Clinical Observation on the Post-stroke Shoulder Pain and Blood Viscosity Treated by Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy

Objective： To reveal the therapeutic effect of acupuncmre-moxibustion therapy for the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain. Methods： Ninety patients with post-stroke shoulder pain were randomized into three groups at ratio of 1：1：1, to receive acupuncture-moxibustion therapy （AM）, acupuncture-moxibustion plus Chinese herbal decoction （AMCH）, and Chinese herbal decoction （CH） respectively. Results： In the comparison of the therapeutic effects and blood viscosity, there was significant difference between the AM and CH group, as well as between the AMCH and CH group （P〈0.01）; the difference was not significant between the AM and AMCH group. Conclusion： Acupuncture-moxibustion is an effective therapy in the treatment of the post-stroke shoulder pain, and it can also reduce the blood viscosity in short-term.

Treatment of 35 Cases with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy

Diabetes mellitus （DM） is a metabolic syndrome, characterized by long-standing hyperglycemia. The incidence of type 2 diabetes is higher than 90%. Treatment of diabetes by acupuncture existed in ancient times, and as early as in Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing （A-B Canon of Acupuncture and Moxibustion）, it documented the points selection therapy in treating diabetes. In recent years, according to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） theory, I treated 35 patients of type 2 diabetes by acupuncture therapy, and now it is reported as follows.

Clinical Observation on Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objective： To compare the clinical effects of different acupuncture methods in treating ankylosing spondylitis （AS）. Methods： Sixty patients in accordance with the diagnostic criteria for AS were randomly divided into an observation group （30 cases） and a control group （30 cases）. Patients in the observation group were given warm needling therapy, while that in the control group were treated by electroacupuncture. The effects of the two groups were compared after treatment. Results： The curative rate of the observation group was 40.0%, and the total effective rate was 96.7%; the curative rate of the control group was 10.0%, and the total effective rate was 76.7%. The difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05） Conclusion： As to acupuncture treatment for AS, warming needling moxibustion was significantly more effective than electroacuouncture.

Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy for Infertility due to Sperm Abnormality

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy for infertility due to sperm abnormality （SAI）. Methods： We treated a series of 35 cases of SAI with electroacupuncture combined with herb cake-partitioned moxibustion, observing the variation before and after treatment in symptom integral, sperm status, sex hormone and prostate function. Results： After treatment, the patients were remarkably improved in symptom integral, sperm status, sex hormone and prostate function as compared with those prior to treatment. Conclusion： Acupuncture-moxibustion is an effective therapy for SAI.

Case Report of Three Patients with Wei-flaccidity Syndrome Cured by Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy

Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy has an advantage in treating Wei-flaccidity syndrome resulted from peripheral nerve injuries. We have adopted acupuncture and moxibustion to treat 3 patients with Wei-flaccidity syndrome in clinical practice and now reports as follows.

Effect of Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy on Sperm Quality in Infertility Patients with Sperm Abnormality

Objective： Working on seminal plasma acid phosphatase, to explore the mechanism by which acupuncture improves sperm quality （concentration, viability and motility） in infertility patients. Methods： A total of 118 patients received acupuncture-moxibustion treatment. Before and 3, and 6 months after the treatment were detected their seminal plasma acid phosphatase, sperm concentration, sperm viability and sperm motility were measured. Results： The differences between before and after treatments in sperm motility and seminal plasma acid phosphatase levels were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Acupuncture-moxibustion can improve seminal plasma acid phosphatase levels in infertility patients.

Effects of fuzhengbutu acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on walking function in the patients with post-stroke hemiplegia

