Effect of acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina on the cognitive function in the patients with subjective cognitive decline / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects on cognitive function, sleep quality and hemodynamics in the patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) after treated with acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina on the base of healthy lifestyle education and meta-memory training.@*METHODS@#Sixty SCD patients were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped out). In the control group, the healthy lifestyle education and meta-memory training was performed, twice daily, 15 min each time; the 5-day intervention was delivered a week, lasting consecutively 4 weeks. On the base of the intervention as the control group, in the observation group, acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina was conducted. First, one-finger pushing and plucking method of tuina was exerted on the neck region along the running courses of the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang and the governor vessel, for 10 min to 15 min; afterwards, acupuncture was delivered at bilateral neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2), from C1 to C7; and the needles were retained for 30 min. This intervention was given once daily, 5 times a week, for consecutive 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the score of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the score of full scale memory quotient (FSMQ) were assessed by Wechsler memory scale-fourth edition (WMS-Ⅳ) and the score of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was compared between the two groups. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, the hemodynamic indexes (the mean velocity [Vm] and pulsatility index [PI] of the left vertebral artery [LVA], the right vertebral artery [RVA] and the basilar artery [BA]) were determined in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of MMSE and FSMQ increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.001), PSQI score was lower (P<0.05) and Vm of BA was higher (P<0.001) in the observation group when compared with those before treatment. The scores of MMSE and FSMQ, as well as Vm of BA were higher (P<0.05, P<0.001), and PSQI score was decreased (P<0.05) in the observation group when compared with the control group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The combined therapy of acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina is more advantageous to improving cognitive function, relieving chronic emotional stress and ameliorating sleeping quality in the patients with subjective cognitive decline, which may be achieved by improving the blood supply of the basilar artery.

Effects of electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) combined with neurodynamic mobilization on gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and expression of NF-κB and MuRF1 in rabbits after sciatic nerve injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) combined with neurodynamic mobilization (NM) on the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers after sciatic nerve injury in rabbits, and the expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and muscle-specific ring-finger protein 1 (MuRF1).@*METHODS@#A total of 180 common-grade New Zealand rabbits (half male and half female) were randomly divided into five groups, i.e. a normal control group, a model control group, a NM group, an EA group and a combined intervention group, 36 rabbits in each group. Except in the normal control group, clipping method was used to prepare the model of sciatic nerve injury in the rest groups. On the 3rd day of successful modeling, NM was delivered in the NM group. In the EA group, EA was exerted at bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) of L4 to L6, stimulated with disperse-dense wave and the frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. In the combined intervention group, after EA delivered at bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) of L4 to L6 , NM was operated. The intervention in each group was delivered once daily, for 6 days a week, and lasted 1, 2 or 4 weeks according to the collection time of sample tissue. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, in each group, the toe tension reflex score and the modified Tarlov test score were observed; the morphology of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed by HE staining and the cross-sectional area of muscular fiber was measured; using Western blot method, the expression of NF-κB and MuRF1 of the gastrocnemius muscle was detected.@*RESULTS@#After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the toe tension reflex scores and the modified Tarlov scores in the model control group were lower than those of the normal control group (P<0.05), and these two scores in the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group were all higher than those of the model control group (P<0.05); the scores in the combined intervention group were higher than those in the EA group and the NM group (P<0.05). The gastrocnemius fibers were well arranged and the myocyte morphology was normal in the normal control group. In the model control group, the gastrocnemius fibers were disarranged, the myocytes were irregular in morphology and the inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the local. In the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group, the muscle fibers were regularly arranged when compared with the model control group. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the cross-sectional areas of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers in the model control group were smaller than those of the normal control group (P<0.05). The cross-sectional areas in the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group were larger than those of the model control group (P<0.05), and the cross-sectional areas in the combined intervention group were larger than those in the NM group and the EA group (P<0.05). After intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the protein expressions of NF-κB and MuRF1 in the gastrocnemius muscle were higher in the model control group in comparison of those in the normal control group (P<0.05). In the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group, the expressions of NF-κB after intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks and the expressions of MuRF1 after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention were lower when compared with those in the model control group (P<0.05). In the combined intervention group, the protein expressions of NF-κB after intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks and the expressions of MuRF1 after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention were decreased when compared with those in the NM group and the EA group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) combined with NM may increase the muscle strength and sciatic function and alleviate gastrocnemius muscle atrophy in the rabbits with sciatic nerve injury. The underlying mechanism is related to the inhibition of NF-κB and MuRF1 expression.

