Clinical efficacy of fire needling combined with cupping therapy on herpes zoster of acute stage and the effect on Th17/Treg cellular immune balance / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy between the combined therapy of fire needling and cupping, and western medication on herpes zoster of acute stage, as well as the effects on Th17 and Treg cells and inflammatory factors, i.e. IL-10 and IL-17 in the peripheral blood.@*METHODS@#Eighty patients with herpes zoster of acute stage were randomly divided into a combined therapy (fire needling plus cupping) group and a western medication group, 40 cases in each one. In the combined therapy group, the pricking and scattering techniques with fire needle were used at ashi points and Jiaji (EX-B 2) corresponding to the affected spinal segments; afterwards, cupping therapy was delivered. The combined treatment was given once daily. In the western medication group, valaciclovir hydrochloride tablet and vitamin B1 tablet were administered orally. The duration of treatment in each group was 10 days. Before each treatment from day 1 to day 10 and on day 11 , the score of symptoms and physical signs was observed in the two groups separately. Before each treatment from day 1 to day 10 and on day 11, 30, 60, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and skin lesion indexes were observed in the two groups. On day 60, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was recorded in the two groups. The levels of Th17 and Treg cells, Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were detected before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#From day 6 to day 10 during treatment and on day 11, the scores of symptoms and physical signs in the combined therapy group were lower than those of the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On day 3, day 6 to day 10 during treatment and day 11, day 30, VAS scores in the combined therapy group were lower than those of the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On day 60, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia in the combined therapy group was lower compared with that in the western medication group (P<0.05). The blister arresting time and scabbing time in the combined therapy group were shorter than those of the western medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, the level of Th17, and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as the serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were all lower in comparison with those in the western medication group (P<0.05). The curative and remarkably effective rate was 82.5% (33/40) in the combined therapy group, higher than 62.5% (25/40) in the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The early application of fire needling combined with cupping therapy can effectively treat herpes zoster of acute stage, relieve pain, and reduce the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, which may be related to reducing the levels of Th17 and Treg cells, and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as the serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 so that the cellular immune balance is modulated.

Cloning and functional characterization of phytoene desaturase in Andrographis paniculata / 中国中药杂志

A full-length cDNA of phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene from Andrographis paniculata was obtained through RACE-PCR. The cDNA sequence consists of 2 224 bp with an intact ORF of 1 752 bp (GeneBank: KP982892), encoding a ploypeptide of 584 amino acids. Homology analysis showed that the deduced protein has extensive sequence similarities to PDS from other plants, and contains a conserved NAD ( H) -binding domain of plant dehydrase cofactor binding-domain in N-terminal. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that ApPDS was more related to PDS of Sesamum indicum and Pogostemon cablin. The semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that ApPDS expressed in whole aboveground tissues with the highest expression in leaves. Virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) was performed to characterize the functional of ApPDS in planta. Significant photobleaching was not observed in infiltrated leaves, while the PDS gene has been down-regulated significantly at the yellowish area. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of PDS gene cloning and functional characterization from A. paniculata, which lays the foundation for further investigation of new genes, especially that correlative to andrographolide biosynthetic pathway.

Non-parametric Bootstrap estimation on the intraclass correlation coefficient generated from quantitative hierarchical data / 中华流行病学杂志

This paper aims to achieve Bootstraping in hierarchical data and to provide a method for the estimation on confidence interval (CI) of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).First,we utilize the mixed-effects model to estimate data from ICC of repeated measurement and from the two-stage sampling.Then,we use Bootstrap method to estimate CI from related ICCs.Finally,the influences of different Bootstraping strategies to ICC' s CIs are compared.The repeated measurement instance show that the CI of cluster Bootsraping containing the true ICC value.However,when ignoring the hierarchy characteristics of data,the random Bootsraping method shows that it has the invalid CI.Result from the two-stage instance shows that bias obsered between cluster Bootstraping's ICC means while the ICC of the original sample is the smallest,but with wide CI.It is necessary to consider the structure of data as important,when hierarchical data is being resampled.Bootstrapping seems to be better on the higher than that on lower levels.

