Systematic review on the effectiveness of embedding catgut therapy for simple obesity

Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of acupoint catgut embedding therapy （ACET） for simple obesity. Methods Computer retrieval was used for randomized controlled trials on the treatment effect of simple obesity with ACET in databases of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）, Wanfang Data system, and the China Biology Medicine disc （CBMDisc）. The Jadad Quality Scale was used in the evaluation of included studies. The outcome indicators were analyzed with the Review Manage 5.1 software. Results A total of 16 randomized controlled trials were included finally. The meta-analysis result showed that compared with the control group, there was statistically significance on the total efficiency of using ACET for simple obesity [OR=2.51, 95% confidence interval （1.74, 3.63）, Z=4.91, P〈0.000 01]. The analysis on the literature quality showed that there was only 2 article marked as 3 points. The other 25 articles marked ≤2 points. The quality of published articles was generally low. There were publication biases and the blinding method was seldom used, the losses of follow-up / drop oup / withdraw were reported with less. There were 27 acupoints used in the treatment, which mainly included Tianshu （天枢ST 25）, Zhongwan （中脘 CV 12）, Fenglong （丰隆 ST 40）, Shufen （水分 CV 9）, Qihai （气海 CV 6）, Sanyinjiao （三阴交 SP 6）, Zusnli （足三里 ST 36）, Ashi point, Daheng （大横 SP 25）. The five kinds of catgut embedding needle were injection needles ＋ acupuncture needle, specialized catgut embedding needle, spinal needle, triangular needle, and skin suture needle. Conclusion There is definite efficiency of using ACET in the treatment of simple obesity. However, the clinical efficiency still lacks of sufficient evidences. Therefore, further clinical research should be conducted in the providing of reliable evidences in the clinical decision-making in the future.

Effect of Spinning Process on Properties of Polyglycollide Acid Embedding Materials

Acupoint catgut embedding therapy(ACET),filling the gaps of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture treatment,has been widely used for the treatment of many diseases with significant effects.The aim of this paper is to obtain polyglycollide acid(PGA)fibers with higher performance at a lower cost,and ensure that PGA can meet the clinical requirements as well.PGA fibers with different diameters were spun as embedding materials.The mechanical performance,thermodynamic and biodegradable properties of PGA fibers were studied under different spinning process parameters,including spinning speed,drawing temperature and stretching ratio.The experimental results showed that the optimum spinning parameters were the spinning speed at 150 m/min,the drawing temperature of 45 ℃,and the stretching ratio of 4.0.The initial modulus of PGA fibers was 3.876 N/tex.The crystallization degree was 68% and the degradation performance was in consistent with treatment cycle of patients.

Advances in Acupuncture and its Associated Therapies for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease in clinical practice,and its prevalence is increasing rapidly with the aging of the population and changes in lifestyle.Acupuncture,as a distinctive therapy,has its unique advantages in the treatment of obesity type 2 diabetes and has an irreplaceable role in a variety of treatment methods.The author organized the literature on acupuncture and its related therapies to prevent and treat obesity type 2 diabetes in recent years and found that acupuncture and its associated therapies to prevent and treat obesity type 2 diabetes mainly include:simple acupuncture,electroacupuncture,acupoint catgut embedding therapy,auricular-plaster therapy and other treatments,all of which can safely and effectively improve clinical symptoms,acupuncture and its related therapies to treat obesity type 2 diabetes has a broad prospect,worthy of further clinical promotion.