Efficacy observation of pushing Qiaogong point with different intensities for treating stage Ⅰ essential hypertension / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of pushing Qiaogong point with varying intensities for treating stage Ⅰ essential hypertension. Methods: A total of 72 patients diagnosed with stageⅠ essential hypertension were enrolled in this study. They were divided into three groups using the random number table method, including a control group, a gentle pushing group, and a heavy pushing group, with 24 patients in each group. All three groups received the same therapeutic lifestyle interventions. The control group received no additional interventions, the gentle pushing group received additional pushing Qiaogong point with gentle strength, and the heavy pushing group received additional pushing Qiaogong point with heavy strength. The treatment duration was 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up period, during which blood pressure changes were observed and analyzed in all three groups. Results: After treatment, the blood pressure levels in all three groups showed a significant decrease (P<0.05). The effective rate in the control group was 43.5％, in the gentle pushing group was 78.3％, and in the heavy pushing group was 33.3％. The reduction in blood pressure levels in the gentle pushing group was significantly superior to that in both the control group and the heavy pushing group, indicating inter-group statistical significance (P<0.01). The efficacy of the heavy pushing group was comparable to that of the control group, indicating no statistical significance (P>0.05). During the follow-up period, compared with the end of the treatment within the same group, the blood pressure levels remained stable in both the control group and the gentle pushing group, indicating no intra-group statistical significance (P>0.05). The heavy pushing group showed a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP) compared with the end of the treatment, indicating intra-group statistical significance (P<0.05). During the follow-up, the gentle pushing group had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and MBP compared with both the heavy pushing group and the control group, indicating inter-group statistical significance (P<0.01), while there was no inter-group statistical significance in comparing the DBP (P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in comparing the SBP, DBP, and MBP between the heavy pushing group and the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Pushing Qiaogong point with gentle strength combined with lifestyle interventions showed a higher effective rate and long-term blood pressure stability in the treatment of stage Ⅰ essential hypertension. Pushing Qiaogong point with varying intensities showed varying effects on patients with stage Ⅰ essential hypertension.

Observation on the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise combined with Tuina manipulations in treating lower cervical disc herniation / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise combined with Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)manipulations in treating lower cervical disc herniation(CDH).Methods:A total of 120 CDH patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 60 cases in each group.Patients in both groups were given the same Tuina manipulations.In addition,patients in the observation group practiced traditional Qigong exercise,and those in the control group did conventional neck exercise.After 8 weeks of treatment,the efficacy of the two groups was observed.Follow-up was conducted 3 months after the end of the treatment to record any recurrence.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).The improvement in symptom scores was more significant in the observation group than in the control group(P＜0.05).There was inter-group statistical significance in comparing the cross-sectional area and fatty infiltration of certain cervical muscles(P＜0.05).In addition,the recurrence rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:On the basis of the same Tuina manipulation treatment,the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise in treating CDH is superior to that of conventional neck exercise,with more significant improvements in pain and quality of life and a lower recurrence rate.

Progress in the mechanism of acupuncture intervention on pain emotion and pain cognition mediated by limbic system / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Pain is a complex physiological and psychological activity, involving at least three dimensions, including pain sensation, pain emotion, and pain cognition. Acupuncture can clearly relieve the pain sensation of patients and improve pain emotion and pain cognition induced by pain; acupuncture participates in the multi-dimensional regulation of pain through brain regions of the limbic system such as anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala (AMY), and hippocampus. By analyzing relevant literature, it has been found that the regulation of acupuncture on pain emotion is mainly related to the activation of pertinent opioid receptors in the ACC, the decrease of the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and the promotion of the expression of glutamic acid (Glu) A1, metabotropic glutamate receptor-1 (mGluR1), and γ-aminobutyric acid aminobutyric acid (GABA) B2 protein in the AMY. The regulation of acupuncture on pain cognition is mainly related to the elevation of the expression of protein kinase A (PKA) and phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (phospho-p38 MAPK) and the inhibition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/PKA/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in the ACC.

Influence of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on lumbar functions and inflammatory factors in patients with lumbar disc herniation due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the efficacy of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis and observe the influence of this method on lumbar functions and inflammatory factors in patients with this condition. Methods: A total of 120 LDH patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups, including a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, a flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group, and a Western medication group, with 40 patients in each group. The patients in the Western medication group were treated with diflunisal tablets, 0.5 g per dose, 2 doses a day. Those in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with additional herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group at Back-Shu Points and Jiaji (EX-B2) Points once a day. Those in the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with the same methods as in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, except that the herbal cake was replaced by a flour cake. All the patients were treated for 10 d. After treatment, the scores of the visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and the changes of the interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and substance P (SP) levels were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. Results: After treatment, the VAS score and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and SP were lower than those before treatment, and the JOA score was higher than that before treatment in the three groups, indicating intra-group statistical significance (P<0.05). The VAS score and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and SP of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were lower than those of the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the Western medication group, while the JOA score of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group was higher than that of the other two groups, indicating inter-group statistical significance (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group was 92.5％, higher than that of the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group (80.0％) and the Western medication group (72.5％), indicating inter-group statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: On the basis of Western oral medication, additional herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can alleviate the pain and improve the lumbar functions in patients with LDH due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis. The efficacy of the integrated method is better than that of either flour cake-partitioned moxibustion or Western medication alone, which may be related to the reduction of serum inflammatory factors.