Latent growth curve modeling for improvement of clinical symptoms on depression / 中华流行病学杂志

To explore the improvement of clinical symptoms after treatment on patients with depression under the latent growth curve modeling.514 patients were studied with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for depression and nonlinear conditional.Latent growth curve modeling was constructed to assess the features of outcome growth trajectory and possible related influencing factors.Results indicated that the outcome measure showing nonlinear growth trajectory and rapid drop during the first follow-up period and then declining or leveling off for the rest of the observation period on symptoms of anxiety,cognitive disturbance,retardation,sleeping disorder and HAMD scores.The variances of both latent intercept and the slope growth factor were statistically significant,indicating they varied across individuals.Gender did not show significant effect on both the intercept and the slope growth factor for the six outcomes,while age had a significant positive effect on initial weight loss,sleep disorder and HAMD scores at the baseline (0.015,0.048 and 0.068,P＜0.05) survey.Marriage showed significant positive effect on intercept factor of anxiety symptoms (0.563,P＜0.05) but negative effect on slope growth factor (-0.244,P＜0.05) while family history had significant positive effect on intercept factor regarding retardation (0.471,P＜0.05).The level of received education had a significant negative effect on intercept factor of anxiety symptoms and HAMD scores (-0.424 and-0.914,P＜0.05).Latent growth curve models allowed the researchers to study the overall growth trajectory as well as the captured individual differences on these trajectories over time,that also provided a powerful tool for the analysis on longitudinal data.

Personalized medicine policy for patients with hepatic insufficiency in intensive care units / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To provide information for clinical pharmacists who participate in personalized pharmacotherapy for patients with liver dysfunction in intensive care units (ICU) and perform individualized medication monitoring. METHODS: Literatures and instructions for medicines used commonly in ICU and medicines harmful to liver were searched and summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Clinical pharmacists should focus on personalized medicine therapy for special patients in ICU and provide personalized medicine services.

Effect of direct moxibustion at Sihua points on cytokine of chemotherapy patients with lung cancer / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of direct moxibustion at Sihua points on immune function and life quality of chemotherapy patients with non-small cell lung cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty cases were randomly divided into a chemotherapy and moxibustion group (group A) and a chemotherapy group (group B), 40 cases in each one. Navelbine and cisplatin were applied in both groups. In addition, direct moxibustion at Sihua points which included Geshu (BL 17) and Danshu (BL 19) was used in the group A. Three moxa-cones were given on each acupoint, once a day, ten days treatment made one session and totally one session was required. The change of colony stimulating factor (CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-2 (IL- 2) and Karnofsky scale was compared between the two groups before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the treatment, the levels of serum CSF, IL-2 in the group A were higher than those in the group B (both P < 0.01), while the level of TNF in the group A was lower than that in the group B (P<0. 01). Although Karnofsky score was decreased in the two groups (both P < 0.01), the score in the group A was higher than that in the group B (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Direct moxibustion at Sihua points could increase the levels of CSF and IL-2 and reduce TNF in the chemotherapy patients with lung cancer, which could improve immune function, clinical efficacy and life quality.</p>

Impacts of Taichong (LR 3) on blood flow velocity in patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the intervention on the disturbance of blood flow velocity in vertebral artery in patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) treated with acupuncture at Taichong (LR 3) so that the clinical evidences could be provided for the research of acupoint specificity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred cases of VBI were tested with Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and 43 vessels of low velocity of blood flow and 79 vessels of high velocity of blood flow were discovered. Additionally, 50 cases of normal people were selected in control group, including totally 100 vertebral arteries. The velocity changes in systolic period (Vs) of vertebral artery were observed before and after acupuncture at Taichong (LR 3). RESULTS; After acupuncture at Taichong (LR 3), Vs of vertebral artery in low velocity cases was increased apparently. Vs in 5 to 10 min after acupuncture and half a hour after needle withdrawal was different significantly in statistics as compared with Vs before acupuncture (both P < 0.01). Vs of vertebral artery in high velocity cases was reduced apparently. Vs in 5 to 10 min after acupuncture and half a hour after needle withdrawal was different significantly in statistics as compared with Vs before acupuncture (both P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in statistics in comparison before and after acupuncture in control group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Taichong (LR 3) improves blood supply in vertebral artery in the mode of dual regulation and rectifies the disturbance of vertebral artery blood flow in dynamics.</p>

Robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting on beating heart / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To analyze the safety and efficiency of robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (RACABG) on beating heart using da Vinci S system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2007 to March 2011, 105 patients underwent RACABG on beating heart through minithoracotomy. There were 77 male and 28 female patients, aged from 33 to 77 years with a mean of (59 ± 10) years. After establishment of single left lung ventilation, the 3 trocars of da Vinci system were inserted into the left hemithorax, and robotic system was used to harvest the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and/or right internal mammary artery (RIMA) from the subclavian vein to the internal mammary artery (IMA) bifurcation with skeletonized technique. After positioning the stabilizer, the LIMA was anastomosed manually to the left anterior descending or diagonal branch sequentially on beating heart through left minithoracotomy. The graft flow was evaluated by the Doppler flow meter after anastomosis was completed, and the graft patency was also evaluated by CT angiography or arteriography after surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients had successful RACABG on the beating heart, and the mean graft flow was (21 ± 13) ml/min. One patient suffered from cardiac arrest after the first postoperative day, but he recovered soon and CT angiography showed that graft was patent. One patient with preoperative stroke had postoperative pulmonary infection, and was discharged after treatment. After 4 to 5 days, 4 patients received stent placement in right coronary artery or circumflex coronary in distinct hybrid session. There were no deaths or stroke or reintervention. All patients were discharged without complications and followed up. CTA or angiography revealed patent grafts in all patients, and the mean time of follow-up was (30 ± 12) months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting on beating heart can be performed safely using da Vinci S system. It is a new advanced approach of revascularization not only for patients with single vessel but with multi-vessel lesions as well.</p>

Observation of effect on contraction function of gallbladde by acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21) / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>By B ultrasound, the changes of contraction function of gallbladder by acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21) were observed and the internal relations between Jianjing (GB 21) and cholecystitis were explored, in order to explore the better therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundreds cases who had been diagnosed as cholecystitis (acalculous cholecystitis) were classified in observation group, including gallbladder expanding (84 cases) and gallbladder constricting (116 cases); 100 cases who had examined as healthy were taken in control group. Acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21) on right shoulder was applied in both groups. Through B ultrasound examination, the changes of gallbladder volume in both groups were compared before acupuncture, 15 min after needle insertion and 30 min after needle withdrawing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The gallbladder volume of gallbladder expanding and gallbladder constricting cases were constricted or expanded 15 min after needle insertion and 30 min after needle withdrawing, and there were statistical significances (all P < 0.01). Compared the outcomes at different time points after acupuncture with that before acupuncture, the changes of gallbladder constricting were unobvious (both P > 0.05) in control group. In observation group, the pain relief rate for 142 cases companied with shoulder and back pain was 98.6% (140/142).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21) can improve the gallbladder constricting, regulate bidirectional function of expanding and constricting, and efficiently relieve shoulder and back pain.</p>

Influence of celecoxib on invasiveness of human high-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE-2Z / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect and mechanism (a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) on invasive ability of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) line CNE-2Z.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The proliferation of NPC cells was examined by MTT assay. The invasive and migrating ability of NPC cells was detected with transwell chamber. E-cadherin protein expression was detected by immunocytochemistry and the expressions of Cox-2 and E-cadherin mRNA were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MTT showed that celecoxib inhibited CNE-2Z proliferation in dose-dependent manner, the survival rate of cells treated with 25, 50, 100 µmol/L celecoxib (x(-) ± s) for 24 h was (94.75 ± 1.34)%, (91.77 ± 2.70)%, (64.54 ± 1.20)%, respectively, and the survival rate of cells treated for 48 h was (88.41 ± 1.28)%, (78.84 ± 1.56)%, (52.46 ± 2.25)%, respectively, the concentration of 50% inhibition concentration of a substance (IC50) was 100 µmol/L, the difference was statistically significant between different concentration groups in the same time-point (respectively, F were 462.204 and 1328.306, P < 0.01). Treated with different concentrations of celecoxib (0, 25, 50 µmol/L) for 24, the cell numbers (x(-) ± s) through PVPF by tumor invasion assay were (263.7 ± 13.5), (185.3 ± 8.7) and (144.0 ± 8.2), the difference was statistically significant between the experimental and control group (F = 102.089, P < 0.01). Immunocytochemistry showed that celecoxib significantly induced the increase of E-cadherin protein expression, also with a dose-dependence in 0 µmol/L, 25 µmol/L, 50 µmol/L group was (21.7 ± 2.6), (28.7 ± 2.4), (40.3 ± 1.3), and 50 µmol/L group increased significantly (F = 78.637, P < 0.01). RT-PCR showed that celecoxib reduced the expression of Cox-2 mRNA expression in 25, 50 µmol/L group decreased significantly compared with the control group (respectively, t were 23.950 and 36.651, P < 0.01), but it enhanced the expression of E-cadherin mRNA expression in 25, 50 µmol/L group was significantly higher (respectively, t were 35.829 and 81.497, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Celecoxib can inhibits the invasive ability of NPC cell line CNE-2Z, which possibly relates with the upregulated expression of E-cadherin.</p>

