A neonatal intelligent regulation system based on the combination of mild hypothermia mattress and hyperbaric oxygen chamber: introduction to a patent / 中国当代儿科杂志

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common disease that affects brain function in neonates. At present, mild hypothermia and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are the main methods for the treatment of neonatal HIE; however, they are independent of each other and cannot be combined for synchronous treatment, without monitoring of brain function-related physiological information. In addition, parameter setting of hyperbaric oxygen chamber and mild hypothermia mattress relies on the experience of the medical practitioner, and the parameters remain unchanged throughout the medical process. This article proposes a new device for the treatment of neonatal HIE, which has the modules of hyperbaric oxygen chamber and mild hypothermic mattress, so that neonates can receive the treatment of hyperbaric oxygen chamber and/or mild hypothermic mattress based on their conditions. Meanwhile, it can realize the real-time monitoring of various physiological information, including amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, and near-infrared spectrum, which can monitor brain function, heart rate, rhythm, myocardial blood supply, hemoglobin concentration in brain tissue, and blood oxygen saturation. In combination with an intelligent control algorithm, the device can intelligently regulate parameters according to the physiological information of neonates and give recommendations for subsequent treatment.

Perceptions of Digital Technology Experiences and Development Among Family Caregivers and Technology Researchers: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Caregiving is highly stressful and is associated with poor mental and physical health. Various technologies, including mobile and eHealth apps, have been developed to address caregiver needs. However, there is still a paucity of research examining the technology perceptions of informal caregivers, especially from the perspectives of sex, gender, and diversity. OBJECTIVE: To address the research gap and inform the development of future caregiving technologies, this study aims to examine how family caregivers perceive using technology to assist with their caregiving routines; identify the sex, gender, and diversity factors that shape these perceptions; and understand how these perceptions and needs are reflected within the current technology development process. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 informal caregivers of individuals with a range of chronic medical conditions and 8 technology researchers involved in caregiving technology projects. RESULTS: Three main themes with subthemes were developed. The first main theme is that caregivers see a need for technology in their lives, and it comprises the following 3 subthemes: caregiving is a challenging endeavor, technology is multifaceted, and caregiver preferences facilitate technology use. The second main theme is that relationships play a vital role in mediating technology uptake, and it comprises the following 2 subthemes: the caregiver-care recipient dynamic shapes technology perceptions and caregivers rely on external sources for technology information. Finally, the third main theme is that barriers are present in the use and adoption of technology, and it comprises the following 2 subthemes: technology may not be compatible with personal values and abilities and technology that is not tailored toward caregivers lacks adoption. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the multifaceted role that technology can play in aiding caregiving while drawing attention to the perceived drawbacks of these technologies among caregivers. The inclusion of technology researchers in this study provides a more holistic understanding of technologies in caregiving from their initial development to their eventual uptake by caregivers.

