Clinical Efficacy of Diet Intervention Combined with Bismuth Potassium Citrate in Helicobacter pylori-Related Chronic Atrophic Gastritis.

Objective: To investigate the clinical impact of dietary intervention in combination with bismuth potassium citrate in the management of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) caused by Helicobacter pylori. Methods: From April 2019 to October 2022, 160 patients with newly identified Helicobacter pylori-related CAG were treated at our facility. They were split into two groups at random: the bismuth potassium citrate medication group (n = 80) and the diet intervention + bismuth potassium citrate experimental groups (n = 80). The bismuth potassium citrate treatment group was given bismuth potassium citrate capsule treatment only, and the diet intervention + bismuth potassium citrate treatment group was given diet intervention based on bismuth potassium citrate capsule. The diet intervention score, symptom score, and pathological score of the two groups were observed at baseline and after treatment, and the relationship between dietary intervention and symptoms and pathology of Helicobacter pylori-related CAG was analyzed. Results: During the baseline period, there was no discernible difference in the diet intervention score, symptom score, or pathology score between the two groups (P > .05); after the diet intervention combination treatment, the diet intervention score, diet intervention + bismuth potassium citrate experimental groups symptom score, and pathology score were considerably lower than those in the bismuth potassium citrate treated group (P < .05). Conclusions: Dietary intervention combined with bismuth potassium citrate exhibited more effective treatment than bismuth potassium citrate-only treatment in Helicobacter pylori-related CAG, which hinted us proper diet has a positive impact on improving the therapeutic efficacy of bismuth potassium citrate.

Compliance with Oral Nutritional Supplementation among Gastric Cancer Patients at Nutritional Risk: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIMS: To explore compliance with oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) and to identify the risk factors for noncompliance among gastric cancer patients based on the health belief model (HBM). METHODS: This prospective, observational study included gastric cancer patients at nutritional risk who were prescribed ONS from July to September 2020. Demographic factors, clinical factors, ONS-related factors, social factors and variables derived from the HBM were collected. The outcome of interest was compliance with ONS, which was measured by self-reported intake of ONS. Uni- and multivariate analyses of potential risk factors for noncompliance were performed. RESULTS: A total of 162 gastric cancer patients in the preoperative and adjuvant chemotherapy periods were analyzed. The compliance rate with ONS was 24.7%. Univariate analysis identified thirteen variables as risk factors for decreased compliance. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that ONS compliance was independently associated with the treatment period, perceived barriers to ONS, the motivation to take ONS, and the timing of taking ONS. CONCLUSION: This study showed that overall ONS compliance among gastric cancer patients was notably low. Patients in the chemotherapy treatment period who took ONS at random times each day perceived more barriers to taking ONS and had a lower level of motivation were associated with lower compliance with ONS.

Effects of Fish Oil Combined with Selenium and Zinc on Learning and Memory Impairment in Aging Mice and Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aß) peptide into plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Aß peptide is generated by the cleavage of the ß-amyloid precursor protein (APP) by ß- and γ-secretase. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of fish oil (or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), selenium, and zinc on learning and memory impairment in an aging mouse model and on APP. We performed the Morris water maze and platform recorder tests on male Kunming mice (10/group) grouped as control and D-galactose-induced aging model mice treated with vehicle, fish oil, fish oil + selenium, fish oil + selenium + zinc, and positive control (red ginseng extract). Fish oil + zinc + selenium for 7 weeks significantly improved learning and memory impairments in aging model animals in the Morris water maze and platform recorder tests, as evidenced by shortened incubation periods and number of errors. In vitro analysis of Aß1-40 content in APP695-transfected CHO cells revealed a decrease after treatment with EPA, DHA, and their combinations with selenium or selenium and zinc. Assaying ß- and γ-secretase activities revealed a decrease in PC12 cells and mouse serum as well as a decrease in ß-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 and presenilin 1 protein levels in the PC12 cells and mouse serum. Taken together, our results show that fish oil combined with selenium and zinc inhibited APP processing and alleviated learning and memory impairment in a mouse model of aging.

Biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles and their potential synergistic effect on alloxan induced oxidative stress conditions during cardiac injury in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Cistus incanus leaf extract was used to biologically synthesize Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). The characteristic UV-vis spectral band of CuO NPs found at 290 nm revealed the successful formation of CuO NPs. By the analysis of TEM and SEM, it is confirmed that the obtained CuO NPs were in spherical structure. By the analysis of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, it is evident that the absorption peak was situated at a position of about 480 cm-1 of wavenumber, which is typically considered as an extremely pure CuO NPs. The images of Transmission Electron Microscopy exhibited that the formed CuO NPs were in the size of about 15-25 nm and were relatively uniform in distribution. When related with the treatment of nanomaterials only, the synergistic interaction among CuO NPs and oxidative stress conditions considerably decreased the cardiac-related function catalogs, which includes pathological progressions of myocardium along with an obvious rise in the levels of creatine kinase-MB and cardiac troponin I. When compared to the void reaction of micro-CuO and cardiac operations in alloxan-injected rats, aggravation in the conditions of oxidative stress could be playing a significant part in the heart injury after dual exposing CuO NPs and alloxan. By these results, it is confirmed that the conditions of oxidative stress improved the contrary effects of CuO NPs to the heart, signifying that the utilization of nanomaterials in conditions of stress such as, in the delivery of drug, required to be cautiously monitored.

[Design and exploration of genetic experiments for non-Mendelian segregation].

It has always been a challenge to combine research progress with undergraduate laboratory teaching. Herein we designed a comprehensive experiment to compare classical Mendelian segregation and non-Mendelian distorted segregation by utilizing a rice material (DSSL) containing F1 hybrid male sterility locus S23 constructed previously in our research project. Using the four SSR markers located on two chromosomes of rice, the genotypes of the F2 population and the two parents were analyzed, and the phenotypes of the pollen fertility of the two parents and their F1 plants were investigated. The results not only verified segregation law at the molecular level, but also fully demonstrated the distorted segregation in both genotypes and phenotypes, thus deepening students' understandings of plant genetics and the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes, inspiring students' interests in genetics experiments, and enhancing students' consciousness and enthusiasm for experimental learning. On the basis of this, a sustainable development idea of transforming scientific research progress into teaching applications was conceived to promote the reform and innovation of genetics laboratory teaching.

[Correlation Study between Electronic Bronchus Mirror and Chinese Medical Syndrome TVDinci of Mycoplasma pneumonia Children].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between electronic bronchus mirror and Chinese medical syndrome typing of Mycoplasma pneumonia children. METHODS: Totally 198 Mycoplasma pneumonia children inpatients were assigned to three syndrome types according to Chinese medical syndrome typing and self-formulated typing standards of electronic bronchus mirror, i.e., Fei-qi accumulation of damp and heat syndrome, Fei-qi accumulation of toxicity and heat syndrome, deficient vital qi leading to lingering of pathogen syndrome. The correlation between electronic bronchus mirror and Chinese medical syndrome typing was explored. RESULTS: As for comparison between electronic bronchus mirror and Chinese medical syndrome typing, Kappa value (K^) was 0.645 and Spearman coefficient correlation (r) was 0.653 (P < 0.01) for Fei-qi accumulation of damp and heat syndrome; K^ was 0.724 and r(s) was 0.727 (P < 0.01) for Fei-qi accumulation of toxicity and heat syndrome; K^ was 0.506 and r(s) was 0.515 (P < 0.01) for deficient vital qi leading to lingering of pathogen syndrome. CONCLUSION: Chinese medical syndrome typing of Mycoplasma pneumonia children was moderately in line with inspection typing under electronic bronchoscope with significant correlation.

[Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus budgets of bottom-cultured clam Ruditapes philippinarum].

In order to elucidate the role of bottom-cultured clams in the coastal nutrient cycle, the seasonal filtration, ingestion and biodeposition rates were in situ measured and carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) budgets of Ruditapes philippinarum among four seasons were modeled. The results showed that the scope for growth of R. philippinarum in carbon (SFG(C)), nitrogen (SFG(N)), and phosphorus (SFG(P)) all varied significantly among seasons, with the highest values in spring. Meanwhile, SFG(C) was negative in summer, SFG(N) and SFG(P) were always positive throughout the year. The seasonal variations of SFG(C), SFG(N) and SFG(P) were -3.94-49.82 mg C x ind(-1) x d(-1), 0.72-9.49 mg N x ind(-1) x d(-1), and 0.15-3.06 mg P x ind(-1) x d(-1), respectively. The net growth efficiencies in carbon (K(C2)), nitrogen (K(N2)), and phosphorus (K(P2)) also showed a distinct seasonal pattern among seasons, and ranked as K(P2) > K(N2) > K(C2). The C, N, and P budgets illustrated that the R. philippinarum population relatively used more N and P than C for growth and efficiently transferred the pelagic primary production to a higher trophic level. The current study suggested that R. philippinarum bottom-cultured at large scale might play a dominant role in the nutrient cycle of the coastal ecosystem and should be considered as an important ecological component in coastal areas.

