Chiropractic plus plum-blossom needling combined with flexibility training on attention deficit in mentally-retarded adolescents / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of chiropractic plus plum-blossom needling combined with flexibility training for attention deficit in mentally-retarded adolescents.@*METHODS@#Thirty adolescents with mild mental retardation were randomly divided into a medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group (10 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a flexibility training group (10 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (10 cases). The patients in the flexibility training group received flexibility training, once every other day, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The patients in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group received chiropractic and plum-blossom needling at Baihui (GV 20) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1) on the basis of the treatment in the flexibility training group, once every other day, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The patients in the control group did not receive any targeted physical training and medical rehabilitation. Tobii Pro Spectrum eye movement instrument was used to test the attention concentration (T), attention span (M), attention transfer (γ%) and attention distribution (η).@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, T and M in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group and the flexibility training group were increased after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05), and γ% in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group was increased after treatment (P<0.05). The increasing range of T, M and γ% in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group and the flexibility training group was greater than that in the control group (P<0.01), and the increasing range of T and γ% in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group was greater than that in the flexibility training group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The chiropractic plus plum blossom needling combined with flexibility training can improve the attention deficit in mentally-retarded adolescents.

Clinical observation on deep needling at Xiaguan (ST 7) with round sharp needle combined with plum-blossom needle for trigeminal neuralgia of wind and heat / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical therapeutic effect between deep needling at Xiaguan (ST 7) with round sharp needle combined with plum-blossom needle and conventional acupuncture in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) of wind and heat, and explore its mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with TN of wind and heat were randomized into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). In the observation group, deep needling with round sharp needle was applied at Xiaguan (ST 7), and tapping with plum-blossom needle was applied at Yangbai (GB 14), Quanliao (SI 18), Dicang (ST 4), Sibai (ST 2), etc. of affected side. In the control group, conventional acupuncture was applied at the same acupoints selected in the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks in the both groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), TCM syndrome, patient global impression of change (PGIC) and comprehensive symptom were observed, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and β-endorphin (β-EP) were detected, and the adverse reaction was observed in the both groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of PRI, PPI, VAS, TCM syndrome, PGIC and comprehensive symptom and the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and VIP were decreased compared before treatment in the both groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Deep needling at Xiaguan (ST 7) with round sharp needle combined with plum-blossom needle can effectively treat the trigeminal neuralgia of wind and heat and relieve pain, its therapeutic effect is superior to conventional acupuncture. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of serum IL-6, TNF-α, VIP and β-EP.

Application and inheritance of moxibustion in modern acupuncture-moxibustion school / 中国针灸

The characteristics of moxibustion of the representative successors of each acupuncture and moxibustion school were analyzed, and the application and inheritance of moxibustion in

Effect of treatment with sunflower oil and in combination with pomegranate and plum sauce on the chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of marinated Carp fillets (Cyprinus carpio) / Efeito do tratamento com óleo de girassol e em combinação com molho de romã e ameixa nas propiedades químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais de filetes de carpa marinados (Cyprinus carpio)

ABSTRACT: The effect of sunflower oil (SO), sunflower oil-pomegranate sauce (PS1) and sunflower oil-plum sauce (PS2) on shelf life of marinated carp fillets was investigated in terms of sensory evaluation, chemical (peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), free fatty acids (FFA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and pH), and microbiological properties (Total viable count (TVC), Escherichia coli, Total coliform, Staphylococci/Micrococci, Salmonella spp.) during 30 days of storage. Proximate composition, which includes total crude protein%, fat%, moisture% and ash% of fresh carp fillets before marination process was analyzed and found 18.69±0.86, 4.08±0.19, 74.33±0.63 and 2.17±0.45, respectively. Sensory evaluation analysis showed that total appearance, odor-taste and texture scores decreased during storage. TVB-N significantly increased in all group after 1 month of storage (P<0.05). At the end of storage, the lowest TBA value (1.38 mg MA/kg carp fillet) was determined in the PS1 group. During storage, the highest POV value was observed in the control group (8.49 mEq O2/kg) compared to other groups. Initial TVC of 1.5 log CFU/g, 1.7 log CFU/g and 1.8 log CFU/g increased to 3.7 log CFU/g, 2.9 log CFU/g and 3.2 log CFU/g in SO, PS1 and PS2 groups, respectively. Results showed that the shelf life of marinated carp fillets treated with sunflower oil and in combination with pomegranate and plum sauce was more than 1 month.