Cognitive differences between Taoism and medical science in the location of "Jiaji" / 中国针灸

The differences in the cognition on the location of "Jiaji" between Taoism and medical science are summarized through literature searching. In the medical field, "Jiaji" is generally described as "Jiaji Xue (point)", which is considered as EX-B 2, while, in Taoism, it is expressed as "Jiaji Guan (pass)", focusing on the crucial parts of the body. Medical scholars lay their attention to the distance of "Jiaji" lateral to the spine, in which "Jia" (place on both sides) is mostly considered. In comparison, the Taoists emphasize the central axis on the back of human body expressed as "Jiaji Gu (bone)" and "Jiaji Sanguan (three crucial parts)", in which, "Ji (spine)" is the key. Due to the therapeutic purposes of acupuncture, medical scholars focus on the communication of "Jiaji" with the body surface ultimately. Based on the inner perspective of Taoism, "Jiaji" is connoted to be the three-dimensional structural space located deeply inside of the body. The cognitive differences in the location of "Jiaji" between Taoism and medical science reflect the discrepancy in the cognitive dimensions and approaches to the human body between them, which provide the references for the textual research of "Jiaji" in traditional Chinese medicine.

Clinical observation of warm needling moxibustion plus lumbar traction for lumbar disc herniation / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus lumbar traction for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and its effect on Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, present pain intensity (PPI) score, and the degree of straight leg raising.Methods: A total of 146 patients with LDH were randomized into a combination group and a control group by the random number table method, with 73 cases in each group. The control group was treated with lumbar traction, and the combination group was treated with lumbar traction plus warm needling moxibustion. The curative efficacy of the two groups was compared. Also, the lumbar function, pain, straight leg raising degree, and inflammatory factor levels before and after treatment were compared. Results: The total effective rate of the combination group was 93.2％, which was higher than 78.1％ of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the lumbar ODI score, the PPI scores of lumbar pain and lower-limb pain, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 levels, and straight leg raising test score in both groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score significantly increased (P<0.05). The improvements of the above items in the combination group were all superior to those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Warm needling moxibustion plus lumbar traction in the treatment of LDH can improve lumbar function, relieve pain, and reduce inflammatory response of the body.

Effect of panlong needling at Jiaji (EX-B 2) on motor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease of liver and kidney deficiency: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the curative effect of panlong needling at Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with western medication and western medication alone on motor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) of liver and kidney deficiency.@*METHODS@#A total of 98 patients with PD were randomly divided into an acupuncture and medication group (49 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a western medication group (49 cases,1 case was removed). The patients in the western medication group were given oral of levodopa and benserazide hydrochloride tablets, 125 mg each time, three times a day in the 1st week, and the dose was increased according to the needs of the patients' condition from the 2nd week until 250 mg each time, three times a day, for 16 consecutive weeks. On the basis of the same western medication treatment as the western medication group, panlong needling was applied at Jiaji (EX-B 2) from C2 to L5 in the acupuncture and medication group, once a day, 20 times as a course of treatment, for 4 consecutive courses. The scores of unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS-Ⅲ, UPDRS-Ⅳ), TCM symptoms score, and 39-item Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) score were evaluated before treatment, after treatment and during follow-up of 1 month after treatment, respectively. The safety of the two groups was compared.@*RESULTS@#After treatment and during follow-up, except the PDQ-39 score of the western medication group, the scores of UPDRS-Ⅲ, UPDRS-Ⅳ, TCM syndrome and PDQ-39 were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the scores of above indexes in the acupuncture and medication group were lower than those of the western medication group (P<0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions in the acupuncture and medication group was 10.4% (5/48), which was lower than 29.2% (14/48) in the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Panlong needling at Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with western medication could significantly improve the motor dysfunction and clinical symptoms, improve the quality of life and has high safety, and the efficacy is superior to western medication alone.

