[Effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) on serum GH and PG in chronic atrophic gastritis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) on serum growth hormone (GH) and pepsinogen (PG) in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats, and to explore the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion for CAG. METHODS: A total of 66 male SD rats were randomized into a blank group (12 rats) and a model establishment group (54 rats). No intervention was given in the blank group. Rats in the model establishment group were intervented with compound pathogeny method for 12 weeks to establish CAG model, which were further divided into a model group (11 rats), a vitacoenzyme group (11 rats) and a moxibustion group (22 rats). In the moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was applied at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) for 40 min. After the intervention of moxibustion, 0.9% sodium chloride solution was given by gavage (2 mL·kg-1·d-1). According to the changes of tail temperature, rats in the moxibustion group were divided into a heat-sensitive moxibustion group (11 rats) and a non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (8 rats). The vitacoenzyme group was given vitacoenzyme as the same dose by gavage. The intervention was adopted once a day for 28 days. Changes of body weight were observed among the groups. Expressions of serum GH, PGⅠand PGⅡwere detected by ELISA, and the ratio of PGⅠand PGⅡ (PGR) was calculated. The morphological changes of gastric mucosa were observed by macroscopy and light microscope. RESULTS: ①After modeling, the body weight of rats in the model establishment group was lower than the blank group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the vitacoenzyme group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group was increased after intervention (P<0.05), and there were no significant differences among the intervention groups (P>0.05). ②Under macroscopy and light microscope, gastric tissue of rats after modeling showed dark red and pale gastric mucosa, lower plica and mucosal congestion. The glands of lamina propria were atrophied or disappeared with sparse and disordered arrangement, in which, lymphoid follicles and inflammatory cells could be observed. After intervention, morphology of gastric mucosa was improved in the vitacoenzyme group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group. ③Compared with the blank group, the serum levels of GH, PGⅠ, PGⅡ and PGR were decreased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of GH, PGⅠand PGⅡwere increased in the vitacoenzyme group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (P<0.05, P<0.01), the levels of PGR were increased without statistical difference (P>0.05). Compared with the vitacoenzyme group and the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the serum levels of GH and PGⅠwere increased in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Heat-sensitive moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) can improve the morphology of gastric mucosa in chronic atrophic gastritis rats, its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of serum GH and PGⅠ.

[Clinical observation on the distribution characteristics and rules of pressing sensitive acupoints in bronchial asthma patients].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the distribution characteristics of pressing sensitive acupoints on the body surface between bronchial asthma (BA) patients and healthy subjects, and to analyze the distribution rules of pressing sensitive acupoints in BA patients. METHODS: Seventy BA patients and 70 healthy subjects were selected in this study. The pressing sensitive acupoints were checked with finger pulp and marked on human nerve segment graph. The numbers of pressing sensitive acupoints were counted and the positional relationship between distribution of pressing sensitive acupoints and the position of meridians and nerve segment was observed. RESULTS: (1) The incidence rates of pressing sensitive acupoints in BA patients group and healthy subjects group were 91.4% (64/70) and 15.7% (11/70) respectively, and the BA patients group was higher than the healthy subjects group (P<0.01). (2) The top 3 meridians with pressing sensitive acupoints occuring in BA patients were bladder meridian of foot-taiyang, lung meridian of hand-taiyin and large intestine meridian of hand-yangming, and the most frequent pressing sensitive acupoints were Feishu（BL 13）, Xinshu（BL 15）, Chize（LU 5） and Jueyinshu (BL 14). (3) The pressing sensitive acupoints in BA patients were distributed mainly on C4, C6 and T1-T6 nerve segment. CONCLUSION: Pressing sensitive acupoints have a close correlation with physical condition, and there is a close relation between pressing sensitive acupoints distribution and corresponding meridians and nerve segments in BA patients.

