Acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a sharp increase in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Acupuncture therapy has the advantages of accurate clinical efficacy, safety and reliability, few adverse reactions, and no dependence, and is gradually becoming one of the emerging therapies for treating GAD. We present a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial with the aim of exploring the mechanism of brain plasticity in patients with GAD and evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of acupuncture treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to assess cortical excitability in GAD patients and healthy people. Sixty-six GAD patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into two groups: TA group, (treatment with acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment) and SA group (sham acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment). Twenty healthy people will be recruited as the control group (HC). The parameters that will be evaluated are amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical resting period (CSP), resting motor threshold (RMT), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score. Secondary results will include blood analysis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), serotonin (5-HT), and brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention (week 8). This study protocol is the first clinical trial designed to detect differences in cerebral cortical excitability between healthy subjects and patients with GAD, and the comparison of clinical efficacy and reliability before and after acupuncture intervention is also one of the main contents of the protocol. We hope to find a suitable non-pharmacological alternative treatment for patients with GAD.

Effect of the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the clinical effect on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage between the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and western medication.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were administered orally with prednisone acetate tablets and methylcobalamin tablets until the 28th day of illness. In the observation group, the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion was adopted. On the affected side, Qianzheng (EX-HN 16), Yifeng (TE 17), Sibai (ST 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4) and Touwei (ST 8), etc. were stimulated. In the acute stage (Day 1 to 7 of illness), the routine acupuncture and the point-toward-point needle insertion were delivered, no any manipulation was exerted at acupoints, and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the subacute stage (Day 8 to 14 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the acute stage, the depth of needle insertion was adjusted at a part of acupoints and the even needling technique was operated by twisting needle. Besides, electroacupuncture (EA) was attached to Qianzheng (EX-HN 16) and Dicang (ST 4), with continuous wave of low intensity and high frequency, 100 Hz, for 20 min. In the recovery stage (Day 15 to 28 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the subacute stage, the heavy stimulation of acupuncture was given, in which, the sticking and lifting needle techniques were delivered after the needles were inserted from Sibai (ST 2) toward Dicang (ST 4), and from Dicang (ST 4) toward Jiache (ST 6), separately; warm needling was operated at Yifeng (TE 17), and EA changed to stimulate the acupoints with the intermittent wave of high intensity and low frequency, 2 Hz, for 30 min. Acupuncture-moxibustion was given once every other day until the end of the 28th day of illness. The level of House-Brackmann facial nerve function rating scale (H-B grade),the score of Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system (Sunnybrook), the score of facial disability index (FDI), the temperature difference in the infrared thermal imaging facial area and electromyogram (EMG) situation of the affected muscle group were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. Using musculoskeletal ultrasound,the facial nerve diameter was detected and the clinical effect was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the level of H-B grade, Sunnybrook score, the scores of physical function and social life function in FDI were improved when compared with those before treatment in the patients of either group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the results of these evaluations in the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the temperature difference of the frontal area, the eye area, the zygomatic area and the mouth corner was declined in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the temperature difference in each area in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05).The root mean square (RMS) of the frontal muscle group, the zygomatic muscle group and the orbicularis muscle group on the affected side increased in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and RMS of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) after treatment. Before treatment, the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side was larger than that on the healthy side (P<0.01), and after treatment, the diameter on the affected side was reduced when compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01); the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side in the observation group was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05), while, the diameter on the affected side was larger when compared with the healthy side in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), higher than that of the control group (83.3% [25/30], P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion is clearly effective on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage, which affirms the effectiveness of acupuncture-moxibustion for the acute stage of Bell's facial palsy in comparison with conventional western medication.

Effect of Acupuncture on Endometrial Blood Flow in Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on endometrial blood flow parameters by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in women undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET).@*METHODS@#Seventy patients undergoing IVF-ET were equally randomized into traditional or sham acupuncture treatment group for totally 4 days (from the day of oocyte aspiration to the day of embryo transfer) of treatment by random envelope method at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Outpatient Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with manual acupuncture, and Zhongji (CV3), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29) and Zusanli (ST 36) were chosen. Patients at the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods at 4 non-meridian points at each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included endometrial ultrasonic indices such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), endometrial thickness and volume, subendometrial VI (sVI), subendometrial FI (sFI), subendometrial VFI (sVFI), implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births.@*RESULTS@#Finally, 34 patients in the traditional acupuncture group and 35 in the sham acupuncture group completed this trial. VI, FI and VFI of the traditional acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, sVI, sFI, sVFI, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Manual acupuncture performed after oocyte aspiration and before transplantation improved the endometrial blood flow parameters VI, RI and VFI in women who underwent IVF-ET, instead of sVI, sFI and sVFI. Therefore, acupuncture might be beneficial in women undergoing IVF-ET by increasing endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100053354).

