Electroacupuncture at intercostal nerve for mammary gland hyperplasia in rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the correlation between efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) on mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) and the regulatory pathway of intercostal nerve.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (group A, 12 rats), a model group (group B, 12 rats), an EA group (group C, 13 rats) and an intercostal nerve transection group (group D, 13 rats). The rats in the group B, group C and group D were prepared into MGH model; after model was successfully prepared, the 7th intercostal nerve was cut off in the group D. EA was applied at back acupoints including bilateral "Tianzong" (SI 11), "Ganshu" (BL 18) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) as well as chest acupoints including bilateral "Wuyi" (ST 15), "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Danzhong" (CV 17) in the group C and D. The two groups of acupoints were selected alternately. EA was given for 20 min, once a day; 5-day treatment was taken as one course; there was an interval of 2 days between course; totally 20 treatments were given. After treatment, the height and diameter of papilla were observed; the contents of serum estradiol (E) and progestin (P), the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progestrone receptor (PR) in mammary gland were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The height and diameter of papilla: after treatment, the height and diameter of papilla in the group C were significantly smaller than those in the group B (both<0.05); the height and diameter of left-side papilla in the group D were significantly bigger than those in the group C (both<0.05). (2) Serum Eand P: after treatment, compared with the group B, the contents of Eand E/P were reduced and the content of P was increased in the group C and group D (all<0.05). Compared with the group C, the contents of Eand E/P were increased and the content of P was reduced in the group D (all<0.05). (3) ERα and PR in mammary gland: compared with the group B, the content of ERαwas decreased and the content of PR was increased in the group C (both<0.05). Compared with the group C, the content of ERαwas increased and the content of PR was decreased in the group D ((both<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The efficacy mechanism of EA for MGH is likely to be related with the pathway of intercostal nerve; the mechanism may be acupuncture regulating the contents of serum Eand P as well as contents of ERα and PR in mammary gland.</p>

Therapeautic Mechanism of Electroacupuncture with Unblocking and Regulating Needling Therapy for Liver-stagnation Mammary Gland Hyperplasia Rats and Its Relationship with Vagus Nerve Regulation / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To explore the actions of vagus nerve in electroacupuncture (EA) with unblocking and regulating needling therapy for the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia(MGH)with liver stagnation type, and to provide experimental evidences for clinical usage of EA with unblocking and regulating needling therapy. Methods Sixty healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups,namely blank control group,model control group,EA group,EA with disconnection of vagus nerve group,and sham-operation EA group,12 rats in each group. Except for the blank control group, the rats in the remaining groups were modeled. After successful establishment of the model of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) with liver stagnation type, the rats in EA group with disconnection of vagus nerve were given disconnection of unilateral vagotomy operation, the rats in sham-operation EA group were given sham operation, and EA group had no treatment, and then all of the 3 treatment groups were given EA with unblocking and regulating needling therapy. At the end of the experiment, the diameter and height of rat nipple were measured,the serum contents of estradiol (E2)and progestin (P)in the rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay(ELISA),and the contents of anti-estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)and anti-progesterone receptor(PR)in the rat breast tissue were detected by immunofluorescence double staining and Western blotting method. Results (1)EA treatment can obviously improve the diameter and height of MGH rat nipple, but the therapeutic effect of EA group with disconnection of vagus nerve was not obvious. (2)Compared with the model control group,the levels of serum E2 and mammary ERαwere markedly reduced(P<0.01),and serum P level and mammary PR content were obviously increased in EA group and sham-operation EA group (P < 0.01). However,the above indexes had no obvious changes in EA group with disconnection of vagus nerve (P>0.05). Conclusion The therapeutic mechanism of EA with unblocking and regulating needling therapy for liver-stagnation MGH may be closely related with the regulation of vagus nerve.

