Background: Compromised circulatory and bone/lipid metabolic dysfunction are two major contributors to non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Qing’e pill plus Salvia has significant anti-inflammatory...Background: Compromised circulatory and bone/lipid metabolic dysfunction are two major contributors to non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Qing’e pill plus Salvia has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic action, and it could also regulate bone formation and remodeling by suppressing osteoclasts. Case Report: We describe a case of a 62-year- old man with ONFH of idiopathic type in earlier stage that could not be adequately controlled with oral non-steroidal analgesics and restoring bone loss agents for past 3 years. After six months treatment with Qing’e pill plus Salvia, the plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1), apolipoprotein B (apo B), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and blood viscosity were measured on an empty stomach. The Harris scores were maintained during a six months follow-up after discontinuation of Qing’e pill plus Salvia. Discussion: Our case has shown that plasma levels of inflammatory and atherosclerotic relaxed factors and the Harris scores may be controlled with herbal medication in ONFH of idiopathic type in earlier stage that could not be adequately controlled with oral non-steroidal analgesics and restoring bone loss agents.展开更多
Summary: Serum sclerostin is positively associated with serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Our preliminary studies confirmed that Qing'e formula (QEF) could effectively increase serum 25 hy- droxyvitamin D c...Summary: Serum sclerostin is positively associated with serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Our preliminary studies confirmed that Qing'e formula (QEF) could effectively increase serum 25 hy- droxyvitamin D concentration in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), but the effect of supplementation with QEF on serum sclerostin is unknown. This study investigated the effects of sup- plementation of QEF on serum sclerostin levels in patients with PMOP. Totally 120 outpatients and in- patients with PMOP treated in our hospital between January and October 2012 were randomly divided into QEF+calcium group, alfacalcidol+calcium group, and placebo+calcium group (n=40 each), with a follow-up period of 2 years. The serum levels of sclerostin, 25 hydroxyvitamin D, and bone turnover markers (β-CTX, N-MID and T-PINP) at baseline and at the 6th month, 1st year, 1.5th year, and 2nd year after treatment were measured. The results showed that the levels of circulating sclerostin were in- creased significantly at the 6th month after treatment in QEF+calcium group and alfacalcidol+calcium group as compared with placebo+calcium group (P〈0.05), but there was no significant difference be- tween the former two groups (P〉0.05). The levels of β-CTX, N-MID and T-PINP in serum were de- creased in both QEF+calcium group and alfacalcidol+calcium group at the 6th month after treatment, without significant difference between the two groups (P〉0.05). BUt the levels were significantly lower than that in placebo+calcium group (P〈0.05). These results suggest that the mechanism by which QEF modulates bone metabolism in patients with PMOP might be related with the effect of QEF in increas- ing sclerostin expression. Our findings provide a scientific rationale for using QEF as an effective drug to prevent bone loss in PMOP.展开更多
Objectives: To study the partial mechanism of treating postmenopausal osteoporosis patients (POPs) using the ancient recipe of Qing’E Formula (QEF) by observing its effects on bone metabolic markers and VDR mRNA expr...Objectives: To study the partial mechanism of treating postmenopausal osteoporosis patients (POPs) using the ancient recipe of Qing’E Formula (QEF) by observing its effects on bone metabolic markers and VDR mRNA expression in primary POPs. Methods: Analysis was performed on 120 outpatient and inpatient POPs treated in our hospital between January and October 2013, where the patients were randomly divided into Qing’E group (QEF + Caltrate), Calcitriol group (Caltrate + Calcitriol soft capsules), and Compare group (Caltrate), each with a follow-up period of 1 year. Statistical analysis was then performed on bone mineral density, blood bone metabolic markers (β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP) and changes in VDR mRNA expressions in the POPs before and after the treatments. Results: Prior to the treatments, bone mineral density and blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression in the 3 groups of POPs exhibited no statistically significant differences, and the blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression in the control group showed no statistically significant differences before and after the treatments. There were no significant differences in bone mineral density in the Qing’E group and the Calcitriol group before and after the treatments whereas the bone mineral density decreased in the control group after the treatments. As for blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression, the measurements in POPs in the Qing’E group and the Calcitriol group were significantly higher than that of the control group. Conclusion: By adjusting the VDR mRNA expression, the QEF, a kidney-invigorating Chinese herbal formula, is capable of activating bone metabolism to prohibit further losses of bone mass, thereby preventing the deterioration of osteoporosis.展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong> Modern family planning methods (MFPM) prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduce fertility rate, and increase the interval between pregnancies. They prevent pregnancy by preventing...