[Distributive regularity of pressing sensitive acupoints in chronic non-atrophic gastritis patients].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the distribution regularity of the pressure-sensitive acupoints in patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG) and healthy subjects, so as to provide suitable acupoint combinations for clinical treatment. METHODS: A total of 120 volunteer subjects including 60 CNAG patients (29 men and 31 women, (40.7±10.3) years at the average age) and 60 healthy subjects (28 men and 32 women, and (40.8±10.2) years at the average age) were enrolled in the present study. The pressure-sensitive acupoints were checked by a fixed operator using his finger pulp along the body trunk and the four limbs and marked on a prepared human dermatome graph. The number of pressing sensitive acupoints were counted, and the relationship between the distribution of the detected sensitive acupoints and the position of meridians and nerve segments was analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of pressure-sensitive acupoint in CNAG patients and healthy subjects were 86.7% and 15.0%, respectively. In 60 CNAG patients, the most frequently met sensitive acupoints were Xuehai (SP10), Zhongwan (CV13), and Zhongting (CV17) in sequence, mainly covering the Conception Vessel, Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin (SP), and the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST). The sensitive acupoints presented a nerve-segmental distribution within T7-T10 and L3-L5. CONCLUSION: The pressure-sensitive acupoints present a nerve-segmental distribution and have a higher corresponding rate with some meridians related to the stomach, especially under diseased conditions.

Simultaneous quantitative analysis of 11 flavonoid derivatives with a single marker in persimmon leaf extraction and evaluation of their myocardium protection activity.

An improved, reliable and comprehensive method for assessing the quality of the ethyl acetate extract from persimmon leaves (EAPL) and its commercial preparation, Naoxinqing (Brain and Heart Clear capsules), has been developed and validated. Based on HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis, myricetin-3-O-ß-D-galactoside (1), myricetin-3-O-glucoside (2), quercetin-3-O-ß-D-galactoside (3), quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (4), quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-galactoside) (5), quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucoside) (6), kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-galactoside (7), kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (8), kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-galactoside) (9), kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucoside) (10), quercetin (11) and kaempferol (12) were identified from 15 batch samples. A HPLC fingerprint analytical method was established. All compounds, with the exception of compound 2, were simultaneously quantified by the single standard to determine multi-components (SSDMC) method, using kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside as the internal standard. The rate of analysis was found to be faster with the SSDMC method than with current acid hydrolysis method (Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2015 edition) and the results were more intuitive and reliable. Three-dimensional principal component analysis revealed that there were similar characteristics in persimmon leaf from same district. Analysis of the myocardial cell protection activity of 11 monomeric compounds showed that compounds 12, 11 and 10 were the main active ingredients that produce pharmacologic functions in EAPL. Among these compounds, the bioactive constituent of myricetin-3-O-ß-D-galactoside was determined for the first time in Diospyros khaki. Thus, we have established an effective assessment method that can be applied to the comprehensive quality evaluation of EAPL extract and Naoxinqing capsule.

[Effect of NaCl Salinity on Extracellular Polymeric Substances and Bioflocculation of Anoxic Sludge in A2/O Process].

In order to improve the biological removal efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus and bioflocculation performance of salt-containing wastewater, the effect of NaCl salinity on the efficiency of denitrification and phosphorus removal in the anoxic zone of an A2/O process was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyze the composition and structure of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in activated sludge of the anoxic zone, to discern the effect of salinity on bioflocculation. Results showed that when NaCl salinity was 0-5 g·L-1, flocculation ability (FA) in A2/O anoxic zone was about 44% and the sludge particle size was 45.5 µm. EPS content increased from 52.3 mg·L-1 to 62 mg·L-1 and protein (PN)/polysaccharide (PS) remained at 2.1. When NaCl salinity increased from 10 g·L-1 to 40 g·L-1, bioflocculation of sludge significantly decreased. FA decreased from 40% to 22% and sludge particle size decreased from 43.7 µm to 32.1 µm. EPS content increased from 76.5 mg·L-1 to 101.0 mg·L-1 and PN/PS decreased from 1.5 to 1.3. Based on FTIR analysis, with increase in salinity, the main components of EPS were always amino, amideⅠ, and carboxyl. Based on XPS analysis, increasing salinity led to charge transfer of some groups (such as C, O, and N groups) during the interaction between EPS and Na+, but its form did not change.

Traditional Chinese medicine Qiliqiangxin attenuates phenylephrine-induced cardiac hypertrophy via upregulating PPARγ and PGC-1α.