Research on clinical application of manual therapy to tumor-related adverse reactions / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To analyze the clinical application of manual therapy (MT) to tumor-related adverse reactions via summarizing the research at home and abroad, in order to provide more theoretical evidence for the clinical promotion of MT. Methods: We searched 7 Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Ovid and EBSCO. The publication date was between the establishment date of the database and December 31, 2020. We screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then sorted and analyzed the selected information. Results: A total of 46 papers were analyzed. Most studies focused on the adverse reactions in breast cancer patients. MT interventions demonstrated the best efficacy for fatigue, followed by pain, depression and anxiety. In different MT interventions, Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) was mainly adopted for fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and limb dysfunctions. Acupoint pressing was mainly adopted for gastrointestinal and psychological problems such as abdominal bloating, insomnia, depression and anxiety. The application of reflexotherapy was similar to that of Tuina. Conclusion: MT can alleviate various adverse reactions by effectively relieving patients' somatic symptoms and improving their psychological states and overall functions. It can be popularized as a significant non-drug therapy. Currently, however, the clinical application of MT is neither extensive nor has sufficient basic research. Consequently, we should attach importance to this application.

Observation on efficacy of thumbtack needle combined with pediatric Tuina for constipation in children caused by liver depression and Qi stagnation / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of thumbtack needles combined with pediatric Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) for constipation in children caused by liver depression and Qi stagnation.Methods: A total of 60 children with constipation caused by liver depression and Qi stagnation were randomly divided into a combined group and a Tuina group, with 30 cases in each group. The cases in the Tuina group were treated with pediatric Tuina, while those in the combined group were treated with additional thumbtack needle therapy. We observed the clinical efficacy and the change in the number of spontaneous bowel movements per week before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, the cure rate and the total effective rate in the combined group were higher than in the Tuina group, showing statistical significance (P<0.05). Compared with the same group before treatment, the number of spontaneous bowel movements per week in both groups increased after treatment (P<0.05). With the progression of treatment, the number of spontaneous bowel movements per week increased in both groups, and the number in the combined group was more than that in the Tuina group, showing statistical significance (P<0.01). Conclusion: Thumbtack needles combined with pediatric Tuina is more effective than pediatric Tuina alone in the treatment of constipation in children caused by liver depression and Qi stagnation.

Clinical study on Tuina plus physical agents for lateral collateral ligament injury of ankle in gymnasts / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) plus physical agents and physical agents alone for lateral collateral ligament injury of ankle in gymnasts, and to explore the feasibility of Tuina for injury intervention in competitive athletes.Methods: A total of 64 gymnasts with types Ⅰ-Ⅱ lateral collateral ligament injury of ankle were selected and divided into a control group and an observation group according to a full analysis set based on the intention-to-treat principle, with 32 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received ultrasound and microwave treatment, while those in the observation group received additional Tuina manipulations. The efficacy was evaluated by total effective rate, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AHS) score. Results: The total effective rate was 96.9％ in the observation group and 90.6％ in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the total effective rate between the two groups (P>0.05). The markedly effective rate was 75.0％ in the observation group and 46.9％ in the control group. The markedly effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores of both groups showed a downward trend, and there were statistical differences between different treatment time points in the same group (P<0.05). After one and three months of treatment, the VAS scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). There were statistical differences in the AOFAS-AHS score before and after treatment within the same group (P<0.05). After one month of treatment, there was no statistical difference in the AOFAS-AHS score between the two groups (P>0.05). After three months of treatment, the AOFAS-AHS score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, indicating statistical significance (P<0.05). There was an interaction between time and group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tuina plus physical agents can improve the symptoms of lateral collateral ligament injury of ankle in gymnasts. This combined treatment is superior to physical agents alone in relieving pain and improving joint functions. Therefore, Tuina plus physical agents can be used as a treatment for lateral collateral ligament injury of ankle in gymnasts.

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 observation on moxibustion at Baihui (GV20) plus Tuina for children with postnasal drip syndrome / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion at Baihui (GV20) plus Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) for children with postnasal drip syndrome (PNDS).Methods: A total of 60 cases were divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. Cases in the control group received mometasone furoate nasal spray and nasal irrigation with 0.9％ normal saline. Cases in the observation group received additional moxibustion at Baihui (GV20) plus Tuina at the head and face. All the cases were treated for four consecutive weeks. The clinical efficacy and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms score were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3％ while that of the control group was 70.0％. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores in both groups declined significantly, showing a statistical difference from that before treatment (P<0.05), and the score of the observation group was notably lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of moxibustion at Baihui (GV20) plus Tuina at the head and face on the basis of nasal spray with Western medicine is more significant than that of Western medicine alone for PNDS in children.