[Optimization of Ethanol Extraction and Water Extraction Technologies of Zuogui Pills by Orthogonal Test].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the ethanol extraction and water extraction technologies of Luogui Pills. METHODS: An orthogonal test was used to study the influence of ethanol concentration, amount of ethanol and reflux time on hyperoside in Cuscutae Semen, ursolic acid in Corni Fructus and the yield of dry paste. Also, The effect of soaking time, amount of water and extraction time on acteoside in Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata and the yield of dry paste were investigated. All these factors were adopted as the indices for choosing the best ethanol extraction and water extraction technologies. RESULTS: The best ethanol extraction technology for Cuscutae Semen, Corni Fructus and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix was reflux extracting for 1 h each time for two times with eight times of 70% ethanol. The best water extraction technology for the residue and the rest herbs after the ethanol extraction was soaking for 0. 5 h and then decocting for 0. 5 h each time for two times with twelve times of water. CONCLUSION: The optimal extraction technologies are stable and feasible, the extraction rate of the alcohol soluble and water soluble effective components is high, and it provides the reference basis for the secondary development of Zuogui Pills.

[Shuxuening injection combined with routine therapy in treating patients with active ulcerative colitis: an analysis of efficacy ].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect and relevant mechanism of shuxuening Injection (SI) in treating patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Totally 91 patients with active UC were randomly assigned to 2 groups, 44 in the control group and 47 in the treatment group. Patients in the control group received routine treatment, while patients in the treatment group additionally received intravenous injection of SI (15 mL), twice daily for 14 days in total. Colonoscopy was performed before and after treatment. The therapeutic effect was assessed by Mayo scoring system and the grading of activities evaluated by Baron endoscope. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. The activity of SOD was detected by xanthine oxidase method. The content of MDA was detected by thiobarbituricacid (TBA). Besides, 20 healthy subjects were recruited as the healthy control group. RESULTS: Totally 82 patients completed the study (40 in the control group and 42 in the treatment group). There was no statistical difference in serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, SOD, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading between the two groups before treatment (P >0. 05). Compared with the healthy control group, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA significantly increased (P <0.01), and the serum SOD level decreased (P < 0. 05) in the treatment grup and the control group before treatment. Compared with before treatment in the same group, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading all decreased in the treatment group and the control group after treatment (P <0. 01, P <0. 05). Compared with the control group after treatment, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading all decreased (P <0.01, P <0.05), the serum SOD level increased (P <0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. The serum SOD level was obviously negative correlated with serum levels of IL-6, TNF-a, Mayo score, and endoscope score (r = -0. 621, -0.638, -0. 509, -0.787, P <0.01). The serum MDA level was obviously positive correlated with serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, Mayo score, and endoscope score (r =0.711, 0. 882, 0. 525, 0. 639, P <0.01). CONCLUSION: SI could improve inflammatory injury and clinical symptoms of patients with active UC, and its mechanism might be associated with antioxidant and scavenging oxygen free radicals.