BACKGROUND: Clinical study has demonstrated that the traditional Chinese medicine Qiliqiangxin (QLQX) has protective effects on heart failure. Phenylephrine (PE) is an important inducing factor for cardiac hypertrophy and our previous studies have showed that QLQX attenuates PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Besides, QLQX protects against cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction via activating PPARγ. However, whether QLQX prevents PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy through PPARγ and its coactivator PGC-1α is still unknown. METHODS: The effects of QLQX were investigated based on PE induced cardiac hypertrophy mouse models. Echocardiography and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to determine cardiac function and cross-sectional area, respectively. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine ANP and BNP expressions. Based on primary neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) treated with PE, the cell size and expressions of ANP and BNP were determined by immunofluorescent staining and qRT-PCR, respectively. In addition, western blot was used to determine PPARγ and PGC-1α expressions. RESULTS: In present study, we confirmed that QLQX could significantly attenuate cardiac hypertrophy in mice treated with PE. Then we showed that PPARγ and PGC-1α were downregulated in PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy, and QLQX could block the decrease of PPARγ and PGC-1α both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found that PPARγ inhibitors or PGC-1α siRNAs eliminated the protective effects of QLQX on PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that QLQX prevents from PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy by activating PPARγ and its coactivator PGC-1α.

[Clinical efficacy observation of heat-sensitive moxibustion with different doses for irritable bowel syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences of clinical therapeutic effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion with different doses for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: Sixty cases of IBS were randomly divided into a saturated-dose group (30 cases) and a traditional-dose group (30 cases). Heat-sensitive moxibustion was applied in both groups. The acupoints that had the strongest heat-sensitive feeling were selected and treated by warm and suspended moxibustion with moxa stick. Disappearance of heat-sensitive feeling was taken as the sign of treatment time in the saturated-dose group, while the traditional-dose group was treated for 15 min each time. The treatment in both groups was given twice a day for first 5 days, and from the sixth day it was given once a day for continuous 25 times, totally 30 days. Clinical symptom scores and therapeutic effect before and after treatment in two groups were observed. RESULTS: After the treatment, the cured and markedly effective rate was 75.0% (21/28) in the saturated-dose group, which was inferior to 44.4% (12/27) in the traditional-dose group (P < 0.05). The clinical symptom scores, including diarrhea, abdominal distension and pain, were obviously reduced in two groups compared with those before the treatment (all P < 0.05). Compared with the traditional-dose group, the symptom scores of diarrhea and abdominal distension in the saturated-dose group were obviously decreased (0.87 +/- 0.13 vs 1.27 +/- 0.21, P < 0.01; 1.12 +/- 0.41 vs 1.32 +/- 0.26, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The moxibustion featured with disappearance of heat-sensitive feeling and saturated dose has better therapeutic effect than that with traditional-dose for treatment of IBS. As individual dynamic amount of moxibustion, disappearance of heat-sensitive and quantitation varies from person to person, which is one of the key factors to obtain the best curative effect.

[Oxidative stress and susceptibility of periodontal disease].

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between dietary antioxidant status and susceptibility of periodontal disease in humans. METHODS: Fifty patients with moderate-to-sever periodontal disease and 50 subjects without periodontal disease were enrolled in this study. Food frequency questionnaire and 72-hour diet recall were conducted to study the dietary pattern and antioxidant nutrients intake in patients and healthy subjects. Nutritional status including vitamins, mineral substance, and antioxidant enzymes in these 2 groups were analyzed in serum and saliva samples by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). SPSS 19.0 software package was used for paired t test. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the chronic periodontal group had lower levels of potatoes, aquatic product, milk, soy, fresh vegetables, fruit and vitamin supplements intake(P<0.05). Through food components analysis we found that the intake of vitamin A, C, B2, E, calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium was significantly lower in the chronic periodontal disease group than that in the control group (P<0.05). Biochemical analysis demonstrated that antioxidant nutrient levels including antioxidant enzyme SOD in serum and saliva together with magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc in saliva were significantly lower in disease periodontal group than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of periodontal disease. The antioxidant nutrients may help to protect paradentium. Supported by Research Fund from Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau (20114103).