Objective: To observe the effects of fuzhengbutu(strengthening antipathogenic qi and tonifying the earth)acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on walking function in the patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.Methods: A total of 57 patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke treated in our hospital from January2018 through to October 2018 were collected as the study objects. According to random number table,they were divided into a treatment group(29 cases) and a control group(28 cases). In the treatment group, the fuzhengbutu acupuncture-moxibustion therapy combined with rehabilitation treatment was adopted. In the control group, the rehabilitation treatment was given. The persistent walking time and pause time in PIERENSTEP gait measurable training and test system as well as the score of Berg balance scale(BBS) were compared between the two groups.Results: In the treatment group, the persistent walking time after treatment 1.47 ±0.28) s was shorter obviously versus before treatment(2.12 ± 0.38)s, indicating the significant difference(P<0.05). The pause time after treatment was not different obviously versus before treatment(P> 0.05). In the control group,the persistent walking time after treatment(1.88 ± 0.22) s was shorter obviously versus before treatment(2.18 ± 0.30)s, indicating the significant difference(P<0.05). The pause time after treatment was not different obviously versus before treatment(P> 0.05). Before treatment, the differences were not significant in the persistent walking time and pause duration in the patients of either group(P>0.05). After treatment, the persistent walking time in the treatment group was shorter obviously than the control group(P<0.05) and the difference in pause time was not significant between the two groups(P>0.05). Before treatment, there was no difference in BBS score between the two groups(P>0.05). In the treatment group, BBS score(42.79 ±2.78) after treatment was higher than(35.86 ±2.64) before treatment, indicating the significant difference(P<0.05). In the control group, BBS score(39.07 ±2.67) after treatment was higher than(35.86 ±2.64) before treatment, indicating the significant difference(P<0.05). In comparison of BBS score after treatment between the two groups, the score in the treatment group was higher than the control group, indicating the significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion: Based on rehabilitation treatment, Fuzhengbutu acupuncture-moxibustion therapy effectively improves the walking function of the patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke.

Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy of "banking up original qi and consolidating the foundation" for prevention and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis:A randomized controlled trial

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy of ＂banking up original qi and consolidating the foundation＂ for prevention and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.Methods： Sixty included patients were divided into two groups according to the random number table method with 30 patients in each group. In acupuncture group, warming-needle moxibustion was carried out at Zúsānlǐ（足三里ST 36）, and cone moxibustion on Fùzǐ（附子Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata） cake was conducted at Guānyuán（关元CV 4）, Qìhǎi（气海CV 6） and Dàzhuī（大椎GV 14）. The treatment was conducted in May or June（2 months before the onset of rhinitis in this area）. The treatment was carried out for once every other day and three times per week. Treatment for 24 times was considered as 1 course of treatment. No intervention treatment was conducted in control group. The score of rhinitis symptom, the visual analogue scale（VAS） score changes of total nasal symptom score（TNSS） and total non-nasal symptom score（TNNSS） of patients in 2015 and in 2016 were observed, and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.Results：（1） The score of rhinitis symptom, the VAS score changes of TNSS and TNNSS in acupuncture group in 2016 declined when compared with the results in 2015, which were 4.57 ±0.82 vs 9.40 ± 1.89,13.37 ± 4.01 vs 30.80 ±4.77 and 15.93 ±6.30 vs 46.13 ± 9.79（P〈 0.001）, the results in acupuncture group after treatment were lower than that in control group at same time, which were 4.57 ±0.82 vs 7.53 ±2.06,13.37±4.01 vs 27.17±6.84,15.93±6.30 vs 35.53±11.69（all P〈0.001）. According to comparison, there was no obvious difference in the results in control group at the two time points, which were 8.60 ±2.39 vs7.53 ± 2.06, 29.63 ± 6.30 vs 27.17 ± 6.84 and 40.90 ±12.31 vs 35.53± 11.69（all P〉 0.05）.（2） The total effective rate was 96.7%（29/30） in acupuncture group and 10%（3/30） in control group, and the difference was statistically significant（P〈 0.001）.Conclusion： Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy of ＂banking up original qi and consolidating the foundation＂ was effective on prevention and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Treatment of spinal cord injury with biomaterials and stem cell therapy in non-human primates and humans

Spinal cord injury results in the loss of sensory,motor,and autonomic functions,which almost always produces permanent physical disability.Thus,in the search for more effective treatments than those already applied for years,which are not entirely efficient,researches have been able to demonstrate the potential of biological strategies using biomaterials to tissue manufacturing through bioengineering and stem cell therapy as a neuroregenerative approach,seeking to promote neuronal recovery after spinal cord injury.Each of these strategies has been developed and meticulously evaluated in several animal models with the aim of analyzing the potential of interventions for neuronal repair and,consequently,boosting functional recovery.Although the majority of experimental research has been conducted in rodents,there is increasing recognition of the importance,and need,of evaluating the safety and efficacy of these interventions in non-human primates before moving to clinical trials involving therapies potentially promising in humans.This article is a literature review from databases(PubMed,Science Direct,Elsevier,Scielo,Redalyc,Cochrane,and NCBI)from 10 years ago to date,using keywords(spinal cord injury,cell therapy,non-human primates,humans,and bioengineering in spinal cord injury).From 110 retrieved articles,after two selection rounds based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,21 articles were analyzed.Thus,this review arises from the need to recognize the experimental therapeutic advances applied in non-human primates and even humans,aimed at deepening these strategies and identifying the advantages and influence of the results on extrapolation for clinical applicability in humans.