Shuxuening injection combined with routine therapy in treating patients with active ulcerative colitis: an analysis of efficacy / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect and relevant mechanism of shuxuening Injection (SI) in treating patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 91 patients with active UC were randomly assigned to 2 groups, 44 in the control group and 47 in the treatment group. Patients in the control group received routine treatment, while patients in the treatment group additionally received intravenous injection of SI (15 mL), twice daily for 14 days in total. Colonoscopy was performed before and after treatment. The therapeutic effect was assessed by Mayo scoring system and the grading of activities evaluated by Baron endoscope. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. The activity of SOD was detected by xanthine oxidase method. The content of MDA was detected by thiobarbituricacid (TBA). Besides, 20 healthy subjects were recruited as the healthy control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 82 patients completed the study (40 in the control group and 42 in the treatment group). There was no statistical difference in serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, SOD, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading between the two groups before treatment (P >0. 05). Compared with the healthy control group, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA significantly increased (P <0.01), and the serum SOD level decreased (P < 0. 05) in the treatment grup and the control group before treatment. Compared with before treatment in the same group, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading all decreased in the treatment group and the control group after treatment (P <0. 01, P <0. 05). Compared with the control group after treatment, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading all decreased (P <0.01, P <0.05), the serum SOD level increased (P <0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. The serum SOD level was obviously negative correlated with serum levels of IL-6, TNF-a, Mayo score, and endoscope score (r = -0. 621, -0.638, -0. 509, -0.787, P <0.01). The serum MDA level was obviously positive correlated with serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, Mayo score, and endoscope score (r =0.711, 0. 882, 0. 525, 0. 639, P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SI could improve inflammatory injury and clinical symptoms of patients with active UC, and its mechanism might be associated with antioxidant and scavenging oxygen free radicals.</p>

Xiaotan Tongfu granules contribute to the prevention of stress ulcers.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and potential mechanism of Xiaotan Tongfu granules (XTTF) in stress ulcers. METHODS: One hundred sixty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10) as follows: the model group (MP group), the control group (CP group), the ranitidine group (RP group) and the XTTF granule group (XP group). Rats in the MP group received no drugs, rats in the CP group received 0.2 mL of a 0.9% sodium chloride solution via oral gavage, and rats in the RP and XP groups received the same volume of ranitidine (50 mg/kg) or XTTF granule (4.9 g/kg). The cold-restraint stress model was applied to induce stress ulcers after 7 consecutive days of drug administration. Afterwards, rats were sacrificed at 0, 3, 6 and 24 h. Gastric pH was measured by a precise pH meter; gastric emptying rate (GER) was measured by using a methylcellulose test meal; myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were measured by immunohistochemical staining; and mucosal cell apoptosis was measured by transferase dUTP nick end labeling. RESULTS: In the cold-restraint stress model, the development of stress ulcers peaked at 3 h and basically regressed after 24 h. Gastric lesions were significantly different in the RP and XP groups at each time point. Interestingly, although this index was much lower in the RP group than in the XP group immediately following stress induction (7.00 ± 1.10 vs 10.00 ± 1.79, P < 0.05. Concerning gastric pH, between the RP and XP groups, we detected a statistically significant difference immediately after stress induction (0 h: 4.56 ± 0.47 vs 3.34 ± 0.28, P < 0.05) but not at any of the subsequent time points. For GER, compared to the RP group, GER was remarkably elevated in the XP group because a statistically significant difference was detected (3 h: 46.84 ± 2.70 vs 61.16 ± 5.12, P < 0.05; 6 h: 60.96 ± 6.71 vs 73.41 ± 6.16, P < 0.05; 24 h: 77.47 ± 3.17 vs 91.31 ± 4.34, P < 0.05). With respect to MPO and MIF, comparisons between the RP and XP groups revealed statistically significant differences at 3 h (MPO: 18.94 ± 1.20 vs 13.51 ± 0.89, P < 0.05; MIF: 150.67 ± 9.85 vs 122.17 ± 5.67, P < 0.05) and 6 h (MPO: 13.22 ± 1.54 vs 8.83 ± 0.65, P < 0.05; MIF: 135.50 ± 9.46 vs 109.83 ± 6.40, P < 0.05). With regard to HSP70, HSP70 expression was significantly increased in the RP and XP groups at 3 and 6 h compared to the MP and CP groups. In addition, comparing the RP and XP groups also showed statistically significant differences at 3 and 6 h. The expression of PCNA was higher in the RP and XP groups 3 h after stress induction. Between these two groups, small but statistically significant differences were observed at all of the time points (3 h: 69.50 ± 21.52 vs 79.33 ± 15.68, P < 0.05; 6 h: 107.83 ± 4.40 vs 121.33 ± 5.71, P < 0.05; 24 h: 125.33 ± 5.65 vs 128.50 ± 14.49, P < 0.05) except 0 h. With regard to apoptosis, the apoptotic activity in the RP and XP groups was significantly different from that in the MP and CP groups. The XP group exhibited a higher inhibition of cell apoptosis than the RP group at 3 h (232.58 ± 24.51 vs 174.46 ± 10.35, P < 0.05) and 6 h (164.74 ± 18.31 vs 117.71 ± 12.08, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Xiaotan Tongfu granule was demonstrated to be similar to ranitidine in preventing stress ulcers. It exhibited multiple underlying mechanisms and deserves further study.

