[Effects of Zhoutian moxibustion on pain symptoms and inflammatory factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis of cold-damp obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Zhoutian moxibustion on pain symptoms and serum inflammatory factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis of cold-damp obstruction. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with ankylosing spondylitis of cold-damp obstruction were randomly divided into a Zhoutian moxibustion group (42 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a governor vessel moxibustion group (42 cases, 2 cases dropped out, 1 case discontinued). Both groups were given oral administration of sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets as basic treatment. The governor vessel moxibustion group was treated with moxibustion box from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoyangguan (GV 3), one hour per treatment; the Zhoutian moxibustion group was treated with moxibustion box from Tiantu (CV 22) to Zhongji (CV 3) in addition to the governor vessel moxibustion group, two hours per treatment. Both groups were treated once every 3 days, twice a week, for a total of 9 weeks. The pain symptom scores of the two groups were observed before treatment and at the 3rd, 6th, and 9th weeks into treatment. ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after treatment. RESULTS: Except for the joint pain scores at the 3rd week into treatment, the total scores and the each sub-item score of pain symptom in the two groups were lower than those before treatment at the 3rd, 6th, and 9th weeks into treatment (P<0.05); at the 3rd, 6th, and 9th weeks into treatment, the total scores of pain symptom and the scores of lumbar sacral pain, back pain, joint cold pain, and limited mobility in the Zhoutian moxibustion group were lower than those in the governor vessel moxibustion group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum IL-1ß, IL-18 and TNF-α in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of serum IL-1ß, IL-18, and TNF-α in the Zhoutian moxibustion group were lower than those in the governor vessel moxibustion group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (36/40) in the Zhoutian moxibustion group, which was higher than 76.9% (30/39) in the governor vessel moxibustion group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Zhoutian moxibustion could effectively improve various pain symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis of cold-damp obstruction, and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors.

Temporal and spatial variation characteristics of surface water area in the Yellow River Basin from 1986 to 2021.

The Yellow River Basin is short of water resources. The dynamic monitoring of surface water area is helpful to clarify the distribution and change trend of water resources in this area. It is of great scientific significance to deeply understand the impacts of climate change and human activities on water resources and ensure the ecological security of the basin. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, we analyzed the spatial variations of surface water area in the Yellow River Basin from 1986 to 2021 by using the mixed index algorithm, and revealed the driving factors of surface water area change in the Yellow River Basin. The results showed that the overall recognition accuracy of the water extraction algorithm based on mixing index was 97.5%. Compared with available water data products, the proposed algorithm can guarantee the integrity of the whole water area to a certain extent. The surface water area in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yellow River Basin was 71.7%, 18.4%, and 9.9% of the total surface water area, respectively. From 1986 to 2021, the surface water area of the basin showed an overall upward trend, with a total increase of 3163.6 km2. The surface water area of the upper, middle, and downstream regions increased by 72.0%, 22.4%, and 5.6%, respectively. The increase of precipitation was the main reason for the increase of water area, with a contribution of 55%. Vegetation restoration and construction of water conservancy projects had increased the water area of the basin. The intensification of human water extraction activity reduced the water area of the basin.

Meta-Analysis of Different Acupuncture Points in the Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis with Supervised Moxibustion.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture points in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with supervised moxibustion. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 61 AS patients (diagnosed as ankylosing spondylitis of kidney-yang deficiency type by Chinese medicine) admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to February 2021, randomly divided into 30 cases in the experimental group (Du moxibustion + basic western medicine treatment) and 31 cases in the control group (basic western medicine treatment alone). The changes in quantitative scores of the main symptoms and major signs (thoracic mobility, occipital-wall distance, finger-ground distance, and laboratory index (ESR)) were analyzed before and after treatment. Results: Of the 30 cases in the experimental group, 2 were clinically cured, 3 were apparently effective, 21 were effective, and 4 were ineffective, with an overall effective rate of 86.7%; of the 31 cases in the control group, 1 was clinically cured, 1 was apparently effective, 1 was effective. 24 were effective, and 5 were ineffective, with an overall effective rate of 83.9%. Comparing the efficacy by t-test, P < 0.05, indicating that the effect of Du moxibustion + Western medicine treatment was better. Conclusion: The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with kidney-yang deficiency by moxibustion + western medicine can improve the efficacy, alleviate the inflammatory response and improve the patient's symptoms and signs, and immune indexes.