Ganhai Weikang capsule in the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel clinical study / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of Ganhai Weikang capsule (GWC) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD).Methods:A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel, multi-center, superiority clinical trial was conducted. From March 2018 to April 2020, totally 324 patients with dyspepsia symptoms, who were diagnosed as chronic non-atrophic gastritis by endoscopy and pathology and met the Rome Ⅳ diagnostic criteria for FD from 7 top hospitals were enrolled, including the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changhai Hospital), Heilongjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Capital Medical University and the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The patients were randomly divided into the GWC group and the placebo group according to the ratio of 1∶1. The patients of GWC group were given GWC and the patients of placebo group were given GWC capsule simulant. The patients of both groups orally took capsules before meals, 2.4 g each time and 3 times per day, and the course of treatment was 4 weeks. The main efficacy index was the total clinical effective rate after 4 weeks, and the secondary efficacy index was the changes of clinical symptom scores of upper abdominal pain, upper abdominal burning, postprandial fullness and early satiety. The safety index included laboratory tests and adverse events. Chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 320 FD patients were enrolled in the full analysis set (FAS), which included 161 cases in GWC group and 159 cases in placebo group. A total of 298 cases were in the per-protocol set (PPS), 149 cases each in GWC group and placebo group. The results of FAS and PPS both showed that the total clinical effective rates of the GWC group were higher than those of the placebo group (84.5%, 136/161 vs. 44.0%, 70/159 and 83.9%, 125/149 vs. 46.3%, 69/149), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=57.07 and 46.32, both P<0.001). In addition, the differences of the total score of main symptoms and each symptom (upper abdominal pain, upper abdominal burning, postprandial fullness and early satiety) before and after treatment of GWC group were all higher than those of the placebo group (FAS: 10 (7, 14) vs. 5 (3, 11); 3 (2, 4) vs. 2 (0, 3); 2 (0, 4) vs. 1 (0, 3); 3 (1, 4) vs. 2 (1, 3); 2 (0, 4) vs. 1 (0, 3). PPS: 10 (7, 13) vs. 5 (3, 11); 3 (2, 4) vs. 2 (0, 3); 2 (0, 4) vs. 1 (0, 2); 3 (1, 4) vs. 2 (1, 3); 2 (0, 4) vs.1 (0, 3)), and the differences were statistically significant (FAS: Z=5.80, 5.91, 3.19, 3.72 and 3.30; PPS: Z=5.14, 5.11, 2.86, 3.21 and 2.84; all P<0.01). The results of FAS and PPS indicated that the improvement rates of main symptoms and each symptom (upper abdominal pain, upper abdominal burning, postprandial fullness and early satiety) of GWC group were all higher than those of the placebo group (FAS: 77.8% (54.6%, 91.3%) vs. 42.9% (28.6%, 61.5%); 100.0% (60.0%, 100.0%) vs. 50.0% (25.0%, 60.0%); 100.0% (50.0%, 100.0%) vs. 50.0% (25.0%, 100.0%); 71.4% (33.3%, 100.0%) vs. 41.4% (25.0%, 66.7%); 100.0% (50.0%, 100.0%) vs. 50.0% (20.0%, 100.0%). PPS: 77.8% (54.2%, 89.5%) vs. 44.0% (28.6%, 65.0%); 100.0% (60.0%, 100.0%) vs. 50.0% (25.0%, 100.0%); 100.0% (50.0%, 100.0%) vs. 50.0% (25.0%, 100.0%); 71.4% (33.3%, 100.0%) vs. 46.4% (25.0%, 66.7%); 100.0% (50.0%, 100.0%) vs. 50.0% (20.0%, 100.0%)), and the differences were statistically significant (FAS: Z=8.60, 7.72, 4.98, 4.24 and 5.61; PPS: Z=7.90, 7.03, 4.49, 3.88 and 4.83; all P<0.001). After 2 weeks of treatment, the differences of the total score of main symptoms and score of each symptom (upper abdominal pain, upper abdominal burning and early satiety) before and after treatment of GWC group were all higher than those of the placebo group (5.0 (3.0, 8.0) vs. 4.0 (2.0, 6.0); 2.0 (1.0, 2.0) vs. 2.0 (0.0, 2.0); 1.5 (0.0, 2.0) vs. 1.0 (0.0, 2.0); 1.5 (0.0, 2.0) vs. 1.0 (0.0, 2.0)), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=2.95, 3.44, 2.43 and 2.79, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the GWC group and the placebo group (0.6%, 1/163 vs. 0, 0/159). Conclusion:The clinical total effective rate of GWC in the treatment of FD is superior to that of placebo and it has good safety.

Berberine Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via a SIRT1/p66Shc-Mediated Pathway.

Doxorubicin- (DOX-) induced cardiotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The adaptor protein p66Shc regulates the cellular redox status and determines cell susceptibility to apoptosis. This study is aimed at investigating the involvement of sirtuin 1- (SIRT1-) mediated p66Shc inhibition in DOX-induced redox signalling and exploring the possible protective mechanisms of berberine (Ber) against DOX-triggered cardiac injury in rats and a cultured H9c2 cell line. Our results showed that the Ber pretreatment markedly increased CAT, SOD, and GSH-PX activities, decreased the levels of MDA, and improved the electrocardiogram and histopathological changes in the myocardium in DOX-treated rats (in vivo). Furthermore, Ber significantly ameliorated the DOX-induced oxidative insult and mitochondrial damage by adjusting the levels of intracellular ROS, ΔΨm, and [Ca2+]m in H9c2 cells (in vitro). Importantly, the Ber pretreatment increased SIRT1 expression following DOX exposure but downregulated p66Shc. Consistent with the results demonstrating the SIRT1-mediated inhibition of p66Shc expression, the Ber pretreatment inhibited DOX-triggered cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. After exposing H9c2 cells to DOX, the increased SIRT1 expression induced by Ber was abrogated by a SIRT1-specific inhibitor (EX527) or the use of siRNA against SIRT1. Accordingly, SIRT1 inhibition significantly abrogated the suppression of p66Shc expression and protection of Ber against DOX-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. These results suggest that Ber protects the heart from DOX injury through SIRT1-mediated p66Shc suppression, offering a novel mechanism responsible for the protection of Ber against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.

