Melatonin protects zebrafish pancreatic development and physiological rhythms from sodium propionate-induced disturbances via the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of sodium propionate as a preservative in food may affect public health. We aimed to assess the effects of sodium propionate on circadian rhythms and pancreatic development in zebrafish and the possible underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: In this experiment, we analyzed the relationship between circadian rhythms and pancreatic development and then revealed the role of the thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish. The results showed that sodium propionate interfered with the rhythmic behavior of zebrafish, and altered the expression of important rhythmic genes. Experimental data revealed that pancreatic morphology and developmental genes were altered after sodium propionate exposure. Additionally, thyroid hormone levels and key gene expression associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis were significantly altered. Melatonin at a concentration of 1 µmol L-1, with a mild effect on zebrafish, observably alleviated sodium propionate-induced disturbances in circadian rhythms and pancreatic development, as well as regulating the thyroid system. CONCLUSION: Melatonin, while modulating the thyroid system, significantly alleviates sodium propionate-induced circadian rhythm disturbances and pancreatic developmental disorders. We further revealed the deleterious effects of sodium propionate as well as the potential therapeutic effects of melatonin on circadian rhythm, pancreatic development and the thyroid system. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Meaning of "Nishun" (contradiction and consistency) during pulse taking for acupuncture treatment in ancient literature of traditional Chinese medicine].

Through collecting the relative records about "Nishun" (contradiction and consistency between pulse conditions and severity of illness) in pulse taking for acupuncture treatment in ancient literature of traditional Chinese medicine, and combining with the understanding about pulse taking in Lingshujing (Miraculous Pivot) and later generations' clinical application, the different meanings of "Nishun" are analyzed in the present article. It is concluded that pulse taking during acupuncture treatment is considered the fundamental principle in the age of Lingshujing, and if the pulse conditions are contradicted to the illness, acupuncture treatment is prohibited. The practitioners of the later generations also emphasized that only by ensuring no contradiction between the pulse conditions and illness, could we operate acupuncture treatment. These greatly expand the contents of "Nishun" when taking pulse conditions for acupuncture treatment. All of these have a positive significance to the further research on pulse taking for acupuncture treatment.

Effects of nape acupuncture combined with swallowing rehabilitation on dysphagia in pseudobulbar palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitative swallowing training for dysphagia caused by pseudobulbar palsy, and to compare it with rehabilitative swallowing training alone, and to observe the improvement in quality of life after the therapy. METHODS: One hundred patients were randomly divided into two groups: the rehabilitative swallowing training group (control group, n=50) and the nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitative swallowing training group (experimental group, n=50). Each group had 8 weeks' therapy, 5 times a week. Patients in the control group received rehabilitative swallowing training, while those in the experimental group received nape acupuncture therapy based on swallowing rehabilitation. The outcomes were assessed by the repetitive saliva-swallowing test (RSST), water swallow test (WST), standardized swallowing assessment (SSA), and a swallow quality-of-life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL). Correlations of onset age, onset frequency and lesion location with the efficacy of the acupuncture treatment were also observed. RESULTS: The scores for RSST, WST, and SSA in both groups were lower than before the therapy (P<0.001), although the changes were more marked in the experimental group than in the control group (RSST and WST, P<0.005; SSA, P<0.001). Both groups recorded changes in SWAL-QOL index after the therapy (P<0.001); and the experimental group scored higher than the control group (P<0.001). The efficacy of acupuncture was not correlated with location (P>0.05), but was related to onset age (P<0.05) and onset frequency (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitative swallowing training has an effect on dysphagia caused by pseudobulbar palsy and improves quality of life.