[Biblio-metrology analysis on clinical application of Chengshan (BL57) in ancient Chinese medical literature].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and sum up clinical application regularities of Chengshan (BL57) acupoint in ancient Chinese literature. METHODS: The book Zhonghua Yidian (Collection of Chinese Medical Classic Works, 5th edition) containing 1 156 ancient medical books was used as the retrieved literature source. The key retrieval words used were BL57 acupoint related indications, prescriptions, treatment methods and taboos, followed by sorting out relevant articles and establishing a database. RESULTS: A total of 196 articles meeting our inclusion standards of the present study, involving 61 ancient books which contain 174 related terms covering 56 diseases or syndromes of internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, ophthalmology and otorhinola-ryngology, etc.. Among them, the most frequently attending disease treated by single BL57 or acupoints combination was limb meridian disorders, and the most frequently used auxiliary acupoint was Kunlun (BL60). The most frequently used auxiliary meridian was the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang. In addition, a total of 71 terms involved the acupuncture and moxibustion techniques of BL57, covering 7 treatment methods. In terms of the treatment methods, the dose of moxibustion was five cones in each session, and the depth of acupuncture needle insertion was about seven fen. CONCLUSION: BL57 is widely used in various clinical departments, especially for limb meridian diseases.

[Efficacy of herb-separated moxibustion combined with sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets for ankylosing spondylitis with cold-dampness obstruction type].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy between herb-separated moxibustion and conventional moxibustion on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on oral administration of sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with AS of cold-dampness obstruction type were randomly divided into an herb-separated moxibustion group and a conventional moxibustion group, 32 cases in each one. Based on oral administration of sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, the patients in the conventional moxibustion group were treated with moxibustion at the area with Dazhui (GV 14) to Changqiang (GV 1) as center and about 10 cm in width; the moxibustion was given for 1 hour. In the herb-separated moxibustion group, the gauze was soaked in the medicinal liquor and ginger juice, and placed on the same moxibustion area as the conventional moxibustion group, followed by moxibustion for 1 hour. The treatment in the two groups was given once a week, three treatments constituted a course and totally three courses were given. The symptom quantification score, occipital-wall distance, Schober test, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the symptom quantification score, occipital-wall distance, CRP and ESR levels were lower but the Schober test was higher after treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05). The symptom quantification score, Schober test, CRP and ESR levels in the herb-separated moxibustion group were superior to those in the conventional moxibustion group (all P<0.05), but no significant difference was observed on occipital-wall distance (P>0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the herb-separated moxibustion group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) in the conventional moxibustion group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The herb-separated moxibustion combined with sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets has significant efficacy for AS with cold-dampness obstruction type, which could obviously relieve pain symptoms, improve occipital-wall distance, Schober test and other physical signs, and improve the quality of life.

[Clinical observation of ankylosing spondylitis treated with moxibustion along the governor vessel and the conception vessel and salazosulfapyridine].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference in the clinical efficacy on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) between the combined therapy of moxibustion along the governor vessel and the conception vessel and salazosulfapyridine (SASP) and the routine moxibustion. METHODS: Sixty-two patients of AS were randomized into two groups, 31 cases in each one with one case dnopping separately. In the two groups, SASP was prescribed for oral administration. In the observation group, the self-prepared moxa powder, ginger granules and moxa wool were placed on the back, from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoshu (GV 2) and on the abdomen, from the inferior of the xiphoid process to the upper border of symphsis pubis, covering the running of the governor vessel and the conception vessel. In the control group, the routine moxibustion therapy was used, in which, the moxa box was placed on the back and abdomen alternatively. Each treatment lasted 2 h, once every 7 days, 3 treatments as one session. After 3 sessions of treatment, the symptom score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, time of morning stiffness, Schober test, occiput-to-wall distance and thoracic mobility were observed before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 86.7% (26/30) in the observation group, better than 73.3% (22/30) in the control group. The efficacy in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). All of the observation indices after treatment were improved apparently as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.01). After treatment, the improvements in the symptom score, VAS score, time of morning stiffness and Schober test in the observation group were better apparently than those in the control group (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of treatment with SASP, moxibustion along the governor vessel and the conception vessel achieves the definite efficacy on AS, better than the routine moxibustion therapy.

