The specificity of body surface temperature of relevant back-shu points in patients with chronic persistent asthma based on infrared thermal imaging technology / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To detect the body surface temperature of the relevant back-shu points in patients with chronic persistent asthma by infrared thermal imaging technology, and observe the specific changes of the body surface temperature of the relevant back-shu points under the condition of lung disease.@*METHODS@#Forty-five patients with chronic persistent asthma (observation group) and 45 healthy subjects (control group) were selected. The body surface temperature of bilateral Feishu (BL 13), Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) were measured by BK-MT02A medical infrared thermography.@*RESULTS@#The body surface temperature of bilateral Feishu (BL 13), Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The body surface temperature of bilateral Feishu (BL 13) and Geshu (BL 17) was higher than that of ipsilateral Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in body surface temperature between ipsilateral Feishu (BL 13) and Geshu (BL 17), between ipsilateral Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The pathological increase of body surface temperature of Feishu (BL 13), Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) in patients with chronic persistent asthma indicates that above acupoints have specificity in reflecting lung diseases. The Feishu (BL 13) and Geshu (BL 17), which have significantly increased body surface temperature, not only provide objective basis for the pathological pathogenesis of "deficiency in origin and excess in symptom" in patients with chronic persistent asthma, but also reflect the different expressions of different acupoints on the same meridian for the lung diseases.

Adding acupoint identification into the textbook Meridians and Acupoints: preliminary assumption / 中国针灸

To deepen the understanding of the acupoint indications, clarify the targeting of acupoints, and provide a basis for the composition of acupuncture prescriptions, it is suggested to add acupoint identification into the textbook Meridians and Acupoints, and a preliminary assumption that relevant acupoints can be identified by taking the indications, locations, and meridians as the key points is proposed. In this paper, acupoints for treating stomach disease, acupoints of eye region, and five-shu points of lung meridian are taken as examples, combined with ancient literature and modern scientific research achievements, the main indications of acupoint is identified, which is of great significance to the discipline's development, talent training, and achievement transformation.

GAO Shu-zhong's clinical experience in "seeking yin from yang needling method" based on "qi street" and "four seas" theories / 中国针灸

The paper introduces professor GAO Shu-zhong's understanding on "seeking yin from yang needling method" and its clinical application on the basis of "qi street" and "four seas" theories. Through professor GAO's clinical practice for years, he integrates and extendes the theories of "seeking yin from yang", "qi street" and "four seas" in Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic). In this specific acupuncture method, in reference with the theories of "qi street" and "four seas", acupuncture is exerted on yang part of body, e.g. the back and lumber region to treat the diseases of yin parts, e.g. the chest and abdomen, which is differentiated as yin-yang imbalance in pathogenesis. In order to fully explain the clinical curative effect of "seeking yin from yang needling method", the common diseases in clinic, e.g. the disorders of heart, spleen and stomach systems, as well as the gynecology are taken as examples in the paper.

Brief analysis on GAO Shu-zhong's qiguan theory and its clinical application / 中国针灸

The paper introduces professor GAO Shu-zhong's experience in qiguan (umbilicus pass) theory and its clinical application. Professor GAO believes that the umbilicus is the "pass" where the primary qi of sanjiao transported from the lower jiao to the middle jiao. It is the general pivot of qi transformation of yin and yang, as well as the place for qi ascending, descending, exiting and entering in the human body. Hence, the umbilicus is called qiguan (umbilicus pass). In clinical practice, associated with observation, palpation and pulse diagnosis, the qiguan theory is conductive to disease diagnosis. Moreover, the therapeutic methods for promoting qiguan is generated, i.e. umbilicus-acupuncture therapy and umbilicus-moxibustion therapy. In the umbilicus-acupuncture therapy, Gao 's umbilicus five points (umbilicus heart, umbilicus stomach, umbilicus liver, umbilicus kidney and umbilicus lung) are commonly selected. With the umbilicus- moxibustion therapy, the isolated moxibustion with different herbal materials is exerted at the umbilicus, in which, the herbal materials with drastic medical action, pungent and fragrant in flavor and warm in property are specially selected.

