Analyzing Monthly Blood Test Data to Forecast 30-Day Hospital Readmissions among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: The increase in the global population of hemodialysis patients is linked to aging demographics and the prevalence of conditions such as arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. While previous research in hemodialysis has mainly focused on mortality predictions, there is a gap in studies targeting short-term hospitalization predictions using detailed, monthly blood test data. Methods: This study employs advanced data preprocessing and machine learning techniques to predict hospitalizations within a 30-day period among hemodialysis patients. Initial steps include employing K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) imputation to address missing data and using the Synthesized Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) to ensure data balance. The study then applies a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm for the predictive analysis, with an additional enhancement through ensemble learning techniques, in order to improve prediction accuracy. Results: The application of SVM in predicting hospitalizations within a 30-day period among hemodialysis patients resulted in an impressive accuracy rate of 93%. This accuracy rate further improved to 96% upon incorporating ensemble learning methods, demonstrating the efficacy of the chosen machine learning approach in this context. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of utilizing machine learning to predict hospital readmissions within a 30-day period among hemodialysis patients based on monthly blood test data. It represents a significant leap towards precision medicine and personalized healthcare for this patient group, suggesting a paradigm shift in patient care through the proactive identification of hospitalization risks.

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.

Clinical study of electroacupuncture improving sleep electroencephalogram and event-related potential in patients with somatoform disorders / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on sleep electroencephalogram(EEG)and event-related potential(ERP)in patients with somatoform disorders(SFD). Methods:Seventy-five SFD patients were recruited as an EA group to receive EA at Shenting(GV24)and Baihui(GV20)once daily,30 min each time,with 6 straight days as a treatment course,and 4 courses were conducted at 1-day intervals.Before treatment,patients underwent a survey using a physical symptom checklist on their primary symptoms.Before and after treatment,their sleep EEG was monitored using Quisi,and the ERP mismatch negativity(MMN)and P300 were detected.The Quisi sleep EEG and ERP were also examined among 40 normal volunteers as the normal group data. Results:During the trial,13 cases were removed from the EA group due to incomplete data,and 62 cases were finally included for statistical analyses.Of the 62 SFD patients,the main disturbing symptoms were cognitive impairments,sleep disorders,respiratory symptoms,digestive symptoms,five-sense organ problems,and cardiovascular symptoms in order.Before treatment,the EA group had increased MMN and P300 latencies and decreased amplitudes compared with the normal control group(P<0.01 or P<0.05);according to Quisi,the EA group also had reduced total sleep time(TST),shorter rapid eye movement sleep(REM)latency(RL)and REM time(RT),smaller number of REM period(NRP),extended sleep latency(SL),longer awaking time(AT),lower sleep efficiency(SE),larger percent of non-rapid eye movement sleep(NREM)stage 1(S1)and smaller percent of NREM stage 2(S2),and the percent of slow wave sleep(SWS),i.e.NREM stage 3(S3)plus stage 4(S4),also went down,all presenting significant differences between groups(P<0.01 or P<0.05).After 4 courses of treatment,the MMN and P300 latencies were reduced,and their amplitudes became larger in the EA group compared with the baseline(P<0.05);they had insignificant differences compared with the normal control group(P>0.05).Quisi showed that the TST and RL increased,and the SL and AT decreased in the EA group,and the predominant change in sleep architecture was reduced S1 percent,increased S2,and improved SE,all showing significant intra-group differences(P<0.01 or P<0.05);however,the intra-group difference in the NRP was statistically insignificant(P>0.05).Except the TST,RT,S1 percent,and SWS,there was no statistical significance in comparing the other Quisi parameters(including RL,NRP,SL,AT,SE,and S2 percent)between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:SFD patients have a variety of clinical symptoms,and most of them show abnormal sleep EEG and ERP;EA can correct abnormal sleep EEG parameters and the MMN and P300 of ERP in SFD patients.

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.