[Clinical observation on ankylosing spondylitis treated with acupoint catgut embedding combined vessel pricking therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding combined with vessel pricking therapy for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Eighty-six cases of AS were randomly divided into an acupoint catgut embedding combined vessel pricking group (group A) and a medication group(group B), 43 cases in each group. In the group A, acupoint catgut embedding combined with vessel pricking therapy were applied at Shenshu(BL 23), Dazhu (BL 11) and Jiaji (EX-B 2) etc. The group B was treated with oral administration of Sulfasalazine (SASP). The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. Symptom score, Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), the indices of morning stiff duration, Schober test, occiput to wall distance, chest expansion, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-response protein (CRP) were compared before and after treatment between two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate was 83.7% (36/43) in the group A, which was superior to that of 70.0% (28/40) in the group B (P < 0.05). The improvements of all indices in two groups were more significant than those before treatment (all P < 0.01), and symptom score, Schober test score and VAS score in group A were superior to those in the group B (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). No adverse reaction occurred in the group A. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of acupoint catgut embedding combined with vessel pricking therapy for AS is preferable without any adverse effects, which is superior to that of oral administration of SASP.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of medicinal moxa stick moxibustion for treatment of tinea pedis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of using medicinal moxa stick moxibustion for treatment of tinea pedis. METHODS: One hundred and forty-four cases were randomly divided into a medicinal moxa stick group (MMS), a moxa stick group (MS) and a Nitramisole cream group (NC) (n = 48 in each group). The moxibustion method was applied in both MMS group and MS group. The Nitramisole cream was applied in NC group. The treatment course was lasted for 21 days. The symptoms of patients with tinea pedis were recorded and scored before and after the treatment course, the effectiveness was assessed. RESULTS: The total effective rates were 89.59% and 81.25% in the MMS group and the MS group, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the total effective rate in these two groups were better than that of NC group (70.84%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of medicinal moxa stick moxibustion is better than that of moxa stick moxibustion or Nitramisole cream.

[Meridian three-combined therapy for treatment of ordinary psoriasis: a multi-center randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the meridian three-combined therapy for treatment of ordinary psoriasis. METHODS: A multi-central, randomized and positive drug controlled trial was adopted, and 233 cases were divided into an observation group of 116 cases and a control group of 117 cases. The observation group was treated with thread embedding at points, blood-letting puncture on the back of ear and auricular point pressing (i.e. meridian three-combined therapy). For thread embedding, 3-4 local points such ear points as Fei (CO14), Gan (CO12), Pizhixia (AT4), Shenmen (TF4) , cephalic and symmetric points of severe parts of the limb skin were selected according to the skin lesion position, and the treatment was given once each two weeks. For ear point tapping and pressing, 3-5 points were selected in each session. And the control group was treated with oral administration of Di yin Tablets, 5 tablets each time, twice each day. After treatment of 6 weeks, the clinical therapeutic effects, the score of skin lesion area, the scores for skin lesion severity and safety were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: The markedly effective rate was 57.8 % in the observation group and 51.3% in the control group with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05); after treatment the scores for both the skin lesion area and the skin lesion severity were significantly decreased in the two groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), and with a significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). And the incidence rate of the adverse reaction in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: The meridian three-combined therapy is effective and safe for treatment of ordinary psoriasis.