RESUMO: O efeito do óleo de girassol (SO), molho de óleo de girassol-romã (PS1) e molho de óleo de girassol-ameixa (PS2) na vida útil de filetes de carpa marinados foi investigado em termos sensorial, químico (valor de peróxido (PV), ácido tiobarbitúrico) (TBA), ácidos graxos livres (AGL), nitrogênio básico volátil total (TVB-N) e pH) e propriedades microbiológicas (contagem viável total (TVC), Escherichia coli, coliforme total, estafilococos/Micrococos, Salmonella spp.). Durante 30 dias de armazenamento. A composição aproximada, que inclui % de proteína bruta total, % de gordura, % de umidade e % de cinzas de filés de carpa frescos antes do processo de marinação foi analisada e encontrada 18,69 ± 0,86, 4,08 ± 0,19, 74,33 ± 0,63 e 2,17 ± 0,45, respectivamente. A análise sensorial mostrou que os escores totais de aparência, odor e sabor diminuíram durante o armazenamento. TVB-N aumentou significativamente (P <0,05) em todos os grupos após 1 mês de armazenamento. No final do armazenamento, o menor valor de TBA (1,38 mg MA / kg de filé de carpa) foi determinado no grupo PS1. Durante o armazenamento, o maior valor de POV foi observado no grupo controle (8,49 mEq O2/kg) em comparação com outros grupos. O TVC inicial de 1,5 log CFU/g, 1,7 log UFC/g, 1,8 log CFU/g aumentou para 3,7 log CFU/g, 2,9 log CFU/g, 3,2 log CFU/g nos grupos SO, PS1 e PS2, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que a vida útil dos filés de carpa marinados tratados com óleo de girassol e em combinação com molho de romã e ameixa era superior a um mês.

Diclofenac diethylamine emulgel delivery via nano plum-blossom needle for acute gouty arthritis: study protocol for a single-center blind randomized controlled trial / 国际中医中药杂志

Background@#Patients with acute gouty arthritis experienc severe pain and often have concomitant limited joint movement. High-dose intake of anti-inflammatory analgesics often results in adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and might increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. In order to reduce the adverse reactions by oral intake, local use of externally useddrugs with the same active ingredients as the oral intake is an option in clinical practice. However, externally useddrugs take effect slowly and efficacy to reduce painful feelingis unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is demanding to develop a safe and effective treatment plan. In this regard, researchers have put up a hypothesis. The skin of the human body has a dense stratum corneum, which is difficult for externally used drugs to penetrate effectively; if the keratin barrier of the skin around affected joints can be broken without further damaging the skin, externally applied drugs may safely and effectively alleviate the local symptoms of acute gouty arthritis. The nano plum blossom needle is made of a modern new material. The needle body is thin and the diameter of the needle tip is only 300 nm. The needle is used clinically to break through the keratin barrier of the human skin and promote the absorption of external medicine. Therefore, this trial was designed to preliminarily evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using the nano plum blossom needle for the introduction of diclofenac diethylamine emulgel in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis.@*Methods@#A randomized controlled trial including 83 patients with acute gouty arthritis was conducted, who was assigned to three groups, the intervention group, control group 1, and control group 2 in a ratio of 2:2:1, respectively. The nano plum blossom needle was used for the introduction of diclofenac diethylamine emulgel in the intervention group; the nano plum blossom needle was used as a placebo along with the local use of diclofenac diethylamine emulgel in control group 1; and the nano plum blossom needle was used alone in control group 2. The treatments were applied once a day until the pain was completely relieved and the course of treatment lasted up to 7 days. The primary outcome measurement was the visual analog scale for evaluating the degree of pain. The secondary outcome indicators included scoring of the symptoms and signs with comprehensive consideration of the joint skin color, local tenderness, and degree of joint motion, the time and dose of emergency medication usage during trial, and adverse events.@*Discussion@#This trial couldprovide preliminary evidence for evidence-based practice of using nano plum blossom needle transdermal drug delivery technology for diclofenac diethylamine emulgel for the treatment of acute gouty arthritis, and provide a reference for sample size calculation and experimental design of future clinical trials verifying the effectiveness and safety of such a technical scheme in a larger target population.@*Registration information@#This study has been registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry Centerwith the registration code of ChiCTR-IOR-17012154.

