Perceptual learning for treating amblyopia in children based on activation of visual signal pathway Relationship of curative effects and time

BACKGROUND： Conventional methods （such as occlusion therapy, fine manipulation, complementary, and alternative medicine） take effects slowly, are time and labor consuming, and have uncertain curative effects in the treatment of amblyopia. Perceptual learning, a new method for treating amblyopia, improves the ability to process signals from the cerebral optic nerve system by specific visual stimulation and visual learning, as well as activation of the visual signal pathway utilizing brain nervous system plasticity. OBJECTIVE： This study investigated and evaluated the curative effects of perceptual learning, which can directionally increase brain plasticity, on the treatment of amblyopia in children. The relationship between curative effect and time was also analyzed. DESIGN： A self-control experiment. SETTING： Visual Science and Optometry Center, People＇s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 125 amblyopic children （250 amblyopic eyes）, 73 males, 52 females, averaging （6±2） years of age, received treatment at the Visual Science and Optometry Center, People＇s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region between September 2006 and February 2007 and were recruited for this study. All children presented with no structural disease of the eyeballs. Written informed consent for therapeutic regiments was obtained from each child＇s parent. The protocol received approval from the Hospital＇s Ethics Committee. METHODS： Visual function was tested with a perceptual learning system （Research Center for Human Health and Development of Sun Yat-sen University, National Engineering Technique Research Center for Medical Care Implement） for visual noise, position noise, contour discrimination, contrast sensitivity, grating stereogram, and random-dot fusion. These tests helped to evaluate the efficiency of visual information processing of these children, and to determine the degree of defects of the optic nerve cells and the connections of visual cortical neurons. According to results of visual function tests, individualized treatment was adopted for each amblyopia patient using perceptual learning system. One course of treatment lasted one month, and treatment was performed twice every day with two training procedures （each training procedure lasted for ten minutes）. There was a ten-minute time interval between the two training procedures. The training treatment was performed in a quiet and dark environment. Visual acuity and recovery of visual function were tested every month. Original training procedure was continued or adjusted according to the results of visual function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Visual function change; relationship of curative effects and curative time. RESULTS： A total of 125 amblyopia children were included in the final analysis. The total efficiency of perceptual learning for treating amblyopia in children was 75.2%. Visual acuity began to greatly increase 3 months after treatment （P 〈 0.05）. Visual acuity was best corrected from 0.60 ± 0.23 before treatment to 0.86 ± 0.26 after treatment （P 〈 0.05）. The mean time to reach improved levels with curative effects was （2.82 ± 1.30） months, and to reach a basically cured level was （2.87 ±1.40） months. Percentage of improved visual acuity was the highest [98% （39/40）] in children that received 3 months of treatment and the lowest [55% （31/56）] in children that received 1 month of treatment （P 〈 0.05）. The percentage of basically cured levels with curative effects increased with length of learning time and was the greatest in children that received 4 months of treatment [67% （31/46）, P 〈 0.05]. CONCLUSION： Perceptual learning rapidly and remarkably improves visual function of amblyopia children; however, the curative effects are first apparent two and three months after intervention.

Mechanisms,clinically curative effects,and antifungal activities of cinnamon oil and pogostemon oil complex against three species of Candida

