for omeprazole and midazolam, compared to the control group. T max and t1/2 values of only one probe drug, phenacetin, in the conc CAL group were significantly different from those of the control group (T max h: 0.50±0.00 vs 0.23±0.15; control vs conc CAL). C max of tolbutamide was decreased about two-fold in the conc CAL treatment group (conc vs control: 219.48 vs 429.56, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Calycosin inhibits the catalytic activities of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP2C9. Accordingly, we recommend caution, particularly when combining CAL as a modality therapy with drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP2C9, to reduce the potential risks of drug accumulation or ineffective treatment.

Molecular genetics of medicinal plants, past achievement, and new era / 中国中药杂志

Unraveling the genetic basis of medicinal plant metabolism and developmental traits is a long-standing goal for pharmacologists and plant biologists. This paper discusses the definition of molecular genetics of medicinal plants, which is an integrative discipline with medicinal plants as the research object. This discipline focuses on the heredity and variation of medicinal plants, and elucidates the relationship between the key traits of medicinal plants(active compounds, yield, resistance, etc.) and genotype, studies the structure and function, heredity and variation of medicinal plant genes mainly at molecular level, so as to reveal the molecular mechanisms of transmission, expression and regulation of genetic information of medicinal plants. Specifically, we emphasize on three major aspects of this discipline.(1)Individual and population genetics of medicinal plants, this part mainly highlights the genetic mechanism of the domestication, the individual genomics at the species level, and the formation of genetic diversity of medicinal plants.(2)Elucidation of biosynthetic pathways of active compounds and their evolutionary significance. This part summarizes the biosynthesis, diversity and molecular evolution of active compounds in medicinal plants.(3) Molecular mechanisms that shaping the key agronomic traits by internal and external factors. This part focuses on the accumulation and distribution of active compounds within plants and the regulation of metabolic network by environmental factors. Finally, we prospect the future direction of molecular genetics of medicinal plants based on the rapid development of multi-omics technology, as well as the application of molecular genetics in the future strategies to achieve conservation and breeding of medicinal plants and efficient biosynthesis of active compounds.

Fast-track multidisciplinary treatment versus conventional treatment for colorectal cancer: a multicenter, open-label randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery, fast-track perioperative treatment and XELOX chemotherapy are effective strategies for shortening the duration of hospital stay for cancer patients. This trial aimed to clarify the safety and efficacy of the fast-track multidisciplinary treatment (FTMDT) model compared to conventional surgery combined with chemotherapy in Chinese colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: This trial was a prospective randomized controlled study with a 2 × 2 balanced factorial design and was conducted at six hospitals. Patients in group 1 (FTMDT) received fast-track perioperative treatment and XELOX adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients in group 2 (conventional treatment) received conventional perioperative treatment and mFOLFOX6 adjuvant chemotherapy. Subgroups 1a and 2a had laparoscopic surgery and subgroups 1b and 2b had open surgery. The primary endpoint was total length of hospital stay during treatment. RESULTS: A total of 374 patients were randomly assigned to the four subgroups, and 342 patients were finally analyzed, including 87 patients in subgroup 1a, 85 in subgroup 1b, 86 in subgroup 2a, and 84 in subgroup 2b. The total hospital stay of group 1 was shorter than that of group 2 [13 days, (IQR, 11-17 days) vs. 23.5 days (IQR, 15-42 days), P = 0.0001]. Compared to group 2, group 1 had lower surgical costs, fewer in-hospital complications and faster recovery (all P < 0.05). Subgroup 1a showed faster surgical recovery than that of subgroup 1b (all P < 0.05). There was no difference in 5-year overall survival between groups 1 and 2 [87.1% (95% CI, 80.7-91.5%) vs. 87.1% (95% CI, 80.8-91.4%), P = 0.7420]. CONCLUSIONS: The FTMDT model, which integrates laparoscopic surgery, fast-track treatment, and XELOX chemotherapy, was the superior model for enhancing the recovery of Chinese patients with colorectal cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01080547 , registered on March 4, 2010.

An E-selectin targeting and MMP-2-responsive dextran-curcumin polymeric prodrug for targeted therapy of acute kidney injury.