Effects of RNA interference against aggrecanase 1 gene on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured chondrocytes in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated aggrecanase-1 gene silencing on extracellular matrix metabolism of cultured rat costochondral chondrocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat costochondral chondrocyte monolayers were obtained by microdissection and digestion. The growth and morphological changes of the chondrocytes were observed after RNAi of aggrecanase-1 gene. The mRNA expression of aggrecanase-1 was detected by RT-PCR method, and aggrecan content was determined by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The specific inhibition of aggrecanase-1 by RNAi produced no adverse effect on the morphology and growth of the chondrocytes. The mRNA of aggrecanase-1 decreased and aggrecan content increased significantly after transfection of the chondrocytes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inhibition of aggrecanase-1 decreases aggrecan degradation in cultured rat chondrocytes. RNAi technique can be a useful means for studying extracellular matrix metabolism in the cartilage.</p>

Minimally invasive robotic coronary bypass on the beating heart using da Vinci S system / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the experience of minimally invasive robotic coronary bypass on beating heart using da Vinci S in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-six patients underwent selected robotic coronary bypass on beating heart from April 2007 to December 2008. All the patients had history of angina and the coronary arteriography showed severe stenosis in the left anterior descending artery (LAD), of which 10 cases had right coronary artery or left circumflex coronary (LCX) stenosis. The age was 33 to 74 years old, with a mean of (55.8 +/- 9.4) years old. The weight was (71.4 +/- 13.2) kg. All the patients had good lung function and had no medical history of pleurisy and thoracic surgery. CT scan of double internal thoracic artery (ITA) was routinely checked preoperatively. The procedures included: (1) The robotically assisted endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass surgery. The approach was via a small left anterior thoracotomy (6 to 8 cm) after robotic ITA was taken down. The ITA was manually anastomosed to the LAD or LCX on beating heart. (2) Totally endoscopic coronary bypass graft on beating heart. After ITA harvesting, the endo stabilizer was inserted via the fourth port in the xiphoid area under endoscopic vision. The left ITA to the LAD grafting was done using U-clips on beating heart in a totally endoscopic manner using da Vinci S system through 4 ports. For all patients the ITA flow was checked by the Doppler flowmeter after anastomosis was completed. After the surgery was completed, the thoracic port was checked carefully to avoid bleeding. The operating procedures and a variety of clinical parameters were recorded and analyzed. (3) Stent placement after robotic surgery in a hybrid manner. The graft patency rate was evaluated by CT or arteriography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients successfully accepted robotic minimally invasive coronary bypass on the beating heart using da Vinci S surgical system without complications. The mean graft flow was (23.2 +/- 16.7) ml/min. And there was no surgical conversion and surgical death. Fifty-three patients received ITA to LAD grafts and 3 patients received double coronary artery bypass grafts as well. Ten cases received stent placement in separate session. The CT scan and angiography revealed patent grafts in all patients. There were no post-operative complications. All patients were discharged from hospital.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>As a new advanced approach of revascularization, robotic ITA harvesting and coronary anastomoses can be safely performed with the da Vinci S system. The procedure is minimally invasive and can offer enhanced ability to control precise and stable operative manipulations.</p>

Preparation of the immunotoxin 2E8-norcantharidin and its targeting killing effect in vitro / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated with certain toxin to generate immunotoxin bears an important and promising effect as a new therapy for patients with hematopoietic malignancies. However, most toxic moieties conjugated with antibody proteins reported in the literature were toxic proteins which presented immunogenicity to patients capable of inducing anti-toxin antibody. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a small molecule toxin. It does not have the immunogenicity to human body so that it bears a promising potential for development of new targeting drug. In this study, a new clone of self-made anti-CD19 mAb named ZCH-4-2E8 conjugated with NCTD was used to investigate its targeting efficacy against CD19+ lymphoid malignant Nalm-6 cells in vitro to provide the experimental data for the further development of this new targeting agent.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A monoclonal antibody named 2E8 was prepared from mouse ascites and purified by gel chromatography. The purity of the antibody protein was checked by SDS-PAGE assay. Immunotoxin 2E8-NCTD was successfully generated through conjugating CD19 mAb protein and Norcantharidin by the activated ester method. The binding activity of the immunoconjugate (2E8-NCTD) against CD19 antigens on cell surface and the expression levels of CD19 antigens on Nalm-6 and K562 cells were examined by flow cytometry. Comparisons of the inhibitory effects among PBS, purified 2E8 antibody, norcantharidin and immunotoxin 2E8-NCTD groups on cell growth of either Nalm-6 cells or K562 cells were made.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The purity of the purified 2E8 antibody was higher than 99.00% demonstrated by SDS-PAGE assay. 2E8 antibody in the supernatant reacted with 99.34% of Nalm-6 cells, while only 0.98% of K562 cells reacted with this antibody. The newly generated immunotoxin (2E8-NCTD) had a positive rate of 99.90% on Nalm-6 cells with little reduction of binding activity. From the in vitro study, both 2E8-NCTD and norcantharidin were shown to have significant inhibitory effects on the growth of CD19+ Nalm-6 cells (P < 0.001), while the purified 2E8 antibody did not show any significant influences on the growth of Nalm-6 cells. Since no significant inhibitory effects were identified among immunotoxin 2E8-NCTD, 2E8 antibody and control groups on CD19(-) K562 cells, a significant targeting effect of the 2E8-NCTD against Nalm-6 cells was confirmed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The immunotoxin 2E8-NCTD was successfully synthesized by activated ester method with an excellent targeting killing effect on CD19+ Nalm-6 leukemia cells in vitro, which provides some experimental data for the further development of this new targeting agent.</p>