Clinical study of Chaihu Shugan Powder in the treatment of cancer-related depression / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of Chaihu Shugan Powder in the treatment of liver qi and spleen deficiency syndrome on cancer related depression (CRD).Methods:A total of 63 patients with cancer related depression from our hospital during September 2018 to October 2019 were divided into observation group (42 cases) and control group (21 cases) according to the ratio of 2 :1. The observation group was applied with Chaihu Shugan Powder, while the control group was given placebo agent of Chaihu-Shugan with 2% Chaihu-Shugan Powder and 98% dextrin. Both groups were treated continuously for 42 days. We used HAMD24 and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Symptoms Scale to evaluate both before and after treatment. Results:The total efficiency about depression in the observation group was 71.4% (30/42) while the control group was 14.3% (3/21). The difference was statistically significant ( Z=-4.22, P<0.01). After treatment, The HAMD scales of the observation group was 18.67±3.55 while the control group was 24.71±3.74 ( P<0.05). The total effective rate of TCM syndrome in the observation group was 71.4% (30/42) and that in the control group was 14.3% (3/21). There was significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-4.00, P<0.01). TCM Syndrome Score of observation group was 55.33±17.59 while the control group was 62.04±10.72( t=-2.00, P<0.05). Conclusion:Chaihu Shugan Powder can effectively improve the anxiety and depression of CRD patients with syndrome of stagnation of liver qi and spleen deficiency.

Muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting in the treatment of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effect of muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting in improving nail fold microcirculation in the patients with shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) after stroke, and the effects on hemorrheology, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and serum substance P (SP). Methods: A total of 72 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method, with 36 cases in each group. The control group was treated with physical rehabilitation training, and the observation group was treated with additional muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting treatment. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks. After treatment, the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared. The changes in shoulder-hand syndrome scale (SHSS), simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE), visual analog scale (VAS), activities of daily living (ADL), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, nail fold microcirculation hemorheology indictors [whole blood viscosity (high-shear, low-shear), hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)], CGRP and SP levels were observed. Results: The total effective rate in the observation group was 86.1％, higher than 63.9％ in the control group (P<0.05). The overall curative effect in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of pain sensation, edema, external turn and rotation of the arm in SHSS, and the total score were significantly decreased in both groups (all P<0.05), and each score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of VAS and TCM syndrome in both groups decreased significantly (all P<0.05), and the scores of FMA-UE and ADL increased significantly (all P<0.05). The scores of VAS and TCM syndrome in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05), and the scores of FMA-UE and ADL were higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05). After treatment, the whole blood viscosity (high-shear and low-shear) and hematocrit in both groups decreased obviously (all P<0.05), and ESR increased obviously (both P<0.05), and the whole blood viscosity (high-shear and low-shear) and hematocrit in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05), and ESR was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the peritubular state, loop shape, blood flow and total score of nail fold microcirculation in both groups decreased significantly (all P<0.05), and each score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, SP in both groups decreased obviously (both P<0.05), CGRP increased obviously (both P<0.05), and SP in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), CGRP was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with conventional physical rehabilitation training, muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting treatment can significantly reduce the clinical symptoms of SHS, promote the recovery of physical functions, improve the nail fold microcirculation and hemorrheology indictors, and regulate the serum cytokine levels such as CGRP and SP.

Acupuncture at / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupuncture at @*METHODS@#Sixty patients with type-2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. Both groups were treated with basic treatment, and the observation group was additionally treated with acupuncture at Neiting (ST 44), Xiangu (ST 43), Dadu (SP 2), Taibai (SP 3), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The changes of TCM symptom score, Toronto clinical assessment (TCSS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain and serum tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) level were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical effects of the two groups were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the TCM syndrome score and the TCSS score in the two groups were reduced after treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at

The regulatory effects of Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San on fecal metabolome and gut microbiota in depression model rats / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective: To investigate the regulatory effects of Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San(CSGS)on fecal metabolome and gut microbiota in depression model rats. Methods: The UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics approach was used to investigate the regulatory effect of CSGS on the depression- related 16 fecal metabolites, such as nicotinic acid and hupoxianthine. Meanwhile, the 16S rRNA analysis was performed to investigate the regulator effects of CSGS on the microbiota in 3 phylum levels(Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria)and 11 genus levels(Candidatus arthromitus, Oscillibacter, etc.). Results: The change rate of body weight (P< 0.01), the number of rearing and crossing(P< 0.01)and the sucrose preference(P< 0.01)in the depression rat group presented a significant decrease compared with control group. While rats in the CSGS group and fluoxetine group showed a significant increase in the body weight(P< 0.01), the number of rearing and crossing(P< 0.01), and the sucrose preference(P< 0.01)compared with model group. In addition, the decreased level of Firmicutes was positively regulated by CSGS but not fluoxetine, and the increased Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria levels were also down-regulated by CSGS. Meanwhile, the abnormal levels of 3 genera of the gut microbiota with high abundance of Oscillibacter and low abundance of Lactobacillus and Christensenella, were all regulated to a nearly normal level by CSGS. Conclusion: CSGS could reverse changes of fecal metabolome in depression model rats by positive regulation, and CSGS likely exerts its antidepressant effect via regulating the gut microbiota, at least partially, to alter the related metabolites.

