A study of prevalence and comparison of anxiety and depression among separated, divorced and widowed females in the rural population

Background: Psychological distress is an important immediate outcome of the death of a spouse or divorce, which may arise because of financial and emo?onal challenges and can lead to adverse health outcomes with more stress, anxiety, depression, and social isola?on than the general popula?on. Methods: Cross-sec?onal study among separated, divorced, and widowed females from two rural villages. All eligible par?cipants were screened for depression and anxiety using DSM 5 criteria. The severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton depression ra?ng scale (HDRS) and for anxiety, the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) was used. Results: Out of 162 women, 30% had mild depression whereas 42% of widow and divorced women had moderate levels of depression but it is in 50% of separated women. Severe and very severe level of depression was in around 20% of widowed and divorced women compared to 16% of separated women. There was no anxiety in around 80% of divorced and widowed women whereas 24.3% of separated women had severe anxiety. On regression analysis, separated women, dependent women, and those with less than two years of dura?on of separa?on had higher levels of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: The prevalence of Depression and Anxiety is more common in all three groups. Moderate to severe Depression is around 75% among divorced/separated and widowed females but moderate to severe anxiety was more in separated women compared to widowed women. Dependency and the early phase of widowhood/separa?on were also important associated factors.

Has the literature thoroughly categorized the lower third molars? A new classification of the various lower third molar root forms for a better understanding of their morphology / ¿La literatura ha categorizado minuciosamente los terceros molares inferiores? Una nueva clasificación de las diversas formas radiculares del tercer molar inferior para una mejor comprensión de su morfología

SUMMARY: Impacted lower third molars (IL3M) have different root shapes and numbers. This study aimed to create a classification for IL3M root forms, that should aid in understanding roots morphology. A retrospective cross-sectional study on patients had IL3M at the university clinics between 2017 and 2019. Panoramic radiographs were retrieved to classify the roots into fused roots (FR): one or two roots connected from furcation to apices, and separated roots (SR): two or more roots not connected from furcation to apical third, and each type has different forms. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-Square test. Five-hundred patients, males (54.6 %) and females (45.4 %) were included. SR were in 591 teeth (75.5 %), and FR in 192 teeth (24.5 %). Statistically significant associations emerged between SR and males (60 %) and between FR and females (66 %) (p = .000). SR forms were straight (45.8 %), joined roots (28.2 %), one straight and one curved (13.3 %), roots curved distal (9.1 %), roots curved mesial (2.5 %), and more than two roots (0.3 %). FR forms were straight (87.5 %), curved distal (9.4 %), S-shaped (2.1 %), and curved mesial (1 %). The common angulations of IL3M with SR were vertical (39 %) followed by mesioangular (25.7 %), while FR were mostly vertical (39.1 %) or horizontal (23.9 %). The classification is applicable on panoramic radiographs, and complements Winter and Pell & Gregory to provide a better description of IL3M status by adding root morphology to the angulation, occlusal, and ramus relationship.

Los terceros molares inferiores impactados (3MII) tienen diferentes formas y números de raíces. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo crear una clasificación para las formas de raíz 3MII, que debería ayudar a comprender la morfología de las raíces. Realizamos un estudio transversal retrospectivo de pacientes con 3MII en las clínicas universitarias entre 2017 y 2019. Se recuperaron radiografías panorámicas para clasificar las raíces en raíces fusionadas (RF): una o dos raíces conectadas desde la zona de furca a los ápices y raíces separadas (RS): dos o más raíces no conectadas desde la bifurcación al tercio apical, y cada tipo con formas diferentes. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba Chi-Cuadrado. Se incluyeron 500 pacientes, hombres (54,6 %) y mujeres (45,4 %). RS se observó en 591 dientes (75,5 %) y RF en 192 dientes (24,5 %). Surgieron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre RS y hombres (60 %) y entre RF y mujeres (66 %) (p = .000). Las formas de RS eran rectas (45,8 %), raíces unidas (28,2 %), una recta y una curva (13,3 %), raíces curvas distales (9,1 %), raíces curvas mesiales (2,5 %) y más de dos raíces (0,3 %).). Las formas RF eran rectas (87,5 %), curvas distales (9,4 %), en forma de S (2,1 %) y curvas mesiales (1 %). Las angulaciones comunes de 3MII con RS fueron verticales (39 %), seguidas de mesioangular (25,7 %), mientras que RF fueron mayoritariamente verticales (39,1 %) u horizontales (23,9 %). La clasificación es aplicable en radiografías panorámicas y complementa a Winter y Pell & Gregory para proporcionar una mejor descripción del estado de 3MII al agregar la morfología de la raíz a la relación de angulación, oclusal y rama.