Enzyme-treated date plum leave extract ameliorates atopic dermatitis-like skin lesion in hairless mice

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different extracts of Diospyros lotus leaves in atopic dermatitis Methods: Diospyros lotus leaves were extracted in ethanol and treated with or without hydrochloric acid or α-rhamnosidase to obtain three different extracts-ethanol, acid-hydrolyzed, and enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extracts of date plum. The myricitrin content in all samples was measured using HPLC analysis. In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were determined by measuring DPPH radical scavenging activities and nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells, respectively. Seven-week-old male hairless mice were used to evaluate the anti-atopic dermatitis effects of three extracts in vivo. Splenocytes and mast cells were used to further determine the anti-atopic dermatitis effects of the major compound in the ethanol leaf extract. Results: Enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract showed significant in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and attenuated atopic dermatitis-like skin symptoms and clinical signs more significantly than ethanol and acid-hydrolyzed leaf extracts in 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and house dust mite antigen-treated hairless mice. Enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract also suppressed the serum level of immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine in mice with atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed that enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract suppressed the increased epidermal thickness, dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells, and infiltration and degranulation of mast cells more markedly than the other two extracts in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. In addition, this extract effectively inhibited the production of IFN-γ, IL-4, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine compared with the other two extracts in concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes. Myricitrin, a major compound of enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract, suppressed atopic dermatitis biomarkers in stimulated mouse splenocytes and HMC-1 human mast cells.Conclusions: These results suggest that enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract might be a potential candidate to treat atopic dermatitis.

Clinical effect of plum-blossom needle tapping at three meridians of wrist on wrist joint contracture after stroke / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect of plum-blossom needle tapping at three meridians of wrist combined with rehabilitation training and simple rehabilitation training on wrist joint contracture after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 72 patients with wrist joint contracture after stroke were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 36 cases in each one. In the control group, simple rehabilitation training was applied, 5 times a week, 3 weeks as one course and totally 3 courses were required. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, plum-blossom needle tapping at three meridians of wrist was adopted in the observation group. The tapping regions were wrist traveling parts of three meridians of hand, ranging from up 3 to below 1 of wrist crease, 3 times a week, 3 weeks as one course and totally 3 courses were required. The active range of motion (AROM) of active wrist extension, Fugl-Meyer score (FMA) and Barthel index (BI) score were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The AROM, FMA scores and BI scores after treatment in the two groups were superior to before treatment (<0.05), and the improvements of 3 indexes in the observation group were superior to the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The therapeutic effect of plum-blossom needle tapping at three meridians of wrist combined with rehabilitation training is superior to simple rehabilitation training on wrist joint contracture after stroke.

Enzyme-treated date plum leave extract ameliorates atopic dermatitis-like skin lesion in hairless mice

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different extracts of Diospyros lotus leaves in atopic dermatitis Methods: Diospyros lotus leaves were extracted in ethanol and treated with or without hydrochloric acid or α-rhamnosidase to obtain three different extracts-ethanol, acid-hydrolyzed, and enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extracts of date plum. The myricitrin content in all samples was measured using HPLC analysis. In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were determined by measuring DPPH radical scavenging activities and nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells, respectively. Seven-week-old male hairless mice were used to evaluate the anti-atopic dermatitis effects of three extracts in vivo. Splenocytes and mast cells were used to further determine the anti-atopic dermatitis effects of the major compound in the ethanol leaf extract. Results: Enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract showed significant in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and attenuated atopic dermatitis-like skin symptoms and clinical signs more significantly than ethanol and acid-hydrolyzed leaf extracts in 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and house dust mite antigen-treated hairless mice. Enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract also suppressed the serum level of immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine in mice with atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed that enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract suppressed the increased epidermal thickness, dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells, and infiltration and degranulation of mast cells more markedly than the other two extracts in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. In addition, this extract effectively inhibited the production of IFN-γ, IL-4,and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine compared with the other two extracts in concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes. Myricitrin, a major compound of enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract, suppressed atopic dermatitis biomarkers in stimulated mouse splenocytes and HMC-1 human mast cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that enzyme-hydrolyzed leaf extract might be a potential candidate to treat atopic dermatitis.