The anti-fungus mechanisms and curative effects of cinnamon oil and pogostemon oil complexes to wards intestinal Candida infections were investigat ed.We measured the minimal inhibitory concentra tion(MIC) values of the complexes against Candida using proportionally-diluted test-tube medium and examined the evolution of the morphology and structures of Candida albicans using scanning electronic microscopy(SEM) and transmission elec tronic microscopy(TEM).We found that the aver age MIC values of the complexes against the fung were 0.064 mg/mL(cinnamon oil),0.032 mg/mL(pogostemon oil) for Candida albicans,0.129 mg/mL(cinnamon oil),0.064 mg/mL(pogostemon oil for Candida tropicalis,and 0.129 mg/mL(cinnamon oil),0.064 mg/mL(pogostemon oil),for Candida krusei.SEM examination over a 24-48 h period showed that the morphology of Candida albicans cells changed significantly.Irregular hollows ap peared on the surfaces,inside organelles were destroyed and the cells burst after treatment.TEM examination over a 48-72 h period indicated that the cell walls were damaged,organelles were destroyed and most cytoplasms became empty bubbles.Sixty intestinal Candida-infected patients were treated with a capsule containing cinnamon and pogostemon oil.The curative ratio was 71.67%(43/60),and the improvement ratio was 28.33%(17/60),giving a to talratio of 100%.Thus,the cinnamonoil and pogostemon oil complexes had strong anti-funguseffectsag ainst Candida albicans,Candidatropicalis,and Candidakrusei.They impacted the morphology and sub-micro structures of the fungus within48-72h,and eventually denatured and killed the cells.The complexes have also shown considerable curative effects to intestinal Candida infections.

Comparative analysis of four active compounds of Baikal skullcap and its classical TCM prescriptions according to different clinical curative effects

Objective: A sensitive HPLC-DAD detection method was established for the comparative analysis of the four active compounds(including baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside and wogonin) of Baikal Skullcap and its classical TCM prescriptions according to different clinical curative effects. And analyze the relationship between compatibility of medicines, content and clinical curative effect.Methods: Water extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection(HPLC-DAD), using an Agilent extend-C_(18)(4.6 mm×250 mm,5μm) column by using solvent A(0.2% phosphoric acid water) and solvent B(methanol) in the ratio of 52:48(v/v) at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The column temperature was maintained at 25°C and the detection wavelength was set at 280 nm.Results: In quantitative analysis, the four selected markers showed good regression(R^2>0.999) within test ranges. The average recoveries were between 99.75~100.60% and their RSD values were between 0.97%~1.71%. The proportions of the four chemical compounds for different efficacy were 33.51~35.76: 6.78~6.87: 3.45~3.64: 1; 18.6~23.64: 3.63~4.27: 1.36~1.53: 1; 29.94~31.78: 5.14~5.23: 3.28~3.56: 1; 33.99~41.91:5.83~7.42: 2.83~3.39: 1.Conclusion: Clinical practice of thousands of years have proved that the curative effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine depends on the compatibility of different kinds of medicine material crude slices. According to this study we found that different compatibility of medicines leads to different proportions of the chemical compounds. We assume that there is a certain correlation between therapeutical effect of TCM and compatibility of medicines.

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of Electroacupuncture on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Phlegm Dampness Type and Oxidative Stress Level

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture on improving polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)of kidney deficiency and phlegm dampness type and serum oxidative stress level.Methods:There were 68 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly divided into observation group(34 cases)and the control group(34 cases),The observation group was treated by electroacupuncture,while the control group was treated by placebo electroacupuncture.Combined with the evaluation of menstrual cycle,menstrual color,quality,quantity and TCM symptom integral index,the difference of curative effect between the two groups was observed,and the levels of peripheral blood,sex hormones,insulin resistance and oxidative stress were detected before and after treatment for 3 months.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was better than that in the control group(P<0.01);After intervention,serum LH,FSH,E_(2) and LH/FSH in the observation group were significantly different from those before intervention.The D values of serum LH,FSH,LH/FSH and E_(2) before and after intervention were significantly different between the two groups(P<0.01);Comparing the level of androgen,the serum A4 and T in the observation group were significantly different from those before intervention(P<0.01);After intervention,there was a significant difference in serum A4 and T between the two groups(P<0.01),and there was a significant difference in D value between the two groups before and after intervention;There was a difference in insulin resistance in the observation group before and after intervention(P<0.05),and there was a significant difference in D value between the two groups before and after intervention(P<0.01);After the intervention,the serum SOD,MDA,ROS in the observation group were significantly different from those before the intervention;After intervention,the results of serum SOD and ROS in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group;There was no significant difference in serum MDA results.There were significant differences in SOD,MDA,ROS between the two groups before and after intervention.Conclusion:Electroacupuncture can improve oxidative stress injury,insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in PCOS patients.