Protective effect of berberine on acute cardiomyopathy associated with doxorubicin treatment.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent and broad-spectrum anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent, but dose-dependent cardiotoxic side effects limit its clinical application. This toxicity is closely associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) radical during DOX metabolism. The present study investigated the effects of Berberine (Ber) on DOX-induced acute cardiac injury in a rat model and analysed its mechanism in cardiomyocytes in vitro. Serum creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the DOX group compared with the control group. This increase was accompanied by cardiac histopathological injury and a decrease in cardiomyocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). CK, CK-MB and MDA levels decreased and SOD and CAT levels increased in the Ber-treated group compared to the DOX group. Ber ameliorated the DOX-induced increase in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), attenuated mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and restored the DOX-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in vitro. These results demonstrated that Ber exhibited protective effects against DOX-induced heart tissue free radical injury, potentially via the inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ elevation and attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Regulatory Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Therapy for Diaphragm Function of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model Rats with Muscular Dystrophy / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on diaphragm function of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rats with muscular dystrophy, and to explore the regulatory mechanism. Methods Forty male rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, electroacupuncture group, exercise group, electroacupuncture plus exercise group, 8 rats in each group. After successful establishment of COPD rat model with muscular dystrophy, the modeled rats in various intervention groups were given electroacupuncture and/or exercise treatment. After the last treatment, the changes of rat body mass were observed, the rat lung function was detected, and the mRNA expression levels of myosin heavy chains (MHC) of MHC-1, MHC-2 and diaphragmatic related signal proteins of Atrogin-1, muscle ring-finger protein-1(MuRF-1), MyoD were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results (1) Compared with the blank group, inspiratory resistance (IR) and functional residual mass (FRC) in the model group were increased (P < 0.05) , and the dynamic lung compliance(Cydn) was decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, IR and FRC in the intervention groups were decreased (P < 0.05), but the differences among the three intervention groups were insignificant(P>0.05). (2) Compared with the blank group, the mRNA expression levels of MHC-1, Atrogin-1, MuRF-1, MyoD in the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression level of MHC-2 was decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression levels of MHC-1, Atrogin-1, MuRF-1, MyoD in the intervention groups were decreased (P < 0.05) , and the mRNA expression level of MHC-2 was increased(P<0.05). Compared with the exercise group, the mRNA expression levels of Atrogin-1, MuRF-1, MyoD in the electroacupuncture group were decreased (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression level of MHC-2 was increased (P<0.05) , but the above indexes in electroacupuncture plus exercise group showed no obvious changes(P>0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve respiratory function of COPD rats with muscular dystrophy, and the possible mechanism is related with the increase of MHC-2 mRNA expression and with the decrease of Atrogin-1, MuRF-1, MyoD mRNA expression, which result into the regulation of ubiquitin proteasome pathway(UPP), reduction of myosin loss, and the relief of diaphragmatic atrophy.

Application of anti-osteoporotic medications in osteoporotic fractures / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Patients with osteoporosis are prone to develop fractures, and moreover some patients are first diagnosed with osteoporosis because of a fragility fracture. Therefore, it is critical to understand the correlation between osteoporotic medications and fracture healing. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effect of anti-osteoporosis medications on osteoporotic fracture healing in order to promote its clinical application. METHODS: A computer-based online search of PubMed, CNKI, VIP and WanFang databases between January 2012 and July 2016 was performed to retrieve the related articles with the keywords of "osteoporotic fracture, healing, bone nutrition supplements, anti-resorptive agents, anabolic agents, dual effect agents, new targeted agents" in English and Chinese, respectively. Literature concerning the effect of anti-osteoporosis medications on fracture healing was selected, and the articles published lately in authoritative journals were preferred. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Most of anti-osteoporotic medications have no harmful influence on fracture healing, including bone nutrition supplements (calcium and vitamin D), anti-resorptive agents (bisphosphonate, denosumab, estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators, statins and calcitonin), anabolic agents (parathyroid hormone), and dual effect agents (strontium ranelate). Calcium and vitamin D are the basic drugs; anti-resorptive agents exert overt anti-osteoporotic effect; and the new targeted agents like cathepsin K inhibitor and sclerostin monoclonal antibody provide more choices for the therapy of osteoporotic fracture. Partial anti-osteoporotic agents inhibit the viability of osteoclasts, so their early application may be against fracture healing. The optimal time of anti-osteoporotic medications and the effect on acute and non-acute osteoporotic fractures need to be further explored.