Real-world evidence on the efficacy and safety of vonoprazanamoxicillin dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori treatment in elderly patients

BACKGROUND A dual therapy regimen containing amoxicillin is a common treatment option for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori).While substantial research supports the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan and amoxicillin(VA)dual therapy in the general population,there is still a lack of studies specifically focusing on its safety in elderly patients.AIM To evaluate efficacy and safety of VA dual therapy as first-line or rescue treatment for H.pylori in elderly patients.METHODS As a real-world retrospective study,data were collected from elderly patients aged 60 years and above who accepted VA dual therapy(vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily+amoxicillin 1000 mg thrice daily for 14 days)for H.pylori eradication in the Department of Gastroenterology at Peking University First Hospital between June 2020 and January 2024.H.pylori status was evaluated by^(13)C-urease breath test 6 weeks after treatment.All adverse events(AEs)during treatment were recorded.RESULTS In total,401 cases were screened.Twenty-one cases were excluded due to loss to follow-up,lack of re-examination,or unwillingness to take medication.The total of 380 included cases comprised 250 who received VA dual therapy as first-line treatment and 130 who received VA dual therapy as rescue treatment.H.pylori was successfully eradicated in 239 cases(95.6%)in the first-line treatment group and 116 cases(89.2%)in the rescue treatment group.The overall incidence of AEs was 9.5%for both groups.Specifically,9.2%of patients experienced an AE in the first-line treatment group and 10.0%in the rescue treatment group.Five patients discontinued treatment due to AE,with a discontinuation rate of 1.3%.No serious AE occurred.CONCLUSION The VA dual therapy regimen as a first-line treatment and a rescue therapy was effective and safe for elderly patients aged 60 and older.

Optimizing care for gastric cancer with overt bleeding:Is systemic therapy a valid option?

Gastric cancer(GC)and gastroesophageal junction cancer(GEJC)represent a significant burden globally,with complications such as overt bleeding(OB)further exacerbating patient outcomes.A recent study by Yao et al evaluated the effectiveness and safety of systematic treatment in GC/GEJC patients presenting with OB.Using propensity score matching,the study balanced the comparison groups to investigate overall survival and treatment-related adverse events.The study's findings emphasize that systematic therapy can be safe and effective and contribute to the ongoing debate about the management of advanced GC/GEJC with OB,highlighting the complexities of treatment decisions in these high-risk patients.

Current status of drug therapy for chronic hepatitis B

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Meng et al.Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)is a significant global health problem,particularly in developing countries.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is one of the most important risk factors for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Prevention and treatment of HBV are key measures to reduce complications.At present,drug therapy can effectively control virus replication and slow disease progression,but completely eliminating the virus remains a challenge.Anti-HBV treatment is a long-term process,and there are many kinds of antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action,it is essential to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these drugs to reduce side effects and improve patients’compliance.We will summarize the current status of CHB drug treatment,hoping to provide a reference for the selection of clinical antiviral drugs.

Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus infection is beneficial for the prognosis hepatocellular carcinoma

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Mu et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology.We pay special attention to the immune tolerance mechanism caused by hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and the role of antiviral therapy in treating HCC related to HBV infection.HBV infection leads to systemic innate immune tolerance by directly inhibiting pattern recognition receptor recognition and antiviral signaling pathways,as well as by inhibiting the immune functions of macrophages,natural killer cells and dendritic cells.In addition,HBV leads to an immunosuppressive cascade by expressing inhibitory molecules to induce exhaustion of HBV-specific cluster of differentiation 8+T cells,ultimately leading to long-term viral infection.The loss of immune cell function caused by HBV infection ultimately leads to HCC.Long-term antiviral therapy can improve the prognosis of patients with HCC and prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Summary of the current guidelines for managing iatrogenic colorectal perforations and the evolving role of endoluminal vacuum therapy

