Research progress of TCM non-drug therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease / 国际中医中药杂志

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) non-drug therapy for gastroesophageal reflux mainly includes appropriate TCM techniques, such as conventional acupuncture, moxibustion, fire needle, etc. Emotional therapy, such as regulating emotion, transforming the patient's spirit and change the state of qi, the five-element music therapy, etc; exercise therapy, such as Baduanjin and Zhanzhuang, can be used alone, or in combination, or in combination with oral administration of Chinese materia medica. By reducing the probability of esophageal sphincter relaxation, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, improving esophageal motility disorder, reducing visceral hypersensitivity, immune regulation and other effects, it can alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn and pharyngeal discomfort, and help to improve the patients' anxiety, depression and other negative emotions. It has the characteristics of simplicity and fewer adverse reactions, at the same time, according to the patient's condition and compliance to choose the appropriate therapy. The mechanism of TCM non-drug therapy in the treatment of this disease needs to be further explored, so as to better guide clinical popularization and application.

Brain network mechanism of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture treatment for stroke / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture treatment on brain network reorganization for the patients with stroke recovery, and therefore understand the neural mechanism underlying Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture treatment.Methods:Prospective case series study. Thirteen acute ischemia stroke patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology, Shanghai Minhang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from Aug 2018 to Oct 2019. They were treated with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture once a day for 10 consecutive days in addition to routine treatments, and received clinical assessments before treatment and 14 days after treatment onset. EEG signals were recorded during the first acupuncture treatment, from before inserting the needles (the baseline), during needle retention, to after removal of the needles. The brain network was constructed using phase locking index, and its clustering coefficient (CC), characteristic path length (PL) and small-worldness (S) were analyzed using one-way repeated ANOVA.Results:Compared with the baseline, the CC of delta-band network (sparsity=0.10: t=3.306, P=0.006; 0.12: t=2.909, P=0.013; 0.14: t=2.331, P=0.038) and the PL of delta-band (sparsity=0.12: t=3.236, P=0.007; 0.14: t=2.754, P=0.017, 0.18: t=2.878, P=0.014) and alpha-band (sparsity=0.10: t=2.432, P=0.032) networks were significantly decreased during the needle retention stage. Clinical assessments demonstrated a significant treatment efficacy of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture, and its efficacy which was indicated by improved NIHSS score, was significantly correlated with the CC changes in the delta band network from baseline to needle retention. The correlation was strongest when the network sparsity was 0.12 ( r=0.78, P=0.002). Conclusion:Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture can regulate the brain network of stroke patients in real time, and this immediate regulation maybe associated with its treatment effect.

Rules of acupuncture points in the treatment of dysmenorrhea of endometriosis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To summarize the application rules of acupuncture and moxibustion in the clinical trials for dysmenorrhea and endometriosis.Methods:The relevant articles of clinical research on acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of dysmenorrhea in endometriosis were retrieved electronically from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and Cochrane Library (Retrieved from database establishment until 31 October 2021). The clinical literatures that met the inclusion criteria were included into the database (Microsoft Office Excel 2019), and the main table and sub-table were established through Microsoft Office Excel 2019. Descriptive statistic analysis was performed by using SPSS 26.0 software. StataSE15 (64-bit) software was used to analyze the correlation between the combinations of acupoints with single acupoint frequency>5.Results:A total of 40 clinical studies were included. Of them, the top 3 acupuncture methods according to the frequency were acupuncture (11 times), moxibustion (11 times), and electro-acupuncture (8 times), the top 3 acupuncture points used according to the frequency were Guan Yuan (34 times), San Yin Jiao (26 times), and Zhong Ji (25 times), the top 3 meridians of the body acupuncture points according to the frequency were Ren Meridian (36 times), Spleen Meridian (32 times), and Stomach Meridian (22 times). According to the correlation analysis, body points of Guan Yuan, San Yin Jiao, Uterus, Qi Hai and Zhong Ji were stronge related.Conclusion:Acupuncture can effectively treat EMT dysmenorrhea with less adverse reactions. The methods are mainly acupuncture, moxibustion and electroacupuncture, mostly local acupoints, intersection acupoints and empirical acupoints.