Study on the regulatory mechanism of electroacupuncture based on thyroid pathway for mammary gland hyperplasia rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the regulating effect of thyroid pathway on electroacupuncture (EA) for mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) so as to provide new research ideas for the mechanism of EA for MGH and to provide the evidence for clinical application.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty adult female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an EA group, an EA with thyroidectomy group, an EA with sham operation group, 12 rats in each one. Except the blank group, the MGH model was established. Thyroid ablation was performed in the EA with thyroidectomy group, and sham operation was used in the EA with sham operation group, exposing thyroid without excision, 1 day after model establishment. EA was applied in the EA, the EA with thyroidectomy, and the EA with sham operation groups on the 4th day after model establishment, and not used in the other groups, but catching, routine disinfection and fixation were all the same as the above groups. The acupoints in the group A were bilateral "Tianzong" (SI 11), "Ganshu" (BL 18) and "Zusanli" (ST 36); and those in the group B were bilateral "Wuyi" (ST 15), "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Danzhong" (CV 17). The two groups of points were alternately used. EA, continuous wave, 2 Hz and 1 mA, was connected at "Tianzong" (SI 11) and "Ganshu" (BL 18), "Wuyi" (ST 15) and "Hegu" (LI 4) at the same side, 2 pairs EA a time, 20 min a time, once a day. All the intervention was given for 4 courses, 5 times as 1 course with 2 days between courses. After intervention, the height and diameter of the rat papilla were measured. Estrogen (E) and progestational hormone (P) in the serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the contents and protein expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the mammary glands were detected by immunofluorescence and Western-blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The height and diameter of papilla in the model group increased compared with those in the blank group (both <0.01). The height and diameter of papilla in the EA, EA with sham operation groups reduced compared with those in the model group (all <0.01). Those in the EA with thyroidectomy group were lower than those in the model group, without statistical significance (both >0.05). (2) Compared with the blank group, E increased and P decreased in the model group (both <0.01). Compared with the model group, E decreased and P increased in the EA and EA with sham operation groups (all <0.01). The contents of E and P had no statistical significance between the model and the EA with thyroidectomy groups (both >0.05). (3) Compared with the blank group, the ERα content and protein expression increased and the PR content and protein expression decreased in the model group (all <0.01). Compared with the model group, the ERα content and protein expression decreased and the PR content and protein expression increased in the EA and EA with sham operation groups (all <0.01). The ERα and PR content and protein expression had no statistical significance between the model and the EA with thyroidectomy groups (all >0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The effect of EA for MGH may be closely related to the regulation of thyroid.</p>

Effects of acupuncture combined withgranule on breast tissue, prolactin and receptor expression in rats with mammary gland hyperplasia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of acupuncture combined withgranule on breast tissue, prolactin(PRL) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) expression in rats with mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH), and to explore its action mechanism to provide reference for clinical treatment of MGH.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-five female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an acupuncture group, a Rule granule group and a combination group. Except the blank group, the rats in the remaining groups were treated with combined stimulation of estrogenic and progestational hormone to establish MGH model. After model establishment, the rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at Plan A of "Tianzong" (SI 11), "Ganshu" (BL 18), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and Plan B of "Wuyi" (ST 15), "Hegu" (LI 4), "Danzhong" (CV 17). Each plan was selected for one acupuncture treatment, and two plans were used alternately. The rats in the Rule granule group were treated with oral administration of granule, 3 mL per times. The rats in the combination group were treated with the samegranule, followed by acupuncture, once a day. After consecutive 30-day treatment, blood sample was collected from abdominal aorta; ELISA method was applied to measure the contents of PRL; the HE slice of mammary gland was observed under light microscope; the SABC immunohistochemical method was applied to measure the positive expression of PRLR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The morphology of breast tissue in the model group was consistent with MGH. Compared with the blank group, the serum PRL and the expression of PRLR were increased significantly in the model group (both<0.01). Compared with the model group, the hyperplasia of mammary gland in each treatment group was improved, and serum PRL and expression of PRLR were significantly reduced (<0.05,<0.01), which were more significant in the combination group (both<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture,granule and its combination could effectively treat MGH, which is likely to reduce the level of serum PRL and inhibit the binding of PRL to PRLR, as a result, the level of Eis indirectly inhibited, and the hyperplastic mammary gland is recovered. Compared with acupuncture orgranule, the combination of both has better overall efficacy.</p>

Adaptation, validation and reliability of the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire in a Colombian sample and factorial equivalence with the Spanish version / Adaptación, validación y fiabilidad del Cuestionario de funcionamiento sexual del Hospital General de Massachusetts en una muestra colombiana y equivalencia factorial con la versión en españo

Sexual dysfunctions are a highly prevalent problem. It is necessary to have instruments adapted to the Colombian population in order to evaluate their sexual functioning because to date none of them have been validated. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire in Colombian population, and compare it with a similar sample from Spain. Two different samples were used in this study. On one hand, a sample of expert judges who performed the cultural adaptation and the evaluation of the scale, and on the other hand, a second end sample of 1117 participants -men and women of both nationalities- who answered the questionnaire -together with others-through a virtual platform. Some of the items were adjusted based on the initial results of the evaluation by the expert judges. Cronbach's alpha between .81 and .92 were obtained after the application of the test. The psychometric properties of the scale are adequate and this instrument properly correlates with other criterion variables. Construct validity was evaluated using factorial invariance. The unidimensional configural model for men (RMSEA= .000; CFI = 1) and for women (RMSEA= .048, CFI = .997) had an adequate fit, and a level of strict invariance was also reached. Screening can be performed with this first validated scale in order to evaluate the sexual difficulties of the Colombian population and compare them with the Spanish population.