Factors and Their Impact on Treatment Effect of Acupuncture in Different Outcomes: A Meta-Regression of Acupuncture Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#The effects of acupuncture have varied in different randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and there are many factors that influence treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes, with conflicting results.@*OBJECTIVE@#To identify factors and their impact on the treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes.@*METHODS@#Acupuncture RCTs were searched from 7 databases including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2019. Eligible studies must compare acupuncture to no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waiting lists, and report at least 1 patient-important outcome. A multi-level meta-regression was conducted using a 3-level robust mixed model and univariate analyses were performed for all independent variables, even those excluded from the multivariable model due to collinearities. We used thresholds of 0.2 and 0.4 for the difference of standardized mean differences (SMDs), categorising them as small (<0.2), moderate (0.2-0.4), or large (>0.4) effects.@*RESULTS@#The pain construct analysis involved 211 effect estimates from 153 studies and 14 independent variables. High-frequency acupuncture treatment sessions produced larger effects compared to low-frequency sessions [large magnitude, the difference of adjusted SMDs 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.84; P=0.02]. The non-pain symptoms construct analysis comprised 323 effect estimates from 231 studies and 15 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture showed moderately larger effects when compared to non-penetrating acupuncture (0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). The function construct analysis included 495 effect estimates from 274 studies and 14 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture and the flexible acupuncture regimen showed moderately larger effects, compared to non-penetrating acupuncture and fixed regimen, respectively (0.40, 95% CI 0 to 0.80; P=0.05; 0.29, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#High-frequency acupuncture sessions appear to be a more effective approach to managing painful symptoms. Penetrating acupuncture demonstrated greater effect in relieving non-painful symptoms. Both penetrating acupuncture type and flexible acupuncture regimen were linked to significant treatment effects in function outcomes. Future studies should consider the factors that are significantly associated with the effects of acupuncture in patient-important outcomes.

A meta-analysis of safety of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To systematically review the adverse events and relatedfactors ofmindfulness-based stress reduction therapy(MBSR)and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy(MBCT).Methods:By searching the randomized controlled trails of adverse events and adverse effects of MBSR and MBCT from PubMed,CINAHL,Embase,Web of Science,Scopus,Proquest,ScienceDirect,PsycINFO databases and unpublished studies and grey literature,and traces the references and related journals of the included studies.The databases were searched from inception to June 1,2022.Meta analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 softwareto calculate combined odds radio(OR)and 95％CI.Results:Fifteen literatures with a total of 2 841 subjects were included in the study.The results of meta-analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the incidence of adverse events or adverse reactions between theMBSR and MBCT group and the control group(OR=2.48,95％CI:1.09-1.61,P＜0.05).The mindfulness-based intervention methods(only MBSR,OR=9.04,95％CI:5.34-15.30),the un-derlying diseases of the participants(complicated with mental disorders,OR=1.49,95％CI:1.12-1.97;compli-cated with physical diseases,OR=8.65,95％CI:5.17-14.45),exercise intensity(once a week for 8 weeks,each time more than 2 hours,OR=1.43,95％CI:1.04-1.96)and the level of mindfulness therapists(did not underg-one standardized training,OR=1.96,95％CI:1.20-3.23)were factors that may affect the occurrence of adverse events or adverse reactions in the process of MBSR and MBCT.Conclusion:During the MBSR and MBCT thera-py,there may be occur adverse events or adverse effects.