Colonoscopy represents a safe procedure that is widely used in medical practice either to diagnose or treat various gastrointestinal diseases.During the last few years,the incidence rate of perforations in colonoscopic procedures has increased,especially in therapeutic colonoscopies.The recent advancements in endoscopic techniques and gastrointestinal tumoral resection procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic full-thickness resection,and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)could be a risk factor for this increased risk.The incidence rate of mortality of serious colonoscopic perforations is 7.1%.The management plan for these perforations starts with conservative treatment in mild cases,endoscopic closure,and surgical management in severe cases.Recently,endoluminal vacuum therapy was found to be effective in the management of colorectal perforations and this has been reported in multiple case reports.This editorial provides an overview of the current guidelines for the management of iatrogenic colorectal perforations.These insights are from the perspectives of endoscopists and gastroenterologists.We also present a management algorithm based on the guidelines of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,the American Gastroenterological Association,and the World Society of Emergency Surgery.We also discussed in brief the use of endoluminal vacuum therapy in colorectal perforations.

Advancing treatment strategies:Insights from network meta-analysis of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

This study examines the pivotal findings of the network meta-analysis of Zhou et al,which evaluated the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and combination therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).This meta-analysis suggests that therapeutic combinations have greater efficacy than do standard treatments.The article highlights the key insights that have the potential to shift current clinical practice and enhance outcomes for patients with advanced HCC.Additionally,this article discusses further research that can be conducted to optimize these treatments and achieve personalized care for patients with HCC.

Current perspectives and the future of disease-modifying therapies in type 1 diabetes

Use of immunomodulating agents to prevent the progression of autoimmuneβ-cell damage leading to type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)is an interesting area for research.These include non-specific anti-inflammatory agents,immunologic vaccination and anti-inflammatory agents targeting specific immune cells or cytokines.Teplizumab is an anti-CD3-molecule that binds to and leads to the disappearance of the CD3/TCR complex and rendering the T cell anergic to its target antigen.Preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing the decline in serum C-peptide levels and the need for insulin therapy if used early in the disease process of T1DM.The benefits have been apparent as early as six months to as long as seven years after therapy.It has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to delay the onset of clinical(stage 3)type 1 diabetes in children above 8 years of age.In their recent metaanalysis published in the World Journal of Diabetes,Ma et al found that those in the teplizumab treatment group have a greater likelihood of reduction in insulin use,change in C-peptide response,and better glycemic control compared to the control group with a good safety profile.However,all the included randomized control trials have been conducted in high-income countries.High cost of therapy and unknown utility of the molecule in stage 3 disease limit its widespread use.

Root canal therapy combined with endoscopic sinus surgery for odontogenic sinusitis:Efficacy comparison in a cohort study

BACKGROUND Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis,often triggered by dental issues like periapical periodontitis,significantly contributes to chronic sinusitis,mainly affecting adults around 50 years old,emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment approach.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect and clinical value of root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery compared with simple root canal the-rapy in the treatment of severe odontogenic maxillary sinusitis caused by peria-pical periodontitis.METHODS The clinical data,diagnosis,and treatment of 200 patients with severe odonto-genic maxillary sinusitis caused by periapical periodontitis from October 2020 to October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.Among them,63 patients were treated with simple root canal therapy as the control group,and 137 patients were treated with root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery as the observation group.The therapeutic effect,Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score,paranasal sinus Lund-Mackay score,complication rate,recurrence rate,and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS First,we compared the effective rates:23 cases were cured,22 were improved,and 8 were ineffective in the control group,yielding a total effective rate of 84.90%.Meanwhile,97 cases were cured,34 improved,and 6 were ineffective in the observation group,resulting in a total effective rate of 95.62%.The observation group had a higher total effective rate compared with the control group(P<0.05).Second,we compared the Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score.Before treatment,no significant difference(P>0.05)was observed in this score between the two groups.After treatment,the Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score decreased in both groups.The Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score of the observation group at 3 and 6 mo after treatment was lower compared to that of the control group(P<0.05).Third,we compared the Lund–Mackay score of paranasal sinuses.Before treatment,there was no significant difference in this score between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the Lund–Mackay scores of paranasal sinuses decreased in both groups.The Lund–Mackay scores of paranasal sinuses in the observation group at 3 and 6 mo after treatment were lower compared to those of the control group(P<0.05).Fourth,we compared the incidence and recurrence rate of complications.Three months after treatment,no significant difference was found in the incidence and recurrence rate of complications between the observation group(6.56%)and the control group(9.52%)(P>0.05).However,6 mo after treatment,the incidence and recurrence rate of complications in the observation group(2.91%)was significantly higher compared to that of the control group(12.69%)(P<0.05).Fifth,we compared patient satisfaction.Six months after treatment,the patient satisfaction of the observation group(93.43%)was significantly better than that of the control group(84.12%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Root canal therapy combined with nasal endoscopic surgery has a good therapeutic effect on severe odontogenic maxillary sinusitis caused by periapical periodontitis,and it can reduce the injury of maxillary sinus mucosa and bone,and significantly reduce the incidence of complications and recurrence rate.Meanwhile,it has high patient satisfaction and remarkable therapeutic effect,which is suggested to be popularized and applied in clinic.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies for regeneration after central nervous system injury