[Effects of GAO's neck acupuncture on swallowing function and quality of life in patients with post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy:a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of GAO's neck acupuncture combined with swallowing rehabilitation on swallowing function and quality of life in patients with post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy. METHODS: One hundred patients were randomly assigned in to an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were treated with basic pharmaceutical treatment, including neurotrophy medication and free radical scavenging medication as well as swallowing rehabilitation; the patients in the observation group, on the basis of those in the control group, were treated with GAO's neck acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20), Yiming (EX-HN 14), Gongxue (Extra), Lianquan (CV 23), Wai Jinjin Yuye (Extra), Tunyan (Extra), Zhiqiang (Extra), Fayin (Extra), once a day, five times a week for continuous eight weeks. The Repetitive saliva-swallowing test (RSST), standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and swallow quality-of-life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) before and after treatment in the two groups were observed; the relationship between disease location and frequency and efficacy of GAO's neck acupuncture was explored in the observation group. RESULTS: After treatment, the RSST, SSA and SWAL-QOL were superior to those before treatment (all P<0.01), with more significant results in the observation group (all P<0.01). The total effective rate was 91.7% (44/48) in the observation group, which was superior to 75.5% (37/49) in the control group (P<0.01). The frequency of disease onset was one in 11 patients and 2 and above in 37 patients in the observation group, and the efficacy of one onset of disease was 100.0% (11/11), which was superior to two and above of onset 89.2% (33/37, P<0.01). The number of patients with disease location at cortex and subcortex was 21, while that at capsula interna and basal ganglia was 27 in the observation group, the efficacy of two was similar (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GAO's neck acupuncture combined with swallowing rehabilitation could effectively improve dysphagia and quality of life in patients with post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy. No correlation of lesion locations on acupuncture efficacy is observed, while onset frequency is inversely proportional to efficacy.

[Acupuncture combined with western medication for mild cognitive disorder after stroke: a rando- mized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the clinical effect of the penetration acupuncture at the acupoints of governor vessel(GV) and bladder meridian on head for mild cognitive disorder after stroke. METHODS: One hundred and ten patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 55 cases in each one. Penetration acupuncture was used at the acupoints of GV and bladder meridian on head in the observation group,namely Wuchu (BL 5) to Chengguang (BL 6) and Tongtian (BL 7) to Luoque (BL 8) bilaterally, and Shenting (GV 24) to Xinhui (GV 22), Qianding (GV 21) to Baihui (GV 20), Houding (GV 19) to Qiangjian (GV 18). Body acupuncture and conventional western medication were applied in the both two groups. Acupuncture was adopted once a day, five times a week and eight weeks totally. The changes of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini mental state examination scale(MMSE), self-rating depressive scale (SDS) and activities of daily living scale (Barthel index) were compared between the two groups before treatment, in the middle of treatment(at the forth week) after treatment(at the eighth week) and in three weeks after treatment(follow-up). RESULTS: After treatment of four and eight weeks and at the time of follow-up, the results of MoCA, MMSE, SDS and Barthel index were apparently im proved compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P < 0.01). After treatment of eight weeks and at the time of follow-up, the scores of MoCA and SDS were obviously improved in the observation group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The improvements of MMSE in the observation group were more marked than those in the control group at all times (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). But there was no statistical significance about the change of Barthel index between the two groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Penetration acupuncture at the acupoints of GV and bladder meridian on head can remarkablely improve the cognitive function of the patients with mild cognitive disorder after stroke,and have some efficacy of relieving the bad mood such as depression.

Comprehensive rehabilitation with integrative medicine for subacute stroke: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

To determine whether integrative medicine rehabilitation (IMR) that combines conventional rehabilitation (CR) with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine has better effects for subacute stroke than CR alone, we conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial that involved three hospitals in China. Three hundred sixty patients with subacute stroke were randomized into IMR and CR groups. The primary outcome was the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). The secondary outcomes were the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hamilton's Depression Scale (HAMD), and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). All variables were evaluated at week 0 (baseline), week 4 (half-way of intervention), week 8 (after treatment) and week 20 (follow-up). In comparison with the CR group, the IMR group had significantly better improvements (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in all the primary and secondary outcomes. There were also significantly better changes from baseline in theses outcomes in the IMR group than in the CR group (P < 0.01). A low incidence of adverse events with mild symptoms was observed in the IMR group. We conclude that conventional rehabilitation combined with integrative medicine is safe and more effective for subacute stroke rehabilitation.