Review and reflection on the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian theory / 国际中医中药杂志

The meridian theory is the pioneer of clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). From Shang Han Lun to Pi Wei Lun, the meridian theory has contributed important theoretical organization materials and clinical practice experience to the establishment of the diagnosis system of external and internal injuries. The acupoints contained in its clinical acupuncture and moxibustion record symptoms, and some laws summarized have been absorbed and used for reference. It shows the positive significance of its exploration in clinical diagnosis and treatment. A system of differentiation and treatment of external and internal injuries with acupuncture has not been formed, even though the meridian theory of TCM has a long history with many areas being explored, such as diseases, acupoints, acupuncture methods and stimulation amount. Therefore, this paper starts from the academic development history of meridians, reviews and analyzes the contribution and limitations of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion in the diagnosis and treatment of internal injury, in order to enlighten the current study and understanding of TCM.

Design and development of a novel infrared mild moxibustion device / 中国针灸

To make up for the shortcomings of traditional mild moxibustion, according to the principle and technical operation characteristics of traditional mild moxibustion, combined with temperature control technology, a novel infrared mild moxibustion device is developed, which is capable of real-time accurate temperature control. This novel infrares mild moxibustion device is composed of a host computer and an infrared radiation head. The host computer includes four modules: power supply, human-computer interaction interface, micro control unit (MCU) and drive circuit. The infrared radiation head mainly includes an infrared heater and a temperature sensor. This novel infrared mild moxibustion device is easy to operate. The electrothermal heating tablet can generate infrared radiation of 3 000-13 000 nm. After the temperature of the infrared heater is stabilized, the range of temperature change is ±0.50 ℃, realizing the goal of precise temperature control. In addition, it can operate moxibustion treatment at multiple acupoints at the same time, which is conducive to the dose-effect evaluation of mild moxibustion.

Constructed "ashi point" / 中国针灸

Ashi point is one of the three major categories of acupoint in acupuncture-moxibustion theory nowadays. It is originally recorded in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces for Emergency) as one of the effective folk methods. The theoretic development of ashi point goes through the innovation period of contemporary and modern acupuncture-moxibustion theory, specifically in three aspects, definition, property and status. Through the analysis of historical data, it is found that the bias of ashi point theory results from the misunderstanding of connotation, the distortion of application techniques, the misinterpretation of semantics and the gradual promotion of status. All of these are generally caused by the reform of acupuncture-moxibustion theory in Japan, which covers the essence of ashi point, limits its connotation and clouds the concept of acupoint. It is necessary to re-understand the literal sense and theoretic construction of ashi point and timely update the knowledge system of acupuncture-moxibustion in association with the results of theoretical researches.

Clinical application of acupuncture-moxibustion for the treatment of spirit based on approximate entropy of electrooculogram signal / 中国针灸

According to the theory of acupuncture-moxibustion for the treatment of spirit, starting from the relationship between eye movement and spirit, the application of electrooculogram (EOG) signal acquisition and analysis technology for the clinical treatment of spirit by acupuncture-moxibustion is discussed. Based on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of EOG signals, it is proposed to apply the approximate entropy algorithm to extract the EOG signal characteristics in autism spectrum disorder children under different behavior states, which could realize the preliminary exploration of the correlation between EOG signals and cognitive activities. This could provide a possibility to objectively reflect the patient' s current mental state, and could be used as a potential method to grasp spirit in clinical acupuncture- moxibustion treatment. Furthermore, considering the characteristics of acupoint stimulation on the body surface, the EOG signal acquisition and analysis technology could further be combined with biofeedback technology, and a new idea for clinical acupuncture-moxibustion to treat spirit guided by biofeedback of EOG is proposed.

Discussion on Collection of Clinical Questions in International Clinical Practice Guidelines of Acupuncture-Moxibustion / 中国结合医学杂志

The clinical questions of acupuncture-moxibustion (Acup-Mox) guidelines are complicated, including not only the curative effect of Acup-Mox intervention measures, but also the operational elements of Acup-Mox. This paper aimed to put forward the idea and process of collecting clinical questions in developing international acupuncture clinical practice guidelines. The experience was collected and the idea of collecting clinical questions of Acup-Mox was formed through expert consultation and discussion in combination with expert opinions. Based on the characteristics of Acup-Mox discipline. This paper put forward the thinking of collecting elements of clinical questions following the intervention-population-outcome-control (I-P-O-C) inquiry process, according to the discipline of Acup-Mox. It was emphasized that in the process of collecting clinical questions, "treatable population" and "alleviable outcome indicators" for a specific Acup-Mox intervention with certain therapeutic effect should be focused on, so as to highlight the pertinence of clinical questions of Acup-Mox guidelines in terms of population and outcome elements.