Observation of the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on recurrent implantation failure of kidney deficiency and blood stasis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on the patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) of kidney deficiency and blood stasis undergoing frozen embryo transfer of the conventional hormone replacement therapy cycle.@*METHODS@#Sixty RIF of kidney deficiency and blood stasis patients who planned for frozen embryo transfer were randomly divided into a combined treatment group (30 cases) and a western medication group (30 cases). In the western medication group, the conventional hormone replacement therapy was performed for endometrial preparation during transfer cycle. On the basis of treatment as the western medication group, in the combined treatment group, Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion was adopted. Regarding tongyuan needling, the acupoint prescription for Tongdu Tiaoshen (promoting the governor vessel and regulating the spirit, e.g. Dazhui [GV 14], Ganshu [BL 18], Shenshu [BL 23] and back-shu points) and that for Yinqi Guiguan (conducting qi back to the primary, e.g. Zhongwan [CV 12], Qihai [CV 6], Guanyuan [CV 4] and front-mu points) were selected. Acupuncture was delivered at these two prescriptions alternatively each time. After acupuncture, the herb-separated moxibustion (in which, the herbal powder was prepared with the modified Yangjing Zhongyu decoction for cultivating the kidney essence and promoting pregnancy) was operated at Shenque (CV 8). This combined therapy was delivered once every two days, 3 sessions a week till the day of embryo transfer. The pregnancy outcomes (positive rate of human chorionic gonadotropin [β-HCG] and clinical pregnancy rate) were compared between the two groups, as well as the TCM syndrome score, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels, endometrial thickness and type, endometrial blood flow index (pulsatility index [PI], resistance index [RI]) before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the clinical pregnancy rate of the combined treatment group was 40.0% (12/30), higher than that of the western medication group (16.7%, 5/30, P<0.05); and the difference in the positive rate of β-HCG was not significant statistically between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of E2 and P were elevated (P<0.05), the endometrial thickness was thickened (P<0.05); the scores of TCM syndrome, and the levels of PI and RI were reduced (P<0.05) when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. The proportion of type A endometrium increased compared with that before treatment in the combined treatment group (P<0.05). Except the levels of E2 and P, the above indexes in the combined treatment group were superior to the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#On the basis of frozen embryo transfer of conventional hormone replacement cycle, the intervention of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms, increase the endometrial blood flow and its thickness, and improve the endometrial receptivity, thereby ameliorate pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients of kidney deficiency and blood stasis.

Effects of herbal cake separated moxibustion on Tim-4 and ubiquitination of PD-1 in rabbits with immunosuppression / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of herbal cake separated moxibustion on macrophage effector molecule T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-4 (Tim-4) and ubiquitination of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in rabbits with immunosuppression, and to explore the possible mechanism on herbal cake separated moxibustion in improving immunosuppression.@*METHODS@#Thirty-two big-ear white rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxa stick moxibustion group and a herbal cake separated moxibustion group, 8 rabbits in each group. Except the normal group, the immunosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide of60 mg/kg in the other 3 groups. "Shenque" (CV 8), "Shenshu" (BL 23), "Zusanli" (ST 36), etc. were selected in both the moxa stick moxibustion group and the herbal cake separated moxibustion group. Moxa stick moxibustion was applied in the moxa stick moxibustion group, one cone at each acupoint; herbal cake separated moxibustion was applied in the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, 5 cones at each acupoint. The intervention was given once every other day for 10 times in both groups. Leukocyte content in peripheral blood was detected by blood cell analyzer; the positive expression of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry, the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), CD8, CD68 and Tim-4 were detected by ELISA, and the expression of Tim-4 and F-box only protein 38 (FBXO38) in the liver and spleen tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, in the model group, white blood cell count (WBC) and percentage of neutrophils (NEU%) were decreased while percentage of lymphocyte (LYM%) was increased (P<0.01) in peripheral blood; the positive expression rates of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood were increased (P<0.01); the serum levels of IL-2, CD68 and Tim-4 were increased (P<0.01), the serum level of CD8 was decreased (P<0.01); the average optical density (AOD) of Tim-4 in the liver tissue and FBXO38 in the liver and spleen tissues was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the moxa stick moxibustion group and the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, WBC and NEU% were increased (P<0.01); the positive expression rates of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood were decreased (P<0.01); the serum levels of IL-2, CD68 and Tim-4 were decreased (P<0.01), the serum levels of CD8 were increased (P<0.01); the AOD of Tim-4 and FBXO38 in the liver tissue and FBXO38 in the spleen tissue was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the moxa stick moxibustion group, in the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, the positive expression rate of PD-1 in CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood was increased (P<0.05); serum level of Tim-4 was increased (P<0.01); AOD of Tim-4 in the liver tissue was decreased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Herbal cake separated moxibustion can improve immunosuppression by regulating the expression of macrophage effector molecule Tim-4 and the FBXO38 mediated ubiquitination of PD-1, Tim-4 may be one of the specific indexes of immunomodulation involving with herbal cake separated moxibustion.