Hierarchical structure of Five-shu points and Source-point of Triple Energizer Meridian in rabbits / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To study the position and hierarchical structure of Five-shu points, i．e., "Guanchong" (TE1), "Yemen" (TE2), "Zhongzhu" (TE3), "Yangchi" (TE4) and "Zhigou" (TE6), and the Source-point "Tianjing" (TE10) of the Triple Energizer (TE) Meridian in the rabbit. METHODS: Based on WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (WHO Standard) and National Standard (GB/T 22103-2008) for Acupuncture Point Locations in human body, and combined with X-ray images, the hierarchical structure of Five-shu points and Source-point of the TE Meridian were observed in ten New Zealand rabbits. The acupoint locations were determined by comparing the same name tissues of the rabbits and human body after dissecting the above-mentioned acupoints. After inserting acupuncture needles into the aforementioned acupoints, the relationship between the acupuncture needle and adjacent structure were dissected and measured. RESULTS: "Guanchong" (TE1) was located on the lateral side of the 4th terminal phalanx, and behind the corner of the onyx root. When needled, the penetrated tissues of the acupuncture needle are skin, superficial fascia, deep fascia, and the root region of the 4th phalanx, respectively. "Yemen" (TE2) was located between the 4th and 5th onyxes, at the depression of intersection of coat hair superior to the fingerweb edge. When needled, the penetrated tissues of the acupuncture needle are the superficial fascia, deep fascia and lumbrical muscles of the forepaw, respectively. "Zhongzhu" (TE3) was located between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, at the depression proximal to the 4th metacarpophalangeal joint. When needled, the penetrated tissues are skin, superficial fascia, deep fascia, and lumbrical muscle, respectively. "Yangchi" (TE4) was positioned at the dorsal side of the forepaw, and the surface connection line between the accessory and radial bones intersected with the depression of the extensor digitorum communis on the ulnar side. When needled, the penetrated tissues are skin, superficial fascia, deep fascia, and the ulnar side of the common extensor tendon, respectively. "Zhigou" (TE6) was positioned between the radius and ulna, on the posterior aspect of the forelimb and 3 Bone-cun proximal to the distal dorsal forepaw crease. When needled, the penetrated tissues are skin, superficial fascia, deep fascia, and the extensor digitorum, respectively. "Tianjing" (TE10) was located at the junction of the body of humerus and the lateral condyle of humerus, on the posterior aspect of the elbow and proximal to the prominence of the olecranon. When needled, the penetrated tissues are skin, superficial fascia, deep fascia, and triceps brachii muscle, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Five-shu points and Source-point of the TE Meridian on the forelimb in rabbits are innervated by the cutaneous branches of the ulnar radial nerve and the medial brachial cutaneous nerve at the superficial layer, and by the branches of the ulnar nerve and radial nerve in the deep layer, accompanied with cephalic vein and forearm blood vessels and their branches.

Effect of moxa-cone moxibustion at lung's back- / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxa-cone moxibustion at lung's back-@*METHODS@#Sixty SPF-grade healthy male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, an LY294002 group (LY group), an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a moxibustion group, 12 mice in each group. Asthma model was replicated by using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization. Except the mice in the normal group, all the mice were intraperitoneally injected with sensitization solution (containing 15 μg of OVA and 30 mg of aluminum hydroxide) on the 1st day, 7th day and 14th day, 0.5 mL per mice; from the 15th day, 1% OVA solution was atomized for 20 min, once a day for 2 weeks; the mice in the normal group was treated with identical operations but with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The mice in the LY group were treated with injection of LY294002 at tail vein on the 13th day, 14th day and 15th day. At the beginning of the 15th day, The mice in the EA group were treated with EA at "Feishu" (BL 13) and "Zhongfu" (LU 1) with disperse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/20 Hz, intensity of 1 mA, 15 min each time, once a day for 2 weeks. The mice in the moxibustion group was treated with moxa-cone moxibustion at "Feishu" (BL 13) and "Zhongfu" (LU 1) from the 15th day, three moxa-cones per acupoint, once a day for 2 weeks. On the 16th day, 18th day and 22nd day, the incubation period of asthma was recorded. On the 29th day, all the samples were collected. The expressions of IL-17 and IL-10 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA method. The pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining. The percentage of Th17, Treg and Th17/Treg ratio in spleen tissue were detected by flow cytometry method.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, the incubation period of asthma in the model group was significantly shortened (@*CONCLUSION@#The Th17/Treg is imbalanced in asthmatic body. The moxibustion at lung's back-