Based on the overproduction of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in renal tissue during acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence, we developed a MMP-2 enzyme-triggered polymeric prodrug with sialic acid (SA) as the targeting group to the inflamed vascular endothelial cells for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. An MMP-2-responsive peptide, PVGLIG, was used to endow the polymeric prodrug with the ability to rapidly release the anti-inflammatory drug, curcumin (CUR), after the targeted site is reached and to improve the drug concentration in the target tissue. The sialic acid-dextran-PVGLIG-curcumin (SA-DEX-PVGLIG-CUR) polymeric prodrug was successfully synthesized via multi-step chemical reactions and characterized by 1H NMR. The water solubility of CUR was significantly increased in the polymeric prodrug and was approximately 23-fold higher than that of free CUR. The in vitro drug release results showed that the release rate of SA-DEX-PVGLIG-CUR was significantly enhanced compared to that of SA-DEX-CUR in a dissolving medium containing the MMP-2 enzyme, suggesting that SA-DEX-PVGLIG-CUR had rapid drug release characteristics in an inflammatory environment. A cellular uptake test confirmed that SA-DEX-PVGLIG-CUR was effectively internalized by inflamed vascular endothelial cells in comparison with that by normal cells, and the mechanism was associated with the specific interaction between SA and E-selectin receptors specifically expressed on inflamed vascular endothelial cells. Bio-distribution results further demonstrated the rapid and increased renal accumulation of SA-DEX-PVGLIG-CUR in AKI mice. Benefiting from the rapid drug release in renal tissue, SA-DEX-PVGLIG-CUR effectively ameliorated the pathological progression of AKI compared with free CUR and SA-DEX-CUR, as reflected by the improved renal functions, histopathological changes, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress and expression of apoptosis related proteins. Altogether, this study provided a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AKI.

Suppressing PKC-dependent membrane P2X3 receptor upregulation in dorsal root ganglia mediated electroacupuncture analgesia in rat painful diabetic neuropathy.

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common and troublesome diabetes complication. Protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) P2X3 receptor upregulation is one important mechanism underlying PDN. Accumulating evidence demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) at low frequency could effectively attenuate neuropathic pain. Our previous study showed that 2-Hz EA could relieve pain well in PDN. The study aimed to investigate whether 2-Hz EA relieves pain in PDN through suppressing PKC-mediated DRG P2X3 receptor upregulation. A 7-week feeding of high-fat and high-sugar diet plus a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in a dose of 35 mg/kg after a 5-week feeding of the diet successfully induced type 2 PDN in rats as revealed by the elevated body weight, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and insulin resistance, and the reduced paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), as well as the destructive ultrastructural change of sciatic nerve. DRG plasma membrane P2X3 receptor level and DRG PKC expression were elevated. Two-hertz EA failed to improve peripheral neuropathy; however, it reduced PWT, DRG plasma membrane P2X3 receptor level, and DRG PKC expression in PDN rats. Intraperitoneal administration of P2X3 receptor agonist αß-meATP or PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) blocked 2-Hz EA analgesia. Furthermore, PMA administration increased DRG plasma membrane P2X3 receptor level in PDN rats subject to 2-Hz EA treatment. These findings together indicated that the analgesic effect of EA in PDN is mediated by suppressing PKC-dependent membrane P2X3 upregulation in DRG. EA at low frequency is a valuable approach for PDN control.

Folk prescription for treating rhinitis as a rare cause of childhood lead poisoning: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Folk prescriptions continue to be important sources of childhood lead poisoning. Nasal spray folk prescriptions for treating rhinitis has only been reported once previously as a cause of lead poisoning. CASE PRESENTATION: We identified three pediatric cases of severe lead poisoning caused by nasal spray folk medicines prescribed for treating rhinitis. The three patients had similar clinical manifestations including: severe abdominal pain, headache, pale appearance and fatigue. Liver function tests were abnormal. Blood lead levels (BLLs) of the three patients were 91 µg/dL, 91 µg/dL, and 105 µg/dL, respectively. After chelation BLLs decreased. The lead content of the three folk remedies as measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were 14.8, 22.3, and 33.4%. All the symptoms resolved during a course of chelation therapy. There were no severe side effects of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal spray folk prescriptions for treating rhinitis may contain extremely high bio-accessible lead content and are potential sources of lead poisoning. Clinicians should be alert to this possibility especially in those children presenting with multisystem symptoms.

Sources, symptoms and characteristics of childhood lead poisoning: experience from a lead specialty clinic in China.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the sources of lead exposure, identified patients' geographic distribution and evaluated the symptoms of children with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) referred to a pediatric lead specialty clinic in China. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from 515 consecutive outpatients attending the Pediatric Lead Poisoning Clinic in Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai, China, between 2011 and 2016, referred for BLLs ≥5 µg/dL. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure venous BLLs. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 4.1 ± 3.2 years. Their BLLs ranged from 5 to 126 µg/dL. The geometric mean and median BLLs were 24 and 26 µg/dL, respectively. Two hundred and twenty-two children (43.1%) were exposed to industrial lead pollution-mainly from Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hunan, Henan and Anhui provinces; whereas, 41.4% (213 cases) were induced by folk medicines used widely throughout China. Other nonindustrial sources of lead exposure included lead-containing tinfoil and tin pots. Household lead paint was a rare source. Most patients exhibited nonspecific symptoms, such as hyperactivity, attention difficulty, aggressiveness, constipation and anorexia. CONCLUSIONS: Industrial pollution and folk medicines are important sources of lead exposure in China. Childhood lead poisoning may be difficult to diagnose clinically as symptoms are nonspecific. Thus, blood lead screening may be necessary to identify children at high risk of exposure. Education to raise the awareness of potential sources of exposure resulting in their elimination would be expected to decrease the incidence of children with elevated BLLs.