Inhibition of dental erosion through addition of calcium to commercial plum beverages / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: We examined the effect of commercial plum beverages on dental erosion and whether the addition of calcium to these beverages would inhibit dental erosion. METHODS: We analyzed three groups as follows: Maesil 1 group (Chorok Maesil), Maesil 2 group (Sunkist plum), both of which were selected from commercially-available plum beverages, and Calcium-added maesil group (addition of 3% calcium to Chorok Maesil). For negative and positive control groups, Jeju Samdasoo and Coca Cola were selected, respectively. The characteristics of the experimental beverages were analyzed, and the specimens were immersed in the experimental beverage. The degree of erosion was measured by Vickers hardness number (VHN) and scanning electron microscope images. RESULTS: Positive control group had the lowest pH (2.50±0.03), followed by Maesil 2 (pH 2.59±0.01), Maesil 1 (pH 2.81±0.02), calcium-added maesil (pH 4.19±0.01), and negative control group (pH 7.57±0.06). Significant differences were found in surface microhardness between positive control, Maesil 1, Maesil 2 and calcium-added maesil group before immersion and at 30 minutes after immersion (P<0.05), and change in VHN (positive control group, −80.94±20.63; Maesil 1 group, −69.33±24.88; and Maesil 2 group, −78.49±18.60 in comparison with negative control group, −6.57±26.73). There was no significant difference (P<0.05) in change in VHN between calcium-added maesil (−13.02±17.33) and negative control group. CONCLUSIONS: Plum beverages can potentially induce dental erosion due to their low pH. However, adding calcium to these beverages can reduce the risk of dental erosion. Therefore, the risk of dental erosion must be considered during consumption of plum beverages, and the addition of calcium into plum beverages may be considered as a way to prevent dental erosion.

Clinical trials of treatment of post-stroke neurogenic bladder by plum-blossom needle tapping plus moxibustion / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of plum-blossom needle tapping plus moxibustion in the treatment of post-stroke neurogenic bladder(PSNB). METHODS: A total of 60 PSNB patients were equally randomized into control group (16 men and 14 women, 65.6±7.9 years in age, 10.1±6.3 months in the duration of disease) and treatment group (18 men and 12 women, 63.8±8.5 years in age, 9.8±6.5 months in the duration of disease). Patients of the control group were treated by asking the patients to make a pelvic muscular exercise and passive intermittent urethral catheterization. For patients of the treatment group, a plum-blossom needle was used to alternatively tap the bilateral Shenshu(BL23), Qihaishu(BL24), Guanyuanshu(BL26), Xiaochangshu(BL27), Pangguangshu(BL28), Huiyang(BL35), Shangliao(BL31), etc., followed by performing moxibustion over the skin of Shenque(CV8), Guanyuan(CV4), Qihai(CV6) and Zhongji(CV3), etc. about 15 min. In addition, patients without spontaneous urination were also received urethral catheterization as those in the control group. The treatment was given once every day except the weekends and for two months. The integrated symptom score was assessed. The frequencies of diurnal urination and urinary incontinence, and the urination volume every time were respectively recorded for consecutive 3 days before and after the treatment, and the residual urine volume was also measured. The therapeutic effect was evaluated based on the status and frequency of diurnal urination and residual urine volume each time. RESULTS: Of the two 30 cases in the control and treatment groups, 2(6.7%) and 5(16.7%) were cured, 8(26.7%) and 12(40.0%) experienced marked improvement in their symptoms, 13(43.3%) and 11(36.7%) were improved, 7(23.3%) and 2(6.7%) failed, with the effective rates being 76.7% and 93.3%, respectively. The effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05). After the treatment, the integrated symptom score, residual urine volume, and frequencies of diurnal urination and urinary incontinence were significantly decreased, and the diurnal urination volume was obviously increased in comparison with their own pre-treatment in both groups(all P<0.05)． The therapeutic effect of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group in reducing the integrated symptom score, residual urine volume, and frequencies of diurnal urination and urinary incontinence(P<0.05), and in increasing the diurnal urination volume(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Plum-blossom needle tapping plus moxibustion is an effective option for the treatment of PSNB in improving symptoms, in reducing the residual urine volume and frequencies of diurnal urination and urinary incontinence, and in increasing the diurnal urination volume, deserving being promoted in primary care.