Actively separated microneedle patch for sustained-release of growth hormone to treat growth hormone deficiency

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) has become a serious healthcare burden, and presents a huge impact on the physical and mental health of patients. Here, we developed an actively separated microneedle patch (PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN) based on silk protein for sustained release of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Silk protein, as a friendly carrier material for proteins, could be constructed in mild full-water conditions and ensure the activity of rhGH. After manually pressing PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch to skin for 1 min, active separation is achieved by absorbing the interstitial fluid (ISF) to trigger HCO3 ‒ in the active backing layer to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO2). In rats, the MN patch could maintain the sustained release of rhGH for more than 7 days, and produce similar effects as daily subcutaneous (S.C.) injections of rhGH in promoting height and weight with well tolerated. Moreover, the PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch with the potential of painless self-administration, does not require cold chain transportation and storage possess great economic benefits. Overall, the PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch can significantly improve patient compliance and increase the availability of drugs, meet current unmet clinical needs, improve clinical treatment effects of GHD patients.

Herb-separated moxibustion on navel combined with / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical therapeutic effect between herb-separated moxibustion on navel combined with @*METHODS@#A total of 66 patients with non-liquefaction semen of dampness and heat diffusing downward were randomized into an observation group (33 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (33 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, @*RESULTS@#After treatment, the time of semen liquefaction was shortened (@*CONCLUSION@#Herb-separated moxibustion on navel combined with

Clinical observation of herb-separated moxibustion on segmental conception vessel combined with low-frequency TEAS for asthenospermia and oligospermia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of herb-separated moxibustion on segmental conception vessel combined with low-frequency transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for asthenospermia and oligospermia.@*METHODS@#A total of 105 patients with asthenospermia and oligospermia were randomly divided into a combination group, a TEAS group and a medication group, 35 cases in each one. In the medication group, vitamin E capsules, coenzyme Q10 capsules，@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, except for the sperm morphology 2 months into treatment in the medication group, the semen routine indexes 2, 3 months into treatment were improved in the 3 groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Herb-separated moxibustion on segmental conception vessel combined with low-frequency TEAS can improve semen routine, reduce sperm oxidative stress damage for patients with asthenospermia and oligospermia, and the clinical efficacy is better than the medication and TEAS.

Ginger-separated moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome and its effect on intestinal flora / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of ginger-separated moxibustion on fatigue state and intestinal flora in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).@*METHODS@#A total of 62 patients with CFS were randomly divided into an observation group (31 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (31 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the control group were treated with normal diet and moderate exercise; on the basis of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with ginger-separated moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV 12), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 30 min each time, once every other day, three times a week. Both groups were intervened for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) was used to observe the improvement of fatigue state, and 16S rRNA detection technology was used to detect the distribution of intestinal flora.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the FS-14 score was reduced after treatment in the observation group (@*CONCLUSION@#The ginger-separated moxibustion could significantly improve the fatigue state in CFS patients, which may be related to the regulation of intestinal flora structure and the repair of intestinal barrier.