Polyene phosphatidylcholine injection in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease:a systematic review and Meta-analysis / 中国药师

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyene phosphatidylcholine injection in the treatment of liver disease.Methods Pubmed,Embase,The Cochrane Library,ClinicalTrial.gov,CNKI,SinoMed,VIP,and WanFang Data were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of polyene phosphatidylcholine injection in the treatment of liver disease from inception to December 31st,2022.Two researchers independently screened literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.The Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 10 RCTs were included,including 809 patients.Meta-analysis showed that the effective rate in the polyene phosphatidylcholine injection group was higher than that in the control group(RR=1.12,95％CI 1.04 to 1.20,P=0.003 8).Compared with the control group,polyene phosphatidylcholine injection could decrease ALT level(MD=-18.92 U/L,95％CI-27.75 to-10.09,P＜0.001),AST level(MD=-31.19 U/L,95％CI-46.27 to-16.11,P=0.000 1),TBiL level(MD=-7.31 μmol/L,95％CI-10.75 to-3.88,P＜0.001),and GGT levels(MD=-48.93 U/L,95％CI-54.64 to-43.21,P＜0.001).Only one study reported mild adverse events,and six studies reported no severe adverse events in patients.Conclusion Current evidence shows that polyene phosphatidylcholine injection in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease can increase the effective rate,improve the levels of liver function indicators(ALT,AST,TBiL,and GGT),and has less adverse events.Due to the limited number and quality of included studies,the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies.

Meta-analysis on Xixian Tongshuan Preparation Combined with Conventional Western Medicine in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods Literature about Xixian Tongshuan Preparation combined with conventional Western medicine for the treatment of AIS was retrieved from CNKI,SinoMed,VIP,Wanfang Data,PubMed,Medline,Embase,Cochrane Library and Web of Science from establishment of the databases to February 28,2023.Meta-analysis was conducted for the studies that could be quantitatively analyzed.The effective rate and response indicators were combined.Results A total of 7 articles were included for Meta-analysis.Results showed that there was statistical difference in the effective rate(RR=0.34,95%CI[0.23,0.51],P<0.01),NIHSS score(MD=-2.90,95%CI[-3.74,-2.06],P<0.01),BI score(MD=-10.08,95%CI[-13.47,-6.68],P<0.01),FIB(MD=-1.18,95%CI[-1.59,-0.77],P<0.01)of Xixian Tongshuan Preparation combined with conventional Western medicine for the treatment of AIS.There was no statistical difference in IL-6(MD=-15.4,95%CI[-33.3,2.49],P=0.09).There was no statistical difference in the effects of different dosage forms and treatment courses on the effective rate and NIHSS score.Conclusion The combination of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills could better improve the NIHSS and BI scores of patients with AIS,recovery the neurological function,and reduce the risk of blood hypercoagulability by reducing FIB content,with good safety.

Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for solid or predominantly solid benign thyroid nodules: a randomized controlled clinical trial / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To compare the short-term efficacy and the safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).Methods:This prospective randomized controlled trial, performed from December 2019 to September 2021, included 36 patients with solid or predominantly solid BTNs who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent at the Nanjing sub-center (Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). Patients were assigned to either the MWA group or the RFA group (18 patients in each group) at a ratio of 1∶1 using a block randomization design and allocation concealment using sealed envelope randomization. The independent-sample t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the volume reduction rates (VRRs), effective rates (VRRs≥50%), cosmetic scores, and complication rates at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment between the two groups. Results:The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were comparable. After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced in both groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months, there was no significant difference in the volume between the two groups (all P>0.05). At 3 months, the RFA group had a larger VRRs than that in the MWA group (62.08%±12.46% vs. 46.90%±23.16%, t=-2.45, P=0.021). However, at 1 and 6 months, no statistical significance was observed (both P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the effective rates at the last follow-up (14/18 vs. 18/18, P=0.104). However, the RFA group had a lower cosmetic score than that in the MWA group (1.78±0.43 vs. 2.17±0.51, t=-2.47, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Both MWA and RFA were effective and safe treatments for BTNs, with no significant differences in short-term efficacy and safety. In addition, the RFA group showed slightly more favorable outcomes than the MWA group in terms of cosmetic improvement.