Vitamin D,selenium,and antidiabetic drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

BACKGROUND Diabetes and thyroiditis are closely related.They occur in combination and cause significant damage to the body.There is no clear treatment for type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT).While single symptomatic drug treatment of the two diseases is less effective,combined drug treatment may improve efficacy.AIM To investigate the effect of a combination of vitamin D,selenium,and hypoglycemic agents in T2DM with HT.METHODS This retrospective study included 150 patients with T2DM and HT treated at The Central Hospital of Shaoyang from March 2020 to February 2023.Fifty patients were assigned to the control group,test group A,and test group B according to different treatment methods.The control group received low-iodine diet guidance and hypoglycemic drug treatment.Test group A received the control treatment plus vitamin D treatment.Test group B received the group A treatment plus selenium.Blood levels of markers of thyroid function[free T3(FT3),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),free T4(FT4)],autoantibodies[thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAB)and thyroid globulin antibody(TGAB)],blood lipid index[low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),total cholesterol(TC),triacylglycerol(TG)],blood glucose index[fasting blood glucose(FBG),and hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)]were measured pre-treatment and 3 and 6 months after treatment.The relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3[25(OH)D3]level and each of these indices were analyzed.RESULTS The levels of 25(OH)D3,FT3,FT4,and LDL-C increased in the order of the control group,test group A,and test group B(all P<0.05).The TPOAB,TGAB,TC,TG,FBG,HbA1c,and TSH levels increased in the order of test groups B,A,and the control group(all P<0.05).All the above indices were compared after 3 and 6 months of treatment.Pre-treatment,there was no divergence in serum 25(OH)D3 level,thyroid function-related indexes,autoantibodies level,blood glucose,and blood lipid index between the control group,test groups A and B(all P>0.05).The 25(OH)D3 levels in test groups A and B were negatively correlated with FT4 and TGAB(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The combination drug treatment for T2DM with HT significantly improved thyroid function,autoantibody,and blood glucose and lipid levels.

Clinical efficacy and mechanism study of mid-frequency anti-snoring device in treating moderate obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is primarily caused by airway obstruction due to narrowing and blockage in the nasal and nasopha-ryngeal,oropharyngeal,soft palate,and tongue base areas.The mid-frequency anti-snoring device is a new technology based on sublingual nerve stimulation.Its principle is to improve the degree of oropharyngeal airway stenosis in OSAHS patients under mid-frequency wave stimulation.Nevertheless,there is a lack of clinical application and imaging evidence.METHODS We selected 50 patients diagnosed with moderate OSAHS in our hospital between July 2022 and August 2023.They underwent a 4-wk treatment regimen involving the mid-frequency anti-snoring device during nighttime sleep.Following the treatment,we monitored and assessed the sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores.Additionally,we performed computed tomo-graphy scans of the oropharynx in the awake state,during snoring,and while using the mid-frequency anti-snoring device.Cross-sectional area measurements in different states were taken at the narrowest airway point in the soft palate posterior and retrolingual areas.RESULTS Compared to pretreatment measurements,patients exhibited a significant reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index,the percentage of time with oxygen saturation below 90%,snoring frequency,and the duration of the most prolonged apnea event.The lowest oxygen saturation showed a notable increase,and both sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores improved.Oropharyngeal computed tomography scans revealed that in OSAHS patients cross-sectional areas of the oropharyngeal airway in the soft palate posterior area and retrolingual area decreased during snoring compared to the awake state.Conversely,during mid-frequency anti-snoring device treatment,these areas increased compared to snoring.CONCLUSION The mid-frequency anti-snoring device demonstrates the potential to enhance various sleep parameters in patients with moderate OSAHS,thereby improving their quality of life and reducing daytime sleepiness.These therapeutic effects are attributed to the device’s ability to ameliorate the narrowing of the oropharynx in OSAHS patients.