Effects of Potassium Supplementation in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting / 中国循环杂志

Objectives: To investigate the effects of potassium supplementation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF < 50%). Methods: Present study retrospectively analyzed data from 200 CABG patients with cardiopulmonary bypass from January 2015 to June 2017. Patients were divided as heart failure with high ideal potassium supplement group (low EF<50%, potassium supplement to 5.0 mmol/L, n=41); heart failure normal potassium supplement group (low EF<50%, potassium supplement to 4.5 mmol/L, n=46); and normal potassium supplement group (normal EF>50%, potassium supplement to 4.5 mmol/L, n=113). The differences on related parameters during intraoperative and postoperative period were compared among the 3 groups. The primary endpoint was the incidence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias requiring the use of lidocaine and amiodarone hydrochloride. Results :Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias requiring lidocaine and amiodarone hydrochloride were found in 13 patients (31.7%) in the ideal hyperkalemia group, while 28 (62.2%) in the normal hyperkalemia group needed both drugs (P=0.005). The blood pressure of ideal high potassium supplementation group was significantly higher than that of normal potassium supplementation group ([135.87±11.32] mmHg vs [111.21±31.31] mmHg, P<0.001). In the ideal hyperkalemia group, the time in the ICU was shorter ([3.92±0.98]days vs [5.12±1.12]days, P<0.001) and the hospitalization time was shorter ([10.54±2.14] days vs [13.54±2.01]days, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in postoperative 24-hour urine volume, oxygen partial pressure, postoperative 24-hour bleeding volume and postoperative complications (P>0.05). Conclusions:The ideal potassium target of 5.0 mmol/L for patients with LVEF<50% CABG can reduce the incidence of arrhythmias that require the intervention of lidocaine and amiodarone hydrochloride during the perioperative period and shorten the stay time in the ICU.

Mild microwave activated, chemo-thermal combinational tumor therapy based on a targeted, thermal-sensitive and magnetic micelle.

The development of combinational anti-tumor therapy is of great value. Here, the thermal-sensitive and hepatic tumor cell targeting peptide-A54 modified polymer, A54-poly(ethylene glycol)-g-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) (A54-PEG-g-p(AAm-co-AN)) can self-assemble into an 80 nm-sized micelle, which shows a thermal-sensitive behavior with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) of 43 °C. This self-assembled and targeted A54-PEG-g-p(AAm-co-AN) micelle can co-encapsulate anti-tumor drug doxorubicin (DOX) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) taking advantage of the hydrophobic core of the core-shell micellar structure, when the temperature is lower than 43 °C. A much higher accumulation of the MNPs@A54-PEG-g-p(AAm-co-AN) to the tumor navigated by the A54 targeting peptide is achieved. Due to the thermal-agent effect of the accumulated MNPs in tumor, the mild microwave (8 W) applied afterwards specifically elevates the local tumor temperature by 13 °C, compared to 6 °C without MNPs accumulation in 30 min. The greater temperature rise resulted from the thermal-agent effect of MNPs doesn't only activate the drug release inside tumor cells, but also achieve an augmented hyperthermia. A mild microwave activated, chemo-thermal combinational tumor therapy is thus developed.

Therapeutic Observation of Scalp Acupuncture plus Rehabilitation for Children Epilepsy / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy between scalp acupuncture plus rehabilitation and rehabilitation in treating children epilepsy.Method Sixty children with epilepsy were enrolled and randomized into two groups, 30 cases in the treatment group and 30 cases in the control group. The treatment group was intervened by scalp acupuncture plus rehabilitation, while the control group was treated with rehabilitation. After the intervention, the changes of Comprehensive Function Assessment for Disabled Children (CFADC) and electroencephalogram (EEG) waves were observed, and the therapeutic efficacies of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Result The comprehensive function scores were changed significantly in both groups after the treatment (P<0.05). After the treatment, the comprehensive function score was (61.15±2.65) in the treatment group versus (58.60±2.81) in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in comparing the EEG waves between the two groups (P<0.05). In the control group, no case was recovered, 4 cases showed marked efficacy, 21 showed effective, and 5 failed in the treatment; in the treatment group, 2 cases were recovered, 10 showed marked efficacy, 16 showed effective, and 2 failed in the treatment. There was a significant difference in comparing the therapeutic efficacy between the two groups (P<0.05), and the treatment group was superior to the control group.Conclusion Scalp acupuncture plus rehabilitation can produce a satisfactory clinical efficacy in treating children epilepsy and is thus feasible.