[Comparative research of moxibustion and infrared method in testing heat-sensitive state at Xiaguan (ST 7) in primary trigeminal neuralgia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of the infrared objective displaying of heat-sensitive state of acupoint. METHODS: Fifty-four qualified subjects were enrolled. In the natural state, thermal tomography (TTM) was adopted to shoot the thermograms on the face. After the thermograms collection, the thermo-sensitive detection with moxibustion was applied. The suspending moxibustion with moxa stick was used at Xiaguan (ST 7, affected side) for 10 mm. The cases with heat extension and transmission at the acupoint were recorded at the end of moxibustion. In following, the second infrared radiation detection was done so as to record the changes in the infrared images on the face before and after moxibustion and compare the difference in the heat-sensitive state at Xiaguan (ST 7, affected side) in the subjects between two detection methods. RESULTS: Before moxibustion, the infrared radiation intensity at Xiaguan (ST 7, affected side) in the patients displayed mostly low temperature feature and its sensibility (true positive rate) was 65.6%, the specificity (true negative rate) was 68.2% and the accuracy was 66.7%. After moxibustion at Xiaguan (ST 7, affected side), there was an obvious block-diffused increment area of infrared radation along the cheek and its sensitivity (true positive rate) was 81.8%, the specificity (true negative rate) was 81.0% and the accuracy was 81.5% as compared with the moxibustion detection. CONCLUSION: (1) The heat-sensitive state at Xiaguan (ST 7, affected side) in the patients of primary trigeminal neuralgia can be objectively displayed by infrared imaging to a certain extent. (2) The acupoint heat-sensitization produced by moxibustion is not only the subjective sensation of the subjects, but also can be objectively displayed by infrared imaging to a certain extent.

[Observation on the distribution of heat-sensitized acupoints in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the distribution characteristics of heat-sensitized acupoints in the high incidence region of heat sensitization on the body surface of the patients with trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS: Sixty cases of trigeminal neuralgia were collected and 60 healthy subjects were in the control. With moxibustion sensitization method to detect the heat-sensitized acupoints, the probability of the heat-sensitized acupoints in the high incidence region of heat sensitization on the body surface was analyzed and the correlation between the heat-sensitized acupoints and trigeminal neuralgia was discussed. RESULTS: (1) The occurrence rate of the heat-sensitized acupoints in the high incidence region of heat sensitization in patients with trigeminal neuralgia was 83.3% (50/60). (2) The occurrence rate of the heat-sensitized acupoints was high in the site of Xiaguan (ST 7) and Sibai (ST 2), and was secondarily high in the site of Jiachengjiang (Extra), Fengchi (GB 20) and Yuyao (EX-HN 4) in the high incidence region of heat sensitization in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. CONCLUSION: The heat-sensitized acupoints are highly correlative with trigeminal neuralgia, which provides the evidence for the further study on prevention and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with heat-sensitive moxibustion.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of scalp-acupoint catgut embedding for 33 cases of insomnia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of scalp-acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of insomnia. METHODS: Sixty-four insomniacs were randomly divided into catgut embedding group (n = 33) and routine acupuncture group (n = 31). Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24) and bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) were selected for subcutaneous embedding of catgut, once a week for 4 weeks. GV 20, GV 24, bilateral GB 20, bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were punctured with filiform needles for patients of the acupuncture group. The treatment was performed once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by using International Unified Sleep Efficiency Value and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: After the treatment, the falling asleep latency and PSQI scores of both catgut embedding and routine acupuncture groups were decreased significantly (P < 0.01) while the sleep duration and sleep efficiency increased considerably (P < 0.01) in comparison with pre-treatment. The effect of catgut embedding was obviously better than that of routine acupuncture in prolonging sleep duration and improving sleep efficiency (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the falling asleep latency and the PSQI scores (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both routine acupuncture and scalp-acupoint catgut embedding interventions can effectively reduce falling asleep latency and prolong sleep duration. The therapeutic effect of scalp-acupoint catgut embedding is relatively better in improving sleep duration and sleep efficiency.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha G-308A gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease susceptibility: an updated meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Several studies have reported apparently conflicting findings for the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) G-308A polymorphism on coronary heart disease (CHD) susceptibility. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between this gene variant and CHD predisposition. METHODS: We systematically searched electronic databases (Medline, EMbase, Chinese BioMedical, BIOSIS, Global Health, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cochrane Library, HuGE Navigator, and British Nursing) for relevant studies published between 1947 and October, 2010. Summarized estimation of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Publication bias and heterogeneity among studies were explored. RESULTS: We identified 24 studies providing data for 9 921 cases and 7 944 controls. Pooled analysis based on ORs adjusted by CHD risk factors showed that carrying the TNF-α gene A variant conferred a 1.5-fold increased risk of developing CHD (AG+AA vs. GG, OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.23-1.77) in Caucasian population. No significant association between the gene polymorphism and CHD risk could be found in other ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: It is probable that carrying the A variant is associated with CHD risk in Caucasians but not in Asians, Indians, or Africans. Further studies are merited to assess the association in greater details, especially in Asians, Indians and Africans.

[Multiglycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii increase sperm apoptosis in male rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of multiglycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii (GTW) on sperm apoptosis in male rats and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Sixteen male SD rats were equally assigned to two groups to receive GTW and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) intragastrically, both at 20 mg/(kg x d) for 6 weeks. Then the epididymal sperm was collected for the measurement of the apoptosis rate, sperm membrane lipid fluidity and the contents of NO, MDA and SOD by flow cytometry and spectrophotometric determination. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of medication, the GTW group showed a significant increase in sperm apoptosis and contents of NO and MDA (P < 0.01) and a remarkable decrease in sperm membrane lipid fluidity (P < 0.05) and SOD content (P < 0.01) as compared with the CMC control group. CONCLUSION: GTW can damage sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and sperm membrane structure, increase sperm apoptosis, and reduce sperm membrane lipid fluidity.

[Absorption and transportation characteristics of scutellarin and scutellarein across Caco-2 monolayer model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the absorption and transepithelial transport characteristics of scutellarin and scutellarein in the human colonic adenocarcinoma cell (Caco-2) monolayer model. The influence factors on these two compounds' absorption were investigated, such as buffer solution, duration of culture, and inhibitors of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP(2)), breast cancer drug resistance protein (BCRP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). METHODS: By using Caco-2 monolayer as an intestinal epithelial cell model, the transport process was studied from apical (AP) side to basolateral (BL) side or from BL to AP. The two compounds were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array-detector detection. Transport parameters and apparent permeability coeffients (P(app)) were calculated. RESULTS: The P(app) values of scutellarin and scutellarein were different in two buffer solutions, respectively. In phosphate buffered saline, scutellarin had no absorption from AP to BL, while its P(app) value was 0.74×10(-6) to 1.58×10(-6) cm/s from BL to AP. The P(app) values of scutellarein were 4.33×10(-6) to 6.79×10(-6) cm/s and 1.32×10(-6) to 2.56×10(-6) cm/s from AP to BL and from BL to AP, respectively. The P(app) value gradually decreased with time. The absorption of scutellarein was better than that of scutellarin. The scutellarin absorption was improved by verapamil, MK-571 and reserpine. The scutellarein absorption was improved by verapamil whereas its excretion was improved by MK-571. CONCLUSION: Absorption of scutellarin is difficult in Caco-2 monolayer cells, which contributes to its low bioavailability. Scutellarein absorption is better than scutellarin absorption. Scutellarein transepithelial transport is passive diffusion. The inhibitor of P-gp can improve scutellarin and scutellarein transportation. The inhibitors of MRP(2) and BCRP can promote transportation of scutellarin. The inhibitor of MRP(2) can promote efflux of scutellarein. The multidrug resistance-associated protein may be the second reason for low bioavailability of scutellarin.