Fidelity in acupuncture-moxibustion clinical research: application and reflection / 中国针灸

As an indicator that measures the degree of implementation of intervention measures during the implementation process, fidelity could be used for monitoring and quality evaluation of the completion degree of intervention measures, and plays an important role in improving the degree of intervention implementation and clarifying the factors that affect intervention implementation. This article aims to introduce the connotation and significance, measurement, control, and current application status of fidelity, as well as the current application status of fidelity in acupuncture-moxibustion clinical research and its inspiration for future research. Meanwhile, based on the existing evaluation tool development methods of fidelity and the characteristics of acupuncture-moxibustion clinical research, a preliminary fidelity evaluation framework is proposed. Introducing fidelity into acupuncture-moxibustion clinical research could improve the implementation quality and compliance of acupuncture-moxibustion in clinical research, increase the credibility and effectiveness of clinical research results, and promote the transformation of acupuncture-moxibustion experience into easily learnable and promotable treatment plans.

ZHANG Wei-hua's clinical experience of Zhenjing Anshen method in treatment of insomnia / 中国针灸

The paper summarizes professor ZHANG Wei-hua's clinical experience in treatment of insomnia with Zhenjing Anshen (calming-down the spirit) method. It is believed that insomnia results from the unstable spirit in pathogenesis of TCM. The basic therapeutic principle is regulating the spirit, in which, stabilizing the primary spirit and tranquilizing the heart spirit are emphasized. Main acupoints are Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Yintang (GV 24+) to stabilize the primary spirit, located on the head; and Shenmen (HT 7) located on the wrist to calm-down the heart spirit, as well as Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Yongquan (KI 1) in the lower extremities to benefit yin and balance yang, and then to house the spirit eventually. The needles are inserted in different depths and to various directions. The external application of herbal plaster is combined at Yongquan (KI 1) and the supplementary acupoints are selected in terms of syndrome differentiation. This therapy is simple in acupoint selection and very effective in treatment of insomnia.

Design and development of a multifunctional moxibustion treatment machine based on heat-sensitive moxibustion therapy / 中国针灸

A multifunctional moxibustion treatment machine is designed and developed to assist the heat-sensitive moxibustion therapy. Through the motion control of the stepping motor by programmable logic controller (PLC), the automatic control is obtained for the acupoint detection of heat-sensitive moxibustion therapy and the manual operation of moxibustion. The skin temperature is monitored in real-time, using infrared non-contact temperature measurement technology. Based on the deviation of the temperature set value and the monitoring one, the distance between the moxibustion device and the exerted region is adjusted automatically by PLC so that the temperature is controlled practically. The multifunctional moxibustion treatment machine based on the heat-sensitive moxibustion therapy is capable of the operation control of mild moxibustion, circling moxibustion, sparrow-pecking moxibustion and along-meridian moxibustion techniques, as well as real-time monitoring of skin temperature. The temperature change curve of this machine is coincident with that obtained by the manual operation of heat-sensitive moxibustion. This multifunctional moxibustion treatment machine assists the delivery of heat-sensitive moxibustion therapy and it is satisfactory in temperature control and precise in operation.

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's experience of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders / 中国针灸