Nursing and observation of traditional Chinese medicine enema in treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction in severe burn patients during infection / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To compare the traditional Chinese medicine enema and routine enema in the period of gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with severe burn infection the clinical effect of treatment. Methods The control group weakened symptoms on gastrointestinal peristalsis began to appear fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, anal exhaust, saline enema, parenteral nutrition, antibiotic treatment. On the basis of routine treatment in the treatment group the enema for Chinese medicine prescription. Results The curative effect in the treatment group after enema 83.3%(30/36) compared with the control group 41.70% (15/36) had significant difference (P<0.05). At the time of borborygmus, abdominal distension disappeared time, anus Exhaust time, the treatment group were (7.0±0.8)d, (3.4±0.9)d, (7.3±0.8)d, the control group were (12.6±1.8)d, (7.1±1.2)d, (13.4±1.9)d, two sets of data were compared with statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusion The traditional Chinese medicine enema for large surface gastrointestinal dysfunction during infection deposition burn patients is rapid, safe and reliable, convenient administration, significant curative effect on gastrointestinal functions in patients with motility.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis with Moxibustion / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion in treating knee osteoarthritis (KO) and analyze its cost-effectiveness.Method Fifty-eight KO patients were randomized into a moxibustion group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, 29 cases in each group. The two groups were treated 3 times a week, for successive 4 weeks. The knee joint function and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for knee joint pain were scored before and after the treatment, and the two groups were analyzed by using health economic methods.Result The knee joint function scores were significantly changed after the treatment in the two groups (P<0.05); the excellent rate was 96.6％ in EA group versus 75.9％ in moxibustion group, and the general excellent rate in EA group was markedly higher than that in moxibustion group (P<0.05); the total effective rate for pain was 93.1％ in moxibustion group versus 96.6％ in EA group, and the between-group difference was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio was 6.42 in moxibustion group versus 16.86 in EA group; the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 298.55 in EA group. Conclusion Moxibustion and EA both can effectively improve knee joint function and mitigate knee joint pain, while compared with EA, moxibustion has a higher health economic value.

Therapeutic Observation of Moxibustion at Zhangmen (LR13) for Ulcerative Colitis / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion at Zhangmen (LR13) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC).Method The eligible UC patients were randomized into a moxibustion group of 30 cases and a control group of 30 cases. The moxibustion group received daily oral administration of Mesalazin enteric-coated tablets and 30-min moxibustion at Zhangmen once every other day; the control group was intervened by oral administration of Mesalazin enteric-coated tablets per day. The treatment duration was 8 weeks in both groups. The symptoms and mental state (Self-rating Anxiety Scale, SAS; Self-rating Depression Scale, SDS) were evaluated before the treatment, and respectively after 4-week and 8-week treatments.Result The total symptoms scores after 4-week and 8-week treatments were significantly lower than those before the treatment in both groups (P<0.05); after 8-week treatment, the moxibustion group was significantly lower than the control group in comparing the total symptoms score (P<0.05). The SAS and SDS scores after 4-week and 8-week treatments were significantly lower than those before the treatment in both groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Moxibustion at Zhangmen can effectively improve the symptoms and mental state of UC patients.

Therapeutic Observation of Scalp Acupuncture plus Rehabilitation for Children Epilepsy / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy between scalp acupuncture plus rehabilitation and rehabilitation in treating children epilepsy.Method Sixty children with epilepsy were enrolled and randomized into two groups, 30 cases in the treatment group and 30 cases in the control group. The treatment group was intervened by scalp acupuncture plus rehabilitation, while the control group was treated with rehabilitation. After the intervention, the changes of Comprehensive Function Assessment for Disabled Children (CFADC) and electroencephalogram (EEG) waves were observed, and the therapeutic efficacies of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Result The comprehensive function scores were changed significantly in both groups after the treatment (P<0.05). After the treatment, the comprehensive function score was (61.15±2.65) in the treatment group versus (58.60±2.81) in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in comparing the EEG waves between the two groups (P<0.05). In the control group, no case was recovered, 4 cases showed marked efficacy, 21 showed effective, and 5 failed in the treatment; in the treatment group, 2 cases were recovered, 10 showed marked efficacy, 16 showed effective, and 2 failed in the treatment. There was a significant difference in comparing the therapeutic efficacy between the two groups (P<0.05), and the treatment group was superior to the control group.Conclusion Scalp acupuncture plus rehabilitation can produce a satisfactory clinical efficacy in treating children epilepsy and is thus feasible.