Application of buried auricular point combined with Wenjing Sanhan prescription in arteriosclerosis obliterans patients with resting pain

BACKGROUND Research on the combined use of ear acupoint embedding beans and warming meridians with cold-dispersing formulas for alleviating resting pain in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO)remains limited.AIM To explore the therapeutic efficacy of auricular point embedding beans combined with Wenjing Sanhan prescription in alleviating resting pain in patients with lower-limb ASO.METHODS A total of 100 patients with ASO experiencing resting pain who were treated at our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were enrolled.They were randomly allocated into two groups using a double-blind approach.The control group was treated using a warming meridian with a cold-dispersing formula,while the study group received additional treatment with ear acupoint embedding beans.The clinical efficacy,ankle-brachial artery pressure ratio,hemorheological indicators,and traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The clinical efficacy rate in the study group was significantly higher(94.00%)than that in the control group(72.00%,P<0.05).Moreover,the ankle-brachial artery pressure ratio was significantly higher in the study group after treatment(P<0.05).Hemorheological parameters,including whole blood viscosity,plasma viscosity(1.83±0.11)mPa/s,fibrinogen levels(3.30±0.21)g/L,platelet adhesion rate(49.87%±10.51%),and erythrocyte aggregation index(1.79±0)were improved in the study group compared to the control group.In addition,the scores for decreased skin temperature(1.41±0.26),intermittent claudication(1.30±0.20),and resting pain(1.23±0.31)were significantly lower in the study group than those in the control group(all P<0.05).The level of oxidative stress in the study group also exhibited significant improvement(P<0.05),and the levels of inflammatory factors were considerably lower than those in the control group.CONCLUSION The combination of ear point embedding beans and Wenjing Sanhan prescription demonstrates promising clinical efficacy in alleviating resting pain associated with ASO.

Acupuncture for ischemic stroke:where are we now?

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for ischemic stroke(IS)and plays a key role in neurological rehabilitation after IS.Acupuncture can improve the clinical symptoms of various complications after IS,including motor dysfunction,swallowing disorders,speech disorders,cognitive impairment,depression,insomnia,and fatigue.However,the mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture in IS remain unclear.Available evidence suggests that acupuncture may exert neuroprotective effects through neuroplasticity(neurogenesis and synaptogenesis),angiogenesis,cell proliferation and apoptosis,and regulation of oxidative stress,inflammation,and immunity.Further studies should be conducted to improve the high-quality evidence-based system of acupuncture intervention for IS,by focusing on the clinical and basic research design,increasing the sample size,standardizing and quantifying the standards of acupuncture operations,using multidisciplinary techniques and methods to systematically explore the key targets of acupuncture intervention for IS,and reveal the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of IS.

Clinical efficacy,bone density,and follow-up in implant and orthodontic treatment for inclined adjacent teeth

BACKGROUND Tooth defects can cause elongation of occlusal teeth,leading to insufficient repair space.The combination of dental implant restoration and orthodontic treatment of oblique adjacent teeth has a significant therapeutic effect.AIM To explore clinical efficacy,bone density,and follow-up of implant and orthodontic treatment for patients with inclined adjacent teeth.METHODS In total,98 patients with oblique adjacent teeth were randomly assigned to implant restoration combined with orthodontic treatment(group A,n=49)or to receive implant restoration alone(group B,n=49).Changes in alveolar ridge bone density and apical bone density were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.Changes in chewing function and language function were compared between the two groups of patients.Follow-up lasted for 12 mo after repair to observe any adverse reactions in the oral cavity.RESULTS The clinical effective rates of group A and group B were 97.96%and 85.71%,respectively,with group A having a higher clinical effective rate than group B.After treatment,the bone density of the alveolar ridge and apical bone in both groups decreased compared to before treatment,while the chewing and language functions improved.The changes in various indicators in group A were more significant.After treatment,the satisfaction rate of group A(97.96%)was higher than that of group B(79.59%).The incidence of adverse reactions in group A(2.04%)was lower than that in group B(24.49%).CONCLUSION The amalgamation of implant restoration and orthodontic treatment for adjacent tilted teeth demonstrates notable clinical efficacy,diminishes alveolar bone resorption,and fosters patient functional rehabilitation while exhibiting negligible adverse reactions.