Literature review and application experience of needling the Belt Vessel for low back pain / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To explore the feasibility of needling the Belt Vessel (BV) for low back pain. Methods: The relevant literature was systematically reviewed; the relationship between the BV and low back pain was illustrated; the clinical features of BV-related low back pain as well as the key points of acupoint selection in treatment were summarized, and the efficacy of needling the BV for treating low back pain was observed. Results: The BV is closely related to low back pain. The main clinical manifestations of BV-related low back pain include sagging distension in the low back, enlarged abdomen, and pain radiating to the groin. The main acupoints for treating low back pain via needling the BV include Mingmen (GV4), Wushu (GB27) and Ashi points near the transverse process of the third lumbar spine. Needling the BV can swiftly and effectively relieve both the low back pain and associated symptoms. Conclusion: Needling the BV can effectively alleviate the typical BV-related low back pain.

Clinical observation on row needling at the Governor Vessel on the head for poststroke insomnia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of row needling at the Governor Vessel on the head for poststroke insomnia, analyze the changes of sleep structure, serum amino acid neurotransmitters, vascular endothelial cell function and cognitive function, in order to explore the mechanism of this therapy.Methods: A total of 41 patients with poststroke insomnia were included in an observation group and treated with row needing at the Governor Vessel on the head; 33 patients with poststroke insomnia were included in a control group and given routine acupuncture treatment. The patients in both groups were treated consecutively for one month. The efficacy was observed and the changes of related indicators were compared. Results: After treatment, the efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). The sleep latency in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05); the total sleep duration, deep sleep duration, light sleep duration and rapid eye movement sleep duration in the observation group were significantly longer than those in the control group (P<0.05); the total waking duration and the waking times over 5 min were significantly less than those in the control group (P<0.05). The serum glutamic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, calcitonin gene-related peptide, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor and nitric oxide levels were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). The tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, bradykinin, and endothelin-1 levels were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The Pittsburgh sleep quality index score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01), and the mini-mental state examination score was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Row needling at the Governor Vessel on the head can effectively improve the sleep structure, cognitive function, and sleep quality of patients with poststroke insomnia. The possible mechanisms are regulating serum amino acid neurotransmitters and improving the function of vascular endothelial cells.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis on biomechanical changes after arthroscopic surgery for patients with patellofemoral joint disorders / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze stress distribution changes in patellofemoral joints before and after arthroscopic surgery by lateral retinacular release and medial retinaculum placation using three-dimensional (3D) finite element method.Methods The 3D finite element model of pre-and post-operative patellofemoral joints for patients with patellofemoral joint disorders were constructed,and the maximum stress and stress distributions on patelIofemoral joints at different flexion angles (30.,60.,90.,120.) under the load of 120 N were calculated and analyzed.Results The maximum stress of patellofemoral joints at different flexion angles after arthroscopic surgery was significantly smaller than that before arthroscopic surgery.The stress concentrated on the lateral patellofemoral joints before the surgery,but was redistributed after the surgery.Conclusions The stress on patellofemoral joints at different flexion angles is reduced after arthroscopic surgery by lateral retinacular release and medial retinaculum placation,which provides an objective theoretic reference for arthroscopic surgery to effectively restore stress balance between lateral and medial patellofemoral joints.It is suggested that patients with early patellofemoral joint disorders and abnormal force line should be treated with surgery intervention as early as possible.

Short-term effects of anterior cruciate ligament reconsruction with femoral tunnel suspension fixation on bone tunnel and graft change / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Femoral tunnel suspensory fixation device for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has a certain clinical comparison. However, there are a few fixture researches on the expansion of bone tunnel and graft changes. OBJECTIVE:To observe the short-period effect of femoral tunnel side fixtures Endobutton and Tightrope used in autologous hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on bone tunnel and implant change. METHODS:Twenty-three patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries received one-stage hamstring reconstruction, including 13 cases of femoral tunnel fixation with Endobutton and 10 cases with Tightrope. Tibial tunnel used extrusion screws. We observed operation time, recent effects after operation (Lysholm knee score, IKDC score) and the postoperative change of femoral tunnel diameter and graft length. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Twenty-three cases were fol owed up for 9-12 months, averagely 10 months. (2) Joint motion was not limited in both groups. No significant difference in IKDC and Lysholm scores was determined between the two groups (P>0.05). (3) Graft length and femoral tunnel diameter were significantly higher in the Endobutton group during final fol ow-up compared with that at 1 week postoperatively (P<0.05). (4) These results suggested that the recent effects were similar between Tightrope and Endobutton fixation, but Tightrope fixation device reduces the length of graft and the extent of bone tunnel enlargement.