Effect of electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points on the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in rats with acute spinal cord injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points on the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in rats with acute incomplete spinal cord injury, and to explore the mechanism of EA on improving motor function of spinal cord injury.@*METHODS@#A total of 72 male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an EA group and a medication group, 18 rats in each group. Each group was further divided into 1-day subgroup, 7-day subgroup and 14-day subgroup, 6 rats in each subgroup. The T acute incomplete spinal cord injury model was established by modified Allen's method in the model group, EA group and medication group. The rats in each group received intraperitoneal injection of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU, 50 mg/kg), once a day, and each subgroup received continuous injection for 1, 7, 14 times for cell proliferation labeling. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points 3-4 mm next the spinous process of the upper and lower segments of the injured spinal cord (T, T) with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and intensity of 1-2 mA. The muscle twitch at the treatment site was taken as the degree. The treatment was given 20 min each time, once a day. In the medication group, monosialogangliosides (GM1) was injected intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg), once a day. The subgroups of EA group and medication group were treated for 1, 7, 14 times. The score of Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) was used to evaluate the motor function of hind limbs. The co-expression of BrdU/NG2 positive cells was detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 was detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham operation group, the BBB score was decreased 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after operation in the model group (<0.05), the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 was increased (<0.05), and the co-expression of BrdU/NG2 positive cells was increased 7 days and 14 days after operation (<0.05). Seven days and 14 days after operation, the BBB score in the EA group and medication group was higher than that in the model group (<0.05), and the co-expression of BrdU/NG2 in the medication group was higher than that in the model group (<0.05). Fourteen days after operation, the co-expression of BrdU/NG2 in the EA group was higher than that in the model group (<0.05); 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after operation, the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 in the EA group and medication group was higher than that in the model group (<0.05). Compared with the medication group, the co-expression of BrdU/NG2 positive cells in the EA group 14 days after operation was decreased (<0.05); 1 day, 7 days and 14 days after operation, the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 in the EA group was decreased (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points could promote the expression of Olig2 and Sox10 after spinal cord injury, which has similar effects with GM1. It could promote the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes, so as to promote the recovery of motor function of rats.

Clinical observation on the inflammatory indexes in septic gastrointestinal dysfunction treated with acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect on the inflammatory indexes of septic gastrointestinal dysfunction treated with acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2).@*METHODS@#A total of 118 patients of septic gastrointestinal dysfunction were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 59 cases in each one. In the control group, mosapride citrate was prescribed for oral administration, 5 mg each time, 3 times a day, bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, 420 mg each time, twice a day, intravenous drip with omeprazole, 40 mg, twice a day. Additionally, the antibiotics and the symptomatic treatment were selected rationally for maintaining the functions of the important organs, e.g. heart, lung, brain and kidney, and water-electrolyte balance. In the observation group, on the routine management as the control group, acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2, T-T) was added, the needles were retained for 30 min in each treatment, once a day, 10 days as one course and 1 course was required. Separately, on the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 10th days of treatment, the white blood cell (WBC) count, the levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were observed, the enteral nutrition feeding dose and gastrointestinal dysfunction score before and after treatment as well as the clinical effect were assessed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The differences were not significant in the indexes mentioned above on 1st and 3rd days of treatment between the two groups (>0.05). On the 6th and 10th days of treatment, regarding the gastrointestinal dysfunction score and inflammatory indexes count, the results in the observation group were lower than the control group (all <0.05), and feeding dose in the observation group was higher than the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the gastrointestinal dysfunction scores and inflammatory indexes count were all reduced and feeding dose was increased as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all <0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate was 91.5% (54/59) in the observation group, higher than 76.3% (45/59) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) points achieves the satisfactory effect on septic gastrointestinal dysfunction and reduces the inflammatory indexes count.