[Effect of point injection of red-sage-root on the hip joint function in ischemic femoral head necrosis patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of point injection of Danshen (Red-sage-root) for treating ischemic necrosis of femoral head in patients. METHODS: A total of 62 hips of ischemic femoral head necrosis were randomly divided into point-injection group (32 hips) and core decompression (CDC) group (30 hips) according to the random digits table method. Red-sage-root (freeze-dried) solved in 5 ml normal saline solution was injected into Huantiao (GB 30) and Juliao(GB 29) on the affected side, 2.5 ml for each point, 3 times a week, for 6 consecutive months. Patients of CDC group were treated by core decompression surgery. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by the "Evaluating Method for Adult Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head" (issued in Dandong in 1995). RESULTS: Compared with pre-treatment, scores of pain severity of two groups from the 1st month to the 6th month, joint-motion range, daily life activity and walking distance scores of point-injection group from the 1st month to the 6th month increased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05); while those of joint-motion range, daily life activity and walking distance in CDC group had no apparent improvement (P>0.05). The difference values between post-and pre-treatment in the scores of pain severity, joint-motion range, daily life activity and walking distance in point-injection group were all significantly higher than those in CDC group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Point-injection of red-sage-root can effectively relieve the pain severity, improve the hip joint-motion function and daily life activity in ischemic femoral head necrosis patients.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of betulin from white birch bark using response surface methodology.

Betulin is an abundant naturally occurring triterpene, which makes it a potentially important raw material for a precursor of biologically active compounds. The objective of the current study was to determine the optimum UAE conditions for betulin from B. papyfera bark. The optimum conditions were evaluated with fractional factorial design and optimized using response surface methodology. High yields of betulin were observed from white birch bark by UAE technology. The solvent concentration and the ratio of material to solvent were the most significant parameters on betulin extraction as evaluated through FFD. The extraction conditions were further investigated with central composite design. The fitted second-order model revealed that the optimal conditions consisted of 98% ethonal concentration, 1:42 the ratio of white birch bark to solvent, extraction temperature 50 degrees C, ultrasonic frequency 5kHz and extraction time 3h. Under the optimized condition, the maximum productivity of betulin predicted is 23.17%. The extraction productivity and purity of betulin under the optimized extraction conditions were great higher than that of the non-optimized condition. The present study demonstrates that ultrasound is a great efficiency tool for the fast extraction of betulin from white birch bark.

[The comparison about inhibition of five Chinese herbal medicines to two different resources alpha-glycosidase].

OBJECTIVE: To compare alpha-glycosidase inhibitor microamount screening models which are established by two different resources alpha-glycosidase to screen the Chinese herbal medicines which have great alpha-glycosidase inhibition. METHODS: Comparing the activities of two different resources alpha-glycosidase with glucose oxidase method, then establishing optimal reaction conditions. Extracting the water soluble compositions of Chinese gallnut, paeoniae radix, Glycyrrhiza, rhubarb, fructus by boiling ,then using the alpha-glycosidase inhibition model to check and compare their alpha-glycosidase inhibitions. RESULTS: Five Chinese herbal medicines all had alpha-glycosidase inhibition, and the greatest was Chinese gallnut. CONCLUSION: The activities of two resources alpha-glycosidase are certainly different, but they do not have significant influence on findings of screening alpha-glycosidase inhibitors in vitro. Water soluble compositions of five Chinese herbal medicines have alpha-glycosidase inhibition.

[Observation on the therapeutic effect of painless festering moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of painless festering moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis and to probe into a new therapy. METHODS: Thirty-four cases of knee osteoarthritis were treated with painless festering moxibustion at the best moxibustion part close to the knee joint. The internationally acknowledged knee joint function rating scale (percentage method) including such indexes as pain, walking, joint flexion mobility, instability, engorgement, stair activity and twist-locking before and after treatment was used for assessment of the therapeutic effect. RESULTS: Ten cases were cured, 14 cases were markedly effective, 9 cases were effective and 1 cases was ineffective, with a total effective rate of 97.060%. CONCLUSION: Painless festering moxibustion has an obvious therapeutic effect on knee osteoarthritis.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of pulse magnetic acupuncture at scalp acupoints on acute cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To apply pulse magnetic acupuncture at scalp acupoints to treat acute cerebral infarction and to explore the mechanism. METHODS: A pulse magnetic acupuncture group, a routine acupuncture group and a static magnetic acupuncture group were set up, 30 cases in each group. Their clinical therapeutic effects were observed. RESULTS: The cured-markedly effective rate was 80.0% in the pulse magnetic acupuncture group and 70.3% in the routine acupuncture group with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05), which were significant difference with 36.6% in the static magnetic acupuncture group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Pulse magnetic acupuncture and routine acupuncture at scalp acupoints have same therapeutic effect on acute cerebral infarction, which is superior to that of static magnetic acupuncture.