Therapeutic observation of cranial suture acupuncture in treating depression / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of cranial suture acupuncture plus paroxetine in treating depression,and to discuss the action mechanism of this acupuncture method.Methods:One hundred depression patients were allocated to an observation group and a control group according to the random number table,with 50 cases in each group.The control group was intervened by oral administration of paroxetine tablets,20 mg each time,once a day for successive 6 weeks;the observation group was additionally given cranial suture acupuncture,once a day for 6 weeks.They were scored by Hamilton depression scale-17 (HAMD-17) before the treatment and respectively after 1-week,2-week,4-week and 6-week treatment.The clinical efficacy and safety were also observed.Results:After 6-week treatment,the total effective rate was 94.0％ in the observation group versus 78.0％ in the control group,and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01).The HAMD-17 scores respectively after 1-week,2-week,4-week and 6-week treatment were significantly lower than the score before the treatment in the observation group (all P＜0.05);the HAMD-17 scores respectively after 2-week,4-week and 6-week treatment were significantly different from the score before the treatment in the control group (all P＜0.05).There were significant differences in the HAMD-17 score between the two groups respectively after 4-week and 6-week treatment (both P＜0.05).Conclusion:Cranial suture acupuncture plus paroxetine can ease the symptoms of depression,with faster onset and more significant therapeutic efficacy compared with paroxetine alone.

Effect of electroacupuncture at different time on circadian rhythm and SCN epigenetic modification in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the circadian rhythm and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) epigenetic modification in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to explore the epigenetics mechanism of EA on circadian rhythm in patients with HCC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to six zeitbeger time (ZT) of ZT0 (7:00), ZT4 (11:00), ZT8 (15:00), ZT12 (19:00), ZT16 (23:00) and ZT20 (3:00), a total of 108 eligible male C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank group, a model group and an EA group at each ZT, 6 mice each group. Injection of H22 cancer cell suspension was used to establish the HCC model. After 11 days, EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 0.2 mA) for 10 days was applied at "Ganshu" (BL 18) and "Zhiyang" (GV 9) in the EA group at each ZT, once a day, 15 min a time; the rats in the blank group and model group were treated with immobilization at the same time and under the same conditions. ClockLab (ACT-500) software was used to record the activity rhythm of mice. After 10 days intervention, MATLAB (R2007b) was used to export the circadian rhythm of mice, and the amplitude and peak phase of the mice were analyzed. The high-throughput epigenetics PCRarray array was applied to detect epigenetics-related gene expression in SCN.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) After modeling, compared with the blank group, the amplitude of activity was decreased and peak phase was delayed in the model group and EA group at each ZT (all <0.05), but the difference of rhythm parameters between the model group and EA group was not significant (all > 0.05). (2) After intervention, compared with the model group, the amplitude of activity in the EA group at ZT 8 was increased and peak phase was advanced (both <0.05); the difference of the activity amplitude and peak phase between the EA group and model group at ZT0, ZT4, ZT12, ZT16 and ZT20 was not significant (all >0.05); compared with the ZT0, ZT4, ZT12, ZT16 and ZT20, the amplitude of activity in the EA group at ZT 8 was increased and peak phase was advanced (all <0.05). (3) The results of epigenetic PCRarray array showed that after intervention at ZT 8, compared with the blank group, the expression of 48 epigenetic-related genes in SCN of HCC mice was up-regulated; compared with the model group, the relative expression of 49 epigenetic-related genes in the SCN was down-regulated in the EA group; there were 23 epigenetic-related genes differentially expressed among the three groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA has benign regulation on circadian rhythm of HCC mice, and achieves the best efficacy at ZT 8. EA at ZT 8 could down-regulate the overexpression of epigenetic-related genes.</p>

