[Changes of histology and ultrastructure of otopoint "Stomach" area in rabbits with chronic gastritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the histological and ultrastructural changes of the otopoint "Stomach" (MA-IC) area in chronic gastritis rabbits so as to provide a foundation for auricular acupoint diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A total of 20 New Zealand rabbits (half male and half female) were randomly and equally divided into control and model groups. The chronic gastritis model was established by gavage of 5% sodium salicylate each day for 5 weeks, while the rabbits of the control group received gavage of clear water at the same volume. Morphological changes of the tissues of gastric mucosa, otopoint "Stomach" and auricular control point were observed under light microscope after staining with hematoxylin-eosin (H.E.), and given scores (0-3 points) according to the levels of inflammatory cells. The ultrastructural changes of the otopoint "Stomach" tissue were observed under transmission electronic microscope (TEM). RESULTS: H.E. staining revealed smoothness of the gastric smooth muscle with no or a few of inflammatory cells in the control group, and appearance of gastric mucosal hemorrhage and erosion, slightly disordered epithelial glands and infiltration of a large number of lymphocytes in the mucosal layer with some clustered lymphocyte aggregation foci in the model group. The pathological score of gastric mucous in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Under light microscope, no obvious changes were observed in the skin of the otopoint "Stomach" of the control group and the control point of the model group, whereas hyperplasia and abscission in the epidermic cuticle and spinous layer and basal layer, dermal tissue and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the otopoint "Stomach" of the model group. Results of TEM observation showed no significant changes in the ultrastructure of the otopoint "Stomach" in the control group, and swollen and vacuolated epidermal keratinocyte mitochondria, reduced keratin filament aggregation, widened local cell space, unclear desmosome structure, activation of the dermal fibroblasts, and an increase of the myelinated nerve mitochondria in the "Stomach" region in the model group. CONCLUSION: The otopoint "Stomach" tissue has structural damage and hyperplasia in chronic gastritis rabbits, suggesting a special correlation between the otopoint "Stomach" and gastric tissue, hence, providing a morphological basis for otopoint diagnosis and treatment.

The Effect of Tai Chi for Improving Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sleep quality is a major concern around the world, yet currently there are no recognized non-pharmacological treatments. A systematic review and meta-analysis investigated Tai Chi's effect on patients with sleep complaints, both those with insomnia and those with other conditions. METHODS: 4 English language databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL) and 4 Chinese databases (CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wanfang Data) were searched from database inception through June 23, 2019. Searches were conducted in both English and Chinese language. Meta-analysis by mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was performed with RevMan 5.3. Risk of bias for each study was accounted for according to the Cochrane Handbook. RESULTS: Twenty randomized controlled studies from five countries covering 1,703 patients were included and divided into two control groups. Tai Chi had a significant effect on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) compared with non-treatment and active treatment groups. Moreover, the articles were divided into groups according to Tai Chi styles. Both 24-form Yang-style Tai Chi and 8-form Yang-style Tai Chi had significant effects on PSQI. LIMITATIONS: One limitation of our work was that there were some forms of insomnia for which conclusions could not be drawn. Also, no relationship between efficacy and any of the factors could be elucidated. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with non-therapeutic and other active treatments, Tai Chi has a positive effect on improving sleep quality. In-depth analysis showed that 24-form and 8-form Yang style Tai Chi have significant positive effects on sleep quality, as assessed by PSQI.

Standardized Auricular Therapy for Patients with Different Constitutions and Suboptimal Health: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: According to the guideline for preventive treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this study examined the efficacy of standardized auricular therapy for patients with different constitutions who had suboptimal health. To prevent the occurrence and development of diseases, it is necessary to find new positive and feasible methods. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of standardized auricular therapy for patients with different constitutions who had suboptimal health was conducted. The study included 176 patients with Qi Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, Qi Stagnation, Phlegm Dampness, Blood Stasis, Damp-Heat, and Special Constitution. As the patients underwent treatment, they were examined with a weekly test for changes in symptoms for 4 weeks. Results: Using statistical analysis, the efficacy rate of treatment for patients with Yang deficiency was 83.90%. Other constitutional efficacy rates were: Yin Deficiency, 84.62%; Qi Deficiency, 75.00%; Qi Stagnation, 92.31%; Phlegm-Dampness, 82.69%; Damp-Heat, 84.84%; Blood Stasis, 71.43%; and Special Endowment, 83.33%. Conclusions: Standardized auricular therapy has curative effects on patients with a variety of constitutions and who have suboptimal health. This therapy can not only balance the constitutions of patients with suboptimal health but also can play an important role in the field of prevention and health-promoting medicine.