[Post-stroke flaccid limb dysfunction treated with the comprehensive therapy of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and rehabilitation: muti-center randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of the comprehensive therapy of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and rehabilitation in the treatment of post-stroke flaccid limb dysfunction. METHODS: The four-center, single-blind, randomized and controlled research method was adopted, 240 qualified subjects were randomized into a comprehensive therapy group, an acupuncture group, a rehabilitation group and a Chinese herbal medicine group, 60 cases in each one, at the ratio of 1 1. In the comprehensive therapy group, the comprehensive therapy of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and rehabilitation was applied. The acupuncture therapy included the scale acupuncture at middle line of vertex, lateral line 1 of vertex, lateral line 2 of vertex, etc. with the single reinforcing and reducing technique by the speed of needle insertion and withdrawal, and the body acupuncture therapy at the acupoints on the antagonistic muscles with the reinforcing and reducing technique by the needle rotation. The Chinese herbal medicine therapy included No. 1 stroke formula for the cases of liver and kidney yin deficiency and the upward disturbance of wind yang, No. 2 stroke formula for qi deficiency and blood stagnation, and the stagnation in meridians and No. 3 stroke formula for the interaction of phlegm and stasis and blockage of meridians according to the pattern/syndrome differentiation. The rehabilitation therapy focused on the promotion technique by putting the healthy limb. The simple acupuncture, rehabilitation and Chinese herbal medicine therapies as the comprehensive therapy group were applied in the acupuncture group, rehabilitation group and Chinese herbal medicine group separately. The Chinese medicine symptom, the limb motor function, the daily life activity, fainting needle reaction, allergic reaction and the others were taken as indices to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment. RESULTS: (1) The results of the four indices named the Chinese medicine symptom, the limb motor function, the limb balance function, the daily life activity were all improved significantly after treatment as compared with those before treatment in four groups (all P < 0.01). (2) Concerning to the improvement degrees, the improvements of the above four indices in the comprehensive therapy group were more significant than those in the other three groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The improvement in Chinese medicine symptom in the acupuncture group and the Chinese herbal medicine group were more significant than that in the rehabilitation group (both P < 0.05). The improvement of the upper limb motor function in the acupuncture group was more significant than that in the rehabilitation group and the Chinese herbal medicine group separately (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The comprehensive therapeutic program of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and rehabilitation is safe and effective in the treatment of post-stroke flaccid limb dysfunction. It is more advantageous in efficacy as compared with any simple therapy.

[Studies on the influences of Changan Granule on the model of irritable bowel syndrome rat].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influences of Changan Granule on the model of rat with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by observing the weight, the content of Nitric Oxide (NO) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in serum of rat. METHODS: The model of IBS rat was established by decoction of Folium Sennae and restraint stress, effects of Changan Granule were studied through observing the influences on rat weight and the content of NO and 5-HT in serum. RESULTS: Compared to those of the model group, Changan Granule could improve diarrhea induced by Folium Sennae and increase body weight obviously (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the control group, Changan Granule could also increase the content of NO and 5-HT in serum significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Through histological survey, we discovered that the high and middle dose of Changan Granule could change the symptom of inflammation and improve the morphous of epithelium mucosae compared to the model group. And there were no obvious pathological changes on the high and middle dose groups of Changan Granule compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Changan Granule is effective to cure IBS and has protective effects on the bowel mucosae.