Effects of warming triple needling plus Chinese medication on inflammatory responses and daily functioning ability in knee osteoarthritis patients / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects of warming triple needling plus Chinese medication on inflammatory responses and daily functioning ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)due to wind-cold-dampness Bi-impediment. Methods:A total of 101 patients with KOA due to wind-cold-dampness Bi-impediment were divided into an acupuncture-medication group and a Chinese medication group using the random number table method.Fifty cases in the Chinese medication group took oral Fang Feng Xi Bi Tang for treatment,and 51 cases in the acupuncture-medication group received additional warming triple needling therapy.The symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),inflammatory factor levels,and motor function of the knee joint were compared before and after treatment.The clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups after treatment. Results:Three cases in the acupuncture-medication group and 2 cases in the Chinese medication group dropped out during the study,and the two groups each had 48 cases being included in statistical analysis ultimately.The total effective rate was 95.8%in the acupuncture-medication group,higher than 79.2%in the Chinese medication group,and the between-group difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the TCM symptom score dropped in both groups(P<0.05)and was lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05).The levels of interleukin(IL)-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,and IL-1β dropped after the intervention in both groups(P<0.05)and were lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05).The scores of knee pain intensity,knee joint stiffness,and diurnal functioning decreased after treatment in the two groups(P<0.05)and were lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Chinese medication group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Warming triple needling plus Fang Feng Xi Bi Tang can reduce inflammatory responses,improve daily functioning ability,and enhance the quality of life in patients with KOA due to wind-cold-dampness Bi-impediment.

Acupuncture plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training for post-stroke deglutition disorders:a randomized controlled trial / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of Tongguan Liqiao(opening orifices)needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training in treating post-stroke deglutition disorders. Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 120 patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 60 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with routine treatments.The control group was treated with additional tongue pressure resistance feedback training,and the observation group was treated with additional Tongguan Liqiao needling based on the same intervention in the control group.After 4 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy was evaluated,and the complications that occurred during treatment were summarized.The FUJISHIMA Ichiro food intake level scale(FILS)and the swallowing quality of life questionnaire(SWAL-QOL)were scored before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the FILS and SWAL-QOL scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment,and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in the complication occurrence between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatments,Tongguan Liqiao needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training has a better effect in the treatment of post-stroke deglutition disorders.This method can effectively improve the swallowing function of patients,improve the quality of life,and is safe.

Clinical observation of electroacupuncture combined with training to improve motor function and serum brain injury markers in patients with ischemic stroke / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)combined with routine language and motor training on limb and language function,depression,and serum brain injury markers in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods:A total of 86 patients with ischemic stroke were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group using the random drawing method,with 43 cases in each group.Both groups received routine stroke treatments.The control group was additionally treated with routine language and motor training,and the observation group was additionally treated with EA treatment on the basis of the intervention of the control group.Changes in the limb function score,language function score,depression score,and brain injury marker protein were compared between the two groups,and the treatment safety of the two groups was evaluated. Results:The Fugl-Meyer assessment scale scores of both groups were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score of limb function of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The language function score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).The Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale(MADRS)scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).The levels of brain injury markers heart-type fatty acid-binding protein(H-FABP),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),and annexin a7(ANXA7)of the observation group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The incidence rate of adverse reactions in the two groups was 14.0%and 9.3%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between the groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:EA combined with language and motor training is effective in the treatment of ischemic stroke.It can promote the recovery of limb motor function and language function,inhibit the occurrence of depression,and reduce the levels of brain injury markers,with good safety.

Clinical study of electroacupuncture plus stuck-needle lifting method for intractable facial paralysis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the efficacy of using electroacupuncture(EA)plus stuck-needle lifting method to treat intractable facial paralysis based on the myofascial theory. Methods:Ninety patients with intractable facial paralysis were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 45 cases in each group.The control group was given conventional EA treatment,and the observation group received EA plus the stuck-needle lifting method based on the myofascial theory for 4 consecutive weeks,6 sessions each week.The electromyographic results,modified Portmann scale(MPS)score,facial nerve function index(FNFI),and total effective rate were compared. Results:There were no significant differences in the MPS and FNFI scores between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,the total effective rate and FNFI and MPS scores were notably higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the electromyographic readings between the two groups before the intervention(P>0.05).After the intervention,the observation group had a shorter blink reflex R1 latency and a higher facial nerve compound muscle action potential compared with the control group,and the between-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion:EA plus stuck-needle lifting method based on the myofascial theory can enhance treatment efficacy for intractable facial paralysis.