Comparing pharmacotherapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of anxiety and depression after aortic dissection surgery

BACKGROUND Aortic coarctation is a potentially fatal condition that is primarily treated surgically.Despite successful procedures,patients frequently experience postoperative anxiety and depression,which can hinder recovery and worsen outcomes.Pharmacological interventions,such as 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors,are commonly prescribed;however,their efficacy alone or in combination with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques,such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS),remains unclear.AIM To assess the effect of medications and TMS on post-aortic surgery anxiety and depression.METHODS We analyzed the outcomes of 151 patients with anxiety and depression who were hospitalized for aortic dissection between January 2020 and September 2022.Using the random number table method,75 and 76 patients were allocated to the normal control and study groups,respectively.All the patients were treated using routine procedures.The control group was administered anti-anxiety and antidepression drugs,whereas the study group was treated with TMS in addition to these medications.The patients in both groups showed improvement after two courses of treatment.The Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)and the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)were used to assess anxiety and depression,respectively.The serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and 5-HT were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)was used to estimate sleep quality,and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status(RBANS)was used to assess cognitive function.RESULTS The HAMD and HAMA scores reduced in 2 groups,with the study group achieving a lower level than control(P<0.05).In the control group,43 patients recovered,17 showed improvement,and 15 were deemed invalid.In the study group,52 recovered,20 improved,and four were invalid.The efficacy rate in study group was 94.74%compared to 80.00%in control(P<0.05).The BDNF and 5-HT levels increased in both groups,with higher levels observed in the experimental group(P<0.05).Moreover,the PSQI scores decreased in 2 groups,but were lower in the intervention group than control(P<0.05).The scores of the RBANS items increased,with the study group scoring higher than control(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Combining anti-anxiety and anti-depressive drugs with repetitive TMS after aortic surgery may enhance mood and treatment outcomes,offering a promising clinical approach.

Clinical effect of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride on mild-to-moderate depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common,chronic,and recurrent mood disorder that has become a worldwide health hazard.Fluoxetine hydrochloride,a common treatment method,can inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)recycling in the presynaptic membrane;however,the efficacy of a single drug is inadequate.At present,mildto-moderate depression can be treated with acupuncture of ghost caves,but the clinical curative effect of combined therapy with fluoxetine hydrochloride has not been sufficiently reported.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression.METHODS This retrospective study included 160 patients with mild-to-moderate depression who were admitted to Shanghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,between January 2022 and June 2023.Patients were separated into a single-agent group(fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment,n=80)and a coalition group(fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment combined with acupuncture at ghost points,n=80).Pre-treatment symptoms were recorded,and the clinical curative effect and adverse reactions[Asberg Antidepressant Side Effects Scale(SERS)]were assessed.Depression before and after treatment[Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-24],neurotransmitter levels[5-HT,norepinephrine(NE),dopamine(DA)],oxidative stress indicators[superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA)],and sleep quality[Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)]were compared.RESULTS The total efficacy rate was 97.50%in the coalition group and 86.25%in the single-agent group(P<0.05).After 2,4,6,and 8 wk of treatment,the HAMD,self-rating depression scale,and SERS scores of the coalition and single-agent groups decreased compared with pre-treatment,and the decrease was more significant in the coalition group(P<0.05).After 8 wk of treatment,the levels of NE,DA,5-HT,and SOD in the coalition and single-agent groups increased,while the levels of MDA decreased;the increases and decrease in the coalition group were more significant(P<0.05).The PSQI scores of the coalition and single-agent groups decreased,and the decrease was more significant in the coalition group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture at ghost points combined with paroxetine tablets can safely improve depressive symptoms and sleep disorders,regulate neurotransmitter levels,and reduce stress responses in patients with mild-to-moderate depression.