[Effects of grain-sized moxibustion on expression of Abeta(1-42) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in double-transgenic AD mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of grain-sized moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) on early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) in transgenosis AD mice. METHODS: The genotyping of amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1(APP/PS1I) double-transgenic AD mice were detected by PCR method. Seventeen 1.5-month female transgenic (Tg 6799) mice were randomly divided into a model group (9 cases) and a treatment group (8 cases). Nine female C57BL/6J wild-type mice with identical age and background were selected into a normal group. The treatment group was treated with grain-sized moxibustion at bilateral "Xinshu" (BI. 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23), once a day, ten treatments were considered as one course, and total 9 courses were given. The model group and normal group were treated with stimulus such as grabbing, immobilization and non-ignited moxa cone. Morris water maze (escape latency, crossing times and dwell time in the target quadrant) was applied to evaluate the learning and memory ability. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphology changes in the brains of AD mice. beta-amyloid protein 1-42 (Abeta(1-42)) in the area of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: After the treatment of grain-sized moxibustion, learning and memory ability in the treatment group was increased; compared with the model group, the escape latency was shorten, crossing times was increased, and dwell time in the target quadrant was prolonged (all P<0. 05). The crossing times and dwell time in the target quadrant in the treatment group were not significantly different from those in the normal group (both P>0.05). Compared with the normal group, the positive area and integral optical density of Abeta(1-42) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the model group were increased (all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive area and integral optical density of Abeta(1-42) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the treatment group were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The grain-sized moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) could significantly improve the learning and memory ability in APP/PS1 double- transgenic AD mice, and inhibit the over expression and accumulation of Abeta(1-42).

[Efficacy on post-stroke depression treated with acupuncture at the acupoints based on ziwuliuzhu and prozac].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects on post-stroke depression treated with acupuncture at the acu points based on ziwuliuzhu (the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory). METHODS: Ninety-three patients were randomized into a comprehensive group, a ziwuliuzhu group and a prozac group, 31 cases in each group. In the ziwuliuzhu group, acupuncture was applied to the acupoints based on ziwuliuzhu, once a day, 5 times in a week. In the prozac group, fluoxertine hydrochloride (prozac) was prescribed for oral administration, once a day, 20 mg each time. In the comprehensive group, acupuncture based on ziwuliuzhu combined with the oral administration of prozac were adopted and the treatment frequency was the same as the ziwuliuzhu group and the prozac group. The 4-week treatment was taken as one session in the three groups and 6 sessions were required totally. The clinical efficacy and the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) score and the adverse reaction were compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 96.8% (30/31) in the comprehensive group, better than 83.9% (26/31) in the ziwuliuzhu group and 80. 6% (25/31) in the prozac group (both P<0.05). In 4, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment, HAMD score was lower significantly than that before the treatment in the three groups (all P<0.05), and the score in the comprehensive group at each time point after treatment was lower than the other two groups (all P<0.05). In 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, there were not different significantly between the ziwuliuzhu group and the prozac group (both P>0.05). In 24 weeks of treatment, HAMD score in the ziwuliuzhu group was lower than that in the prozac group (P<0.05). For the adverse reaction, there were 2 cases in the comprehensive group, 6 cases in the prozac group and 0 case in the ziwzuliuzhu group. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive therapy of acupuncture at the acupoints based on ziwuliuzhu and oral administration of prozac is superior to either the simple oral administration of prozac or the ziwuliuzhu acu-puncture in terms of clinical efficacy and the improvements in depressive state. Regarding the clinical efficacy, the impact of simple ziwuliuzhu acupuncture is not different significantly as compared with the simple oral administration of prozac, but it is better than the simple oral administration of prozac in terms of the long-term HAMD score and safety.

[Effects of Acupuncture Intervention Combined with Rehabilitation on Standing-balance-walking Ability in Stroke Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of Tianzhu (para-BL 10), electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of scalp-point Balance Area (MS 14), Motor Area (MS 6) and body acupoints combined with rehabilitation training on standing-balance and walking ability in stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 145 stroke inpatients were randomly assigned to rehabilitation group (n=48), routine acupuncture group (n=49) and para-BL10 group (n = 48). Patients of the rehabilitation group received balance training and routine rehabilitation training treatment, those of the routine acupuncture group received acupuncture stimulation of scalp-points (MS 14, MS 6), body acupoints, balance training and routine rehabilitation training,and those of the para-BL10 group received acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of BL 10 combined with scalp-points of MS 14 and MS 6 and body acupoints, and balance training and routine rehabilitation training. The treatment was conducted once daily, 5 times per week, 8 weeks altogether. The patients' balancing function, lower-limb motor function and walking ability were assessed using Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Sheikh Trunk Control Ability Scale(STCAS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMAS), and Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC), respectively. RESULTS: After 4 and 8 weeks' treatment, the scores of BBS, STCAS, FMAS and FAC in patients of the rehabilitation, routine acupuncture and para-BL10 groups were significantly increased and 10 meters-walking time obviously reduced in comparison with pre-treatment in the same one group (P<0.01). The effects of acupuncture stimulation of para-BL 10 were considerably better than both rehabilitation and routine acupuncture groups in raising BBS, STCAS, FMAS and FAC scores and in reducing 10 m-walking time (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of BL 10 combined with scalp-points has a significant benefit for stroke patients in standing-balance ability and walking ability.