Effect of Dingkundan in Treatment of Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at Stable Phase / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Dingkundan on Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） at a stable phase. MethodA randomized controlled clinical design method was adopted， and 60 patients who were diagnosed with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in COPD at a stable phase in the outpatient and inpatient departments of the respiratory department of Guang' anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from June 2019 to December 2019 were divided into observation group and control group according to 1∶1. During the study period， there was no dropout， loss of follow-up， or exclusion between the two groups. On the basis of both groups receiving traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） lung rehabilitation training， the observation group took Dingkundan 7 g/time orally， twice a day. The control group received oral administration of the same specification of Dingkundan starch simulator of 7 g/time， twice a day. Both groups have a treatment period of 12 weeks. The COPD Assessment Test （CAT）， modified Medical Research Council （mMRC）， fatigue scale-14 （FS-14）， self-rating anxiety scale （SAS）， self-rating depression scale （SDS）， 6-minute walk distance （6MWD）， and pulmonary function before and after treatment were evaluated. ResultAfter treatment， both groups showed improvements in CAT， mMRC， FS-14， SAS scores， and 6MWD （P<0.05）. The observation group also showed improvements in SDS scores and lung function indicators （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the observation group showed more significant improvement in CAT， FS-14， SAS， SDS scores， and 6MWD （P<0.05）. ConclusionDingkundan has a clear therapeutic effect on Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in patients with COPD at a stable phase. It can reduce symptom burden， enhance exercise capacity， and improve psychological status and has the potential to improve lung function.

Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Bairui Granules （百蕊颗粒） in Treating Patients with Acute Pharyngitis with Wind-Heat Syndrome： A Multi-Center， Double-Blind， Double-Simulation， Randomized Controlled Trial / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Bairui Granules （百蕊颗粒） in the treatment of acute pharyngitis with wind-heat syndrome. MethodsA multicenter， double-blind， double-simulation， randomised controlled trial was conducted， in which 162 patients with acute pharyngitis and wind-heat syndrome from 7 centers were recruited， and each center was divided into trial group and control group on the ratio of 2∶1. In the trial group， 108 cases were orally administered with Bairui Granules plus Reyanning Granules （热炎宁颗粒） simulant， and in the control group， 54 cases were orally administered with Reyanning Granules plus Bairui Granules simulant for 5 days， with a follow-up visit on the 6th day. Full analysis set （FAS） analysis and per protocol set （PPS） were used for analysis， respectively. The primary efficacy index was the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment； the secondary efficacy indexes were the disappearance rate of sore throat after 3-day treatment， as well as the visual analogue score （VAS） of sore throat before treatment， every day during the treatment， and follow-up on day 6， and the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score was performed before treatment and at the follow-up on day 6. The effectiveness on TCM syndrome was evaluated at the follow-up on day 6， and the changes of vital signs， blood routine， urine routine， liver functions， kidney function， the adverse events before and after the treatment were recorded， and safety analysis set （SS） was analysed. Results162 patients entered the FAS and SS analyses， and 158 cases （105 cases in the trial group and 53 cases in the control group） entered the PPS analysis. FAS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.56% （87/108） in the trial group and 64.81% （35/54） in the control group， and the difference between groups was statistically significant （χ2 = 5.10， P = 0.0239）. PPS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.00% （84/105） in the trial group and 64.15% （34/53） in the control group， and the difference between groups was statistically significant （χ2 =4.85， P = 0.0277）. FAS and SS analyses both showed that the difference in disappearance rate of sore throat between groups on 3-day treatment was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. Compared with those before treatment， the VAS scores of sore throat were lower in both groups during treatment on day 2， 3， 4， 5， and follow-up on day 6 （P＜0.01）， but the difference between groups at each time point was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. TCM syndrome scores of both groups at the follow-up were lower than that before treatment， and those of the trial group were lower than those of the control group （P＜0.01）. The cure rate and effective rate of TCM syndrome of the trial group were significantly higher than those of the control group （P＜0.01）. There was no significant difference in blood routine， urine routine， liver function， kidney function between groups before and after treatment （P＞0.05）， and no serious adverse events occured in both groups. ConclusionBairui Granules showed clinical effectiveness in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of wind-heat syndrome， and it could significantly improve the clinical symptoms， accelerate the disappearance time of sore throat with good safety.