Total saponins from dioscorea septemloba thunb reduce serum uric acid levels in rats with hyperuricemia through OATP1A1 up-regulation / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of total saponins of Dioscorea (TSD), an extract of the Chinese herbal Bi Xie, on hyperuricemia and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The rat hyperuricemia model was established by administration of adenine. Thirty-two rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: model group, low/high-dose TSD-treated groups, and allopurinol-treated group. Meanwhile, 8 rats were used as normal controls. Serum uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A1 (OATP1A1) levels were measured. Comparison between the model group and treatment (allopurinol and TSD) groups showed the serum UA levels were significantly decreased in treatment groups. TSD had similar effects to allopurinol. It was found that the OATP1A1 protein expression levels in treatment groups were higher than in model group and normal controls. And different from the allopurinol-treated groups, TSD-treated group had elevated OATP1A1 expression levels in the stomach, liver, small intestine and large intestine tissues. It was suggested that TSD may facilitate the excretion of UA and lower UA levels by up-regulating OATP1A1 expression.

Effects of Jianpi Jiedu Recipe on TCRVβCDR3 Spectratyping of Liver Cancer Rats with Pi Deficiency Syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe anti-cancer effects of Jianpi Jiedu Recipe (JJR) on liver cancer (LC) rats with Pi deficiency syndrome (PDS) and its relation with the third complementary-determining region gene spectratyping of TCRVβ-chain (TCRVβCDR3).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were divided into 8 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the blank control group (normal), the PDS group, the LC model group, the LC-PDS group, high, middle, and low dose JJR groups (75.00, 37.50, 18.75 g/kg, respectively by gastrogavage, once per day), the thymus pentapeptide group (5 mg/kg, intramuscular injection, twice per week), 8 in each group. Rats in the normal group were administered with physiological saline by gastrogavage once per day. PDS rat model was prepared by bitter-cold purgation. LC model was prepared by orthotopic transplantation method. Twenty gene subfamilies of TCRβCDR3 in the thymus, liver, and LC tissues were detected by Gene Scan.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>High and middle dose JJR could postpone the growth of LC volume (P < 0.05), with equivalent liver index and thymus index to those of the normal group (P > 0.05). In thymus and liver tissue of the normal group, the number of clones (20 and 19), gene fragment number (220 and 113), Quasi-Gaussian distribution ratio of TCRVβCDR3 gene repertoire (100.0% and 42.1%), and fragment fluorescence peak area (6,539 ± 2,325 and 1,238 ± 439) were at the highest level among the 8 groups. TCRVβCDR3 expressions in thymus and liver tissue of high and middle dose JJR groups were approximate to those of the normal group. They were in the middle of the thymus pentapeptide group, the PDS group, the LC model group, and poorest in the LC-PDS group. TCRVβCDR3 in liver tissue expressed the best in the thymus pentapeptide group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>JJR might inhibit the growth of LC cells, and its mechanism might be related to enhancing TCRVβCDR3 spectratype expression.</p>

Total saponins from dioscorea septemloba thunb reduce serum uric acid levels in rats with hyperuricemia through OATP1A1 up-regulation / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of total saponins of Dioscorea (TSD), an extract of the Chinese herbal Bi Xie, on hyperuricemia and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The rat hyperuricemia model was established by administration of adenine. Thirty-two rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: model group, low/high-dose TSD-treated groups, and allopurinol-treated group. Meanwhile, 8 rats were used as normal controls. Serum uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A1 (OATP1A1) levels were measured. Comparison between the model group and treatment (allopurinol and TSD) groups showed the serum UA levels were significantly decreased in treatment groups. TSD had similar effects to allopurinol. It was found that the OATP1A1 protein expression levels in treatment groups were higher than in model group and normal controls. And different from the allopurinol-treated groups, TSD-treated group had elevated OATP1A1 expression levels in the stomach, liver, small intestine and large intestine tissues. It was suggested that TSD may facilitate the excretion of UA and lower UA levels by up-regulating OATP1A1 expression.

Observations on the Efficacy of Vastus Medialis Oblique Enhancement plus Electroacupuncture Intervention in Treating Patellar Chondromalacia / 上海针灸杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of vastus medialisoblique enhancement plus electroacupuncture intervention in treating patellar chondromalacia.MethodFifty-two patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to a treatment group of 32 cases and a control group of 20 cases. The treatmentgroup received vastus medialis oblique enhancement plus electroacupuncture intervention and the control group, electroacupuncture intervention alone. Both groups were treated once daily, 10 times as a course, for four consecutive courses. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was counted in the two groups before and after treatment. The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated in the two groups.ResultThe VAS score improved significantly in both groups of patients after treatment compared with before(P<0.05). It improved significantly more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The cure rate and the total efficacy rate were 37.5% and 96.9%, respectively, in the treatment group, which were higher than a cure rate of 20.0% and a total efficacy rate of 75.0% in the control group, respectively. ConclusionVastus medialis oblique enhancement plus electroacupuncture intervention can improve the clinical symptom of pain more markedly and heighten the clinical therapeutic effect in patients with patellar chondromalacia. Its effect is better than that of electroacupuncture intervention alone.