[Controlled study on treatment of cervical spondylopathy of the nerve root type with acupuncture, moxibustion and massage as main].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into clinical value of comprehensive program of acupuncture, moxibustion and massage as main for treatment of cervical spondylopathy of the nerve root type. METHODS: Five centers, single blind, randomized controlled method were used, 660 cases were divided into a treatment group of 317 cases and a control group of 311 cases. They were treated respectively with comprehensive program of acupuncture, moxibustion and massage as main, and comprehensive program of physical therapy as main. Establish syndrome detection scale and multiply dimensional effect assessment indexes, and evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety. RESULTS: The cured rate, the cured-markedly effective rate were 42.9%, 64.4% in the treatment group, respectively, better than 16.7%, 36.3% in the control group (P<0.01); after treatment of 2 weeks, clinical symptoms improved in the both groups, but the treatment group was better than the control group in the improvement degrees of neck-shoulder-limb pain, neck rigidity, abnormality of cervical anteflexion, etc. (P<0.01 or P<0.05); the treatment group was shorter than the control group in the time of producing the effect and therapeutic course (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive program of acupuncture, moxibustion and massage as main is safe and effective for treatment of cervical spondylopathy, with a better therapeutic effect compared with the comprehensive program of physical therapy.

[Determnination of betaine in Fufang Guilu granule by HPLC].

OBJECTIVE: To describe a HPLC method for assessing betaine in Fufang Guilu granule. METHOD: The content of betainephenaxcyl bromide in Fufang Guilu granule was determined by HPLC. The analytical column was a shim-pack CLC-ODS (6.0 mm x 150 mm) filling a 5 microm stationary phase; The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water(35:65) with 0.1 mol x L(-1) NaClO4; The flow-rate was 1 mL x min (-1); The detector was set at 254 nm. RESULT: The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.09-0.585 microg (r = 0.9997). The average recovery of the method was 98.4%, RSD 2.5% (n = 5). CONCLUSION: The results showed that this method was reliable and accurate, and can be used for quality control of Fufang Guilu granule.

[Multicentral randomized controlled study on acupuncture at Sifeng (EX-UE 10) for treatment of infantile malnutrition].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Sifeng (EX-UE 10) on infantile malnutrition. METHODS: Multicentral, randomized, controlled and single blind test was adopted. 222 infants of malnutrition were divided into an acupuncture group (n=110) and a medicine group (n=112). The acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral Sifeng (EX-UE 10), once each week, for 4 times; and the medicine group were treated with oral administration of Yiqi Jianpi Oral Liquid, twice each day, one ample each time, for 4 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by improvement of symptoms and signs in the syndrome cumulative score scale, and changes of serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), pre-albumin (PA), hemoglobin and red-cell count. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-two cases were enrolled in the 4 centers and 212 cases completed the test. The acupuncture group in improvement of appetite, body weight, subcutaneous fat thickness of the abdomen, etc. were superior to the medicine group (P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in improvement of the body height. There was no significant increase of serum IGF-I level in the two groups, and the acupuncture group in increase of PA was superior to the medicine group (P < 0.05). After treatment, hemoglobin and red-cell count increased significantly in the treatment group (P < 0.01), and hemoglobin increased significantly in the medicine group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Sifeng (EX-UE 10) has obvious therapeutic effect on infantile malnutrition.

Efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating Bell's palsy: a multicenter randomized controlled trial in China.

BACKGROUND: Bell's palsy involves acute facial paralysis due to inflammation of the facial nerve. Acupuncture and moxibustion (acu-moxi) is beneficial in treating facial palsy. In order to verify the efficacy of acu-moxi on Bell's palsy, a randomized single-blind, multicenter clinical trial was performed. METHODS: A total of 480 patients from four clinical centers were involved in this trial, of whom 439 completed the trial and 41 did not. All patients were randomly assigned to either the control group or to one of two treatment groups. The control group was treated with prednisone, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, and dibazole; the treatment groups were treated either with acu-moxi alone or in combination with prednisone, Vitamin B1, vitamin B12, and dibazole. Symptoms and signs, the House-Brackmann scale, and facial disability index (FDI) scores were assessed and determined both pre- and post-treatment to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment methods. RESULTS: The characteristics of the control and two treatment groups were comparable without statistically significant differences before treatment. There were significant differences between the control and treatment groups after treatment (chi(2) = 15.265, P = 0.018). According to evaluations based on the House-Brackmann scale and FDI scores, the effectiveness of treatment in the two treatment groups was better than in the control group and was most effective in patients receiving acu-moxi treatment alone (Z = -2.827, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of acu-moxi treatment for Bell's palsy is verified scientifically.