Acupuncture with Manipulation for Lumbar Disc Herniation in Remission of 50 Cases：A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture with manipulation for lumbar disc herniation in remission period. MethodsOne hundred and four patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group， with 52 cases in each group. Treatment group applied acupuncture with manipulation of pointing， pulling， and shaking. Acupoints were selected as lumbar Jiaji （EX-B2， bilateral）， Ashi point， Shenshu （BL 23， bilateral）， Huantiao （GB 30， bilateral）， Weizhong （BL 40， opposite side of the affected area）， Chengshan （BL 57， opposite side of the affected area）. The control group applied lumbar traction plus acupoint ultrasonic pulse penetration therapy （acupoints selection same as the treatment group）； 20 minutes each time， 3 times a week， a total of 3 weeks for both groups. The primary outcome was the improvement rate of lumbar disc herniation symptoms and signs， which was calculated at 1 week of treatment， 3 weeks of treatment， 1 month follow-up， and 3 months follow-up， respectively； the secondary outcome were the Japanese Orthopaedic Association （JOA） scores， Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） scores， and Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） scores （including ODI total scores， sitting scores and standing scores）， which were evaluated before treatment， 1 week of treatment， 3 weeks of treatment， 1 month follow-up， and 3 months follow-up； clinical effectiveness was assessed at 3 months follow-up； and the occurrence of adverse events in the participants， as well as blood routine， urine routine， stool routine， and electrocardiograms before and after the treatment were recorded to evaluate safety. ResultsTwo patients from each group fell out， and 50 patients of each group were included in the outcome analysis ultimately. The scores of lumbar disc herniation symptoms and signs improved more in the treatment group than in the control group at 1 week of treatment， 3 weeks of treatment， 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-up （P＜0.01）. The JOA scores of participants in both groups at 1 week of treatment， 3 weeks of treatment， 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-up were higher than those before treatment in the same group， and the VAS scores， ODI total scores， ODI sitting scores and standing scores were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group （P＜0.05）， and the JOA scores of patients in the treatment group were higher than those of the control group at all time points， and the VAS scores， ODI total scores， ODI sitting scores and standing score were lower than those of the control group （P＜0.05）. At the 3 months follow-up， the excellent rate of the treatment group was 70.00% （35/50） better than that of the control group， which was 50.00% （25/50） （P＜0.05）. There were no abnormalities in blood， urine， stool routines and electrocardiograms before and after treatment in both groups， and no adverse events occurred. ConclusionAcupuncture with manipulation of pointing， pulling， and shaking for treating patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission has a better safety on pain relief and improving quality of life， and the effectiveness is better than lumbar traction plus acupoint ultrasonic pulse penetration therapy.

Ganjiebingmei Tablet （甘桔冰梅片） in Treating Acute Pharyngitis with Wind-Heat Invading the Lung Syndrome： A Multicenter， Randomized， Double-blind Double-dummy Clinical Observation / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Ganjie Bingmei Tablet （甘桔冰梅片， GBT） in treating acute pharyngitis with wind-heat invading the lung syndrome. MethodsUsing multi-center， rando-mized， double-blind， double-dummy， positive and parallel controlled clinical trial design， 144 acute pharyngitis patients with wind-heat invading the lung syndrome from October 8th， 2022 to March 31st， 2023 were collected and randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group， with 72 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated by GBT （0.4 g each time， 4 times a day） combined with Ganjie Qingyan Granules （甘桔清咽颗粒， GQG） placebo （10 g each time， 3 times a day）， while the control group was treated by GQG （10 g each time， 3 times a day） combined with GBT placebo （0.4 g each time， 4 times a day）， both for 5 days. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was observed， and the disappearance rate of pharyngalgia and the efficacy regarding TCM syndromes were compared between groups after treatment. The visual analog scale （VAS） score before and after treatment was assessed， and the safety was evaluated. ResultsThe disappearance rate of pharyngalgia in the treatment group was 98.61%（71/72）， significantly higher than 80.56%（58/72） in the control group （P＜0.01）. The VAS scores in both groups significantly decreased after treatment （P＜0.05）， and lower score was found in the treatment group than the control group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate regarding TCM syndromes was 100% in both groups， but the curative rate was significantly higher in the treatment group（73.61%， 53/72） than the control group （62.50%， 45/72， P＜0.05）. There were no obvious adverse reactions in the both groups. ConclusionGBT is effective and safe in treating acute pharyngitis with wind-heat affecting the lung syndrome.