Heat sensitive moxibustion plus herbal hot compress for primary dysmenorrhea / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of heat sensitive moxibustion plus herbal hot compress for primary dysmenorrhea. Methods Ninety patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly allocated to a treatment and a control group, with 45 patients in each group. The treatment group was treated with heat sensitive moxibustion plus herbal hot compress, and the control group received ibuprofen (slow-release capsule) for three menstrual cycles. Results At the end of the first menstrual cycle, the total instant effective rate in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (95.6%vs. 82.2%;χ2=4.050, P<0.05);at the end of the third menstrual cycle, healing rate (66.7% vs. 35.6%; χ2=8.720, P<0.05), total effective rate (97.8%vs. 80.0%;χ2=7.200, P<0.05) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group;at 6 months follow-up, the relapse rate in the treatment group were significantly lower than that in the control group (6.7% vs. 43.8%; χ2=4.050, P<0.05). Conclusion Heat sensitive moxibustion plus herbal hot compress is a effective approach for primary dysmenorrhea.

Exploring the Correlation between Pi and Shen from the Excretion of AA-I and Expressions of Or- ganic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 2al and 2 b1 in Pi Deficiency Model Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the correlation between Pi and Shen by observing the relationship between the metabolism of aristolochic acid (AA) and mRNA and protein expression levels of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp) superfamily member 2a1 and 2 b1 (oatp2al and oatp2bl) in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues of Pi deficiency syndrome (PDS) model rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 46 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the blank group (n = 12), the PDS group (n = 22), the AA-I group (n = 6), and the PDS AA-I group (n = 6). PDS model was established by subcutaneously injecting Reserpine at the daily dose of 5 mg/kg for 16 successive days. Carotid intubation was performed in 6 rats selected from the blank group and the PDS group. Pharmacokinetics of AA-I were detected at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I. AA-I concentrations in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues of 10 rats selected from the PDS group were determined. Normal saline was administered to 6 rats selected from the PDS group and the blank group by gastrogavage. Renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues were collected in the AA-I group and the PDS AA-I group at 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I. mRNA and protein expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in each tissue were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the blank group, plasma concentrations of in vivo AA-I were obviously higher in the PDS group at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I with statistical difference (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of AA-I were obviously decreased at 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I; AA-I concentrations in renal and large intestinal tissues were elevated; AA-I concentrations in small intestinal tissues were obviously reduced in the PDS group. There was no statistical difference in mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in the aforesaid three tissues of rats between the blank group and the PDS group. Compared with the blank group, mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 decreased in small intestinal tissues of the AA-I group, and the mRNA expression level of oatp2a1 in large intestinal tissues significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the PDS group, mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 increased in renal tissues of the PDS AA-I group (P < 0.05); mRNA expression levels of oatp2b1 increased in large intestinal tissues of the PDS AA-I group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The difference in AA-I metabolism might be associated with changed expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues under Pi deficiency induced loss of transportation. Shen and Dachang played important roles in substance metabolism under Pi deficiency state, which proved Pi-Shen correlated in Chinese medical theories.</p>