Sobrecarga e rede de apoio: a experiência da maternidade depois da separação conjugal / Overload and support network: the motherhood experience after marital separation / Sobrecarga y red de apoyo: la experiencia de la maternidad después de la separación conyugal

Considerando a experiência da maternidade como um processo psicossocial, este estudo buscou analisar a experiência de mulheres separadas que viviam com seus filhos. Baseou-se em estudos interdisciplinares sobre família, assim como no conceito de provisão ambiental desenvolvido por Winnicott. Seis mães, com filhos com idades entre 1 e 13 anos participaram do estudo. A pesquisa tem caráter qualitativo e focou no relato das mães por meio da realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas, as quais foram submetidas à análise de conteúdo. Constatou-se que o principal impacto da separação na vida das mães é a sobrecarga de atribuições. Como contraponto, observou-se que a rede relacional composta por familiares, amigos e vizinhos representa um importante apoio às mães, auxiliando-as no exercício da função parental. O estudo sugere a ampliação da provisão ambiental de suporte a essas famílias por intermédio do fortalecimento de políticas públicas e programas de assistência.

Considering the experience of motherhood as a psychosocial process, this study sought to analyze the experience of separated women living with their children. It was based on interdisciplinary studies on family, as well as on the concept of the environmental provision developed by Winnicott. Six mothers with children between 1 and 13 years old participated in the study. The research has qualitative character and focused on the mothers' reports through semi-structured interviews, where they were submitted to content analysis. It was found that the main impact of separation on the life of mothers is the overload of assignments. In contrast, it was observed that the relational network composed of relatives, friends, and neighbors represents an important support to the mothers, assisting them in the exercise of the parental function. The study suggests expanding the environmental provision to support these families through the fortification of public policies and assistance programs.

Considerando la experiencia de la maternidad como un proceso psicosocial, este estudio buscó analizar la experiencia de mujeres separadas que vivían con sus hijos. Se basó en estudios interdisciplinarios sobre la familia, así como en el concepto de provisión ambiental desarrollado por Winnicott. Seis madres con hijos entre 1 y 13 años de edad participaron en el estudio. La investigación tiene carácter cualitativo y se centró en el relato de las madres a través de la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas, las cuales fueron sometidas al análisis de contenido. Se constató que el principal impacto de la separación en la vida de las madres es la sobrecarga de atribuciones. Como contrapunto, se observó que la red relacional compuesta por familiares, amigos y vecinos representa un importante apoyo a las madres, auxiliándolas en el ejercicio de la función parental. El estudio sugiere la ampliación de la provisión ambiental de apoyo a esas familias a través del fortalecimiento de políticas públicas y programas de asistencia.

Clinical efficacy and action mechanism of mild moxibustion combined with salt-separated moxibustion for gastrointestinal response in breast-cancer chemotherapy patients / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy and partial action mechanism of mild moxibustion combined with salt-separated moxibustion for gastrointestinal discomfort caused by chemotherapy for breast cancer.@*METHODS@#A total of 48 patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 24 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with intravenous infusion of tropisetron hydrochloride (5 mg), once a day for three days; the patients in the observation group were additionally treated with mild moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6) and salt-separated moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8), 15 min per treatment, once a day for 7 days. Before treatment and on the 7th day of chemotherapy, the levels of pepsinogenⅠ(PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), the ratio of PGⅠto PGⅡ (PGR) and gastrin 17 (G-17) in serum were measured. Before treatment and on the 3rd, 5th, 7th day of chemotherapy, the gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea) were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#On the 7th day of chemotherapy, the serum levels of PGⅠ, PGⅡand G-17 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (0.05). The total scores of nausea, vomiting and constipation during chemotherapy in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The mild moxibustion combined with salt-separated moxibustion could effectively improve the symptoms of nausea, vomiting and constipation caused by chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer, and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the levels of PGⅠ, PGⅡ and G-17 in serum.