Effect of a systemic intervention combined with a psychological intervention in stroke patients with oropharyngeal dysfunction

BACKGROUND Stroke frequently results in oropharyngeal dysfunction(OD),leading to difficulties in swallowing and eating,as well as triggering negative emotions,malnutrition,and aspiration pneumonia,which can be detrimental to patients.However,routine nursing interventions often fail to address these issues adequately.Systemic and psychological interventions can improve dysphagia symptoms,relieve negative emotions,and improve quality of life.However,there are few clinical reports of systemic interventions combined with psychological interventions for stroke patients with OD.AIM To explore the effects of combining systemic and psychological interventions in stroke patients with OD.METHODS This retrospective study included 90 stroke patients with OD,admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College(January 2022–December 2023),who were divided into two groups:regular and coalition.Swallowing function grading(using a water swallow test),swallowing function[using the standardized swallowing assessment(SSA)],negative emotions[using the selfrating anxiety scale(SAS)and self-rating depression scale(SDS)],and quality of life(SWAL-QOL)were compared between groups before and after the intervention;aspiration pneumonia incidence was recorded.RESULTS Post-intervention,the coalition group had a greater number of patients with grade 1 swallowing function compared to the regular group,while the number of patients with grade 5 swallowing function was lower than that in the regular group(P<0.05).Post-intervention,the SSA,SAS,and SDS scores of both groups decreased,with a more significant decrease observed in the coalition group(P<0.05).Additionally,the total SWAL-QOL score in both groups increased,with a more significant increase observed in the coalition group(P<0.05).During the intervention period,the total incidence of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia in the coalition group was lower than that in the control group(4.44%vs 20.00%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Systemic intervention combined with psychological intervention can improve dysphagia symptoms,alleviate negative emotions,enhance quality of life,and reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in patients with OD.

Clinical study of different interventional treatments for primary hepatocellular carcinoma based on propensity-score matching

BACKGROUND Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the main treatment for patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma(PHC)who miss the opportunity to undergo surgery.Conventional TACE(c-TACE)uses iodized oil as an embolic agent,which is easily washed by blood and affects its efficacy.Drug-eluting bead TACE(DEB-TACE)can sustainably release chemotherapeutic drugs and has a long embolization time.However,the clinical characteristics of patients before the two types of interventional therapies may differ,possibly affecting the conclusion.Only a few studies have compared these two interventions using propensity-score matching(PSM).AIM To analyze the clinical effects of DEB-TACE and c-TACE on patients with PHC based on PSM.METHODS Patients with PHC admitted to Dangyang People’s Hospital(March 2020 to March 2024)were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into groups A(DEB-TACE,n=125)and B(c-TACE,n=106).Sex,age,Child-Pugh grade,tumor-node-meta-stasis stage,and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score were selected for 1:1 PSM.Eighty-six patients each were included post-matching.Clinical efficacy,liver function indices(aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin,and albumin),tumor serum markers,and adverse reactions were compared between the groups.RESULTS The objective response and disease control rates were significantly higher in group A(80.23%and 97.67%,respectively)than in group B(60.47%and 87.21%,respectively)(P<0.05).Post-treatment levels of aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,and total bilirubin were lower in group A than in group B(P<0.05),whereas post-treatment levels of albumin in group A were comparable to those in group B(P>0.05).Post-treatment levels of tumor serum markers were significantly lower in group A than in group B(P<0.05).Patients in groups A and B had mild-to-moderate fever and vomiting symptoms,which improved with conservative treatment.The total incidence of adverse reactions was significantly higher in group B(22.09%)than in group A(6.97%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION DEB-TACE has obvious therapeutic effects on patients with PHC.It can improve liver function indices and tumor markers of patients without increasing the rate of liver toxicity or adverse reactions.