Effect of electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points combined with nerve mobilization on motor function and mRNA and protein expression of RhoA in rabbits with sciatic nerve injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points combined with nerve mobilization on protein and mRNA expression of RhoA in rabbits with sciatic nerve injury, and to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury by EA at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points combined with nerve mobilization.@*METHODS@#A total of 180 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model control group, a nerve mobilization group, an EA group, an EA plus nerve mobilization group, 36 rabbits in each group. Each group was further divided into a 1-week subgroup, 2-week subgroup and 4-week subgroup, 12 rabbits in each subgroup. The sciatic nerve injury model was made by clamping method. The rabbits in the normal control group did not receive any intervention. The rabbits in the model control group was normally fed after operation. The rabbits in the nerve mobilization group were treated with nerve mobilization; the manipulation lasted for 1 s and relaxed for 5 s, 10 times per day, 6 days per week. The rabbits in the EA group were treated with EA at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points (L-L), once a day, 30 min each time, 6 times per week. The rabbits in the EA plus nerve mobilization group were treated with EA at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points, followed by nerve mobilization. The function of sciatic nerve on the injured side was evaluated by toe tension reflex and modified Tarlov score; the tissues of corresponding segments of spinal cord L-L and sciatic nerve were taken; the expression of RhoA gene was detected by real-time PCR and the expression of RhoA protein was detected by Western Blot.@*RESULTS@#① Toe tension reflex and modified Tarlov score: at 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the scores in the model control group were lower than those in the normal control group (all 0.05); at 2 weeks, the expression in the nerve mobilization group was higher than that in the EA group (all <0.01); at 4 weeks, the expression in the nerve mobilization group was lower than that in the EA group (all <0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The nerve mobilization and EA at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) points could both promote the repair of injured sciatic nerve, which may be related to the down-regulation of RhoA expression, and the combination of the two methods has better effects.

Comparison of Electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) Points and Stomach Meridian Foot-Yang Ming Points on Recovery of Lower Limb Nerve Function and Synapsin I Expression in Spinal Cord Injury Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points and Stomach Meridian Foot-Yang Ming points on the neurological function and the expression of local Synapsin I in rats after spinal cord injury, and to explore its molecular mechanism. Methods:A total of 60 Sprague-Dawley rats were established spinal cord injury model and they were randomly divided into normal control group, Jiaji group and Yang Ming group, with 20 rats in each group. On the third day after operation, Jiaji group and Yang Ming group were treated with electroacupuncture while the normal control group was not. Their neurological function was assessed with BBB every day. Four rats in each group were sacrificed at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th week during the intervention period. HE staining was used to observe the morphology of spinal cord. Immumohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of Synapsin I protein. Reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting was used to detect the content of of Synapsin I mRNA and protein. Results:The BBB scores were higher in Jiaji group and Yang Ming group than in the normal control group at all the time points (P < 0.05), and were higher in Yang Ming group than in Jiaji group from one to three weeks (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical scores of Synapsin I protein were higher in Jiaji group than in the normal control group in the first week (P < 0.05), and were higher in Yang Ming group than in the normal control group from one to four weeks (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical scores of Synapsin I protein were higher in Yang Ming group than in Jiaji group from three to four weeks (P < 0.05). The expression of Synapsin I mRNA and protein first increased and then decreased in the normal control group; which was higher in Jiaji group than in the normal control group in the first week (P < 0.05) and was higher in Yang Ming group than in the normal control group from one to four weeks (P < 0.05). The Synapsin I mRNA expression in the third week and the Synapsin I protein expression from two to three weeks was higher in Yang Ming group than in Jiaji group (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at both Jiaji points and Stomach Meridian Foot-Yang Ming points promote the recovery of nerve function in rats with spinal cord injury. It may be related to the elevated level of Synapsin I in the damaged parts of the spinal cord.