Clinical Efficacy and Regulation of Skin Microbiota in Children with Atopic Dermatitis and Damp-heat Accumulation Syndrome Treated with Zhaqu Xiaofeng Powder （楂曲消风散） / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical efficacy and regulation of skin microbiota in children with atopic dermatitis and damp-heat accumulation syndrome treated by Zhaqu Xiaofeng Powder （楂曲消风散， ZXP）. MethodsNinety children were randomized into a treatment group and a control group， each with 45 children. The treatment group received ZXP orally， while the control group received levocetirizine hydrochloride syrup， both for 4 weeks. The atopic dermatitis severity index （SCORAD）score， visual analog scale （VAS）score for itching， children dermatology life quality index （CDLQI）score， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score were assessed before and after 2- and 4-week treatment. Simultaneously， adhering to the principles of sample size in microbial sequencing， 25 children were randomly selected from each group （total 50 children）； skin samples were collected before and after treatment， and skin specimen DNA was extracted for 16S rRNA gene amplifier sequencing； the skin microbiota levels were detected， and the distribution of bacteria， diversity of flora， and differences between groups were compared. ResultsThere were five drop-outs in each group， and 40 cases in each group were included in final analysis. After 2- and 4-week treatment， both groups showed a significant reduction in SCORAD scores， VAS scores， and CDLQI scores， and more reductions were shown after 4-week treatment than 2-week treatment （P＜0.01）. The SCORAD score， VAS score， and CDLQI score of the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group after 4-week treatment （P＜0.01）. The scores of upset， thirsty， poor appetite， short red urine， and dry stool were reduced in the treatment group （P＜0.05）， while the scores of thirsty， poor appetite， short and red urine decreased after treatment （P＜0.05）. After 4 weeks of treatment， among the differential genera with abundances ＞0.5% in the treatment group， The cumulative relative abundances of Staphylococcus aureus， Streptococcus_mitis， Escherichia coli and Gemella_haemolysans in the treatment group were downregulated after treatment； in the control group， there was a relative cumulative decrease in the abundance of Streptococcus_mitis. The control group had reduced relative abundance of Streptococcus_mitis， Escherichia coli， Staphylococcus aureus and Gemella_haemolysans， after treatment （P＜0.05）. Alpha diversity analysis revealed an increase in both Chaol index and Shannon index after treatment （P＜0.05）， while there was no significant difference in Chaol index and Shannon index in the control group before and after treatment （P＞0.05）. Higher Chaol index and Shannon index were found in the treatment group （P＜0.05）. Beta diversity analysis showed that there were significant differences in the microbial community structure at the lesion site between the treatment group and the control group before treatment. The microbial community structure in the treatment group was similar after treatment， while there was no significant change in the microbial community structure in the control group before and after treatment. There were significant structure differences of key bacteria genus in both groups before and after treatment. ConclusionZXP used in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis （AD）with the syndrome of damp-heat accumulation， has shown efficacy in reducing the severity of skin lesions， alleviating itching， and enhancing the quality of life in children. This modulation aims to decrease the abundance of pathogenic bacteria while promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria， thereby altering the skin microbiota and contributing to the treatment of pediatric AD.