Therapeutic effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of lung deficiency at the stable stage treated with ginger-separated moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine atomization / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of lung deficiency at the stable stage treated with ginger-separated moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine atomizaiton.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 patients with COPD of lung deficiency at the stable stage were randomized into an observation group (45 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (45 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the observation group, the ginger-separated moxibustion was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13) and Gaohuangshu (BL 43), 2 moxa cones at each acupoint in each treatment. Additionally, the atomized inhalation with decoction and decoction was combined for 20 min, once every two days. The treatment for 10 times was taken as one course and 2 courses of treatment were required for 20 min. In the control group, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution (10 mL) and compound methoxynamine capsules (2 capsules), were taken orally. Additionally, salbutamol aerosol was combined, 1 spray each time, three times a day, consecutively for 40 days. Before treatment and in 1-year followup after treatment, percentage of the forced expiratory volume in the first second predicated value (FEV1%) and its ratio to the forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEV1/FVC%) were determined in patients of the two groups. Before and after treatment, and in 3 months, 6 months and 1 year of followup after treatment, the score of COPD assessment test (CAT) and the score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom were observed in the two groups separately. The clinical effect was assessed in 3-month followup after treatment and the frequency of the acute attack of COPD was followed up in 1 year after treatment in patients of the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In 1-year followup, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC% were increased in patients of the two groups (0.05). In 1-year followup, the acute recurrence rate of COPD was 20.5% (9/44) in the observation group, lower than 32.6% (14/43) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#As compared with western medication, the combination of ginger-separated moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine atomizaiton achieves the superior effects of improving the lung functions, reducing the clinical symptoms and decreasing the frequency of acute attack in patients with COPD of lung deficiency at the stable stage.

Herbal cake separated moxibustion combined with umbrella shaped acupuncture with round sharp needle for chronic scapulohumeral periarthritis of cold-damp stagnation / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effective therapy for treating chronic scapulohumeral periarthritis of cold-damp stagnation.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 cases of patients with chronic scapulohumeral periarthritis of cold-damp stagnation were randomly divided into an acupuncture and moxibustion group, a herbal cake separated moxibustion group and a routine rehabilitation group, 30 cases in each group. The routine rehabilitation group was treated with diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets (0.1 g each time, taken after breakfast) and rehabilitation exercise, once a day. On the basis of the treatment in the routine rehabilitation group, the herbal cake separated moxibustion group was treated with herbal cake separated moxibustion at the affected side of Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14) and Jianzhen (SI 9), once a day. On the basis of the treatment in the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, the acupuncture and moxibustion group was additionally given umbrella shaped acupuncture with round sharp needle at the affected side of Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), Jianzhen (SI 9), Naohui (TE 13), Jianqian (Extra), Jugu (LI 16), etc. once every other day. Each group was treated for 10 d. Before and after treatment the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score and activities of daily living (ADL) score, and degree of changes in shoulder joint activity were compared in each group, and the clinical effect was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the pain VAS scores of three groups were decreased (@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of routine rehabilitation training, herbal cake separated moxibustion combined with umbrella shaped acupuncture with round sharp needle treating chronic scapulohumeral periarthritis of cold-damp stagnation can significantly reduce shoulder joint pain and improve shoulder joint function.

Therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion at Jinsuo (GV 8)-eight-diagram points on diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion at Jinsuo (GV 8)- eight-diagram points on diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency as compared with oral administration of pinaverium bromide tablets and Chinese herbal decoction, .@*METHODS@#A total of 126 patients with IBS-D of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency were randomized into a herb-separated moxibustion group (moxibustion group), a western medication group and a Chinese herbal medication group, 42 cases in each one. In the moxibustion group, the herb-separated moxibustion was applied to Jinsuo (GV 8)-eight-diagram points. The herbs in (fried , fried , and ) were ground into herbal paste and the paste was put on Jinsuo (GV 8)-eight-diagram points. The suspending moxibustion was exerted over the points for 40 min, once daily. In the western medication group, pinaverium bromide tablets were taken orally, 50 mg each time, three times a day. In the Chinese herbal medication group, the decoction of was taken orally, one dose a day, taking separately in two times. The duration of treatment was 8 weeks in each group. Before and after treatment, the symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), gastrointestinal (GI) symptom score, the score of IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) and the score of IBS quality of life (IBS-QOL) scale were observed in patients of each group separately. The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of TCM symptoms, GI symptom scores and IBS-SSS scores were all obviously reduced in each group (<0.05). Each of the scores in the moxibustion group was lower than the western medication group and the Chinese herbal medication group respectively (<0.05). After treatment, the scores of each of eight subscale structures of IBS-QOL scale, named dysphoria, interference with activity, body image, health worry, food avoidance, social reaction, sexual intercourse and relationship, were all increased obviously in each group (<0.05). The scores of each of eight subscale structures in the moxibustion group were higher than the western medication group and the Chinese herbal medication group respectively (<0.05). The total effective rate was 92.9% (39/42) in the moxibustion group, higher than 71.4% (30/42) in the western medication group and 73.8% (31/42) in the Chinese herbal medication group respectively (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Herb-separated moxibustion at Jinsuo (GV 8)-eight-diagram points remarkably relieves gastrointestinal symptoms and improves the quality of life in patients of diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, and its clinical therapeutic effect is superior to oral administration of either pinaverium bromide tablets or .