The Effectiveness of Albumin Combined with Diuretics in Treating Ascites in Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis often leads to various complications during its progression,with ascites being one of the most common.Among these cases,5%to 10%are classified as refractory ascites.In recent years,clinical research on the treatment of cirrhotic ascites has yielded increasingly enriched results.In this paper,a large number of clinical data on the treatment of ascites using albumin combined with diuretics were collected,and it was found that there were more results in group control studies.It was believed that albumin combined with diuretic therapy could effectively improve symptoms,reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions,ensure the safety of patients,and have a good clinical application prospect.This paper reviews the efficacy of albumin combined with diuretics in the treatment of ascites in cirrhosis.

Clinical effects of acupoints moxibustion therapy on postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome after resection of esophageal cardia cancer

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate effects of acupoints moxibustion therapy on postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome(PGS) after resection of esophageal cardia cancer.METHODS:60 patients with PGS after resection of esophageal cardia cancer,admitted to the second affiliated hospital to Nanyang medical college from August 2012 to August 2015,were selected and studied randomly.They were divided into the treatment group and the control group by single blind controlled method,30 cases in each group.The gastric paralysis main symptom index(GCSI,by symptom ratings quantitative score table) score,drainage volume of gastric juice and value of motilin were recorded respectively at 1,7,14 and 21 days after treatment in two groups.Apart from conventional therapies,acupoints moxibustion was given on Shenque,Guanyuan,Qihai,Zhongwan acupoints,twice a day,30 minutes once,7 days as a course of treatment and for 3 courses in the treatment group.In the control group,the conventional therapies were given,7 days as a course of treatment and for 3 courses.RESULTS:The GCSI score,drainage volume of gastric juice,value of motilin in the treatment group were better than that of the control group at 7,14,21 days respectively,and there were significant differences between two groups(P<0.05).The treatment group had a more sigi curative effect than that in the control group at 7,14 days respectively(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference at 21 day between the two groups(x^2=5.68,P<0.13);nevertheless,there were more recovery cases in the treatment group than those in the control group at 21 day(x^2=4.59,P<0.032).The total effective rate was 100.00% in treatment group,and 83.00% in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Acupoints moxibustion has the advantageof addressing both the symptoms and root causes of PGS after resection of esophageal cardia cancer.

Application Status of Infrarde Thermography in the Evaluation of Curative Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Infrarde thermography is a kind of functional imaging technology to detect the surface temperature of human body.To a certain extent,it provides a scientific basis for the datamation,visualization and objectification of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).It has the characteristics of noninvasive,accuracy and predictability.In this paper,infrarde thermography was applied,and summed up its advantages and disadvantages,so as to play a more important role in the field of TCM infrarde thermography.