Chinese Herbal Enema Combined with Fumigation as Adjunctive Therapy for 60 Cases of Non-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients of Stage 3-5 with Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency and Turbid Toxin Blood Stasis Pattern：A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal enema combined with fumigation as adjunctive therapy for non-dialysis chronic kidney disease （CKD） patients of stage 3-5 with spleen-kidney yang deficiency and turbid toxin blood stasis pattern. MethodsA total of 120 non-dialysis CKD，patients of stage 3-5 with spleen-kidney yang deficiency and turbid toxin blood stasis pattern were randomly divided into treatment group and control group， with 60 cases in each group. The control group received conventional western medical treatment， while the treatment group additionally received Chinese herbal enema combined with fumigation， with enema and fumigation performed alternately， once every other day， three times a week. The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks. The levels of serum creatinine （Scr）， estimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR）， and the total score of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms were compared before and after treatment in both groups. The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups after treatment. Adverse reactions in both groups were observed during the treatment period. ResultsThe total score of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms was significantly reduced after treatment in both groups （P＜0.01）. Compared to the control group after treatment， the treatment group showed significant decreases in Scr and the total score of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms， and a significant increase in eGFR （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms in the treatment group （96.67%） was higher than that in the control group （46.67%， P＜0.01）， as well as the total effective rate of clinical efficacy in the treatment group （75.00%） versus that in the control group （28.33%， P＜0.01）. During the treatment period， the vital signs of patients in both groups remained stable， and there were no significant abnormalities in blood routine， urine routine， stool routine， liver function indicators， and electrocardiogram after treatment. ConclusionChinese herbal enema combined with fumigation as adjunctive therapy can significantly alleviate clinical symptoms， improve renal function， and demonstrate good safety for non-dialysis CKD patients of stage 3-5 with spleen-kidney yang deficiency and turbid toxin blood stasis pattern.

Effectiveness and Safety of Qiaoqi Formula （翘芪组方） for Mild Influenza： A 36-case Randomized Controlled Trial / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Qiaoqi Formula （翘芪组方） for mild influenza. MethodsA randomized controlled study was designed， recruiting 74 patients with mild influenza， who were randomly divided into trial group and control group. The trial group took Qiaoqi Formula orally， 40ml each time， twice a day； the control group took Lianhua Qingwen Capsules （连花清瘟胶囊） orally， 1.4 g each time， three times a day. Both groups were treated for 3 consecutive days and follow-up for 4 consecutive days after treatment. The time for fever reduction including onset of fever reduction， complete fever reduction time， fever reduction rates at 24， 48 and 72 hours， improvement of influenza symptoms， total traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom score， and safety indicators in two groups after treatment were recorded. ResultsSixty-five patients were ultimately included， including 36 in the trial group and 29 in the control group. Onset time of fever reduction in the trial group was （15.49±23.47） h， the complete fever reduction time （21.37±30.06）h， and the 24 h， 48 h， 72 h， fever reduction rate was 77.14%， 88.57%， 91.42% respectively. The above indicators of the control group showed as （17.58±20.38）h， （24.30±21.87）h， 61.29%， 90.32%， 96.77% respectively， with no statistically significant differences （P＞0.05）. On the 7th day after treatment， the total score of TCM syndromes in trial group and control group decreased compared to those before treatment （P＜0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in the cure rate， significant effective rate， effective rate， and total effective rate of TCM syndromes between groups （P＞0.05）. On the 4th day， the lymphocyte ratio of patients in the control group was higher than before treatment， while alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， urea， and creatinine of both groups before and after treatment were within the normal range. The main adverse reactions in both groups were mild headache and dizziness， and no serious adverse reactions observed. ConclusionThe therapeutic effect of Qiaoqi Formula in treating mild influenza is equivalent to Lianhua Qingwen Capsules， which can shorten the fever reduction time， improve clinical symptoms， and no adverse events observed during the study.

Penile protection with a self-developed flexible sleeve penile protection device after circumcision: a prospective randomized controlled trial / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the protective effects of aflexible sleeve penile protection device on reducing postoperative pain and wound edema in patients after circumcision. 【Methods】 A total of 54 patients who underwent circumcision at Yan’an Branch of Peking University Third Hospital during Feb.1 and May 31, 2023 were enrolled.The patients were randomly divided into the experimental group and control group, with 27 patients in either groups.Patients in the experimental group were treated with a flexible sleeve penis protection device after surgery, and patients in the control group were treated with traditional gauze bandage after surgery.Postoperative pain, wound edema and complications were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 In terms of pain, the visual analogue scale of the experimental group was significantly lower at 6 hours [(1.7±0.9) vs.(3.3±1.9), P0.05).In terms of edema, the edema score of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group on the 2nd postoperative day [(2.0±1.0) vs.(4.0±0.8), P0.05). 【Conclusion】 The flexible sleeve penile protection device has significant effects of reducing early postoperative pain and reducing edema in patients undergoing circumcision.