Herb-separated moxibustion on dysmenorrhea in ovarian endometriosis: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion on dysmenorrhea in ovarian endometriosis.@*METHODS@#A total of 54 patients with ovarian endometriosis dysmenorrhea were randomized into a herb-separated moxibustion group and a waiting-list group, 27 cases in each one (3 cases dropped off in the herb-separated moxibustion group, 4 cases dropped off in the waiting-list group). Herb-separated moxibustion was applied at hypogastrium and lumbosacral area for 30 min in the herb-separated moxibustion group, once a week for 3 months, and oral ibuprofen sustained-release capsule was given to relieve pain when necessary. Excepting giving ibuprofen sustained-release capsule when necessary, no more intervention was adopted in the waiting-list group. Before and after treatment and in 3 months follow-up, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, days of dysmenorrhea, total dose of oral painkiller were observed.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores after tratment and in follow-up were decreased in the herb-separated moxibustion group (<0.05), and were less than those in the waiting-list group (<0.05); the days of dysmenorrhea and the total doses of oral painkiller after tratment and in follow-up were decreased in the herb-separated moxibustion group (<0.05), and were less than those in the waiting-list group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Herb-separated moxibustion can effectively improve dysmenorrhea symptom and shorten dysmenorrhea days in patients with ovarian endometriosis.

Clinical observation of herb-separated moxibustion combining western medication on allergic rhinitis of kidney- deficiency type and correlation with infrared thermal imagining / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion combined with budesonide nasal spray (rhinocort) on moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) of kidney- deficiency type, and to explore the correlation between nasal temperature and condition of allergic rhinitis.@*METHODS@#A total of 70 patients with moderate to severe persistent AR were randomized into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off). Both groups were treated with rhinocort, one spray on each side of the nostril (approximately 64 μg each spray), once in the morning and once in the evening, for 4 weeks. On the basis of the above treatment, the observation group was treated with herb-separated moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23), Feishu (BL 13), Zhiyang (GV 9), Dazhui (GV 14), 3 moxibustions per acupoint, a single treatment lasting about 30 min. This treatment was given once every other day, 3 times every week, and totally continuous 4 weeks. The changes of AR symptom visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were observed before and after treatment and at 3 months follow-up after treatment. The heat variation (temperature, range) on projection areas of the nose, lungs, large intestine and kidneys of the two groups' patients before and after treatment were detected by the infrared thermal imaging diagnostic system, and the correlation between the VAS scores and nasal temperature before and after treatment was analyzed. The clinical effects of both groups were evaluated according to the VAS score.@*RESULTS@#The total effective rate in the observation group after treatment was 85.7% (30/35), which was higher than 71.9% in the control group (23/32, <0.05). After treatment and at follow-up, the VAS scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment (<0.05), and the VAS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group at follow-up (<0.05). After treatment, the nasal temperature, pulmonary range, large intestinal range and renal range of the observation group were all lower than those before treatment (<0.05), the nasal temperature and nasal range of the control group were lower than before treatment (<0.05), and the reduction of nasal temperature, nasal range and renal range in the observation group was greater than that of the control group (<0.05). Before and after treatment, there was a correlation between VAS score and nasal temperature (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The herb-separated moxibustion combining western medication has a better effect and long-term effect than western medication alone for moderate to severe persistent AR, which can improve heat variation on projected areas of the nose, lung, large intestine and kidney of patients. In addition, nasal temperature can reflect the severity of the symptoms of patients with moderate to severe persistent AR, or it can be used as a secondary indicator to evaluate condition of AR.