Clinical trials of acupuncture of Jiaji (EX-B2) for treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction in sepsis patients / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture of Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction in sepsis patients, aiming at providing new clinical approach and evidence for improving septic gastrointestinal activity. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with septic gastrointestinal dysfunction who met our inclusive criteria were randomly divided into control group and treatment group (n＝20 cases in each). Patients in the control group received routine treatment of nasogastric mosapride citrate (5 mg/time, three times a day) and tifidobacterium triple viable capsules (420 mg, twice a day), intravenous infusion of omeprazole (40 mg, twice a day), rational dose of antibiotics, maintenance treatment of functions of the heart, lung, brain, kidney and other important organs and water electrolyte balance, as well as symptomatic treatment. Patients of the treatment group were treated by acupuncture of EX-B2 on the basis of routine treatment mentioned above in the control group. The acupuncture needle was inserted into EX-B2, twirled for a while and retained for 30 min, once a day for 10 successive days. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score was given according to Knaus and colleagues' method, the intra-abdominal pressure was detected by using a manometer which was connected to an inserted canal in the urinary bladder, and the intragatric residul volume detected by using an injection syriange pumping via a nasal feeding tube. RESULTS: After the treatment, the APACHE II score, intra-abdominal pressure and intragastric residual volume on day 10 were significantly decreased in both groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05), while the borborygmus levels on day 10 were considerably increased in both groups relevant to their own pre-treatment (P<0.05). The APACHE II scores, intra-abdominal pressure and intragastric residual volume on day 3, 6 and 10 were significantly lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (P<0.05), whereas the borborygmus levels at the 3rd , 6th and 10th day in the treatment group were apparently higher than those of the control group (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture stimulation of EX-B2 has a good curative effect in improving gastrointestinal dysfunction in sepsis patients.

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with nerve mobilization on lower limb motor function and mRNA and protein expression of C3 botoxin substrate 1 after sciatic nerve injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of combining electroacupuncture with nerve mobilization to improve lower extremity motor function after sciatic nerve injury. And to document any changes in mRNA and protein expression of Ras-related C3 botoxin substrate 1. Methods 180 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model control group, an electroacupuncture group, a nerve mobilization group, and an elec-troacupuncture combined with nerve mobilization group, each of 36. Sciatic nerve injury was modelled using the clam-ping method in all except the normal control group. The control group had no intervention, while the nerve mobiliza-tion group, the electroacupuncture group and the combined group were treated with nerve mobilization, and/or elec-troacupuncture applied to the rabbit analogue of the jiaji acupoint. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks of treatment, toe reflex scores and modified Tarlov scores were used to assess any functional recovery. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks of treatment, 12 of the rabbits in each group were sacrificed and the sciatic nerve and the L4-L6 segments of the spinal cord were re-sected. The expression of Ras-related C3 botoxin substrate 1 mRNA and protein was detected using the polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Results Sciatic nerve function and the expression of Ras-related C3 botoxin sub-strate 1 mRNA in the spinal cords and sciatic nerves of the three treatment groups were significantly higher than in the model control group at all three time points, but significantly lower than in the normal control group. The combined group′s results were significantly better than with electroacupuncture or nerve mobilization alone. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks of treatment, the average expression of Ras-related C3 botoxin substrate 1 protein in the spinal cords of the three treatment groups was significantly higher than the model control group′s average, but significantly lower than that of the normal control group at the same time point. After 1 week of treatment the average expression of Ras-related C3 botoxin substrate 1 protein in the spinal cords of the combined group was significantly higher than that in the group receiving electroacupuncture alone. After 2 and 4 weeks it was also significantly higher than the nerve mobilization group′s aver-age. After 1 week of treatment, the average expression of Ras-related C3 botoxin substrate 1 protein in the sciatic nerves of all three treatment groups was significantly lower than that of the control group. However, 1 and 3 weeks later the av-erage protein expression in the sciatic nerves was significantly higher than in the model control group, but significantly lower than in the normal control group at the same time points. The combined group′s average was then significantly higher than those of the groups receiving electroacupuncture or nerve mobilization alone at the same time point. Conclusion Nerve stimulation combined with electroacupuncture applied to the jiaji acupoint can promote the regener-ation of axons after sciatic nerve injury. The mechanism may be related to up-regulation of the Ras-related C3 botoxin substrate 1 gene and protein expression in the injured sciatic nerve and corresponding spinal cord segments.