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's diagnosis and treatment method and manipulation key points of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders are summarized. Professor ZHUANG proposes that psychosomatic disorders can be subdivided into "mind-body disorder" and "body-mind disorder". The former requires treatment aimed at regulating the mind. The main acupoints are Sishenzhen, Shenting (GV 24), Yintang (GV 24+), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The additional acupoints are Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. The latter requires treatment aimed at improving the original diseases, supplemented by regulating the mind (row acupuncture on the governor vessel). Acupoint selection is based on the theories of brain-mind, and the emphasis is placed on the governor vessel; in the meanwhile, regulating zangfu and qi-blood should be valued. After the arrival of qi, the Daoqi Tongjing method (the specific technique for directing qi and preserving essence) is applied, combined with auricular point sticking and fire needling at affected part to enhance the curative effect.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture-moxibustion for cerebral palsy-induced speech impairment:a systematic review and meta-analysis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-moxibustion in the treatment of cerebral palsy-related speech impairment.Methods:A systematic literature search of 7 electronic databases was conducted between January 7,2000 and January 12,2021 to find randomized controlled trials(RCTs)examining the benefits of acupuncture-moxibustion combined with rehabilitation training to cerebral palsy-induced speech impairment.The included trials'quality was assessed using the Cochrane Reviewers'Handbook as a guide,and statistical analysis was carried out using the RevMan 5.3 software.Results:A total of 17 RCTs with 1238 subjects were finally recruited and analyzed.When acupuncture-moxibustion was combined with rehabilitation training,the results showed a considerable improvement in speech impairment compared with the rehabilitation training alone.The most commonly used points for the treatment of speech disorders are Baihui(GV20),Speech Area,Zhisanzhen[Shenting(GV24)and bilateral Benshen(GB13)],Niesanzhen[2 Cun above the ear tip as the first point,with 1.0 Cun anterior and posterior to the current point as the second and third points],and Sishenzhen[1.5 Cun anterior,posterior,and bilateral to Baihui(GV20)].Conclusion:Acupuncture-moxibustion has a stronger effect on children's development of receptive and expressive language,as well as the developmental quotient.Acupuncture-moxibustion in combination with rehabilitation training is not only more successful than the control treatment,but also safer and more dependable.Baihui(GV20),Speech Area,Zhisanzhen,Niesanzhen,and Sishenzhen are the most widely used points for speech impediment.

Effects of different moxibustion time on knee cartilage morphology and the expression of TNF-α and IL-10 in rats with knee osteoarthritis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects of different moxibustion time on cartilage morphology,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-10 of the knee joint in rats with knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to explore the best treatment time of moxibustion for KOA.Methods:Healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a 15-minute-moxibustion group,a 30-minute-moxibustion group,and a 60-minute-moxibustion group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the KOA model was established in all groups by injecting sodium iodoacetate solution into the knee joint cavity of rats.Rats in the 15-minute-moxibustion group,the 30-minute-moxibustion group,and the 60-minute-moxibustion group were all treated with mild moxibustion intervention for 15 min,30 min,and 60 min,respectively at Neixiyan(EX-LE4)and Dubi(ST35)points near the patella,3 times a week for 4 weeks,12 times in total.Rats in the blank group and the model group were fixed for 30 min without moxibustion intervention.Macroscopic observation for the smoothness of knee cartilage surface was performed after the intervention.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,toluidine blue staining,and Mankin score were used to evaluate the pathological changes in the cartilage.The expression levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared with the blank group,the articular cartilage surface in the model group was rough,the chondrocyte arrangement was irregular,the Mankin score and the serum TNF-α expression were significantly increased(P＜0.05),while the expression of serum IL-10 was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the articular cartilage surface was smoother,the chondrocytes were arranged neatly,the Mankin score and serum TNF-α expression level were significantly lower in the three moxibustion intervention groups(P＜0.05);the serum IL-10 level in the 30-minute-moxibustion group and the 60-minute-moxibustion group was increased significantly(P＜0.05).Compared with the 15-minute-moxibustion group,the articular cartilage surface in the 30-minute-moxibustion group and the 60-minute-moxibustion group was smoother,the chondrocyte arrangement was more regular,the Mankin score and the serum TNF-α level were decreased significantly(P＜0.05),and the serum IL-10 level was increased(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the serum TNF-α or IL-10 level between the 30-minute-moxibustion group and the 60-minute-moxibustion group(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can obviously improve the morphology and structure of KOA articular cartilage,protect articular cartilage,inhibit cartilage inflammation,and delay KOA cartilage degeneration.Moxibustion's effect is closely related to moxibustion time;the therapeutic effect of the 30-minute-moxibustion and the 60-minute-moxibustion is better than that of the 15-minute-moxibustion.