Effect of ginger-separated moxibustion on fatigue, sleep quality and depression in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of ginger-separated moxibustion on fatigue, sleep quality and depression in the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.@*METHODS@#A total of 62 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were randomized into an observation group (31 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (31 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, the patients had normal diet and proper physical exercise. In the observation group, on the basis of the control group, the ginger-separated moxibustion was added at Zhongwan (CV 12), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 30 min each time, once every two days, 3 times weekly. Separately, before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment, the MOS item short form health survey (SF-36), the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scale and the self-rating depression scale (SDS) were adopted to evaluate the degrees of fatigue, sleep quality and depression in the patients of the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In the observation group, the score of each item of SF-36, the score of each item of PSQI and SDS score after treatment were all improved significantly as compared with those before treatment respectively (<0.05, <0.01). In the control group, the scores of overall health, vitality and mental health in SF-36 and the score of sleep time of PSQI after treatment were improved as compared with those before treatment respectively (<0.05). After treatment, the score of each item of SF-36, the scores of sleep quality, sleep time, sleep efficiency and sleep disorders of PSQI, as well as SDS score in the observation group were all better than those in the control group respectively (<0.01, <0.05). The score of SF-36 was relevant to the scores of PSQI and SDS in the patients of chronic fatigue syndrome ( =0.331, <0.05; =-0.706, <0.01). The improvement value of SF-36 score was closely related to the improvement value of SDS score in the observation group ( =-0.657, <0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The ginger-separated moxibustion effectively relieves fatigue and depression condition and improves sleep quality in the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The fatigue condition is relevant with sleep quality and depression condition to a certain extent in the patients.

Therapeutic observation on acupuncture-moxibustion at different intervals for persistent allergic rhinitis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture-moxibustion at different intervals on persistent allergic rhinitis. Methods: A total of 90 patients conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized into three groups named A, B and C by randomized block method. Patients in all three groups received the same treatment of acupuncture and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion at the same acupoints, while the treatment frequency was different. Patients in group A received the treatment once a week, group B twice a week and group C three times a week, and all the treatment lasted for 4 weeks. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS), total ocular symptom score (TOSS) and Sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20) were evaluated before and after treatment. The self-rating score of symptoms was evaluated during treatment and 2 weeks after treatment. Results: The total effective rate was 80.0% in group A, 93.3% in group B, and 100.0% in group C. The total effective rate in group A was statistically different from that in group B and group C (both P＜0.05), but there was no significant inter-group difference in total effective rate between group B and group C (P＞0.05). After treatment, scores of TNSS, TOSS and SNOT-20 in all three groups dropped significantly, and statistically different from those before treatment (all P＜0.05); between-group comparison showed group B and group C decreased more obvious than group A (all P＜0.05). In self-rating score of symptoms, there were no inter-group statistically significant differences in the first 3-week treatment (all P＞0.05); after 4-week treatment, the score in group A was higher than that in group B and group C, and showed statistical significant (both P＜0.05); at 2 weeks after treatment, the score in group A was higher than that in group B and group C based on an everyday record, showing statistical significance (both P＜0.05). At the 11th day after treatment, the score in group B was higher than that in group C (P＜0.05). There were no significant differences between group B and group C at other time points (all P＞0.05). Conclusion: All three protocols are effective for allergic rhinitis. With the increase of treatment frequency, the therapeutic efficacy with a treatment frequency of twice a week and three times a week is superior to that of once a week. Frequency of three times a week has a better long-term effect than once and twice a week, together with the least fluctuation of symptoms.

Efficacy of the herbal cake-separated moxibustion with new-type moxibustion device on urinary retention after spinal cord injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect of the herbal cake-separated moxibustion with new-type moxibustion device combined with bladder function exercise and simple bladder function exercise on improving urinary retention after spinal cord injury.@*METHODS@#Sixty-eight patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, 34 cases in each group. The bladder function exercise was given in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, herbal cake-separated moxibustion with new-type moxibustion decice was applied at Shenque (CV 8), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zhongji (CV 3) for 30 min, once a day in the observation group. The two groups were treated for 4 weeks as a course, 2 courses of treatment were needed. Bladder maximum volume, bladder residual urine volume and urinary tract infection before and after treatment were compared, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The total effective rate in the observation group was 88.2% (30/34), which was better than 64.7% (22/34) in the control group (<0.05). The increase of bladder maximum volume and decrease of bladder residual urine volume in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group (<0.01). At the 4th, 6th and 8th weeks for treatment, the improvement of urinary tract infection in the observation group was better than that in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#At the same time of bladder function training, herbal cake-separated moxibustion with new-type moxibustion device could improve urinary retention after spinal cord injury.