Establishment of animal model with B lineage acute leukemia in nude mice for evaluation of new therapeutic agents / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish an acute leukemia animal model for testing new therapeutic agents in vivo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nude mice were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mg cyclophosphamide, 24 h later 5 x 10(6) acute B-cell leukemia Nalm-6 cells was inoculated via the tail vein, then monitored daily. When animals were paralyzed or dying, the organs including the liver, spleen, lung, heart, kidney, brain, bone marrow, pancreas, testes were removed and fixed with formalin, examined by routine histopathology.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After Nalm-6 cells were inoculated the mean survival of mice were( 19.4+/-0.55)d (n=6). The paralysis of mice was followed by weight loss, bent spines, hogback, cachexia and death. Histopathological examination showed that the tumor cells infiltrated liver, spleen, kidney, lung, meninges, interior cerebrum, the liver and kidney were the most affected organs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>B lineage acute leukemia animal model has been successfully established in the nude mice, which is suitable for testing new therapeutic agents.</p>

Totally robotic internal mammary artery harvest and beating heart coronary artery bypass / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summary the first 14 cases undergoing internal mammary artery (IMA) harvest using da Vinci S system and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) on beating heart.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The average age of patients was (60.4 +/- 10.1) years old. One case was female and 13 male. All the patients had a history of angina. The coronary angiography showed severe stenosis of anterior descending branch in all patients, of which 2 cases had diagonal and circumflex branch stenosis. Four case had myocardial infraction history. All the patients had good lung function and had no medical history of pleurisy. Without sternotomy, the camera cannula was placed in the left, 3 cm lateral to nipple in the 4th intercostal space (ICS). Da Vinci instrument arms were inserted through two 1 cm trocar incisions. The right instrument generally was positioned 4 to 6 cm cephalad to camera cannula in the 2nd or 3rd ICS. The left instrument arm was positioned 4 to 6 cm caudal to the camera cannula in the 5th or 6th ICS. Arm trocar sites were maintained 6 cm apart at chest entry. The internal mammary artery was harvested in routine methods. Thirteen cases underwent left internal mammary artery harvest, one case underwent right internal mammary artery harvest, one case underwent double internal mammary harvest. MIDCAB was performed on beating heart in 14 cases and 1 case accepted the totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All cases were accomplished successfully without complications. The average time of ICU was 20 hours. Robotic surgery had less draining than the conventional coronary bypass.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Totally robotic internal mammary artery harvest and beating heart coronary artery bypass is less invasive, more precise, safe and efficient.</p>

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with behavior therapy on intelligence and behavior of children of autism / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To find out an effective therapy for autism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty children of autism were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture (EA) plus behavior therapy group and a behavior therapy group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in the two groups were treated with routine behavior, with EA at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Benshen (GB 13), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Naohu (GV 17), Naokong (GB 19), Neiguan (PC 6) and scalp acupuncture at Speech Areas I, II, III added for the EA plus behavior therapy group. Their therapeutic effects were observed, and the picture and vocabulary scale (PPVT) and behavior ability were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 86.7% in the EA plus behavior therapy group which was better than 56.7% of the behavior therapy group, and had significant enhancement in sensation, association, body, and ability of self-care (P < 0.05) and was better than the behavior therapy group in sensation, body and self-care factors, with no significantly improvement in the scores of PPVT in the two groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA combined with behavior therapy can significantly improve clinical symptoms of autism, but does not improve intelligence.</p>