Effects of commercial plum beverage on the dentin surface of bovine teeth / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of commercial plum beverage on the dentin surface that could be exposed to caries, gliopathy, and abrasion to investigate the inhibitory effects of dentin corrosion.METHODS: The experimental beverages were Jeju Samdasoo (Group 1, negative control), Coca-Cola (Group 2, positive control), Chorok Maesil (Group 3), and Chorok Maesil with 3% calcium lactate added (Group 4). The specimens were prepared and divided into 4 groups of 12 each. The pH of the experimental beverages was measured using a pH meter, and specimen surface hardness was assessed according to the Vickers hardness number (VHN). The specimens were immersed in the experimental beverage for 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Then, we obtained the average VHN by measuring surface microhardness. Measures of surface microhardness were compared using the paired t-test before and after 15 minutes of immersion in each of the four beverages. Between-group differences in surface microhardness were compared using one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test after the analysis.RESULTS: After 15 minutes of immersion in the experimental beverages, there was no significant difference in surface microhardness in group 1 (P>0.05). There were significant differences in groups 2, 3, and 4 (P < 0.05). The difference in surface microhardness before and after immersion for 15 minutes was highest in group 3 (−18.1±2.55), followed by group 2 (−13.0±3.53) and group 4 (−7.79±4.47). In group 1, the difference was −1.52±4.30. Moreover, there was a significant difference in each group (P < 0.05). After 10 minutes of immersion, surface microhardness tended to rapidly decrease.CONCLUSIONS: Patients who regularly ingest a commercially available plum drink with low pH should be provided dietary guidance on the risk of dental erosion. Calcium additives should be considered when producing plum beverage products.

Clinical Observation of Staging Treatment with Various Acupuncture Therapies Mainly on Yifeng Point for Peripheral Facial Paralysis / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of staging treatment with various acupuncture therapies mainly on Yifeng (TE17) point for the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis. Methods One hundred and two peripheral facial paralysis patients were randomly divided into trial group and control group, 51 patients in each group. The trial group was given acupuncture mainly on Yifeng point, by Yang needling(plum-blossom needling) for acute stage, Qi needling(concentrated triple-needling) for resting stage and Bang needling(lateral needling) for recovery stage. The control group was given conventional acupuncture. The treatment for the two groups was performed once a day, 5 continuous days constituted a course, and the treatment lasted 3 courses. Before treatment and after treatment for 1, 2, 3 course (s), facial nerve function scores were evaluated with House-Brackmann Grading Scale (HB) and the scores of pain in head and face were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). And the clinical efficacy of the two groups was assessed after treatment. Results (1) After treatment for 3 courses, the cure rate and total effective rate of the trial group were 82.35％, 100.00％, and those of the control group were 60.78％, 86.27％, respectively. The differences between the two groups were significant (P <0.05). (2) After treatment, HB scores and VSA scores of patients with facial pain and headache in the two groups were improved after treatment (P < 0.05 compared with those before treatment), and the improvement in the trial group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Staging treatment with various acupuncture therapies mainly on Yifeng point is more effective for the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis than conventional acupuncture.