Discussion on clinical application of "touching-bone" acupuncture technique / 中国针灸

The value of the "touching-bone" acupuncture technique in clinical application was explained through the investigation on the origin of the theory of the "touching-bone" acupuncture technique, the analysis on the characteristics of acupoint selection, the introduction of clinical characteristics and the discussion on the mechanism of acupuncture in treatment. The "touching-bone" acupuncture technique refers to deep needling method, originated from the short needling and needling of the ancient needling methodslisted in the . The target points are the reaction sites on meridian near to bone and the attachments of soft tissues on bone. During the needle insertion, the needle tip is thrust deeply to the bone or the needle body is closely attached to the bone so as to stimulate periosteum specifically. This needling technique contributes to the satisfactory effect on spasmodic, deep-located and intractable pain disorder, motor system diseases, mental diseases and cerebral diseases, etc. Hence, this acupuncture technique deserves to be promoted in clinical application and explored in research.

Mechanism of catgut embedding at back- points for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis based on IKK/IKB/NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of catgut embedding at back- points on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats based on IKK/IKB/NF-κB signaling pathway and downstream inflammatory factors.@*METHODS@#Eighty SPF SD rats were selected, among them 10 rats were selected divided into a normal group (group A), and the remaining 70 rats were fed with high-fat diet to establish NASH model. At the end of 12 weeks, 10 rats were randomly selected to verify whether the model establishment was successful. Then the remaining 60 rats were randomly divided into a model group (group B), a catgut embedding at back- points group (group C), a catgut embedding at abdominal points group (group D), an acupuncture at back- points group (group E), a sham catgut embedding group (group F) and a western medication group (group G), 10 rats in each group. The rats in the group C were treated with catgut embedding at "Ganshu" (BL 18), "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weishu" (BL 21) and "Shenshu" (BL 23); the rats in the group D were treated with catgut embedding at "Daheng" (SP 15), "Fujie" (SP 14), "Huaroumen" (ST 24) and "Tianshu" (ST 25); the rats in the group E were treated with acupuncture at the same acupoints as the group C; the rats in the group F were treated with catgut embedding at back- points but the needle did not enter subcutaneous tissue gamma; the rats in the group G were treated with intragastric administration of vitamin E capsule. All the treatment was given for 4 weeks. The rats in the group A were fed with normal diet until the end of 16 weeks without any intervention. The rats in the group B continued to be fed with high-fat diet until the end of 16 weeks. After the intervention, the liver index was calculated; the liver histomorphology was observed by HE staining; the liver function [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] and blood lipid [serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL)] were measured by serum biochemistry. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1βwere detected by ELISA, and the expressions of IKK-α, NF-κBp65, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α proteins in liver tissue were detected by Western blot. The temperature of the conception vessel and the governor vessel was measured by infrared thermography.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the group A, the obvious steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the group B, and the body weight, liver wet-weight and liver index were all increased (0.05), while the temperature of the governor vessel in the group C was superior to that in the group D (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The catgut embedding at back- points might inhibit the activation of IKK/IKB/NF-κB signaling pathway to interrupt the inflammatory cascade, and reduce the "second hit" of inflammatory factors on liver, which could slow down NASH progress and prevent and treat NASH.

Síndrome hemolítico urémico asociado a Shigatoxina: ¿Cómo prevenirlo? / Shiga-toxin associated hemolytic uremic syndrome: how to prevent it?

Resumen: El síndrome hemolítico urémico (SHU) asociado a infección intestinal por bacterias productoras de Shigatoxina, que afecta principalmente a población infantil, puede causar morbilidad aguda grave, secuelas crónicas en varios órganos, y la muerte prematura en algunos de ellos. Dado su carácter zoonótico, adecuadas medidas de manejo agropecuario y correcta higiene de lo que consumimos es indispensable a la hora de prevenir la infección. Actualmente, una vez gatillado el SHU el manejo es médico y, principalmente, de soporte. En los últimos años diversas estrategias terapéuticas se han ido desarrollando para evitar que esta enfermedad ocurra, o, al menos, que pueda ser atenuada en sus consecuencias de morbi-mortalidad. El presente artículo describe acciones específicas a diferentes niveles de prevención de esta patología.