[Mild cognitive impairment of stroke at subacute stage treated with acupuncture: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for mild cognitive impairment of stroke at subacute stage. METHODS: One hundred patients at subacute stage of cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage with scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) less than 26 were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,50 cases in each one. Based on the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar and anticoagulation,cognitive rehabilitation training was adopted in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group,acupuncture was applied in the observation group. The acupoints were Baihui(GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Yintang(GV 29), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong(LR 3). Sishencong(EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24) and Yintang (GV 29) were connected to electroacupuncture apparatus. The treatment was given once a day,5 times a week, and 8-week treatment was acquired in the two groups. In the 4th week and the 8th week,limbs motor function, daily life ability and cognitive function were evaluated by Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale,Bathel index and MoCA scale. RESULTS: In 4 weeks and 8 weeks, the scores of FMA, Bathel index and MoCA in the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After 8-week treatment, the scores of Bathel index and MoCA in the observation group were better than those in the control group (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the cognitive rehabilitation training and the conventional treatment, acupuncture can improve the cognitive function and daily life ability of stroke patients at subacute stage with mild cognitive impairment.

Integrative medicine for subacute stroke rehabilitation: a study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients with stroke receive integrative medicine in China, which includes the basic treatment of Western medicine and routine rehabilitation, in conjunction with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The question of whether integrative medicine is efficacious for stroke rehabilitation is still controversial and very little research currently exists on the integrated approach for this condition. Consequently, we will conduct a multicentre, randomised, controlled, assessor-blinded clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of integrative medicine on stroke rehabilitation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: 360 participants recruited from three large Chinese medical hospitals in Zhejiang Province will be randomly divided into the integrative medicine rehabilitation (IMR) group and the conventional rehabilitation (CR) group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the IMR group will receive acupuncture and Chinese herbs in addition to basic Western medicine and rehabilitation treatment. The CR group will not receive acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The assessment data will be collected at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks postrandomisation, and then at 12 weeks' follow-up. The primary outcome is measured by the Modified Barthel Index. The secondary outcomes are the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the mini-mental state examination and Montreal Cognitive, Hamilton's Depression Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the incidence of adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained from ethics committees of three hospitals. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international congresses. The results will also be disseminated to patients by telephone, during follow-up calls inquiring on patient's post-study health status. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR-TRC-12001972, http://www.chictr.org/en/proj/show.aspx?proj=2561.

[Motor dysfunction in stroke of subacute stage treated with acupuncture: multi-central randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke of subacute stage. METHODS: The multi-central randomized controlled trial was adopted. One hundred and twenty-six cases of ischemic stroke of subacute stage were randomized into an acupuncture group (61 cases) and a conventional treatment group (65 cases). The basic treatment of western internal medicine and rehabilitation training were applied to the patients of the two groups. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was supplemented at the body points located on the extensor of the upper limbs and the flexor of the lower limbs. In combination, scalp acupuncture was applied to NS5, MS6 and MS6 on the affected side. The treatment was given 5 times a week and totally 8 weeks were required. The follow-up observation lasted for 3 months. The scores in Fugl-Meyer scale and NIHSS scale and Barthel index were compared between the two groups before treatment, in 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the 3-month follow-up observation after treatment separately. RESULTS: In 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Fugl-Meyer scale score was improved obviously in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 01). In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Fugl-Meyer scale score in the acupuncture groupwas im proved much apparently as compared with that in the conventional treatment group [68. 0 (43. 0,86. 5) vs 52. 5 (30.3, 77.0), 77.0 (49.5, 89.0) vs 63. 0 (33.0, 84.0), both P<0. 05]. Except that NIHSS scale score was not reduced apparently in 4 weeks of treatment in the conventional treatment group (P>0.05), the results of NIHSS scale at the other time points were all decreased obviously as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 01). In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, the results in the acupuncture group were reduced much apparently as compared with those in the conventional treatment group [5. 0 (3.0,8.0) vs 7. 0 (3.0,13.8), 4. 0 (1.5,7.0) vs 6.0 (2.0,11.7) ,both P<0. 05]. In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Barthel index was improved obviously as compared with that before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 05). The improvement in the acupuncture group was much more significant as compared with the conventional treatment group [75. 0 (60. 0,87. 5) vs 65. O (36. 3, 87. 5), P<0. 051. CONCLUSION: Based on the conventional treatment, Acupuncture achieves the satisfactory clinical efficacy on motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke of subacute stage.