Clinical observation on plum-blossom needle combined with rehabilitation training for hand spasm after stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect difference between plum-blossom needle combined with rehabilitation training and conventional rehabilitation training for hand spasm after stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 61 patients were randomly divided into a comprehensive treatment group (30 cases) and a rehabilitation training group (31 cases). In the rehabilitation training group, Bobath occupational therapy, OT training, and hand function training were adopted, once every day; on the basis of treatment in the rehabilitation group, plum-blossom needle was applied at the lung meridian of hand-, heart meridian of hand-, pericardium meridian of hand- in the comprehensive treatment group. The treatment was given once every two days, three weeks as one course in the two gnoups. After 3 courses of treatment, clinical efficacy evaluation was performed, and the modified Ashworth scale and Fugl-Meyer (FMA) motor function scores were assessed before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the grade for Ashworth scale and FMA scores in the comprehensive treatment group and the rehabilitation trainning group were better than those before treatment (all <0.05), and the improvements in hand spasm and hand fuction in the comprehensive treatment group were superior apparently to those in the rehabilitation trainning group (both <0.05) The total effective rate of hand function was 93.3% (28/30) in the comprehensive treatment group, which was better than 74.2% (23/31) in the rehabilitation training group (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Plum-blossom needle combined with rehabilitation training are more effective than simple rehabilitation training for hand spasm after stroke.</p>

Clinical observation on macular edema treated with treating different diseases with the same acupuncture comprehensive therapy / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical efficacy of treating different diseases with the same acupuncture comprehensive therapy and intramuscular injection of ranibizumab in the treatment of macular edema, and to explore an effective treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study was conducted, ①Acupuncture combined with EA at Xinming one (Extra), Sizhukong (TE 23), Tongziliao (GB 1), once every other day; ②acupoint injection, alternation with compound anisodine and mecobalamine injection at Qiuhou (EX-HN 7), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), once every other day; ③auricular acupressure at yan (LO), gan (CO), shen (CO) and other points; ④plum-blossom needle at Zhengguang 1 (Extra), Zhengguang 2 (Extra), once every other day were given in the acupuncture group (20 cases, 24 affected eyes). Intramuscular injection of 0.5 mg ranibizumab was given in the ranibizumab group (22 cases, 23 affected eyes). The macular foveal thickness, early treatment diabetic retinopathy study of (ETDRS) visual acuity chart, self-evaluation scores of visual function impairment ophthalmopathy patient's quality of life scale were observed before treatment, after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>①At all the observation time points of the treatment, the macular thickness was lower than that before treatment in the two groups (all <0.05), and there was no significant difference between the acupuncture group and the ranibizumab group (all >0.05). ②Visual acuity was higher than that before treatment at all the time points in the two groups (all <0.05). After 3-months treatment, there was no statistical significance between the two groups (>0.05). After 6, 9, and 12 months treatment, the visual acuity in the acupuncture group was better than that in the ranibizumab group (<0.05, <0.01). ③At all the time points, the quality of life scores were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.05). There was no statistical significance in the ranibizumab group compared with those before treatment (all >0.05). In 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of treatment, the quality of life scores in the acupuncture group was better than those in the ranibizumab group (<0.05, <0.01). ④The total effective rate of the acupuncture group was 79.2% (19/24), which was better than 30.4% (7/23) in the ranibizumab group (<0.05). ⑤The improvement of visual acuity before and after treatment was negatively correlated with the course of disease (<0.05), ie, the longer the disease course of the eyes, the worse the visual acuity and the worse the effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture comprehensive treatment can effectively treat macular edema, significantly improve the patient's vision, improve the subjective experience and the quality of life, and the shorter the course of the disease the more significant effect. Acupuncture comprehensive treatment is better than intramuscular injection of ranibizumab.</p>