A summary of Professor JIA Chunsheng's clinical experience in treating cubital tunnel syndrome / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

The article summarizes the clinical experience of Professor JIA Chunsheng in treating cubital tunnel syndrome with various traditional Chinese medicine therapies,including superficial point-toward-point auricular acupuncture,ordinary acupuncture,fire-needle therapy,and oral Chinese medication,to inherit his academic characteristics,such as meridian-identified and stage-identified treatments,stressing the patient's body constitution and state,and emphasizing the holistic treatment,and to provide references for the popular science education and clinical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Clinical observation of contralateral needling plus tendon-bone balancing Tuina for scapulohumeral periarthritis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combining contralateral needling and tendon-bone balancing Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)in treating scapulohumeral periarthritis(SP). Methods:Sixty-eight eligible participants were chosen and randomized into an acupuncture group and an acupuncture plus Tuina group,with 34 cases in each group.The acupuncture group received treatment with contralateral needling,and the acupuncture plus Tuina group was treated with contralateral needling combined with tendon-bone balancing Tuina.The post-treatment changes in the Constant-Murley score for comprehensive shoulder function,visual analog scale(VAS)score for pain,and shoulder range of motion(ROM)score were compared after 2 treatment courses to estimate the clinical efficacy in the two groups. Results:After treatment,the total effective rate was 96.7%in the acupuncture plus Tuina group versus 83.9%in the acupuncture group,showing a significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).The Constant-Murley shoulder function score increased in the acupuncture plus Tuina group after the intervention;a decreased VAS pain score and an increased shoulder ROM score were found in both groups.After 1 and 2 treatment courses,the between-group comparisons of the Constant-Murley and shoulder ROM scores showed statistical significance(P<0.05).Regarding the VAS score,the acupuncture plus Tuina group was lower than the acupuncture group after the first treatment course(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between the two groups after 2 treatment courses(P>0.05). Conclusion:Contralateral needling plus tendon-bone balancing Tuina can produce more significant clinical efficacy and relieve pain faster than contralateral needling alone in treating SP.

Effects of different auricular point therapies on digestive symptoms and quality of life in patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To compare the effects of auricular point intradermal needling with auricular point sticking on digestive symptoms and quality of life in patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. Methods:Ninety-six patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned to three groups using the random number table method,with 32 cases in each group.The control group received conventional nursing care plus 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist,and the other two groups received additional auricular point intradermal needling or sticking.For the three groups of participants,the acute and delayed vomiting and nausea severity,quality of life,and the additional antiemetic consumption rate were observed. Results:The three groups had no significant differences in the acute vomiting frequency and nausea severity and appetite(P>0.05)but had significant differences in the delayed vomiting frequency and nausea severity(P<0.05);the auricular point intradermal needling group won over the auricular point sticking group.The three groups showed significant differences in comparing the appetite in the delayed stage(P<0.05);both auricular point intradermal needling and sticking groups showed advantages over the control group(P<0.05),but no significant difference existed between the auricular point intradermal needling and sticking groups(P>0.05).There were significant differences in comparing the functional living index-emesis(FLIE)score in both acute and delayed stages among the three groups(P<0.05)and the result favored the auricular point intradermal needling group over the auricular point sticking group(P<0.05).The additional antiemetic consumption rate was higher in the control group than in the other groups(P<0.05). Conclusion:Based on the conventional nursing and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist,adding either auricular point intradermal needling or auricular point sticking can lower the vomiting frequency and nausea severity in the delayed stage and improve appetite in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy regimen,but they have no notable impact on digestive symptoms in the acute stage;auricular point intradermal needling is superior to auricular point sticking in comparing the overall efficacy.Both auricular point intradermal needling and auricular point sticking can enhance the quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy and reduce their additional antiemetic consumption.

Chief physician SUN Wuquan's experience collection in treating neck-type cervical spondylosis with Tuina therapy / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

The article analyzes chief physician SUN Wuquan's empirical characteristics in treating neck-type cervical spondylosis:disease differentiation combined with pattern differentiation,emphasizing the assessment of tendons and bones,with DING's Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)manipulations and static Gongfa(Qigong exercise)as the predominant treatment,inherits the academic features of DING's Tuina school,"paying equal attention to tendons and bones,putting function first";thus provides a reference for treating neck-type cervical spondylosis with Tuina therapy.

Seeking specific response points from the three Yin meridians of foot using laser speckle contrast imaging in patients with primary dysmenorrhea / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To seek specific response points on the body surface of patients with primary dysmenorrhea(PD)by observing blood perfusion unit(PU)at different points of the three Yin meridians of foot using laser speckle contrast imaging(LSCI). Methods:Eighty PD patients were recruited as a PD group,and 80 healthy female undergraduates were taken as a normal group.During one menstrual cycle(before menstruation,during menstruation,and 3 d after menstruation),each participant was examined using the LSCI system to determine PU at bilateral Taixi(KI3),Taibai(SP3),Taichong(LR3),Shuiquan(KI5),Diji(SP8),Zhongdu(LR6),Sanyinjiao(SP6),and Xuehai(SP10)and non-acupuncture points.The researchers in charge of point location,operation,and statistical analysis were not aware of grouping.PU at the detection spots was taken as the outcome measure. Results:Compared with the normal group,the PD group showed increases in PU at right Taixi(KI3)before menstruation(P<0.05)and at bilateral Zhongdu(LR6)and right Diji(SP8)during menstruation(P<0.05).At the other time points,significance was not found between the two groups in comparing PU at the detected spots. Conclusion:Compared with healthy participants,PD patients present specific changes in PU at Taixi(KI3),Diji(SP8),and Zhongdu(LR6)at specific time points during the menstrual cycle,which provides a reference for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PD in clinical settings.

Efficacy observation of acupuncture plus point application for pain after thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus point application in managing pain after thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery(TRLCS). Methods:A total of 120 patients undergoing TRLCS were randomized into a treatment group and a control group,with 60 cases in each group.Both groups received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)to relieve postoperative wound pain.The control group did not receive any other interventions.The treatment group started acupuncture treatments 4 h after the surgery with point application between two acupuncture sessions;the acupuncture treatment was conducted 4,24,48,and 72 h after the surgery.At the above 4 time points,the visual analog scale(VAS)score and additional PCIA drug consumption were recorded.The 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)content in the peripheral blood was determined 4 h and 72 h after the surgery. Results:The treatment group was superior to the control group in comparing the total effective rate(P<0.05).After the intervention,the VAS score decreased in both groups(P<0.05);the VAS score presented different decreasing patterns at each time point in the two groups,and the score dropped more significantly in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).The total PICA drug consumption varied in the two groups after the surgery;the additional analgesic consumption was notably smaller in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).The decrease in the 5-HT content in the peripheral blood also varied in the two groups;the peripheral blood 5-HT content was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Acupuncture plus point application can significantly relieve wound pain after TRLCS.

Efficacy of Tuina plus Ba Duan Jin for primary dysmenorrhea due to cold-induced blood stasis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of Ba Duan Jin(Eight-brocade Exercise)plus Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)in treating primary dysmenorrhea due to cold-induced blood stasis in female college students and on the score of fatigue scale-14(FS-14). Methods:Seventy-two female college students with primary dysmenorrhea due to cold-induced blood stasis were randomized into a Tuina group and a joint group,with 36 cases in each group.The Tuina group only received Tuina manipulations.In the joint group,besides the same Tuina manipulations,patients practiced Ba Duan Jin.For both groups,the once-daily intervention was conducted from 6 d before the menstrual period until menstrual day 1 for 3 menstrual cycles.Changes in the scores of COX menstrual symptom scale(CMSS),visual analog scale(VAS),and FS-14 after the intervention were observed.Clinical efficacy was also estimated. Results:During the process,1 case dropped out in the Tuina group,and 35 cases completed the intervention;2 cases dropped out in the joint group,and 34 cases completed the intervention.The total effective rate was 94.1%in the joint group,higher than 88.6%in the Tuina group(P<0.05).After treatment,the symptom duration and intensity scores in the scores of CMSS,VAS,and FS-14 declined in both groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01);the CMSS symptom duration score and FS-14 score were lower in the joint group than in the Tuina group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Tuina manipulations alone or combined with Ba Duan Jin practice can effectively treat primary dysmenorrhea due to cold-induced blood stasis in female college students;when combined with Ba Duan Jin practice,Tuina manipulations can more significantly improve pain duration and fatigue,suggesting the advantages of combining Tuina Gongfa and manipulations.

Clinical study of treating somatoform pain disorder with the combination of electroacupuncture and duloxetine / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of treating somatoform pain disorder(SPD)with electroacupuncture(EA)at the Governor and Conception Vessel points plus duloxetine.Methods:Eighty-two SPD patients were randomly allocated to an observation group and a control group,with 41 cases in each group.The control group was intervened by oral administration of duloxetine hydrochloride enteric capsules at a dose of 60 mg per time once a day;based on the medication,the observation group received additional EA treatment by selecting points from the Governor and Conception Vessels.Clinical efficacy was evaluated after 8 weeks of treatments;changes in the scores of the short-form McGill pain questionnaire(SF-MPQ),self-report symptom inventory,symptom check list-90(SCL-90),Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),and generic quality of life inventory-74(GQOLI-74)were also compared.Results:After the intervention,the observation group surpassed the control group in comparing the total effective rate(P＜0.05).The SF-MPQ score,SCL-90 somatization score,and PSQI score dropped notably in both groups after treatment,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05);the three scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P＜0.05).The GQOLI-74 score got an increase in each dimension in both groups after treatment,and the intra-group differences were also statistically significant(P＜0.05);the GQOLI-74 dimension scores were all significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:For patients with SPD,combining EA at the Governor and Conception Vessel points and duloxetine hydrochloride enteric capsules can markedly improve their clinical symptoms and quality of life.

Acupuncture intervening depressive disorder:research progress in its neurobiological mechanism / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Depressive disorder seriously affects people's physical and mental health.Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for depression,yet,its mechanism is unclear.Therefore,acupuncture's action mechanism in intervening depression was summarized from several perspectives,including morphology and ultrastructure of neurons in depression-related brain areas,function and structure of glial cells,brain functional and structural connectivity,and neuroelectrophysiology.It's discovered that acupuncture can repair the morphological and ultrastructural damage of neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal lobe,mitigate the functional and structural injuries of glial cells in the hippocampus and prefrontal lobe,strengthen functional connectivity and heal structural connection,and promote neuroelectrophysiological activities,which possibly are the principal mechanisms of how acupuncture works in intervening depressive disorder.

Preparation of static training animal models and research status analysis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

As a form of Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)Qigong exercises and an essential part of exercise therapy,static training has proven clinical efficacy.However,further evidence is required to reveal its mechanism of action provided by animal experiments.There are four major ways to establish static training animal models:pole climbing,hind-limb suspension,isometric-contraction weight bearing,and electrical stimulation.These models have been used to study diseases of the motor,circulatory,and endocrine systems,etc.,and the mechanism has got extensive exploration.It reviewed static training animal models and the research progress to provide theoretical evidence for static training's experimental research and mechanism exploration.

Effects of Tuina combined with graded motor imagery on the upper-limb motor function and quality of life of patients with hemiplegia after stroke / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) combined with graded motor imagery (GMI) on the upper-limb motor function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with poststroke hemiplegia.Methods: A total of 216 patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke were randomized into two groups by tossing a coin, with 108 cases in each group. The control group was treated with GMI, and the observation group was given additional Tuina treatment for four weeks in total. Before and after the treatment, the Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE), supper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging, box and block test (BBT) for hand, co-contraction ratio (CR) of the upper-limb muscles, visual analog scale (VAS) for shoulder pain, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), modified Barthel index (MBI), and short-form 36-item health survey (SF-36) were adopted for observation of the two groups. Results: After the treatment, the scores of FMA-UE, upper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging, hand BBT, MBI, and SF-36 increased (P<0.05), and the CR of biceps brachii at flexion, the CR of triceps brachii at extension, and the scores of VAS and MAS decreased in both groups (P<0.05). The scores of FMA-UE, upper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging, and hand BBT were higher in the observation group than in the control group after the intervention (P<0.05); the CR of biceps brachii at flexion and the CR of triceps brachii at extension were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the scores of MBI and SF-36 were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05), and the scores of VAS and MAS were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tuina combined with GMI can produce more significant effects in improving the upper-limb motor function and QOL in patients with hemiplegia after stroke.

Clinical efficacy of umbilical therapy with herbal cakes of different dosages for damp-heat diarrhea in young children / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of umbilical therapy with herbal cakes made of Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang prescription of different dosages in treating damp-heat diarrhea in young children. Methods: Seventy-two kids with diarrhea of damp-heat pattern were recruited and divided into a high-dosage group and a low-dosage group using the random number table method, with 36 cases in each group. They all received conventional antidiarrheal treatment and umbilical application with herbal cakes. However, the herbal cakes for the high-dosage group were made of the mixture of Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang powder and water, and those for the low-dosage group consisted of 10％ Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang powder and 90％ auxiliary materials (corn starch) plus water. The treatment duration was 3 d. The clinical efficacy, antidiarrheal rate, effective rate for symptoms and signs of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TCM symptoms score, and safety indicators were compared between the two groups. Results: After the treatment, the TCM symptoms scores dropped significantly in both groups (P<0.01) and were lower in the high-dosage group than in the low-dosage group (P<0.05). The clinical efficacy was more significant in the high-dosage group than in the low-dosage group after the treatment, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); the antidiarrheal rate was markedly higher in the high-dosage group than in the low-dosage group (P<0.05). Regarding the TCM symptoms and signs, the high-dosage group showed better results in improving the greasy and yellowish tongue coating, bowel movement frequency, watery excrement, short and dark urine, red tongue body, red anus, vomiting, bowel sounds, and abdominal bloating compared with the low-dosage group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Umbilical therapy with herbal cakes made of Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang is safe, reliable, and effective in treating damp-heat diarrhea in young children; the high-dosage herbal cakes produce more significant efficacy than the low-dosage ones and are worth further investigation.

Therapeutic efficacy and safety rating of Tui-Pushing chest-back manipulation for children with cough variant asthma Therapeutic efficacy and safety rating of Tui-Pushing chest-back manipulation for children with cough variant asthma / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe and evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of using pediatric Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), Tui-Pushing chest-back manipulation, in treating children with cough variant asthma (CVA).Methods: Seventy-two kids with CVA were divided into two groups using the random number table method, with 36 cases in each group. The control group received the conventional Tuina treatment, and the observation group received additional Tui-Pushing chest-back manipulation. The clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were observed and recorded for the two groups. Results: After three treatment courses, compared with the control group, the observation group showed advantages in the total effective rate, reducing the number and intensity of cough and improving the nature of cough (P<0.05). However, at the one-month follow-up, there were no significant differences between the two groups in these parameters (P>0.05). Regarding the adverse reaction rate, there was no significant between-group difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: It is effective and safe to use pediatric Tuina, Tui-Pushing chest-back manipulation, plus the conventional treatment protocol to treat CVA in children.

Clinical efficacy of Tuina manipulations for lumbar disc herniation and its influence on posture-associated indicators / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of sinew-bone balancing manipulation in treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and offer clinical evidence to support the concept of paying equal attention to sinew and bone. Methods: Sixty LDH patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with the sinew-bone balancing manipulation, and the control group received conventional Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulation. The clinical efficacy and posterior muscle chain tone effect were compared between the two groups by observing the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and posture-associated indicators. Results: The total effective rate was 86.7％ in the observation group, higher than 76.7％ in the control group, but the between-group difference in efficacy was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). After treatment, the VAS and JOA scores, angle-dependent muscle tone indicator of the posterior muscle chain, and lumbar posture symmetry showed significant changes in both groups (P<0.05). The VAS and JOA scores, angle-dependent muscle tone indicator of the posterior muscle chain, and lumbar posture symmetry in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05), but the between-group difference in the general posture symmetry was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both the sinew-bone balancing and conventional Tuina manipulations can reduce pain in LDH patients, improve lumbar function, and adjust the angle-dependent muscle tone coefficient of the posterior muscle chain and lumbar posture symmetry; except for the general posture symmetry of the posterior muscle chain, the sinew-bone balancing manipulation wins out over the conventional Tuina manipulation.

Meta-analysis of acupuncture intervening exercise-induced fatigue / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To systematically evaluate the impact of acupuncture on exercise-induced fatigue (EIF). Methods: Scopus, Springer Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), and China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM) were systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying acupuncture treatment of EIF from the inception till August 2020. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane handbook. RevMan 5.3 was used to conduct statistical analysis on the extracted data. Results: A total of 11 RCTs were included for meta-analysis, involving 531 patients. It was revealed that acupuncture produced more significant effects in alleviating subjective fatigue [standardized mean difference (SMD)=-3.08, 95％ confidence interval (CI) (-4.35, -1.81), P<0.001], increasing the hemoglobin content [weighted mean difference (WMD)=3.89, 95％CI (1.37, 6.42), P=0.003], reducing the lactate dehydrogenase content [WMD=-10.63, 95％CI (-17.67, -3.59), P=0.003], reducing the blood lactic acid content [SMD=-2.65, 95％CI (-4.47, -0.83), P=0.004], and down-regulating the levels of serum creatine kinase [SMD=-0.79, 95％CI (-1.10, -0.48), P<0.001] and blood urea nitrogen [WMD=-1.47, 95％CI (-1.84, -1.11), P<0.001] than the control groups. Conclusion: Based on the existing evidence, acupuncture can be recognized as effective in improving EIF and is worthy of promotion in clinical settings.

Influence of Tuina plus oxiracetam on serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in mild vascular dementia patients / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) plus oxiracetam in treating mild vascular dementia (VD) and seek its underlying mechanism. Methods: Ninety-six patients with mild VD were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 47 cases in the observation group and 49 cases in the control group. The control group received oral oxiracetam capsules for treatment, and the observation group was given additional Tuina treatment. Before and after treatment, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was adopted to assess the patient's cognitive function; the activities of daily living (ADL) scale was used to evaluate their ability to conduct daily activities; changes in the serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators were also detected. Results: After treatment, the serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased in both groups (P<0.05) and was lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05); the serum contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased in both groups (P<0.05) and were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05); the serum contents of interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-8 declined in both groups (P<0.05) and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After the intervention, the levels of systolic velocity (Vs) and mean velocity (Vm) of the middle cerebral artery elevated, and the pulsatility index (PI) dropped in patients in the two groups, showing significant intra-group differences (P<0.05); the levels of Vs and Vm in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the PI was lower in the observation group than in the control group, showing significant between-group differences (P<0.05). The MMSE and ADL scores increased in both groups after the intervention (P<0.05) and were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In the treatment of mild VD, Tuina plus oxiracetam can improve the cerebral blood supply, ADL, and cognitive function; the mechanism may be associated with the reduction of oxidative stress damages and inflammatory reactions.