Therapeutic effects of Fuzhenghuayu decoction in a CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis rat model and on hepatic stellate cell activation / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the influence of Fuzhenghuayu decoction on fibrotic liver tissue and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver cirrhosis rat model system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: normal (non-model, non-drug intervention), CCl4 liver fibrosis model, and CCl4 liver fibrosis model Fuzhenghuayu drug intervention at low dose (0.75 g/kg/d) and high dose (1.5 g/kg/d). The drug intervention was administered via oral-gastric irrigation once daily for 6 times per week over a 6-week period. Four rats from each group were sacrificed at the end of week 2, 4, and 6 for serum and liver tissue collection. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by histology, and expression of a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) was determined by immunohistochemistry. Liver function was assessed by measuring levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBil). Between-group comparisons were made by completely random design and ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At the end of weeks 2, 4 and 6, all four groups showed significantly different levels of ALT, AST, and TBil; in addition, the model group and drug intervention groups had significantly higher levels of ALT, AST, and TBil than the control group, the drug intervention groups showed significantly lower levels of ALT, AST, and TBil than the model group (P less than 0.01 or less than 0.05), and the differences between the low dose and high dose groups reached statistical significance (P less than 0.01 or less than 0.05). At the end of weeks 2, 4 and 6, the model group and drug intervention groups had significantly higher area ratio of liver fibrosis than the normal group (F = model: 18.68, low dose: 49.95, high dose: 82.44, P less than 0.01), but the two drug intervention groups had significantly less area ratio of liver fibrosis than the model group (P less than 0.05) and the high dose group showed the most robust decrease. In addition, the model group and drug intervention groups showed higher expression of a-SMA than the normal group (F = model: 18.68, low dose: 49.95, high dose: 82.44, P less than 0.01), but two drug intervention groups had significantly less a-SMA than the model group (F = model: 46.32, low dose: 40.30, high dose: 58.42, P less than 0.05) and the high dose group showed the most robust decrease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Fuzhenghuayu decoction reduces the numbers of activated HSCs, thereby leading to down-regulated a-SMA expression and reduced degree of liver fibrosis; these effects may represent the mechanism by which this drug suppresses hepatic fibrosis.</p>

Study on mRNA and protein expressions of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp2b1) in rats with high fat diet and overstrain induced Pi deficiency syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore roles of mRNA and protein expressions of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp2b1) of rats with high fat diet and overstrain induced Pi deficiency syndrome in the transporting of damp turbidity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the normal group, the overstrain group, and the high fat diet group, 8 in each group. After successful modeling, one piece of tissues such as spleen, kidney, liver, lung, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine was taken from each rat. Rats of the overstrain group were bonded by specially made bondage cylinder, 3 h each time on odd days, and forced to swim in cold water (10 +/- 1) degrees C for 7 min on even days alternatively for twelve weeks. Rats in the model group and the normal group were fed with standard routine granular forage for 12 weeks. Rats in the high fat diet group were fed with high fat forage for twelve weeks. All rats drank and ate freely. The mRNA and protein expressions of oatp2b1 were detected in the seven tissues using RT-PCR and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA expression of oatp2b1 in liver and kidney tissues of rats in the high fat diet group was higher when compared with that of the normal group and the overstrain group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the normal group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > spleen > larger intestine > small intestine > kidney > stomach. The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the overstrain group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > larger intestine > spleen > kidney > stomach > small intestine. The oatp2b1 mRNA expression in the high fat diet group was sequenced from high to low as liver > lung > spleen > small intestine > kidney > larger intestine > stomach. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the lung tissue was sequenced from high to low as the overstrain group > the normal group > the high fat diet group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the spleen tissue was sequenced from high to low as the high fat diet group > the normal group > the overstrain group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the kidney tissue was sequenced from high to low as the normal group > the overstrain group > the high fat diet group (P > 0.05). The oatp2b1 protein expression in the liver tissue was sequenced from high to low as the normal group > the high fat diet group > the overstrain group (P > 0.05). Of them, the oatp2b1 protein expressed extremely less in the stomach, large intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the normal group was sequenced from high to low as lung >spleen > liver, kidney > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the overstrain group was sequenced from high to low as lung > spleen > kidney > liver > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. The oatp2b1 protein expression in the high fat diet group was sequenced from high to low as spleen > lung > kidney > liver > stomach, larger intestine, and small intestine. However, there was no statistical significance among the three groups by pair-wise comparison (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Kidney and liver might play important roles in the transportation and transformation of damp under the state of Pi deficiency syndrome. Oatp2b1 may be one of the material bases involved in the transportation and transformation of damp turbidity. Pi's function of governing transportation and transformation of damp might not only include the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, but also include partial liver and kidney functions.</p>