Abstract Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) associated with intestinal infection by Shiga toxin-producing bacteria, which mainly affects children, can cause severe acute morbidity, chronic sequelae in seve ral organs, and premature death in some of them. Given its zoonotic nature, adequate measures of agricultural management and proper hygiene of what we consume are essential to prevent infection. Once the HUS is triggered, medical management is currently mainly supportive. In recent years, va rious therapeutic strategies have been developed to prevent this disease from occurring or, at least, to mitigate its morbidity and mortality consequences. This article describes specific actions at different levels of prevention of this pathology.

Observation of curative effect on lumbar facet joint syndrome by palace bonesetting therapeutic combined with lumbar medial branch nerve block / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To observe the clinical effect of "palace bone-setting" Dieda-Wanying cream combined with Yuan Shu Zhi Pai Zi fixation in the treatment of acute ankle sprain.Methods A total of 60 patients with acute ankle sprain were collected and randomly divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.The observation group was treated with "Palace Bone-setting" Dieda-Wanying cream combined with Yuan Shu Zhi Pai Zi for fixation.The control group was treated with external application of diclofenac diethylamine emulsion and fixation of elastic bandage.Two groups were treated for 14 days.The patients pain disappeared time and the swelling subsided,the VAS scale for assessment of ankle pain observed.The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-after scoring system was used to assess the Ankle function,evaluation of clinical curative effect.Results The pain disappear time (9.7 ± 1.6 d vs.13.4 ± 3.5 d,t=5.638),regression and time (3.5 ± 1.3 d vs.6.7 ± 1.1 d,t=10.292) in the observation group were significantly earlier than those in the control group (P＜0.01).After treatment,VAS score (1.9 ± 1.1 vs.3.3 ± 1.3,t=4.503) of the observation group significantly lower than that of the control group (P＜0.01);AOFAS score (93.6 ± 3.9 vs.84.2 ± 5.1,t=8.019) significantly higher than the control group (P＜0.01).Total effective rate in the observation group was 96.7％ (29/30),and the control group was 80.0％ (24/30),which the difference was statistically significant (x2=4.043,P=0.044).Conclusions The "Palace Bone-setting" Dieda-Wanying cream combined with Yuan Shu Zhi Pai Zi fixation has definite curative effect on acute ankle sprain,relieve pain,swelling and promote the ankle function.

Electroacupuncture improves insomnia by down-regulating peripheral benzodiazepine receptor expression in hippocampus, and up-regulating 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TNF-α and IL-1β contents in hypothalamus in insomnia rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at five Back-Shu points on sleep, hippocampal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) expression and hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β contents in insomnia rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of insomnia. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, EA and medication (Diazepam) groups (n=10 rats in each group). The insomnia model was established by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of para-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 300 mg/kg) once daily for 2 days. EA (60 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral five Back-Shu points, i.e., Feishu (BL13), Xinshu (BL15), Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL20) and Shenshu (BL23) for 10 min, once daily for 6 days. Rats of the medication group were treated by gavage of Diazepam (0.92 mg/kg) once daily for 6 days. The sleep duration was recorded after i.p. of Pentobarbital Sodium (45 mg/kg). Histopathological changes of the hippocampus were displayed by H.E. staining. The contents of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TNF-α and IL-1β in the hypothalamus were assessed by using ELISA. The expression levels of PBR mRNA and protein in the hippocampus were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: Following modeling, the sleep duration was considerably shortened in rats of the model group relevant to the control group (P0.05), and significantly superior to that of the medication in increasing TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.05), and considerably superior to that of medication in down-regulating PBR mRNA and protein expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at five Back-Shu-points of the five Zang-organs can significantly improve the sleep in insomnia rats, which is closely associated with its effects in reducing the expression of PBR in hippocampus and up-regulating the levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TNF-α and IL-1β in hypothalamus.

Therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis treated with -deep needling and bloodletting techniques / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the difference in the therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between the combined -deep needling and bloodletting technique and the regular needling technique.@*METHODS@#A total of 70 patients were randomized into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (35 cases, 4 cases dropped-out). Dazhui (GV 14), Shenzhu (GV 12), Zhiyang (GV 9), Jinsuo (GV 8), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhibian (BL 54), Weizhong (BL 40), Taixi (KI 3) and Tianzong (SI 11), etc. were selected in the two groups. Additionally, in the observation group the -deep needling technique was adopted at Tianzong (SI 11) and Zhibian (BL 54), the bloodletting technique at the local swollen area and the even-needling technique at the rest acupoints. In the control group, the even-needling technique was applied to all of the acupoints. Acupuncture treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week and for 12 weeks totally. The numbers of tender points at the knee joint, the numbers of swollen sites at the knee joint, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the American health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score were observed in the two groups before and after treatment, as well as the changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria was adopted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the numbers of tender points, the numbers of swollen sites, VAS score and HAQ score were all improved as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all 0.05). The standard-reaching rates of ACR 20 and ACR 50 in the observation group were 94.3% (33/35) and 31.4% (11/35) respectively, which were better than 67.7% (21/31) and 6.5% (2/31) in the control group (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The acupuncture with the -deep and bloodletting techniques and the acupuncture with regular needling technique are all effective on RA. The therapeutic effects of the acupuncture treatment with the -deep and bloodletting techniques are better than that with regular needling technique.

Clinical research of Bushen-Tongbi decoction combined with acupuncture Beishu for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#To investigate the therapeutic effect of Bushen-Tongbi decoction combined with acupuncture Beishu for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.@*Methods@#According to the random table method, 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups, 40 in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with diclofenac sodium, while the patients in the treatment group were treated with Bushen-Tongbi decoction combined with acupuncture Beishu on the basis of control group. Two groups were treated for 1 month. The VAS scale was used to evaluate pain degree, Modified Japanese Orthope-dic Association (M-JOA) was used to evaluate spine function, and serum levels of TNF-α, CRP and IL-1β were detected by ELISA. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded and clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*Results@#The total effective rate of treatment group was 95.0% (38/40) and the control group was 77.5% (31/40). The difference between two groups was statistically significant (χ2=5.165, P=0.023). After treatment, the VAS scores and M-JOA scores in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (t=6.226, 10.120, P<0.01). After treatment, the serum levels of TNF-α, CRP and IL-1β in the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group (t=8.840, 5.939, 11.397, P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#The Bushen-Tongbi decoction combined with acupuncture Beishu for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation can reduce the pain and inflammation, improve spinal function.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture at Gastrointestinal Back-Shu and Front-Mu Points for Post-stroke Constipation / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at gastrointestinal Back-Shu and Front-Mu points for post-stroke functional constipation. Method Sixty-six patients with post-stroke functional constipation were randomized to treatment and control groups, 33 cases each. The treatment group received acupuncture at gastrointestinal Back-Shu and Front-Mu points: Weishu (BL21), Dachangshu (BL25), Xiaochangshu (BL27), Zhongwan (CV12), Tianshu (ST25) and Guanyuan (CV4). The control group took Chinese herbal medicine Liumo Decoction prescribed originally. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups. The CCS score was recorded and fecal characteristics were scored in the patients at baseline, during treatment and at follow-up. Result The total efficacy rate was 90.9％ in the treatment group and 42.4％ in the control group. The CCS score and the fecal characteristic score were lower in the two groups after treatment compared with before (P<0.05) and the therapeutic effect was more marked in the treatment group (P<0.05). The CCS score and the fecal characteristic score increased in the two groups at follow-up, but the increments were significantly smaller in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Shu-Mu point combination acupuncture can significantly relieve the symptoms of post-stroke functional constipation and change fecal characteristics. It is superior to Chinese herbal treatment alone.

Clinical Observation of Puncturing Sifeng Points (EX-UE10) plus Pricking Back-Shu Points for Dyspepsia Due to Chemotherapy for Triple-negative Breast Cancer / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To assess the effectiveness of puncturing Sifeng points (EX-UE10) and pricking Back-Shu points in treating dyspepsia due to chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Method Sixty patients were randomized into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The observation group was intervened by puncturing Sifeng points and pricking Back-Shu points, once a week. The selected Back-Shu points included bilateral Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21) and Geshu (BL17). The control group was treated by promoting gastrointestinal motility (itopride hydrochloride 50 mg) and supplementing digestive enzymes (compound azintamide tablets). The two groups were observed before and after treatment in terms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, nutritional status score and Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS). The therapeutic efficacies were also assessed. Result The total effective rate was 93.3％ (28/30) in the observation group versus 70.0％ (21/30) in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The TCM symptom score showed significant improvement in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and the improvement in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the score of Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in the score between the two groups (P>0.05). The KPS score increased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), indicating a more significant improvement of KPS score in the observation group. Conclusion Puncturing Sifeng plus pricking Back-Shu points is effective in treating dyspepsia due to chemotherapy for TNBC. It can improve patient's appetite and quality of life.