Wet Cupping Therapy Improves Local Blood Perfusion and Analgesic Effects in Patients with Nerve-Root Type Cervical Spondylosis / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe wet cupping therapy (WCT) on local blood perfusion and analgesic effects in patients with nerve-root type cervical spondylosis (NT-CS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-seven NT-CS patients were randomly divided into WCT group and Jiaji acupoint-acupuncture (JA) group according a random number table. WCT group (30 cases) was treated with WCT for 10 min, and JA group (27 cases) was treated with acupuncture for 10 min. The treatment efficacies were evaluated with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Blood perfusion at Dazhui (GV 14) and Jianjing (GB 21) acupoints (affected side) was observed with a laser speckle flowmetry, and its variations before and after treatment in both groups were compared as well.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In both groups, the VAS scores significantly decreased after the intervention (P<0.01), while the blood perfusion at the two acupoints significantly increased after intervention (P<0.05); however, the increasement magnitude caused by WCT was obvious compared with JA (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>WCT could improve analgesic effects in patients with NT-CS, which might be related to increasing local blood perfusion of acupunct points.</p>

Clinical observation on electroacupuncture plus hydro-acupuncture for low back pain caused by compression fractures / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Jiaji (EX-B 2) points plus hydro-acupuncture with sinomenine hydrochloride for low back pain caused by compression fractures in the elderly.Methods:Ninety-five elderly in-patients with low back pain caused by compression fractures were randomly divided into an observation group and an EA group according to the visit sequence.Both groups received the same basic treatment.In the EA group,48 cases were treated with EA at Jiaji (EX-B 2) points plus the basic therapy;47 cases in the observation group received the basic treatment plus EA and hydro-acupuncture with sinomenine hydroch｜oride at Jiaji (EX-B 2) points.The levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in peripheral blood were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and at the 21st day of treatment in both groups.Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were used to analyze the clinical efficacy.Results:After treatment,the OPG content in the observation group was higher with statistical significance compared with that before treatment in the observation group and after the treatment in the EA group,respectively (both P＜0.05);the content of IL-1β,ODI and VAS scores were lower than those before treatment in the observation group and after treatment in the EA group with statistical significances (all P＜0.05).Conclusion:The combination of EA and hydro-acupuncture with sinomenine hydrochloride at Jiaji (EX-B 2) points is effective for low back pain caused by compression fractures in the elderly,and is superior to EA at Jiaji (EX-B 2) points alone.

Could Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B 2) Acupoint Be Assigned to the Governor Vessel ? / 针刺研究

The meridian tropism of acupoints is an important academic way to recognize and deal with the relationship between acupoints and meridians in acupuncture medicine. The Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B 2) (Jiaji for short) acupoint family consisting of 34 points has long been considered to be an important extra-acupoint since the ancient times of China and is widely employed in clinical practice through continuous development in Chinese past generations. The present paper introduces 1) historical origin and development of EX-B 2, and 2) intercorrelation among the EX-B 2, spine and the Governor Vessel in anatomical positions. On the basis of these, we also discuss the possibility of that EX-B 2 is assigned to the Governor Vessel, its academic significance including common features and actions in physiological and pathological aspects and clinical significance in diagnosis and treatment of disorders.