Las disfunciones sexuales son un problema muy frecuente. Es necesario contar con instrumentos adaptados a la población colombiana con el fin de evaluar su funcionamiento sexual porque hasta la fecha ninguno de ellos se ha validado. El objetivo de este estudio fue adaptar y validar el Cuestionario de funcionamiento sexual del Hospital General de Massachusetts en la población colombiana y compararla con una muestra similar de España. Se utilizaron dos muestras diferentes en este estudio. Por una parte, una muestra de jueces expertos que realizaron la adaptación cultural y la evaluación de la escala, y por la otra, una segunda muestra final de 1.117 participantes - hombres y mujeres de ambas nacionalidades - que respondieron el cuestionario, junto con otros, a través de una plataforma virtual. Algunos de los elementos se ajustaron según los resultados iniciales de la evaluación realizada por jueces expertos. Se obtuvieron coeficientes alfa de Cronbach entre 0.81 y 0.92 después de la aplicación de la prueba. Las propiedades psicométricas de la escala son adecuadas y este instrumento se correlaciona debidamente con otras variables para el criterio. La validez del constructo se evaluó mediante invariancia factorial. El modelo configural unidimensional para los hombres (RMSEA = 0.000; CFI = 1) y para las mujeres (RMSEA = 0.048; CFI =0.997) tenía un ajuste adecuado, y también se alcanzó un nivel de estricta invariancia. Puede realizarse un cribado con esta primera escala validada para evaluar las dificultades sexuales de la población colombiana y compararlas con las de la población española.

Allergic Rhinitis in Children with Asthma: A Questionnaire Based Study in Lebanon.

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis and asthma frequently coexist but has rarely been evaluated in Lebanese children. Aim: This prospective study aimed to estimate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children in Lebanon, and to ascertain whether allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for the severity of asthma. Patients and Methods: Parents of 124 children aged 1-13 years admitted to the pediatric floor of the Makassed General Hospital between July 2008 and March 2009 and diagnosed as having asthma; parents were interviewed and followed up with a questionnaire concerning allergic rhinitis symptoms and signs with para-clinical data if available. The questionnaire was based on a study done in France by Hammouda et al. (2005). This was modified from an adult score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR). Results: This well recognized score defines the association of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children. A score of ³ 9 out of 17 total score corresponds to the presence of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was recognized in 67 patients out of 124 (54%). This prevalence was evident mainly in the age group 3-5 years. Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis is prevalent in children of the Lebanese population, the severity of asthma was found to be clearly associated with allergic rhinitis. The SFAR modified for children was found to be a simple and reliable tool to detect allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children.

Antihypertensive medication non-adherence and its determinants among patients on follow up in public hospitals in Northern Ethiopia.

Adherence to pharmacological treatment for hypertension is considered a key factor in guaranteeing successful therapy outcomes. Non-adherence to antihypertensive therapy can be determined by demographic, drug related, disease related and setting related factors. The primary aim of this study was to investigate antihypertensive medication non-adherence and its determinants among patients on follow up in Ayder referral hospital and Mekelle general hospital. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Ayder Referral Hospital (ARH) and Mekelle General Hospital (MGH) from May to June, 2013. A total of 121 patients were interviewed with a structured standard questionnaire and patient medication charts were reviewed. The questionnaire contained of demographic questions, the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS) and questions about characteristics of hypertension and its therapy. The data collected were cleaned, entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16 for windows with 95% confidence interval and P value <0.05. Results: Around one fourth (26.4%) of the study participants were found to be non-adherent to their treatment. Family support on adherence (AOR = 0.170, 95%CI = 0.030-0.905), spot blood pressure (AOR = 0.052, 95%CI = 0.003-0.242), place of patient residence (AOR = 0.184, 95%CI =0.024-0.597) and hypertension related complications (AOR = 21.737, 95%CI = 1.568-418.428) were found significantly and strongly associated with treatment non-adherence. Conclusions: A quarter of the participants of this study were completely non-adherent and only around half of them were adherent to their medications. The absence of family support, being at the prehypertension class of blood pressure, living in Mekelle city and presence of hypertensive heart disease were shown to decrease adherence to antihypertensive medications. Therefore, health care professionals should be adequately trained and resourced to offer proper counseling to hypertensive patients on their medication and disease conditions.