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of dark plum mixture given by gastric gavage and oral spray on rats with radiation-induced xerostomia / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of dark plum mixture on rats with radiation-induced xerostomia, given by gastric gavage and oral spray. Methods Rat model of radiation-induced xerostomia were developed by electron linear accelerator. Wistar rats were randomly divided into spray group and gastric gavage group, and normal group, positive control group and normal control group were set up within these two groups. The dark plum mixture was administered for 14 days. After treated for 7 days and 14 days, saliva was collected and submandibular gland samples were collected. The salivary secretion, Sorgan index, component analysis and pathological changes of submaxillary glands between the groups were assessed. Results On the 7thday after irradiation, the saliva secretion and gland coefficient of the dark plum spray group were significantly higher than the positive control group and normal control group (P＜ 0. 05). The saliva secretion, gland coefficient and saliva amylase activity of the dark plum mixture spray group were significantly higher than the dark plum mixture gastric gavage group (P＜ 0. 05). On the 14th day after irradiation, the saliva secretion and gland coefficient of the oral spray group were significantly higher than the gastric gavage group (P ＜ 0. 05 ). The pathological examination of submandibular gland tissues showed that 7 days after irradiation, there were less interglandular space and inflammatory cell infiltration in the oral spray group than the gastric gavage group. On the 14th day after irradiation, the ductal damage and cell nuclear pyknosis in the oral spray group were milder than the gastric gavage group. Vacuolated necrosis and nuclear pyknosis of some glandular cells were visible in the gastric gavage group 7 and 14 days after irradiation. Conclusions Compared with gastric gavage, the oral spray of dark plum mixture increases more saliva and salivary α-amylase secretion, effectively promote the repair of submandibular glandular cells after salivary gland irradiation, and indicates a better therapeutic effect on radiation-induced xerostomia.

Effect of Different Collateral Bleeding Methods on TNF-α in Peripheral Blood of Cervical Spondylosis of Nerve Root Type / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To study the difference between scattered prick with three-edge needle and tapping prick with plum-blossom needle (seven-star needle) in treating cervical spondylosis of nerve root type by observing the content of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in patients' peripheral blood. Method Sixty patients with cervical spondylosis of nerve root type were randomized into a three-edge needle group and a plum-blossom needle group. The three-edge needle group was intervened by scattered prick with three-edge needle, while the plum-blossom needle group was intervened by plum-blossom needle. The two groups were treated once a week, for 4 weeks in total. The level of TNF-αin serum of the two groups was measured before and after the treatment, and the clinical efficacies were compared. Result The level of serum TNF-α changed significantly after the treatment in both groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant between-group difference in comparing the level of serum TNF-α after the intervention (P>0.05). The between-group difference in the clinical efficacy was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion Both three-edge needle and plum-blossom needle can significantly down-regulate the content of serum TNF-α in peripheral blood, and there is no noticeable difference between the two methods.

Therapeutic Observation of Plum Blossom Needle plus Oral Administration of Xiao Luo Li Wan for Nodular Prurigo / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of plum blossom needle plus oral administration of Xiao Luo Li Wan in treating nodular prurigo. Method Seventy patients with nodular prurigo were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 35 cases each. The control group was intervened by oral administration of Cetirizine hydrochloride tablets and external use of Mometasone furoate cream, while the treatment group was additionally treated with plum blossom needle plus orally taking Xiao Luo Li Wan. After 8-week treatment, the clinical efficacies of the two groups were observed and compared. Result The total effective rate was 91.4％ in the treatment group versus 62.9％in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion Plum blossom needle plus oral administration of Xiao Luo Li Wan can produce a significant efficacy in treating nodular prurigo.

Observations on the Efficacy of Plum Blossom Acupuncture plus Ultrasound in Treating Neurodermatitis / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of plum blossom acupuncture plus focused ultrasound therapy for neurodermatitis. Method Sixty neurodermatitis patients were randomized to a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The treatment group received plum blossom acupuncture plus focused ultrasound therapy and the control group, conventional treatment with halometasone cream. The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated. Result The total skin lesion score had no statistically significant post-treatment difference between the two groups of patients (P>0.05) and had a statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference within the groups (P<0.01). The total efficacy rate was 96.7% in the treatment group and 86.7% in the control group. At three and six months after treatment the recurrence rate was lower in the treatment group than in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Plum blossom acupuncture plus ultrasound has a marked therapeutic effect on neurodermatitis. It is a simple and ideal therapeutic method.