[Effects of grain-sized moxibustion on learning and memory ability and amyloid deposition of transgenic Alzheimer's disease mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of grain-sized moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) on memory-learning ability and amyloid deposition in transgenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. METHODS: seventeen amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin (PS)1 (APP+/PS 1+) double transgenic 6799 mice aged 3-4 weeks were randomly divided into model group (n = 9) and moxibustion group (n = 8). Nine wide-type (C 57 BL/6 J) female mice were used as the normal control group. Moxibustion (ignited grain-sized moxa cone) was applied to bilateral "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) for about 30 s, once a day for 9 courses (10 days constitute a therapeutic course, with 2 days' break between every two courses). Morris water maze tests were performed to detect the mice's learning-memory ability. The alterations of beta-amyloid deposition (number of the positive plaques) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were detected by using an imaging analysis system following Congo red staining of the cerebral tissue sections. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the average escape latency of place navigation tests was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the target-platform crossing times and percentage of dwell time in the target quadrant of the spatial exploring tests were notably decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). After moxibustion intervention, the escape latency was remarkably shortened, and the target-platform crossing times and dwell time percentage were obviously increased in the moxibustion group in comparison with the model group (P < 0.05), suggesting an improvement of the learning-memory ability after moxibustion. Results of Congo red staining of the cerebral tissue showed that there were many irregular, uneven staining positive plaques in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of AD mice in the model group. Compared with the model group, the positive plaque numbers in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus were considerably reduced in the moxibustion group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Grain-sized moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) can ameliorate learning-memory ability and restrain the formation of amyloid deposition in AD mice.

[Clinical research on acupoint catgut implantation in the prevention and treatment of postpartum pain of uterine contraction with qi and blood deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the impacts of the acupoint catgut implantation on postpartum pain of uterine contraction with qi and blood deficiency. METHODS: One hundred and ten primiparas of natural delivery differentiated as qi and blood deficiency pattern in TCM were selected as the subjects. They were randomized into an acupoint catgut implantation group (55 cases) and a routine nursing group (55 cases). In the acupoint catgut implantation group, the catgut was implanted in Zigong (EX-CA 1), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Pishu (BL 20) and Geshu (BL 17) in 6 h after delivery; additionally, the routine post-delivery nursing was adopted. In the routine nursing group, the routine post-delivery nursing was applied simply. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and the pain relief time of uterine contraction were compared in 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after acupoint catgut implantation between the two groups. RESULTS: VAS Scores in 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after acupoint catgut implantation in the acupoint catgut implantation group were lower apparently than those in the routine nursing group (3.31 +/- 0.39 vs 4.31 +/- 0.29, 1.86 +/- 0.29 vs 2.66 +/- 0.25, 0.89 +/- 0.21 vs 1.59 +/- 0.24, 0.35 +/- 0.10 vs 0.69 +/- 0.13, all P < 0.05). The pain relief was achieved in (72.06 +/- 6.83) h in the acupoint catgut implantation group and was (123.42 +/- 11.12) h in the routine nursing group. The pain relief in the acupoint catgut implantation group was achieved more quickly (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The intervention of acupoint catgut implantation in 6 h after natural delivery in primiparas prevents effectively postpartum pain of uterine contraction.