In recent years,the progression of stem cell therapies has shown great promise in advancing the nascent field of regenerative medicine.Considering the non-regenerative nature of the mature central nervous system,the concept that“blank”cells could be reprogrammed and functionally integrated into host neural networks remained intriguing.Previous work has also demonstrated the ability of such cells to stimulate intrinsic growth programs in post-mitotic cells,such as neurons.While embryonic stem cells demonstrated great potential in treating central nervous system pathologies,ethical and technical concerns remained.These barriers,along with the clear necessity for this type of treatment,ultimately prompted the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells.The advantage of pluripotent cells in central nervous system regeneration is multifaceted,permitting differentiation into neural stem cells,neural progenitor cells,glia,and various neuronal subpopulations.The precise spatiotemporal application of extrinsic growth factors in vitro,in addition to microenvironmental signaling in vivo,influences the efficiency of this directed differentiation.While the pluri-or multipotency of these cells is appealing,it also poses the risk of unregulated differentiation and teratoma formation.Cells of the neuroectodermal lineage,such as neuronal subpopulations and glia,have been explored with varying degrees of success.Although the risk of cancer or teratoma formation is greatly reduced,each subpopulation varies in effectiveness and is influenced by a myriad of factors,such as the timing of the transplant,pathology type,and the ratio of accompanying progenitor cells.Furthermore,successful transplantation requires innovative approaches to develop delivery vectors that can mitigate cell death and support integration.Lastly,host immune responses to allogeneic grafts must be thoroughly characterized and further developed to reduce the need for immunosuppression.Translation to a clinical setting will involve careful consideration when assessing both physiologic and functional outcomes.This review will highlight both successes and challenges faced when using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell transplantation therapies to promote endogenous regeneration.

Evaluating Wharton’s jelly-derived stem cell therapy in autism:Insights from a case study

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting over 2%of the global population,marked by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors.Kabatas et al explored the efficacy and safety of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell(WJ-MSC)therapy in a 4-year-old child with ASD.Using the childhood autism rating scale and Denver II develop-mental screening test,significant improvements were seen after six WJ-MSC sessions,with no adverse events over 2 years.Despite promising results,the study’s single-case design limits generalizability.Larger,multi-center trials are needed to validate the findings and assess long-term effects of WJ-MSC therapy in ASD.

Acupuncture-moxibustion in treating irritable bowel syndrome: How does it work?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional intestinal disease characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. It has drawn great attention because of its high prevalence, reoccurring symptoms, and severe influence on patients&#x02019; lives. Many clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture-moxibustion in treating IBS. Increasing attention has been paid to research regarding the action mechanisms of acupuncture-moxibustion for IBS, and the adoption of modern techniques has achieved some progress. This article reviews the latest advances among action mechanism studies from the perspectives of gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, the brain-gut axis, the neuroendocrine system, and the immune system. It is shown that acupuncture-moxibustion can effectively regulate the above items, and thus, this treatment should have a high efficacy in the treatment of IBS. This article also identifies existing problems in current mechanism research and raises several ideas for future studies. Further revelations regarding these action mechanisms will promote the application of acupuncture-moxibustion in treating IBS.