Acupuncture-moxibustion for essential hypertension: an overview of systematic reviews / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To propose reasonable suggestions to promote the standardization of clinical studies by reviewing the systematic reviews and meta-analyses of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of essential hypertension (EH). Methods: Computer retrieval was conducted through Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), and Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang) to collect systematic reviews and meta-analyses relevant to treating EH with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. The time range was from the database's inception till July, 2020. The studies were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and then data-extracted. The study's quality and evidence ratings were performed by referring to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA), a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), and the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). Results: A total of 14 studies, 10 in Chinese and 4 in English, published between 2012 and 2019, were included, involving 70 outcome measures. The methodological quality was rated as critically low, the reporting was relatively complete or had certain flaws, and the evidence strength was rated as low or very low. Conclusion: Regarding the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of EH, the methodological quality and outcome measure evidence of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses are relatively low, and the reporting quality also expects further improvements.

Meta-analysis of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of overactive bladder in adults in the past decade / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of using acupuncture-moxibustion therapy alone to treat adult overactive bladder (OAB) by taking oral Western medication solely as the control, and to provide evidence-based reference for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of OAB. Methods: A systemic search was conducted through China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE). RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis. Statistical descriptions were made using standardized mean difference (SMD), confidence interval (CI), and risk ratio (RR). Results: Eight randomized controlled studies were finally recruited and were analyzed after being grouped according to intervention methods. Regarding urinary symptoms, compared with sole use of oral Western medication, acupuncture plus moxibustion can more effectively reduce 24 h urinary frequency [P=0.01, SMD=-0.57, 95％CI (-1.02, -0.12)], 24 h nocturia frequency [P=0.03, SMD=0.49, 95％CI (0.05, 0.94)], and OAB syndrome score (OABSS) [P<0.001, SMD=-3.67, 95％CI (-4.48, -2.86)]. Acupuncture combined with moxibustion and oral Western medication work equivalently in comparing 24 h urinary urgency frequency [P=0.38, SMD=-0.17, 95％CI (-0.57, 0.22)], 24 h urgent incontinence frequency [P=0.25, SMD=0.26, 95％CI (-0.18, 0.70)], and single voiding volume [P=0.22, SMD=1.15, 95％CI (-0.70, 3.00)]. There were no significant differences between acupuncture/electroacupuncture and oral medication in comparing 24 h urinary frequency [P=0.46, SMD=0.07, 95％CI (-0.12, 0.26)], 24 h urinary urgency frequency [P=0.18, SMD=0.70, 95％CI (-1.71, 0.32)], 24 h nocturia frequency [P=0.46, SMD=-0.71, 95％CI (-2.60, 1.17)], 24 h urgent incontinence frequency [P=0.08, SMD=-0.22, 95％CI (-0.48, 0.03)], single voiding volume [P=0.09, SMD=0.17, 95％CI (-0.02, 0.36)], or OABSS [P=0.96, SMD=-0.07, 95％CI (-2.65, 2.52)]. Compared with oral Western medication, moxibustion can more effectively reduce 24 h urinary frequency [P<0.001, SMD=-6.53, 95％CI (-7.65, -5.44)] and 24 h urinary urgency frequency [P<0.001, SMD=-1.6, 95％CI (-2.85, -0.36)]. In comparing the adverse reaction rate, acupuncture-moxibustion was associated with a lower rate compared with oral medication [P=0.002, RR=0.07, 95％CI (0.01, 0.37)], but the difference was statistically insignificant between acupuncture/electroacupuncture and oral medication [P=0.40, RR=0.57, 95％CI (0.16, 2.12)]. Conclusion: Acupuncture-moxibustion is equivalent to the sole use of oral Western medication in improving urinary symptoms in OAB patients and has a higher safety rating.