Effects of tanshinone Ⅱ sodium sulfonate plus cinepazide maleate on the hemorrheologic indexes and blood lipids in patients with acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND： The severity of cerebral infarction is associated with the increase of blood viscosity caused by hyperfibrinogenemia and hyperlipidemia, etc. Thus it has become one of the target for treating cerebral infarction to decrease blood viscosity by integrated Chinese and western medicine. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the influence and clinical therapeutic effects of cinepazide maleate combined with tanshinone Ⅱ A sodium sulfonate on the hemorrheologic indexes and blood lipids of patients with acute cerebral infarction, and compare the results with those of simple cinepazide maleate treatment. DESIGN： A non-randomized case-controlled observation. SETTINGS： Hebei North University; the Second Affiliated Hospitals of Hebei North University; the Third Affiliated Hospitals of Hebei North University, PARTICIPANTS： Eighty-six inpatients with cerebral infarction were selected from the infirmary, the Second and Third Affiliated Hospitals of Hebei North University from September 2004 to October 2006. They were all diagnosed to have acute cerebral infarction by CT or MRI, and accorded with the diagnostic standards for acute cerebral infarction set by the Fourth National Academic Meeting for Cerebrovascular Disease in 1995. Meanwhile, 40 teachers and medical staff of voluntary physical examinees were selected as the control group. Informed contents were obtained from all the patients and their relatives. METHODS： The patients were divided into combined treatment group （n=43） and simple treatment group （n=3）. In the combined treatment group, the patients were administrated with 160 mg cinepazide maleate injection （Beijing Four-ring Pharmaceutical, Co.,Ltd, No. H200220125; 80 mg/2 mL） added in 5% glucose, and 40 mg tanshinone Ⅱ sodium sulfonate （Shanghai No.1 Biochemical ＆ Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., No. H31022558, 10 mg/2 mL） added in 250 mL normal saline. In the simple treatment group, the patients were only administrated with cinepazide maleate 320 mg added in 5% glucose or 250 mL normal saline. They were treated for 1 or 2 courses, once a day, and 14 days as a course. The patients were detected before treatment and at 14 and 28 days after treatment respectively. ① Determination of hemorrheologic indexes： Whole blood viscosity was determined with LBY-N6B automatic hemorrheologic meter; Plasma viscosity with LBY-F200B automatic plasma viscosity meter; Volume of fibrinogen was determined by the method of 12.5% sodium nitrate depositing biuret reaction. ② Determination of blood lipids： The serum levels of total cholesterol （TC）, triglyceride （TG）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） and high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） were determined. ③ Severity of neurological deficit： The total score of neurological deficit score （NDS） ranged from 0 to 45 points, 0 - 15 points was taken as mild, 16 - 30 points as moderate and 31 - 45 points as severe.④ Evaluation of curative effects： Generally cured： NDS decreased by 91% - 100%, and disabled severity of grade 0; Significantly improved： NDS decreased by 46% - 90%, and disabled severity of grades 1 - 3; Improved： NDS decreased by 18% - 45%; No change： NDS decreased by less than 18%; Aggravated： NDS increased by more than 18%. Generally cured and significant improved were taken as significant effect. ⑤ The adverse events and side effects after medication were observed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ① Results of hemorrheologic indexes and blood lipids; ② NDS results in the combined treatment group and simple treatment group; ③ Therapeutic effects and adverse events. RESULTS： All the 86 patients with cerebral infarction and 40 healthy controls were involved in the analysis of results. ① Results of hemorrheologic indexes and blood lipids： The hemorrheologic indexes and blood lipids before treatment were manifested as abnormalities to different extents in both the combined treatment group and simple treatment group; The hemorrheologic indexes after treatment were obviously improved in both groups. But the hemorrheologic indexes were improved more obviously in the combined treatment group as compared with those in the simple treatment group （P 〈 0.05）; The levels of TC, TG and LDL-C after treatment in the combined treatment group were obviously lowered （P 〈 0.05）, whereas those in the simple treatment group were not significantly changed （P 〉 0.05）. ② NDS results： The NDS scores at 14 and 28 days after treatment in the combined treatment group [（6.23±2.34）, （4.27± 1.83） points] were obviously lower than those in the simple treatment group [（8.76±3.41）, （6.65±2.49） points, P 〈 0.05]. ③ Therapeutic effects and side effects： The total significant effective rates in the combined treatment group and simple treatment group were 93% and 81% respectively. In the combined treatment group, 1 case suffered from palpitation, dizziness and agrypnia. In the simple treatment group, 1 case suffered from palpitation, dizziness and agrypnia, 1 case had itch of skin. All the above symptoms disappeared gradually after the transfusing speed was adjusted to be slower. No drug withdrawal occurred in the patients due to the adverse events. CONCLUSION： Cinepazide maleate combined with tanshinon can obviously improve the abnormalities of hemorrheologic indexes and blood lipids and nerve function in patients with acute cerebral infarction, and its curative effect is faster than that of simple cinepazide maleate treatment.