A fast and efficient protocol for small RNA extraction in Japanese plum and other Prunus species

Background: Small ribonucleic acids represent an important repertoire of mobile molecules that exert key roles in several cell processes including antiviral defense. Small RNA based repertoire includes both small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) molecules. In the Prunus genus, sharka disease, caused by the Plum pox virus (PPV), first occurred on European plum (Prunus domestica) and then spread over among all species in this genus and thus classified as quarantine pathogen. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used for the study of siRNA/miRNA molecules; however, NGS relies on adequate extraction protocols. Currently, knowledge of PPV-Prunus interactions in terms of siRNA populations and miRNA species is still scarce, and siRNA/miRNA extraction protocols are limited to species such as peach, almond, and sweet cherry. Results: We describe a reliable procedure for siRNA/miRNA purification from Prunus salicina trees, in which previously used protocols did not allow adequate purification. The procedure was based on a combination of commercially available RNA purification kits and specific steps that yielded high quality purifications. The resulting molecules were adequate for library construction and NGS, leading to the development of a pipeline for analysis of both siRNAs and miRNAs in the PPV­P. salicina interactions. Results showed that PPV infection led to altered siRNA profiles in Japanese plum as characterized by decreased 24-nt and increased 21- and 22-nt siRNAs. Infections showed miR164 and miR160 generation and increased miR166, miR171, miR168, miR319, miR157, and miR159. Conclusion: We propose this protocol as a reliable and reproducible small RNA isolation procedure for P. salicina and other Prunus species.

Preventive effect of Dark Plum Sprayagainstradiation-induced damageto the submandibular gland in rats / 医学研究生学报

Objective At present, modern medicine cannot yet clarifythe mechanism of radiation-induceddamage (RID) to salivary glands and its treatment and protective measures remain in the exploration stage .This study was to explore the mechanism of RIDto the submandibular gland and observe the effect of Dark Plum Spray ( DPS) on the submandibular gland after RID in order to provide some evidence for its further application . Methods Using the random number table , 84 healthy Wistar male rats were divid-ed into a normal, an RID model, and an experimental group ,all fed normally.The rats of the RID model groupwere left untreated , while those of the experimental group were intervened with DPS , tid, after RID.On the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 28th day after irradiation, 7 rats were taken from each group for measurement of the body weight, collection of the saliva , and calculation of the salivary flow rate.The submandibular glands were harvested for determination of the mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy-related Atg5 by RT-PCR and Western blot . Results In the 7th day after irradiation , the average body weight in NG[(239.87±16.50)g] was significantly higher (P<0.05) than UG[(213.84±14.42)g] and EG[(222.71±11.14)g].In the 14th ,28th day after irradiation, the average body weight in UG and EG were significantly lower ( P<0.05) than NG;the average body weight in EG was significantly higher ( P<0.05) than UG.In the 1st , 14th day after irradiation , the salivary flow rate in UG and EG were lower than NG but there were no significantly difference(P>0.05).In the 7th day after irradiation, the salivary flow rate in NG[(49.29±16.90)μL/min] and EG[(50.99±6.79)μL/min] were significantly higher (P<0.05) than UG[(30.13±13.19)μL/min].In the 28th day after irradiation, the salivary flow rate in NG[(69.29±11.32)μL/min] were significantly higher (P<0.05) than UG[(49.26±14.13)μL/min] and EG[(46.56±13.60)μL/min] .In the 1st , 7th and 14th day after irradiation , RT-PCR showed that the expressions of Atg 5 in UG and EG were significantly higher(P<0.05) than NG.In the 1st , 7th and 14th day after irradiation, Western blot showed that the expressions of Atg 5 in UG and EG is on the upper trend than NG;In the 1st , 7th day after irradiation , there were no significantly difference between UG and EG .In the 28th day after irradiation , Western blot showed that the expressions of Atg 5 in UG is on the declining trend than NG . Conclusion The autophagic activity of submandibular gland cells may associated with early radiation -induced injury , and Dark Plum Spray may en-hance the action of theanti-apoptosis cytokine in repairingradiation-induceddamageto the submandibular gland .