Safety and efficacy of Yaobitong capsules for lumbar disc herniation: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel, positive-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most common diseases and is a global medical and socioeconomic problem characterized by leg or back pain, weakness in the lower extremities and paresthesia. OBJECTIVES: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel, positive-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yaobitong capsules (YBT) for LDH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients (n = 479) were recruited and randomized into YBT and Jingyaokang capsule (JYK) groups (the positive control), and received YBT or JYK at a dose of 3 capsules 3 times per day after a meal for 30 days. The primary efficacy outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), with the visual analogue scale (VAS) used as the secondary efficacy outcome. The adverse events and adverse reactions were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between YBT (n = 358) and JYK groups (n = 120), and no difference was observed between groups for mean ODI score at day 0 (p = 0.064) or day 7 (p = 0.196), but there were differences at days 14, 21 and 30 (p < 0.001). The YBT showed more decline from baseline, and the decreased ODI score was substantially different from JYK (p < 0.001). The differences in decreased VAS scores between YBT and JYK were also significant at each time point (days 7, 14, 21, and 30), with better scores in the YBT group than in the JYK group (p < 0.001). In terms of safety, there was no obvious disparity in adverse events or adverse reactions between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Yaobitong was better than JYK for LDH treatment, with no significant difference in safety. The study suggests that YBT is a promising and effective treatment for LDH.

[Population, distribution and food composition of wolves (Canis lupus) at Saihanwula Nature Reserve, Inner Mongolia].

To provide initial value for population restoration and management of wolves (Canis lupus) in the wild, line transect survey and fecal analysis method were used to study the population ecology of wolf at Saihanwula National Nature Reserve, Inner Mongolia. The results revealed that the population number was at least seven within the reserve and population density was 4.18+/-2.88 individual per 100 km2. The wolf population was mainly distributed in Shengshan and Qinyunshan core areas; active sites appeared mostly along mountain ridges, roads and valleys at Shengshan and mountain ridges at Qinyunshan. Hare (Lepus capensis) and plants occurred frequently in the food composition of wolf scats. Food types varied between years but not seasons (Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn).

[Treatment of acetabulum fracture combined with ipsilateral lower extremity fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the treatment and mechanisim of acetabulum fracture combined with ipsilateral lower extremity fracture. METHODS: Fourteen cases(9 males and 5 females) of acetabulum fracture were involved in the study with the mean age of 35 years (range, from 18 to 65 years). According to Letournel classification, 11 cases were the fracture of posterior wall and column, 3 cases were only the fracture of posterior column. All of them were treated with titanium plate internal fixation. Of three cases with ipsilateral femoral intertrochanteric fracture, one was treated with external fixiation device, other two were treated with DHS fixation; Three cases with ipsilateral femoral neck fracture were treated with compressive cannulated screw fixation; Among six cases with ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture,one was fixed with steel plate,the rest underwent intramedullary nailing fixation; Two cases with ipsilateral tibial plateau fracture were treated with anatomic plate internal fixation. RESULTS: All patients except the died old patient were followed up from 18 months to 5 years, with mean of 30 months. According to standard of American institute of orthopaedics, 9 cases obtained excellent results, 3 good and 2 poor and the excellent and good rate was 92.3%. CONCLUSION: Most cases of acetabulum fracture combined with ipsilateral lower extremity fracture are due to great violence, their mechanisms are complex, and easily lead to missed diagnosis, therefore the early correct diagnosis, and reasonable internal fixation should be considered.