Efficacy evaluation of acupuncture combined with acupoint application in the treatment of intestinal dysfunction secondary to mechanical ventilation in elderly patients with emergency sepsis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of conventional Western medicine alone and acupuncture combined with acupoint application in treating intestinal dysfunction secondary to mechanical ventilation in elderly patients with emergency sepsis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 111 elderly patients with mechanical ventilation for sepsis admitted to the emergency department of Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to June 2021. They were divided into two groups according to the time of admission: Western medicine treatment group alone (patients from January 2019 to December 2019, n=47) and acupuncture combined with acupoint application group (patients from January 2020 to June 2021, n=64). Acupuncture combined with acupoint application group was treated with acupuncture combined with acupoint application on the basis of conventional Western medicine. The intestinal dysfunction score, abdominal circumference and mortality after 4 weeks were compared between the two groups. Results:The abdominal circumference and intestinal dysfunction score in acupuncture combined with acupoint application group were significantly lower than those before treatment [(100.56±9.34)cm vs (106.25±9.74)cm; (0.92±0.72)point vs (2.31±0.69)point, all P< 0.05], while there was no significant difference in the above indexes before and after treatment in the Western medicine treatment group (all P>0.05). The abdominal circumference, intestinal dysfunction score and mortality after 4 weeks in the acupuncture combined with acupoint application group were significantly lower than those in the Western medicine treatment group [(100.56±9.34)cm vs (108.09±10.52)cm; (0.92±0.72)point vs (2.43±0.62)point; (29.7%, 19/64) vs (48.9%, 23/47), all P<0.05]. Conclusions:The curative effect of acupuncture combined with acupoint application in the treatment of intestinal dysfunction secondary to mechanical ventilation in elderly patients with sepsis in emergency is better than that of routine treatment of Western medicine alone. The gastrointestinal function and prognosis of patients have been significantly improved, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Clinical study of warm needling moxibustion plus intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate for hip involvement in ankylosing spondylitis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate for hip involvement in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: A total of 60 patients with hip involvement in AS were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 30 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were given an intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate, once a week. The patients in the observation group were given additional warm needling moxibustion, once a day, with a 2-day interval after five consecutive days of treatment. After 5 weeks, changes in such indicators as visual analog scale (VAS) score, Harris score, Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), interleukin (IL)-17 were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. Six months after treatment, Bath ankylosing spondylitis radiology index-hip (BASRI-hip) was evaluated. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the Harris scores of both groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). Six months after treatment, the BASRI-hip score of the control group was higher than that before treatment (P<0.05), while the score of the observation group was not significantly different from that before treatment (P>0.05) and was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of BASDAI and BASFI of both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum COMP and IL-17 of both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate for hip involvement in AS is better than the intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate alone. This combined approach can alleviate hip pain, improve hip functions, delay the destruction of the hip, prevent AS development, and reduce the levels of serum COMP and IL-17.

Clinical study of warm needling moxibustion combined with entecavir in the treatment of compensated cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of action of warm needling moxibustion combined with entecavir in the treatment of compensated cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Methods: Ninety patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 45 patients in each group. The control group was given oral entecavir, and the observation group was given additional warm needling moxibustion. The serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin (ALB) levels, portal vein internal diameter, splenic vein internal diameter, spleen thickness, and liver hardness were compared before and after treatment. The serum hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C), interleukin (IL)-21, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) levels were also measured. Results: After treatment, the serum ALT and AST levels decreased (P<0.05), and the serum ALB levels increased (P<0.05) in both groups. The serum ALT and AST levels were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05), and the ALB level was higher in the observation group (P<0.05). The portal vein internal diameter, splenic vein internal diameter, spleen thickness, and liver hardness values were reduced in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The serum HA, LN, PCⅢ, and Ⅳ-C levels were reduced in both groups (P<0.05), and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). In the control group, the serum IL-21 level decreased (P<0.05), but the serum PDGF level did not change significantly (P>0.05); in the observation group, the serum IL-21 and PDGF levels decreased significantly (P<0.05) and were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Warm needling moxibustion combined with entecavir treatment can improve liver function, reduce the inner diameters of the portal vein and splenic vein, spleen thickness, and liver hardness, and improve liver fibrosis indicators in patients with CHB cirrhosis, which may be related to the reduction of serum IL-21 and PDGF levels.

Practice and thinking on teaching reform of Chinese medicine course Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapeutics based on "trinity" comprehensive evaluation / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Guided by the emphasis on learning process, the educational reform has designed a "trinity" comprehensive evaluation system (quantitative clinical practice, in-class medical record analysis, and staged comprehensive written test) as the formative evaluation of the course. Through this assessment system, students' self-learning potential is stimulated, clinical skills practice is strengthened, and "taking exams to promote learning and taking exams to promote teaching" is realized. In the practice of teaching reform, it has been found that compared with the conventional teaching class, the students in the teaching reform class have higher participation and are more satisfied with the process assessment of the "trinity" comprehensive evaluation system.