Combined use of compound nanxing pain paste with blood-promoting and diuretic chinese herbal medicines in treatment of chronic knee synovitis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy of combined use of Compound Nanxing Pain Paste with blood-promoting and diuretic Chinese herbal medicines in treatment of chronic knee synovitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From October 2008 to March 2011, 120 patients with chronic knee synovitis were equally divided into three groups: oral treatment group, external treatment group and combined treatment group. Patients in oral treatment group had a mean age of (56.58 +/- 5.47) years and a course of disease about (7.35 +/- 2.59) months,involving the left knee in 18 cases,the right knee in 17 cases and both knees in 5 cases, who were administered orally with blood-promoting and diuretic Chinese herbal medicines composed of Wu Ling San and Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction. Patients in external treatment group had a mean age of (56.25 +/- 6.35) years and a course of disease about (7.68 +/- 2.76) months,involving the left knee in 16 cases, the right knee in 20 and both knees in 4 cases, who were treated externally with Compound Nanxing Pain Paste. Patients in combined treatment group had a mean age of (55.65 +/- 4.49) years and a course of disease about (7.50 +/- 3.36) months, involving the left knee in 16 cases, the right knee in 18 and both knees in 6 cases, who were given both oral and external treatments. The clinical effects and knee function of the three groups were assessed and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Finally, a total of 118 patients were included in the result analysis, including 40 patients in oral treatment group, 39 patients in external treatment group and 39 patients in combined treatment group. In combined treatment group, 27 patients were clinically cured, 9 were improved, and 3 patients were ineffective vs. 15, 16 and 8 patients in external treatment group, and 13, 16 and 11 in oral treatment group. The overall effective rate of combined treatment group was better than that of oral group and external treatment groups (P < 0.05). The function comprehensive score of knee joints in combined treatment group was better than that of oral treatment group,while the function comprehensive score of knee joints in oral treatment group was better than that in external treatment group in terms of demand for assistance, stair-climbing ability, lameness, and swelling pain.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined use of oral blood-promoting and diuretic Chinese herbal medicines with Nanxing offers a good therapeutic effect on chronic knee synovitis in relieving pain, reducing swelling and improving joint function,while Nanxing could also reduce pain and improve joint function to a certain extent.</p>

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of breviscapine lipid emulsions coated with monooleate-PEG-COOH.

Series of monooleate-modified PEG with active carboxylic terminus on the other end (MO-PEG-COOH) were used to modify the lipid emulsions surface to prepare a sterically stabilized lipid emulsions for carrying Traditional Chinese Medicine - breviscapine. Based on the research of relationship between polymer structure and prolonged circulation activity, we developed an optimized formulation and a technological method to prepare the sterile and stable MO-PEG(10,000)-COOH (Bre-LE-PEG(10,000)) coated breviscapine lipid emulsions (Bre-LE) for intravenous administration. Follow the optimum preparation, the average particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, Ke value and content of final product were determined to be (207.1±8.5)nm, 0.197±0.005, (-33.6±2.0)mV, (21.1±2.3)% and (95.0±1.8)% respectively (n=3). The characteristics, stability and safety of Bre-LE-PEG(10,000) were also studied with Bre-LE as a control. Increased plasma concentration by surface modification of the lipid emulsions may enhance the pharmacological activity of breviscapine to promote blood circulation.

Clinical observation on simple obesity treated by acupuncture / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of simple obesity treated by acupuncture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By randomized single-blind clinical trial, one hundred and eighteen cases of simple obesity were divided into an acupuncture group (76 cases) and a placebo-acupuncture control group (42 cases), additionally, health control group (30 cases) was included. In acupuncture group and placebo-acupuncture control group, all the patients received a restricted diet; Zhongwan (CV 12) and Zhongji (CV 3) etc. at abdomen and Liangqiu (ST 34) and Zusanli (ST 36) etc. at limbs were selected; body mass index (BMI), Serum Total Cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), Glucose, Creatinine, urea nitrogen (BUN), Uric Acid and adverse reactions scores were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment the BMI in acupuncture grown was lower than that in placebo-acupuncture control group (P < 0.01). In metabolism indices, the serum Total Cholesterol and Glucose after treatment were reduced obviously than those before treatment in acupuncture group (all P < 0.01), and there was no significant differences in other metabolism indices (all P > 0.05) in two groups. After treatment, in adverse reactions scores, the hunger sensation scores in acupuncture group was reduced than that in placebo-acupuncture control group (P < 0.05), and there was no significant differences in other indices (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BMI of simple obesity was reduced by acupuncture, and the Serum Total Cholesterol and Glucose were reduced accordingly. The adverse reac tions such as weakness, nervosa and diarrhea, etc. doesn't appear after acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture therapy is one of the safe and effective methods for simple obesity.</p>