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Objective: To observe the efficacy of knee-balancing manipulation plus heat-sensitive moxibustion in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and its impact on the expression of C-telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen (CTX-Ⅰ), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4), and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3). Methods: A total of 134 unilateral KOA patients were randomized into a knee-balancing group, a heat-sensitive moxibustion group, and a joint intervention group. The knee-balancing group received knee-balancing Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulation for treatment. The heat-sensitive moxibustion group received heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment. The joint intervention group received the heat-sensitive moxibustion in addition to the knee- balancing manipulation. The intervention period lasted for four weeks. After the treatment, and at the 2-week and 6-week follow-ups, the three groups were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for knee joint pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities arthritis index (WOMAC), and clinical efficacy was also evaluated. The enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay was adopted to detect the expression levels of serum CTX-Ⅰ, TRACP-5b, ADAMTS-4, and MMP-3. Results: The knee-balancing group had 44 participants, but one dropped out; there was no dropout case among the 44 participants in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group; among the 46 participants in the joint intervention group, two cases dropped out. After the treatment, and at the 2-week and 6-week follow-ups, the total effective rate was found higher in the joint intervention group than in the knee-balancing and heat-sensitive moxibustion groups (P<0.05). Compared with the baseline, the VAS and WOMAC scores and the serum levels of CTX-Ⅰ, TRACP-5b, ADAMTS-4, and MMP-3 decreased significantly in all three groups after treatment and at the 2-week and 6-week follow-ups (P<0.05). At the same three time points, the VAS and WOMAC scores and serum levels of CTX-Ⅰ, TRACP-5b, ADAMTS-4, and MMP-3 were lower in the joint intervention group than in the knee-balancing and heat-sensitive moxibustion groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Either used alone or combined, the knee-balancing manipulation and heat-sensitive moxibustion therapy can improve the symptoms and down-regulate the serum levels of CTX-Ⅰ, TRACP-5b, ADAMTS-4, and MMP-3 in KOA patients, producing durable efficacy; nevertheless, a more significant efficacy can be achieved by combining the two methods.
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Objective To explore olanzapine effect on the cognitive function and neuronal damage of aged schizophrenic rats based on the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. Methods Ten-week-old SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group（n=12） and a modeling intervention group（n=48）. The modeling group were injected with didroxapine maleate [MK-801,0.2 mg/（kg·d）] for 14 days. And the model was evaluated by general behavioral studies to determine the success of model building. The model rats were randomly divided into model group and low, medium, and high dose olanzapine groups [10, 20, 40 mg/（kg·d）], each with 12 rats. The control group and model group were given distilled water; the low, medium, and high dose olanzapine groups were given olanzapine for 21 days. The stereotyped lines were scored by the standard of Sams Dodd and Hoffman, the cognitive evaluation of the rats was performed by the Morris water maze, and the levels of interleukin-6（IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） in the serum were determined by ELISA. The activities of dihydrokaempferol（Ach） and acetyl cholinesterase（AchE）in brain tissue were detected by acetylcholinesterase activity assay kit. Rat brain tissue PI3 K, Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin（mTOR） mRNA expression levels were detected by Real-time PCR. Results Compared with the model group, the stereotyped behavior and ataxia scores, escape latency, number of crossing platforms, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, AchE, phosphorylated PI3 K（p-PI3 K）, phosphorylated Akt（p-Akt） protein expression decreased（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）, while brain tissue Ach, PI3 K, mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR（p-mTOR） protein content increased（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01） in the low, medium and high dose olanzapine groups. The content of Akt was increased in the low-dose group. Compared with the model group, Akt and mTOR mRNA in the brain tissue of rats in the low, medium, and high-dose alanzapine groups expression levels were down-regulated（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. PI3 K mRNA in the brain tissue of rats in the low, medium, and high-dose alanzapine groups expression levels were down-regulated（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Conclusion Olanzapine can reduce stereotyped behavior and ataxia scores, escape latency, number of crossing platforms, IL-6, TNF-α, AchE and increase Ach content and regulate the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway to relieve the schizophrenia.
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This study combines the ophthalmological postgraduate teaching practice with undergraduate clinical clerkship practice, which is called as "dual practice model". In the clinical clerkship teaching of ophthalmology, the postgraduates serve as teaching assistants and cooperate with senior doctors to carry out clinical teaching activities, implementing the "dual practice" ophthalmology clinical clerkship model. In order to improve both the quality of clinical clerkship teaching and the teaching ability for the postgraduates, we have made preparation before clerkship, planning during clerkship, and feedback after clerkship to improve the teaching.
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Soil-transmitted nematodiasis was once widely prevalent in Jiangsu Province, which seriously threatened human health and hindered socioeconomic development. The control efforts over decades resulted in a remarkable decline in the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode human infections in Jiangsu Province, with a reduction from 59.32% in 1989 to 0.12% in 2019, and the human prevalence remains at < 0.5% since 2013. Since 1987, an integrated strategy has been adopted for the control of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province; however, the core interventions varies at different stages, which mainly include deworming, water and sanitation service improvement, health education, and monitoring and assessment. The criteria of effective soil-transmitted nematodiasis control had been achieved in all epidemic counties (districts) of Jiangsu Province by 2019. Further actions to strengthen health education and monitoring and implement precision control measures are required to consolidate the achievements of soil-transmitted nematodiasis control and eliminate the harm of soil-transmitted nematodiasis to humans. This review summarizes the epidemiology, control progress and evolution of control strategy of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province.
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Objective To investigate the polarization of human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells-derived macrophages induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis proteins in vitro, so as to provide insights into the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying host immune responses to hookworm infections. Methods The in-vitro culture of N. brasiliensis was established and maintained in the laboratory, and the third- (L3) and fifth-stage larvae (L5) were collected under a sterile condition for preparation of L3 and L5 proteins. The in-vitro culture of THP-1 cells was established, stimulated with 500 ng/mL PMA to yield M0 macrophages that were adherent to the plate wall. The LPS + IFN-γ group, IL-4 + IL-13 group, L3 protein group and L5 protein group were given stimulation with 500 ng/mL LPS plus 100 ng/mL IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 (both 100 ng/mL), L3 protein (5 mg/mL) and L5 protein (5 mg/mL), respectively, while the negative control group was given no stimulation. The cell morphology was observed using microscopy, the mRNA expression of M1/M2 macrophages-specific genes was quantified using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, and the surface markers of M1/M2 macrophages were detected using flow cytometry, while the levels of cytokines secreted by M1/M2 macrophages were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following stimulations, so as to examine the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages induced by N. brasiliensis proteins in vitro. Results Following stimulation with PMA, THP-1 cells appeared wall-adherent M0 macrophages, and polarized to typical M1 macrophages following stimulation with LPS + IFN-γ, and typical M2 macrophages following stimulation with IL-4 + IL-13, IL-3 protein or L5 protein. There was a significant difference in the proportion of M1 macrophages among the negative control group, the LPS + IFN-γ group, the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group (χ2 = 3 721.00, P < 0.001), with the highest proportion detected in the LPS + IFN-γ group, and there was also a significant difference in the proportion of M2 macrophages among groups (χ2 = 105.43, P < 0.001). There were significant differences among groups in terms of the mRNA expression of CCL2 (F = 191.95, P < 0.001), TNF-α (F = 129.95, P < 0.001), IL-12b (F = 82.89, P < 0.001), PPARγ (F = 11.30, P < 0.001), IL-10 (F = 9.51, P < 0.001) and Mrc1 genes (F = 12.35, P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in the proportion of positive CD86 and CD206 expression among groups (χ2 = 24 004.33 and 832.50, P < 0.001). Higher IL-1β and TNF-α levels were measured in the LPS + IFN-γ group than in the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group (P < 0.001), and greater TGF-β1 and IL-10 levels were seen in the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group than in the negative control group and the LPS + IFN-γ group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Both L3 and L5 proteins of N. brasiliensis may induce the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages to M2 type in vitro.
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Objective To investigate the risk of Anisakis infections among high-risk populations along the coastal areas of Jiangsu Province, so as to develop the strategy for the prevention and control of anisakiasis in the province. Methods Three counties along the coastal areas of Jiangsu Province were selected as the study sites in 2018, including Rudong County in Nantong City, Haizhou District in Lianyungang City and Dongtai City in Yancheng City. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of anisakiasis prevention and control, and the prevalence of serum specific IgG antibody against Anisakis were investigated among high-risk populations among these three study sites, including fishermen, fish seller and people who liked eating fresh and live marine fish. Factors affecting the prevalence of the specific IgG antibody against Anisakis were identified using a multiple logistic regression model. In addition, Anisakis larvae infections were detected in fresh and live marine fish samples collected from local markets, and the prevalence and intensity of Anisakis infections were estimated. Results A total of 625 high-risk populations were investigated, including 349 men (55.8%). Only 13.0% of the subjects heard about anisakiasis, and a low awareness rate of anisakiasis prevention and control knowledge was seen among these three types of high-risk populations. There were 21.6% of the subjects eating raw or half-cooked marine fish, 5.8% eating undercooked marine fish, 3.2% presenting vomiting, nausea and diarrhea after eating marine fish, 5.1% developing systemic allergic symptoms, and 65.6% using the same chopping board for raw and cooked food. The sero-prevalence of the anti-Anisakis IgG antibody was 7.0% among the study subjects. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified education level [OR = 0.687, 95% CI (0.478, 0.987)] and development of systemic allergic symptoms [OR = 4.641, 95% CI(1.411, 15.268)]as factors affecting the positive anti-Anisakis IgG antibody among the study subjects. Among 494 fresh and live marine fish detected, the prevalence and intensity of Anisakis larvae infection was 64.0% and 8.1 larvae per fish, with high prevalence seen in Trichiurus haumela and Pneumatophorus japonicas. Conclusions The awareness of anisakiasis prevention and control knowledge is low among the high-risk populations living along the coastal areas of Jiangsu Province, and there are high-risk behaviors, such as eating raw or half-cooked food, using the same chopping board for raw and cooked food. In addition, the prevalence of Anisakis infections is high in the marine fish in these areas. Therefore, the health education and health promotion for anisakiasis prevention and control should be intensified.
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Objective To explore the influence of gender and age on auditory startle reflex in healthy adults.Methods A total of 150 healthy volunteers (92 males and 58 females) aged from 18 to 60 years were recruited for this study.A modified startle reflex paradigm was adopted.Furthermore,gender-age differences on startle magnitude,habituation,perceived spatial co-location induced prepulse inhibition (PSC-PPI) and perceived spatial separation-induced prepulse inhibition (PSS-PPI) in healthy volunteers were analyzed.Results ① There was no significant difference in amplitude and habituation of startie reflex between males and females (F=0.29,P=0.593;F=1.57,P=0.212).PSC-PPI and PSS-PPI were significantly higher in males (PSC-PPI:(34.68± 20.81) ％,PSS-PPI:(44.56 ± 23.19) ％) than those in females (PSC-PPI:(23.11±22.43)％,PSS-PPI:(35.21±25.09)％) (F=9.48,P=0.002;F=4.76,P=0.031).② There was a negative correlation between startle magnitude and age (r=-0.29,P＜0.01),however,no obvious correlations between age and PSC-PPI or PSS-PPI as well as habituation were observed.③Bivariate analysis of variance showed that no interaction between gender and age was found to the indexes of startle reflex(F=0.71-1.36,all P＞0.05).Conclusions There are differences for gender and age in the indexes of startle reflex.In detail,age chiefly influences startle magnitude,while gender mainly affects the prepulse inhibition.