Therapeutic effect of cervical Jiaji electroacupuncture on postoperative intractable hiccup of liver neoplasms / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the therapeutic effect of cervical Jiaji electroacupuncture on postoperative intractable hiccup of liver neoplasms.@*Methods@#A total of 39 patients with postoperative intractable hiccup of liver neoplasms in The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from May 2013 to May 2017 were collected and divided into 2 groups randomly. The electroacupuncture group included 20 cases, the control group included 19 cases. Patients in the electroacupuncture group were treated by cervical Jiaji electroacupuncture (located in C3-5, sympathetic ganglion), while the control group were treated by metoclopramide combined with chlorpromazine for three days. The therapeutic effects of two groups were compared and the onset time were recorded.@*Results@#Total effective rates of electroacupuncture group and control group were 95.0% and 47.4%, respectively. The onset time in electroacupuncture group and control group were (14.8±3.3) h and (30.5±3.1) h, respectively (P<0.01). Ten cases who resisted the control treatment were then treated by electroacupuncture for 3 days, 6 cases were recovered, 3 cases became better, while 1 case demonstrated no response. No serious adverse reactions were appeared in each group.@*Conclusion@#Cervical Jiaji electroacupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for postoperative intractable hiccup of liver neoplasms, and it can be used as a remedy for intractable hiccup patients who don′t respond to drug treatment.

Effects on cervical spondylosis of neck type treated with needling and needling techniques at the positive reaction points / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effects on cervical spondylosis of neck type treated with the combined therapy of needling and needling techniques at the positive reaction points as compared with the conventional acupuncture.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 patients of cervical spondylosis of neck type were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 45 cases in each one. In the observation group, the combined therapy of needling and needling techniques at the positive reaction points was adopted. The positive reaction points were selected in the neck, shoulder and back regions. In the control group, the conventional acupuncture therapy was provided. The main acupoints were Tianzhu (BL 10), Fengchi (GB 20), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5), Neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) of C to C and points. The supplementary acupoints were Yinxi (HT 6) and Geshu (BL 17). The treatment was given once every two days, 10 treatments as one course in the two groups. Separately, before treatment, after the 1st treatment and at the end of one course of treatment, the scores of symptoms and physical signs and the scores of visual analogous scale (VAS) were observed in the two groups. The comprehensive clinical effects were compared between the two groups at the end of treatment.@*RESULTS@#After the 1st treatment and at the end of treatment, the scores of symptoms and physical signs and VAS scores were reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all 0.05). At the end of treatment, the scores of symptoms and physical signs and VAS scores in the observation group were reduced more obviously as compared with the control group (both <0.05). The curative and remarkably effective rate was 84.1% (37/44) in the observation group, better than 65.1% (28/43) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Either the combined therapy of needling and needling techniques at the positive reaction points or the conventional acupuncture is effective in the treatment of cervical spondylosis of neck type. The combined therapy of needling and needling techniques at the positive reaction points achieves the superior effects as compared with the conventional acupuncture.

A Clinical Observation of Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome in Patients Treated by Traditional Chinese Spinal Orthopedic Manipulation / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical effect of traditional Chinese spinal orthopedic manipulation (TCSOM) in treating patients with functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS) in comparison with Pinaverium Bromide (Dicetel, PBD), and to assess a possible cause for FAPS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty patients with FAPS were randomly and equally assigned to the TCSOM group and PBD group according to the random number table. All patients in the TCSOM group were treated with a maximum of 5 times of spinal manipulations. Patients in the PBD group were instructed to take 50 mg 3 times a day, consistently for 2 weeks. The symptoms of pre- and post-treatment were assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. A symptom improvement rating (SIR) was implemented to evaluate the effects of the treatments.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The symptoms of 27 cases of the TCSOM group were relieved soon after the first TCSOM treatment and 9 cases were significantly improved. The VAS pain scores in the TCSOM group were significantly lower than those in the PBD group after 2 weeks treatment. According to the SIR based on VAS, the TCSOM group included 30 cases with excellent results, 7 cases with good, and 3 cases with poor. Adverse events to the treatment were not reported. Based on VAS, the PBD group reported 8 cases with excellent results, 10 cases with good and 22 cases with poor. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The displacement of intervertebral discs and/or vertebra in the thoracic or lumbar region seems to be a contributing factor in the symptoms of FAPS. TCSOM is an effective treatment for FAPS.</p>

Relationship between the distribution of spinal nerve posterior ramus and locations of acupoint in low back / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between the distributions of posterior ramus of spinal nerve (PRSN) and locations of acupoint in low back through anatomical observation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The regional anatomy was performed at five corpses to observe the distribution of erector spinae muscle and PRSN in areas ofpoints and back-points in low back.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The T, L, L, Land LPRSN distributed on both sides of the spine; the medial branches of PRSN travelled between spinalis thoracis muscle and longissimus thoracis muscle, while the lateral branches of PRSN travelled between longissimus thoracis muscle and iliocostalis lumborum muscle.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b> points and back-points in low back are closely associated with PRSN, particularly T, L, L, Land L.</p>

Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training for the limb spasm after stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the different clinical effects on the limb spasm after stroke among acupuncture mainly at governor vessel (GV) and Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with rehabilitation training, simple acupuncture and simple rehabilitation training.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety patients according to admission sequence were randomized into a combination group, an acupuncture group and a rehabilitation group, 30 cases in each one. The comprehensive treatment was applied in the combination group. The same acupuncture was used in the acupuncture group; the same rehabilitation was used in the rehabilitation group. All the treatment was given for 4 courses with 1 d between the two courses, 10 times as one course, once a day. The modified Ashworth score (MAS), clinic spasticity index (CSI), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Barthel index (BI) were observed before and after treatment. The effects were compared among the three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the MAS, CSI score of the three groups significantly decreased in comparison with those before treatment (all<0.05), the FMA and BI score of the three groups increased in comparison with those before treatment (all<0.05). The improvements for MAS, CSI, FMA and BI of the combination group were better than those of the acupuncture group and the rehabilitation group (all<0.05). There were no statistical significance between the acupuncture group and the rehabilitation group (all>0.05). The total effective rate of 90.0% (27/30) in the combination group was better than 76.7% (23/30) in the acupuncture group and 73.3% (22/30) in the rehabilitation group (both<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Acupuncture mainly at GV and Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with rehabilitation training are superior to simple acupuncture and simple rehabilitation training on reducing muscle tonus for stroke patients with limb spasm, which can more effectively improve the ability of daily life and motor function.</p>

Effect of Sinomenine on the Healing of Spinal Compression Fracture in Rabbits / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

To study the mechanism of injection of sinomenine (Sinomenine,SIN)into Jiaji point in the treatment of L1-L5 segment Compression of fracture spine (VCF) in rabbits.Methods:54 rabbits were randomly divided into blank control group,model group and sinomenine group (group SIN)by the random number table.All the 2 groups established L1-L5 segment VCF model except the blank control group.After molding,the SIN group was injected SIN at both sides of the L1-L5 section of the vertebral column,the model group and the blank control group were injected the same volume of physiological saline as comparison.The 3 groups were treated for 4 weeks.Fracture of vertebral bone growth differentiation factor 2 (Growth differentiation,FACTOR2,GDF2),vascular endothelial growth factor (Vascular endothelial,growth factor,VEGF) and the expression of VEGF-mRNA were determined by immunohistochemical staining method;in venous blood,activities of nitric oxide (Nitric oxide NO),super oxide dissuade (Super oxide dims,unties,SOD) and bone protection Su (OPG) were detected by ELISA;immunofluorescence was used to measure two chitosan,image analysis method was used to detect spinal bone density in L1-L5 segment,the ELISA was used to detect inflammatory factor interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta),IL-6 beta,beta IL-17 in the spinal disc.Results:compared with the model group,in the SIN group,VEGF,VEGFmRNA and GDF2 in L1-L5 segment of spine were highly expressed,and the bone density increased (P＜0.05);two chitosan in intervertebral disc increased,IL-1beta,IL-6 beta,IL-17 beta,(P＜ 0.05);NO in venous blood decreased OPG,SOD increased (P＜0.05),the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion:injection of SIN into Jiaji can promote the healing of VCF in L1-L5 segment in rabbits.