Effects of herbal-cake-separated moxibustion on the repair of vascular endothelial and SDF-1 in rabbits with atherosclerosis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of herbal-cake-separated moxibustion on the repair of damaged vascular endothelium structure and the content of stromal cells derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in rabbits with atherosclerosis.@*METHODS@#A total of 75 rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a direct moxibustion group, an atorvastatin calcium group and a herbal-cake-separated moxibustion group, 15 rabbits in each one. The rabbits in the normal group were fed with normal diet, and the remaining rabbits were fed with high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks to prepare atherosclerotic model. Two groups of acupoints, one was "Juque" (CV 14), "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Fenglong" (ST 40), the other one was "Xinshu" (BL 15), "Ganshu" (BL 18) and "Pishu" (BL 20), were applied in the direct moxibustion group and herbal-cake-separated moxibustion group; the two groups of acupoints were selected alternatively every other day. The moxibustion was given for 30 min per treatment, once a day for 4 weeks. The rabbits in the atorvastatin calcium group were treated with atorvastatin calcium tablets (1.96 mg•kg•d) which were crushed into powder and mixed into breakfast. After modeling, the rabbits in the normal group and model group received no treatment, and immobilized at the time when moxibustion was applied in other three groups. The levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were measured by enzymic method; the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by colorimetric method; the morphological structure of aortic wall was observed under optical microscope; the serum level of SDF-1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).@*RESULTS@#After treatment, compared with the normal group, the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly increased in the model group (all <0.01), and the level of HDL-C was decreased (<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly decreased (all <0.01), and the level of HDL-C was significantly increased in the direct moxibustion group, atorvastatin calcium group and herbal-cake-separated moxibustion group (<0.01, <0.05). Compared with the normal group, the morphological structure of aortic wall was significantly damaged in the model group. Compared with the model group, the vascular endothelial structure was improved in the atorvastatin calcium group and herbal-cake-separated moxibustion group, and the pathological change of aorta endothelial in the direct moxibustion group was relieved. After treatment, compared with the model group, the level of SDF-1 was increased in the direct moxibustion group, atorvastatin calcium group and herbal-cake-separated moxibustion group (<0.05, <0.01); the level of SDF-1 in the herbal-cake- separated moxibustion group was higher than that in the direct moxibustion group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The herbal- cake-separated moxibustion can promote the expression of SDF-1 in serum and repair the damaged aortic endothelial structure.

Efficacy of herb-separated moxibustion combined with sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets for ankylosing spondylitis with cold-dampness obstruction type / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy between herb-separated moxibustion and conventional moxibustion on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on oral administration of sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets.@*METHODS@#A total of 64 patients with AS of cold-dampness obstruction type were randomly divided into an herb-separated moxibustion group and a conventional moxibustion group, 32 cases in each one. Based on oral administration of sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, the patients in the conventional moxibustion group were treated with moxibustion at the area with Dazhui (GV 14) to Changqiang (GV 1) as center and about 10 cm in width; the moxibustion was given for 1 hour. In the herb-separated moxibustion group, the gauze was soaked in the medicinal liquor and ginger juice, and placed on the same moxibustion area as the conventional moxibustion group, followed by moxibustion for 1 hour. The treatment in the two groups was given once a week, three treatments constituted a course and totally three courses were given. The symptom quantification score, occipital-wall distance, Schober test, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the symptom quantification score, occipital-wall distance, CRP and ESR levels were lower but the Schober test was higher after treatment in the two groups (all 0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the herb-separated moxibustion group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) in the conventional moxibustion group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The herb-separated moxibustion combined with sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets has significant efficacy for AS with cold-dampness obstruction type, which could obviously relieve pain symptoms, improve occipital-wall distance, Schober test and other physical signs, and improve the quality of life.