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Objective To understand the current status of chronic filariasis patients in Jiangsu Province so as to provide basic data for following-up care for them. Methods The patients were followed up one by one according to history archives between June and July, 2018, and the clue investigation was also conducted. The base data of the patients was collected through a face-to-face questionnaire survey and analyzed. Results There were still 3 160 chronic filariasis patients in Jiangsu Province. Among them, the male accounted for 40.0%, and 91.8% of the patients were older adults aged 60 years or above. From the aspect of regional distribution, Suqian (24.2%), Huai’an (19.5%), Suzhou (17.3%), Xuzhou (11.2%), and Yancheng (9.8%) were the five top high prefectures. The patients with simple lymphatic inflammation or lymphadenitis, simple lymphedema or elephantiasis, simple chyluria, simple hydrocele of tunica vaginalis, and two symptoms or more accounted for 2.7%, 37.1%, 11.2%, 0.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. For the patients with lymphedema or elephantiasis, 97.8% of edema was seen in the lower limbs, and more than 90% of the edema stages were I-III. The number of current caring sites was 220, covering 2 091 patients. The average number of times of caring activities in this year was 3.2. The average cumulative time of caring activities among all the sites was 11.3 years. Conclusions The number of chronic filariasis patients has been dramatically decreased, most of the patients are old and have long disease durations. The caring sites have not covered all the patients. In order to release the symptoms and improve the life quality of the patients, all the patients should be taken care of in Jiangsu Province.
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Objective To understand the current status of chronic filariasis patients in Jiangsu Province so as to provide basic data for following-up care for them. Methods The patients were followed up one by one according to history archives between June and July, 2018, and the clue investigation was also conducted. The base data of the patients was collected through a face-to-face questionnaire survey and analyzed. Results There were still 3 160 chronic filariasis patients in Jiangsu Province. Among them, the male accounted for 40.0%, and 91.8% of the patients were older adults aged 60 years or above. From the aspect of regional distribution, Suqian (24.2%), Huai’an (19.5%), Suzhou (17.3%), Xuzhou (11.2%), and Yancheng (9.8%) were the five top high prefectures. The patients with simple lymphatic inflammation or lymphadenitis, simple lymphedema or elephantiasis, simple chyluria, simple hydrocele of tunica vaginalis, and two symptoms or more accounted for 2.7%, 37.1%, 11.2%, 0.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. For the patients with lymphedema or elephantiasis, 97.8% of edema was seen in the lower limbs, and more than 90% of the edema stages were I-III. The number of current caring sites was 220, covering 2 091 patients. The average number of times of caring activities in this year was 3.2. The average cumulative time of caring activities among all the sites was 11.3 years. Conclusions The number of chronic filariasis patients has been dramatically decreased, most of the patients are old and have long disease durations. The caring sites have not covered all the patients. In order to release the symptoms and improve the life quality of the patients, all the patients should be taken care of in Jiangsu Province.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical therapeutic effects and safety on menopausal symptoms between manual acupuncture (MA) and electroacupuncture (EA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty patients were randomized into an MA group (25 cases) and an EA group (25 cases). In the MA group, the regular needling technique and pseudo-EA were used at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Tianshu (ST 25) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In the EA group, the acupoints were the same as the MA group and stimulated with EA and pseudo-MA (no manipulation applied in treatment), with disperse-dense wave, 10 Hz/50 Hz, 0.5 to 1.0 mA. In the two groups, the needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once every two days, three times a week, totally for 8 consecutive weeks. The results of the menopause rating scale (MRS), the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL), the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and the self-rating depression scale (SDS), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E) as well as adverse reactions were evaluated before treatment, in 4 and 8 weeks of treatment separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with those before treatment, the scores of MRS, MENQOL, SAS and SDS were all reduced in the 4 and 8 weeks of treatment in the two groups (all<0.05). The results in 8 weeks of treatment were lower than those in 4 weeks of treatment in the two groups (all<0.05). The differen-ces were not significant statistically between the two groups (all>0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the levels of FSH and LH reduced and Eincreased after treatment in the two groups, without significant differences (all>0.05). The differences were not significant statistically between the two groups (all>0.05). The severe adverse reactions were not found in the treatment of the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety in menopausal syndrome,improve the living quality and do not induce apparent changes in serological sex hormones in the patients.</p>
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ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacies of electroacupuncture and Prucalopride succinate tablets in treating functional constipation.MethodForty patients were randomized into two groups, 20 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by electroacupuncture, and the control group was byoral administration of Prucalopride succinate tablets. The major symptoms scores, stool shape score, serum substance P (SP), and somotostatin (SS) were observed.ResultAfter treatment, there were no significant inter-group differences in comparing the changes of defecation frequency and difficulty scores (P>0.05), while there were significant inter-group differences in comparing the changes of incomplete bowel evacuation sensation, abdominal pain, and stool shape scores (P0.05).ConclusionElectroacupuncture and Prucalopride succinate tablets can produce equivalent efficacies in treating functional constipation, and have their own advantages in improving the relevant symptoms. Therefore, treatment should be chosen according to the disease condition.
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<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Long-term use of benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-preserved drugs is often associated with ocular surface toxicity. Ocular surface symptoms had a substantial impact on the glaucoma patients' quality of life and compliance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium hyaluronate (SH) on ocular surface toxicity induced by BAC-preserved anti-glaucoma medications treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-eight patients (101 eyes), who received topical BAC-preserved anti-glaucoma medications treatment and met the severe dry eye criteria, were included in the analysis. All patients were maintained the original topical anti-glaucoma treatment. In the SH-treated group (56 eyes), unpreserved 0.3% SH eye drops were administered with 3 times daily for 90 days. In the control group (55 eyes), phosphate-buffered saline were administered with 3 times daily for 90 days. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, break-up time (BUT) test, corneal fluorescein staining, corneal and conjunctival rose Bengal staining, Schirmer test, and conjunctiva impression cytology were performed sequentially on days 0 and 91.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, SH-treated group showed decrease in OSDI scores (Kruskal-Wallis test: H = 38.668, P < 0.001), fluorescein and rose Bengal scores (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test: z = -3.843, P < 0.001, and z = -3.508, P < 0.001, respectively), increase in tear film BUT (t-test: t = -10.994, P < 0.001) and aqueous tear production (t-test: t = -10.328, P < 0.001) on day 91. The goblet cell density was increased (t-test: t = -9.981, P < 0.001), and the morphology of the conjunctival epithelium were also improved after SH treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SH significantly improved both symptoms and signs of ocular surface damage in patients with BAC-preserved anti-glaucoma medications treatment. SH could be proposed as a new attempt to reduce ocular surface toxicity, and alleviate symptoms of ocular surface damage in BAC-preserved anti-glaucoma medications treatment.</p>
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Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Benzalkonium Compounds , Dry Eye Syndromes , Eye , Eye Injuries , Glaucoma , Drug Therapy , Hyaluronic Acid , Therapeutic UsesABSTRACT
Background Lowing intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only effective treating method in glaucoma.Making sure the change of optic disc parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness(RNFLT) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients after IOP reduced can provide objective evidence for evaluating the effect of lowing-IOP on the function of optic nerve.Objective The present study was to evaluate the change of optic disc parameters and RNFLT in POAG patients after trabeculectomy,and analyze the affecting factors of image parameters.Methods A serial case-observational study was adapted.Forty eyes of 39 patients with POAG underwent trabeculectomy were recruited in the study.IOP was examined and perimetry was performed before operation and 2 weeks,1 month,3 months,6 months and 1 year after surgery.Optical parameters and RNFLT were measured using Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in above-mentioned time points.The correlations between lowing-IOP range or disease severity and optical disc parameters or mean RNFLT (mRNFLT) were analyzed by Pearson linear correlation.Results Mean IOP of the 40 eyes was (32.77±8.64) mmHg before operation and (12.45 ±3.65) mmHg,(13.05±3.90) mmHg,(13.42± 3.33) mmHg,(14.22± 2.60) mmHg and (14.74±2.46)mmHg 2 weeks,1 month,3 months,6 months and 1 year after operation,with a significant difference among various time points (F=13.73,P =0.00).However,no significant difference was seen in the mean defect of perimetry among the different time points (F=1.02,P=0.41).The cup area (CA),cup/disc area ratio (C/DAR),cup volume (CV),mean cup depth (MCD),cup shape measurement (CSM),horizontal C/D,vertical C/D,rim area (RA),rim/disc area ratio (R/DAR),height variation contour (HVC),rim volume (RV),mRNFLT,RNFL cross sectional area (RNFLA) were gradually improved after operation in comparison with before operation.One year after operation,RV,CSM,mRNFLT,RNFLA were still increased,but vertical C/D was reduced after operation than that of before (P＜0.05).No significant differences were found in the whole mRNFLT and superior quadrant mRNFLT,inferior quadrant mRNFLT,nasal quadrant mRNFLT and temporal quadrant mRNFLT among before and after operation (F=1.63,P=0.16; F=0.51,P=0.77; F=1.44,P=0.20;F=1.02,P=0.32; F=1.31,P=0.30).Positive correlations were found between lowing-IOP range and the improvement of RV,CSM,vertical C/D (r =0.45,P =0.02; r=0.41,P=0.04; r=0.58,P=0.00),and negative correlations were seen between absolute value of MD and the improvement of RV,CSM 1 year after operation (r=-0.43,P=0.03; r=-0.62,P=0.00).Conclusions Reduction of IOP after trabeculectomy results in the reversal of optic disc parameters.The improvement of the optic disc parameters may be a protective factor for progression of glaucomatous optical nerve damage.
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Clinical experiences of acupuncture treatment on ophthalmic diseases over the years are summarized and analyzed to study the therapeutic capacity of acupuncture. Ophthalmic disorders are categorized into diseases with acupuncture treatment as the predominant or supplementary therapy, or as the therapeutic or prevention regimen. At the same time, various treating courses are designed for different phases of the diseases. And effects of acupuncture on different categories of ophthalmic disorders are discussed so as to improve the level of clinical application of acupuncture.
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Humans , Acupuncture Therapy , Eye Diseases , TherapeuticsABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the proper methods of acupuncture and moxibustion for controlling body weight and their objects. Methods: 274 outpatients were allocated to 3observation groups: obesity, overweight and normal, using standard weight as an index. The obesity group was divided, at a ratio of 1: 1: 3, into 3 groups: fixed prescription, local treatment and treatment based on syndrome differentiation. The syndromes were classified into five types in the syndrome differentiation group. Different protocols of acupuncture and moxibustion plus auricular-plaster therapy were drawn up for treatment. Body mass index (BMI), body fat (F%),body circumferences and subcutaneous fat were evaluated in the patients before and after treatments. Results: There was a difference in the controlling effect of acupuncture on body weight among different populations. The curative effect was better in the obesity and overweight groups than in the normal group; the effective rate was 72.2%, 72.5% and 44.0%, respectively.There was also a difference in curative effect among obesity patients with different types of syndromes. The curative effects on retention of damp-heat in the stomach, stagnation of liver qi and dampness retention due to splenic hypofunction were equal but all better than those on deficiency of splenonephric yang and intemal heat due to yin deficiency. There was also a difference in curative effect among different protocols. The curative effects in the syndrome differentiation-based treatment and fixed prescription groups were equal (77.8%) but all better than that in the local treatment group (53.3%). Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion is an effective way to treat obesity and overweight. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation and fixed prescription on the basis of syndrome differentiation are effective methods.
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AIM:To evaluate the effects of pilocarpine, brinzolamide and the preservatives of them on corneal epithelial cells and the histopathology of rabbit conjunctiva. METHODS: Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits weighing 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg were randomly divided into three groups. One group with three rabbits served as untreated controls. Pilocarpine 1% and brinzolamide 1% each were administered to the right eyes in one treated group, and the preservatives (chlorobutanol 0.01% in pilocarpine, benzalkonium chloride 0.01% in brinzolamide) to the left eyes. Corneal epithelial damage was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and conjunctival specimens were examined under light microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with normal controls, brinzolamide and BAC caused corneal epithelium damage and increased number of inflammatory cells in the conjunctiva, while pilocarpine and the preservative chlorobutanol mainly influenced the corneal epithelium. Brinzolamide produced significantly more damage than pilocarpine (P