[Randomized controlled clinical trials for electroacupuncture treatment of urinary incontinence in stroke patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for post-stroke urinary incontinence in patients. METHODS: A total of 111 stroke inpatients with urinary incontinence were randomly divided into EA group (n = 56) and control group (n = 55). Patients of the control group were treated by administration of calcium ion antagon, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor antagonist, compound thromb-clearing agent (i.v.), etc.,and acupuncture of Jianyu (LI 15), Xuehai (SP 10), etc. Patients of the EA group were treated by EA of bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), Huiyang (BL 35), etc., combined with the treatment as the control group. The treatment was conducted once daily for 4 weeks. Crooks (1995) Scores of the clinical symptoms and clinical efficacy assessment were given before and after the treatment. RESULTS: After the treatment, the severity of urinary incontinence and symptom scores in both control and EA groups were decreased significantly in comparison with pre-treatment (P < 0.01). Following the treatment, of the 55 and 56 stroke patients in the control and EA groups, 0 and 4 (7.1%) were cured in the symptoms of frequent micturition, urgency of micturition and incontinence of urine, 20 (36.4%) and 35 (62.5%) were effective, 35 (63.6%) and 17 (30.4%) were invalid, with the effective rates being 36.4% and 69.6%, respectively. The therapeutic effect of EA group was apparently superior to that of the control group (P < 0.01). In addition, the infection rate of the EA group was strikingly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can lower the severity of urinary incontinence and improve clinical symptoms of micturition in stroke patients.

[Effect of long-time retention of scalp needle on the abilities of cognition, daily living activity and P300 in vascular dementia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of long-time retention of scalp needle in the treatment of vascular dementia (VD) patients, and its influence on P300. METHODS: Sixty-five cases of VD patients were randomly divided into acupuncture group (n = 33) and medication group (n = 32). For patients of acupuncture group, Duxil tablets were taken orally, scalp-points Dingzhongxian (MS 5), Ezhongxian (MS 1) and bilateral Dingpangxian I (MS 8) were punctured separately with the filiform needles retained for 10 h, once daily for 8 weeks. Patients of medication group were asked to take Duxil tablets orally, one tablet/time, twice daily for 8 weeks. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Hastgawa dementia scale (HDS) were used to evaluate the patients' abilities of orientation, calculation, immediate and remote memory and speech. Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale was used to evaluate their daily life ability. The latency and amplitude of event-related potential P300 of electroencephalograph (EEG) were analyzed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the 33 and 32 cases in acupuncture and medication groups, the controlled, markedly effective, effective and ineffective cases were 2 and 1, 9 and 4, 18 and 16, 4 and 11, respectively; with the total effective rates being 87.88% and 68.75% separately. The total effective rate of acupuncture group was obviously higher than that of medication group. Self-comparison showed that MMSE and HDS scores of both acupuncture and medication groups increased significantly in comparison with their individual pre-treatment values (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while ADL of both groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Before treatment, compared with normal people, the latencies of P300 in two groups increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the amplitudes of two groups decreased significantly (P < 0.01). After the treatment, the situations of two groups were corrected apparently (P < 0.05). The effects of acupuncture group were significantly superior to those of medication group in MMSE, HDS and ADL scores and the latency of P300 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Long-term retention of scalp acupuncture needles can improve VD patients' intelligence, ADL ability and EEG.

[Observation on therapeutic effects of elongated needle therapy on dysuria induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of elongated needle therapy and routine acupuncture therapy on dysuria induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Randomized, controlled, multi-central method was adopted and 150 cases confirmed to the enrolled criteria were divided into two groups by odd or even number, an elongated needle group (n = 72) and a routine acupuncture group (n = 78). Acupuncture was given at bilateral Zhibian (BL 54) and Zhongji (CV 3) in the two groups, once daily, 5 sessions constituting one course, with a 2-day interval between two courses. The treatment was given for 2 courses. Changes of I-PSS symptom cumulative score, urine flowing rate, residual urine in bladder before and after the treatment were observed. RESULTS: The effective rate was 83.3% in the elongated needle group and 44.9% in the routine acupuncture group. There were significant differences between the two groups in improvemet of I-PSS score, increase of urine flowing rate and reduction of residual urine in bladder (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The elongated needle therapy has a definite therapeutic effect on dysuria induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia.