Observation of the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on recurrent implantation failure of kidney deficiency and blood stasis. / "é€šå ƒé’ˆæ³•"联合精玉药灸治疗肾虚血瘀型反复种植失败疗效观察.

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

Comparison of the prevalence of sarcopenia in geriatric patients in Xining based on three different diagnostic criteria.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass, which depends on an assessment of muscle strength and muscle mass. The diagnostic definition of sarcopenia varies by region. AIM: To determine the optimal diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia in a plateau population. Cut off values for the components of diagnostic algorithms for sarcopenia in plateau populations should consider altitude. METHODS: One hundred and fifty subjects aged > 60 years attending a tertiary comprehensive hospital in the city of Xining (elevation: 2260 m) between October and December 2018 were enrolled. Handgrip strength, muscle mass, and physical performance were measured. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, Beijing criteria, and Lasha criteria. RESULTS: Across diagnostic criteria, there were significant differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia in the overall population and stratified by gender. The prevalence of sarcopenia measured by the AWGS 2019 or Lasha criteria was significantly higher in female compared to male subjects. In males, the prevalence of sarcopenia measured by the Beijing criteria was significantly higher in subjects who identified as Han compared to Minority. In females, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia by ethnicity according to any criteria. CONCLUSION: The Lasha criteria provided a lower prevalence of sarcopenia (males, 8.7%; females, 22.41%; overall, 14%) and were able to differentiate between males and females. The Lasha criteria are likely most appropriate for detection of sarcopenia in this plateau population. We recommend the Lasha criteria for detection of sarcopenia in Xining.

Protein intake and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the association between dietary protein intake and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) risk has been investigated, the results are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to reassess the relationship between dietary protein intake and IBD risk. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: The PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Wanfang databases were searched for pertinent studies through January 31, 2020. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived using a random-effect model. Subgroup analyses according to disease type, geographic location, and sex; sensitivity analysis; and publication bias analysis were performed. RESULTS: The current report includes 8 articles consisting of 12 studies with 1069 cases and 330,676 participants. The pooled RR (95% CI) of the highest vs. the lowest categories of dietary protein intake for the IBD risk was 1.561 (0.384-6.347) in cohort studies and 1.060 (0.663-1.694) in case-control studies. Evidence of heterogeneity was found both in cohort studies (I2=86.4%, p=0.007) and in case-control studies (I2=49.0%, p=0.039). However, the association was significant among Asian populations (RR=1.675, 95% CI=1.096-2.559) but not in other populations. We did not find any relationship of dietary protein intake with the risk of either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. CONCLUSIONS: Based on limited information, the highest dietary protein intakes among Asians may increase the risk of IBD, undifferentiated for ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. This may reflect dietary patterns for which protein is a marker rather than implicate protein itself.

Health care worker occupational experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients experience burnout and stress due to overwork and poor working conditions. AIM: To investigate the work experiences of frontline health care workers in Wuhan city and Qinghai province, China, during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a self-reported questionnaire was designed to evaluate work experiences of medical staff throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 178 health care workers responded to the questionnaire between February 19 and 29, 2020. Higher questionnaire dimen-sional score confirmed dimensional advantage. RESULTS: Of all dimensions evaluated by this questionnaire, the occupational value dimension had the highest mean score of 2.61 (0.59), followed by the support/security dimension score of 2.30 (0.74). Occupational protection scored lowest at 1.44 (0.75), followed by work environment at 1.97 (0.81). The social relationships dimension had an intermediate score of 2.06 (0.80). Significant differences in working conditions were observed across hospital departments, with the fever ward scoring lowest. Total scores also differed significantly across workplaces; the fever outpatient department scored lowest (P < 0.01). This phenomenon was likely due to the fact that work in the fever outpatient department, where many patients present to hospital, necessitates constant contact with a large number of individuals with insufficient provision of resources (such as protective equipment and social support). Medical workers in the fever outpatient department were burdened with a fear of COVID-19 infection and a lower sense of professional value as compared to workers in other hospital departments. Medical staff in Wuhan worked longer hours (P < 0.01) as compared to elsewhere. The mean support/security dimension score was higher for tertiary hospital as compared to secondary hospital medical staff as well as for Wuhan area as compared to Qinghai region staff (P < 0.01). Staff in Wuhan had a lower mean work environment score as compared to staff in Qinghai (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Medical staff treating COVID-19 patients in China report poor occupational experiences strongly affected by work environment, occupational protection and social relationships. Health care managers must address the occupational needs of medical staff by ensuring a supportive and safe work environment.

[Effect of staging treatment of Tongyuan acupuncture on pregnancy outcome in patients with recurrent implantation failure of thin endometrium type].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Tongyuan acupuncture combined with medication and medication alone on pregnancy outcome in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) of thin endometrium type. METHODS: A total of 74 patients with RIF of thin endometrium type undergoing freeze-thaw embryo transfer were randomly divided into an observation group (37 cases) and a control group (37 cases). The patients in the control group were treated with freeze-thaw embryo transfer in hormone replacement cycle, and the estradiol valerate tablets were taken orally from the fifth day of menstruation, 2 mg per day. On the basis of the control group, the observation group was additionally treated with Tongyuan acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), etc., combined with other acupoints based on syndrome differentiation and menstrual stage, once every other day. Both groups were treated for 3 menstrual cycles. The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate of the two groups were observed after transplantation; the endometrial thickness and type, resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of endometrial blood flow were measured before treatment and one day before transplantation, and adverse reactions was recorded. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate was 37.8% (14/37) in the observation group, which was higher than 16.2% (6/37) in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in embryo implantation rate between the two groups (P>0.05). One day before transplantation, the endometrial thickness and the proportion of type A in endometrial classification in the two groups were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The PI and RI of endometrial blood flow in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). During the treatment, 6 patients in the control group had discomfort such as breast distending pain, stomach pain, dizziness and nausea, and there were no adverse reaction in the observation group. CONCLUSION: On the basis of conventional medication, Tongyuan acupuncture could increase the endometrial thickness, improve endometrial receptivity, improve pregnancy outcome and reduce adverse reactions in patients with RIF of thin endometrial type.

Sarcopenia in geriatric patients from the plateau region of Qinghai-Tibet: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass, which depends on an assessment of muscle strength and muscle mass. It has been reported that the prevalence of sarcopenia in non-hospitalized elderly people was 9.0%-18.5% in the lowland plains. However, epidemiological investigations of sarcopenia in plateau regions are limited. The city of Xining in Qinghai Province (altitude 2260 m) is the sole point of access to the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. We hypothesized that the diverse ethnicities or dietary habits of the people living in the plateau may influence the prevalence of sarcopenia. AIM: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in geriatric patients from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau region. METHODS: From October to December 2018, 150 hospitalized geriatric patients (72.4 ± 5.60 years) from Xining City (altitude 2260 m) in Qinghai Province were recruited. Collected data included demographics, history of fall, nutritional status, self-care ability, depression, handgrip, muscle mass, and 6-m gait speed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the 2014 criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. RESULTS: The overall rate of sarcopenia was 20% (8.7 and 11.3% in men and women, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that widowhood and a history of falling were associated with sarcopenia, while higher body mass index and beef and mutton consumption were protective. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sarcopenia in hospitalized geriatric patients in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau region was higher than that in the plain region and in non-hospitalized geriatric people (reported elsewhere). Specific cultural features of the region, including ethnicity, brewed tea and ghee consumption, were not significantly associated with sarcopenia. Higher body mass index and consumption of beef and mutton were protective, while patients who were widowed or with a history of falling were at increased risk.

Delivery room resuscitation and short-term outcomes of extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight infants: a multicenter survey in North China.

BACKGROUND: Delivery room resuscitation assists preterm infants, especially extremely preterm infants (EPI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI), in breathing support, while it potentially exerts a negative impact on the lungs and outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to assess delivery room resuscitation and discharge outcomes of EPI and ELBWI in China. METHODS: The clinical data of EPI (gestational age [GA] <28 weeks) and ELBWI (birth weight [BW] <1000 g), admitted within 72 h of birth in 33 neonatal intensive care units from five provinces and cities in North China between 2017 and 2018, were analyzed. The primary outcomes were delivery room resuscitation and risk factors for delivery room intubation (DRI). The secondary outcomes were survival rates, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and risk factors for BPD. RESULTS: A cohort of 952 preterm infants were enrolled. The incidence of DRI, chest compressions, and administration of epinephrine was 55.9% (532/952), 12.5% (119/952), and 7.0% (67/952), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DRI were GA <28 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 3.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.082-4.755), BW <1000 g (OR, 2.240; 95% CI, 1.606-3.125), and antepartum infection (OR, 1.429; 95% CI, 1.044-1.956). The survival rate was 65.9% (627/952) and was dependent on GA. The rate of BPD was 29.3% (181/627). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for BPD were male (OR, 1.603; 95% CI, 1.061-2.424), DRI (OR, 2.094; 95% CI, 1.328-3.303), respiratory distress syndrome exposed to ≥2 doses of pulmonary surfactants (PS; OR, 2.700; 95% CI, 1.679-4.343), and mechanical ventilation ≥7 days (OR, 4.358; 95% CI, 2.777-6.837). However, a larger BW (OR, 0.998; 95% CI, 0.996-0.999), antenatal steroid (OR, 0.577; 95% CI, 0.379-0.880), and PS use in the delivery room (OR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.160-0.467) were preventive factors for BPD (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Improving delivery room resuscitation and management of respiratory complications are imperative during early management of the health of EPI and ELBWI.

Alisol B 23­acetate inhibits the viability and induces apoptosis of non­small cell lung cancer cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of alisol B 23­acetate (AB23A) on inhibiting the viability and inducing apoptosis of human non­small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and the anticancer mechanisms of AB23A in vitro. The viability of A549 cells following treatment with different doses of AB23A was examined using a Cell Counting Kit­8 assay. Subsequently, apoptosis and the cell cycle were detected using flow cytometric analysis. The effect of AB23A on migration and invasion of A549 cells was detected by wound healing and Transwell assays. Western blotting was performed to determine the relative expression of Bax/Bcl­2, phosphatidylinositol 3­kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). AB23A markedly inhibited the viability enhanced apoptosis of A549 cells and arrested the cell cycle in G1 phase. Additionally, AB23A upregulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl­2 in the A549 cells in a concentration­dependent manner. The results of wound healing and Transwell assays indicated that AB23A also suppresses the migration and invasion ability of A549 cells. Furthermore, AB23A reduced the protein levels of phosphorylated AKT, PI3K and mTOR. In conclusion, AB23A exerted anti­cancer activity via inhibiting cells viability, migration and invasion, and promoting apoptosis. Therefore, AB23A is a potential antitumor drug for the treatment of NSCLC.

[Factors influencing the clinical pregnancy rate following intrauterine insemination].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors that affect the clinical pregnancy rate after intrauterine insemination (IUI). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 611 IUI cycles and analyzed the relationship of the clinical pregnancy rate after IUI with the female age, infertility duration, type of infertility, cycle number, cycle protocol, thickness and type of endometrium, and semen parameters before processing. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the ovulation induction than in the natural ovulation cycles (23.03% vs 11.03%, P < 0.01), but lower in the 4th cycle and above than in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cycles (2.04% vs 21.30%, 18.13%, and 12.67%, P < 0.01). Marked decreases were found in the clinical pregnancy rate in the females aged ≥ 40 years and the cases with pre-processing total progressively motile sperm count (TPMSC) < 10 x 10(6), progressive motile sperm < 20%, or morphologically normal sperm < 2% (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed the cycle protocol, cycle number, and percentage of progressively motile sperm as three predictive variables affecting the clinical pregnancy rate after IUI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The cycle protocol, cycle number, percentage of progressively motile sperm, female age, TPMSC, and sperm morphology are the main factors affecting the clinical pregnancy rate following IUI, while infertility duration, type of infertility, and thickness and type of endometrium exert little influence.

[Effects of natural moxibustion on cytokines and specific transcription factors in asthma rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of natural moxibustion on regulating immune imbalance in asthma rats. METHODS: Seventy SD male rats were divided into a normal group, a placebo group, a dexamethasone group, a big-cake for long-course moxibustion group, a big-cake for short-course moxibustion group, a small-cake for long-course moxibustion group and a small-cake for short-course moxibustion group, ten rats in each one. The rat model of asthma was established by egg albumen sensitization and stimulation in all the groups except the normal group. The natural moxibustion was used in all moxibustion groups, in which big cake of 1 cmX 1 cm size was used in the big-cake groups and small cake of 0.5 cmX 0. 5 cm size was used in the small cake groups. According to relevant acupoints, the natural moxibustion was performed, 5 h per time, once a day. Four times of treatment was considered one course, and three courses were required in the long-course groups and one course was required in the short-course groups. Intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone was applied in the dexamethasone group, which had the same course as long-course moxibustion group. After the treatment, changes of EOS in peripheral blood of asthma rats were observed; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to test the contents of IgE, IL-4 and IFN-gamma in the lung tissue; real-time Q-PCR method was adopted to measure the expression level of transcription factor T-bet and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) in the lung tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the EOS in whole blood as well as IL-4 and IgE in plasma were all increased in the placebo group (all P< 0. 01), IFN-gamma in plasma was obviously decreased (P<0. 01); while the levels of EOS, IgE and IL-4 were significantly reduced (all P<0. 01), the content of IFN-gamma was increased (P<0. 01) in all moxibustion groups and dexametnasone group. Compared with the normal group, the expression of T-bet mRNA in the placebo group was significantly reduced (P<0. 01). Each treatment group could significantly increase the expression of T-bet mRNA and reduce that of GATA-3 mRNA (P<0. 01). Compared with the short-course moxibustion groups, the expression of T-bet mRNA was obviously increased in the long-course moxibustion group and dexamethasone group (both P<0.01), and that of GATA-3 mRNA was reduced (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between long-course moxibustion group and dexamethasone group (P> 0. 05), and also no significant difference could be seen between big-cake moxibustion group and small-cake moxibustion group (P>0. 05). CONCLUSION: The natural moxibustion could obviously reduce airway inflammation in asthma rats. With time passing, the efficacy is enhanced, indicating evident timeliness, which has no apparent relationship with the size of moxibustion cake.

[New percutaneous absorption herbal patch for asthma of paracmasis and its effect on the relative transcription factors of patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of new percutaneous absorption herbal patch for asthma of paracmasis, and to optimize the form of the patch. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cases of paracmasis asthma were randomly divided into medicine patch group, medicinal vesiculation group and western medication group with 40 cases for each. The new percutaneous absorption herbal patch was applied on medicine patch group. Traditional medicinal herbs cake of the hospital were applied on medicinal vesiculation group. Feishu (BL 13), Fengmen (BL 12) and Dazhui (GV 14) were adopted for both groups. Each patch was applied for 6 hours and once every other day. Accuhaler was applied on the western medicine group with 2 inhalations a time and twice a day. Clinical symptom scores, number of attacks and asymtomatic days were observed right before, after and half a year after the treatment. Meanwhile, the expression level of IgE, IL-4, GATA-3 mRNA and T-bet mRNA were observed and compared before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Clinical symptom scores of all the 3 groups were improved (all P < 0.01). The differences of the total effective rate, number of attacks and asymtomatic days of all the 3 groups are without statistical significance (all P > 0.05). However, the long-term therapeutic effect in half a year after the treatment showed that the total effective rate of the medicine patch group was 80.0% (32/40), and the medicinal vesiculation group was 70.0% (28/40). Both of the them were obviously higher than 47.5% (19/40) of the western medicine group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). And the medicine patch group surpassed the other 2 groups in controlling the number of attacks and increasing the asymtomatic days (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The level of IgE and IL-4 of all the 3 groups decreased sharply after the treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). And there was no statistic significance in differences among groups (all P > 0.05). The level of GATA-3 mRNA was obviously decreased, while the level of T-bet mRNA was obviouly increased in the medicine patch and medicinal vesiculation groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). And the medicine patch group had obvious superiority on increasing the level of T-bet mRNA when compared with the medicinal vesiculation and western medicine groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the new percutaneous absorption herbal patch has exact effect on asthma. The treatment may reverse the imbalance condition of Th1/Th2 through regulation on cell factor and its specific transcription factors.

[Chemical characteristics and sources of trace metals in precipitation collected from a typical industrial city in Northern China].

To investigate the chemical characteristics and possible sources of trace metals in precipitation of Tangshan, a typical industrial city in Northern China, precipitation samples were collected using an automated wet-only sampler for one year from December 2009 to November 2010 and subjected to chemical analysis using ICP-MS. The results showed that crustal elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe and Al) accounted for 97.72% of the total concentrations while heavy metals (Zn, Mn, Pb, Ba, Sb, Cu, Ni, As, V, Co and Se) only contributed 2.25% of the total. Zinc was the most abundant heavy metal and calcium had the highest concentration among the crustal elements, with volume-weighted mean concentrations of 88.7 microg x L(-1) and 4.5 mg x L(-1), respectively. Seasonal variations of trace metals were significant, with higher values observed in winter and spring than in summer and autumn. The calculation of crustal enrichment factors with Al as the reference element indicated that Tl, As, Ag, Zn, Pb, Cd, Se and Sb were mainly derived from anthropogenic sources and the enrichment factor values of those elements ranged from 10(2) to 10(5). In addition, the concentrations of heavy metals such as Pb, Cu and Ni in precipitation of Tangshan city were higher than those reported for Mt. Tai. The results of principle component analysis demonstrated that steel smelting emissions, fugitive dusts and coal combustion were probably the major contributors of trace metals in the precipitation of Tangshan City.

[Effects of Na-FA on gastrointestinal movement and gastric ulcer in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To research the effects of Na-FA on gastrointestinal movement and gastriculcer in mice. METHODS: Using charcoal powder as an indicator, the effects of FA-Na on bowel movement of mice was evaluated by determining the propulsive percent-age of charcoal powder in normal mice, inhibition of small intestinal propulsion model induced by Compound Diphenoxylate and spleen asthenia and diarrhea model caused by Rheum officinale Baill; The acute gastric ulcer model was induced by intragastric alcohol given orally, the protective effect of FA-Na given ahead on gastric injury was evaluated, the ulcer index and the inhibition ratio of ulcer was calculated. RESULTS: FA-Na (intragastric administration) had inhibit effect on normal mice and diarrhea model caused by Rheum officinale, significantly synergetic effect on gastrointestinal asynersis induced by Compound Diphenoxylate, and protective effect on mice gastric mucosal injury cause by dehydrated alcohol. Compared with the positive control drug Ranitidine, the ulcer index and ulcer inhibition ratio large doses of FA-Na had no significant difference. CONCLUSION: The acute toxicity of FA-Na is very low, it has the effects of antidiarrheal and anti-gastric ulcer.

[Effect of catgut implantation at acupoint on gonadal hormone and beta-endorphin in patients of climacteric syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical therapeutic effect of catgut implantation at acupoint on climacteric syndrome (CS) and its mechanism. METHODS: Sixty cases were randomly divided into a catgut implantation group and a western medicine group, 30 cases in each group. The catgut implantation group was treated by catgut implantation at Shenshu (BL 23), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The western medicine group was treated by oral administration of Diethylstilbestrol tablet. Their therapeutic effects and changes of content of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotrophic hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) in serum were observed. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 93.3% in the catgut implantation group and 70.0% in the western medicine group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). After treatment, the beta-EP concentration in the catgutation implant group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), the FSH concentration was significantly reduced and E2 concentration was significantly increased as compared with those in the western medicine group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Catgut implantation at acupoint has an obvious therapeutic effects on CS. It can significantly improve the ovaries function and has a favorable regulative action on the endogenous opioid peptides.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P in perennial allergic rhinitis patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the underlying neuroimmunological mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). METHODS: One hundred PAR outpatients were evenly randomized into EA group and medication group. Patients in EA group were treated with EA (5-10 mA, 80-100 Hz, and 30 min of stimulation) of Sphenopalatine ganglion area, Yingxiang (LI 20), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN 8), Yintang (EX-HN 3), supplemented with other acupoints according to syndrome-differentiation (once daily, 10 days being a therapeutic course). Patients of medication group were treated by Cetirizine (10 mg/times, t. i.d, peros). Before and after the treatment, blood samples of the ulnar vein were collected for detecting plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) contents with radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the two 50 cases in EA and medication groups, 20 (40%) and 16 (32%) had an obvious improvement, 28 (56%) and 24 (48%) had an improvement, 2 (4%) and 10 (20%) failed, with the total effective rates being 96% and 80% separately. The therapeutic effect of EA group was significantly superior to that of medication group (P < 0.05). Self-comparison of each group showed that after the treatment, both plasma VIP and SP levels of two groups lowered apparently (P < 0.05, 0.01). Comparison between two groups showed that after the treatment, the content of VIP in EA group was markedly lower than that of medication group, while no significant difference was found between two groups in plasma SP levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can effectively relieve perennial allergic rhinitis patients' clinical symptoms, which is closely related to its functions in lowering plasma VIP and SP levels.

[Auricular point sticking plus moxibustion for treatment of recurrent herpes simplex].

OBJECTIVE: To search for the best therapy for recurrent herpes simplex. METHODS: Ninety-six cases were randomly divided into an auricular point sticking plus moxibustion group (treatment group, n = 54), a medication group (control group, n = 42). The treatment group were treated with auricular sticking at points Spleen, Lung, Kidney, and others, and moxibustion was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), and local blister; the control group were treated by oral administration and external application of aciclovir. RESULTS: The cured rate and the total effective rate were 55.5% and 100.0% in the treatment group, and 9.5% and 61.9% in the control group, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The auricular point sticking plus moxibustion is a better therapy for recurrent herpes simplex, with a significantly better therapeutic effect than that of the medication.

HLA-G protein concentrations in maternal serum and placental tissue are decreased in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study were to determine whether soluble human leukocyte antigen-G protein levels in serum and/or human leukocyte antigen protein in placental tissues differ between women with preeclampsia versus uncomplicated pregnancies. Study design human leukocyte antigen-G levels were determined with the use of a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 subjects with preeclampsia and 14 normal control subjects. RESULTS: Both serum and placental human leukocyte antigen-G levels were decreased significantly in the preeclampsia group (median, 0.026 microg/mL in serum; median, 0.026 microg/mg protein in placenta), in comparison with normal pregnant women (median, 0.093 microg/mL in serum; median, 0.088 microg/mg protein in placenta; P=.0112 and P=.0406, respectively). There was a significant correlation between serum and placental human leukocyte antigen-G levels (r=0.603; P=0.0002). CONCLUSION: The reduced expression of placental human leukocyte antigen-G and reduced release of this protein into the maternal circulation in preeclampsia may alter the maternal-fetal immune relationship and thus be involved in the cause of this disorder.