<strong>Introduction:</strong> Modern family planning methods (MFPM) prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduce fertility rate, and increase the interval between pregnancies. They prevent pregnancy by preventing fertilization or implantation of the fertilized ovum. MFPM include tubal ligation (TL), vasectomy, oral contraceptive pills, the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), depot injections, sub-dermal implants, and male and female condoms. <strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the level of knowledge of modern family planning methods (MFPM) among women of reproductive age (18 - 49 years) at the Mathari North Health Center in Nairobi County, Kenya. <strong>Methods: </strong>The study conducted among women of reproductive age at Mathare North Health Center in Nairobi was a cross-sectional descriptive survey between March 2016 and November 2018. It provided both qualitative and quantitative data. The sample size comprised of 274 women of reproductive age,<em> i.e.</em> (18 - 49 years) attending antenatal and postnatal clinics at the facility. Those excluded were women below 18 years of age, as they could not give consent according to Kenyan Laws. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, which consisted of socio-demographic and characteristics, knowledge of modern family planning methods and distance from the facility. Likert scale was used to ensure that data was tabulated on daily basis and subjected to statistical manipulation using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). <strong>Results:</strong> The four leading MFPM in use in order of acceptability were injectables, implants, intrauterine contraceptive device and pills in that order. 91% of respondents were aware or had heard about modern family planning methods. Level of education of mother and father were the two variables that influenced the uptake of MFPM with <em>p</em>-values of 0.0260 and 0.025, respectively. The study further found that knowledge of MFPM had a significant influence on their assimilation and utilization. All secondary variables considered in the research exhibit a substantial relationship concerning the use of MFPM. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Communities around Mathari North Health Center need to be given information;education and counselling on MFPM to enable them make an informed decision and choice on their preferred method of family planning.展开更多
'Harmony between the heart and kidney' refers to the physiological relationship between these two zang organs in Chinese medicine,while 'disharmony between the heart and kidney' (also called disharmony...'Harmony between the heart and kidney' refers to the physiological relationship between these two zang organs in Chinese medicine,while 'disharmony between the heart and kidney' (also called disharmony between fire and water) refers to the pathological state.The pattern of disharmony between the heart and kidney is widely observed in patients with insomnia,anxiety disorder and menopausal syndrome,etc..In order to gain a full and systematical understanding of this pattern,from the perspective of ancient Chinese philosophy and zang-fu theory in Chinese medicine,we systematically reviewed and discussed the functions and physiological characteristics of the heart and kidney,the origin and development of theories relating to heart-kidney relationship,the pathogenesis and identification of the pattern,as well as the commonly used classical formulas for its treatment,including Coptis and DonkeyHide Gelatin Decoction (Huánglián (E)jiāo Tāng) and Grand Communication Pill (Jiāotài Wán).Two examples of clinical modifications of these formulas in the treatment of insomnia and menopausal syndrome are provided in this article.It should be noted that in clinical practice,these formulas should be used flexibly,and modified in accordance to the condition of the patient.展开更多
文摘Background: Compromised circulatory and bone/lipid metabolic dysfunction are two major contributors to non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Qing’e pill plus Salvia has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic action, and it could also regulate bone formation and remodeling by suppressing osteoclasts. Case Report: We describe a case of a 62-year- old man with ONFH of idiopathic type in earlier stage that could not be adequately controlled with oral non-steroidal analgesics and restoring bone loss agents for past 3 years. After six months treatment with Qing’e pill plus Salvia, the plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1), apolipoprotein B (apo B), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and blood viscosity were measured on an empty stomach. The Harris scores were maintained during a six months follow-up after discontinuation of Qing’e pill plus Salvia. Discussion: Our case has shown that plasma levels of inflammatory and atherosclerotic relaxed factors and the Harris scores may be controlled with herbal medication in ONFH of idiopathic type in earlier stage that could not be adequately controlled with oral non-steroidal analgesics and restoring bone loss agents.
基金supported by grants from Innovation Fund of Huazhong University of Science and Technology(No.2013QN235)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81403257,81473492,81102692 and 81072943)
文摘Summary: Serum sclerostin is positively associated with serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Our preliminary studies confirmed that Qing'e formula (QEF) could effectively increase serum 25 hy- droxyvitamin D concentration in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), but the effect of supplementation with QEF on serum sclerostin is unknown. This study investigated the effects of sup- plementation of QEF on serum sclerostin levels in patients with PMOP. Totally 120 outpatients and in- patients with PMOP treated in our hospital between January and October 2012 were randomly divided into QEF+calcium group, alfacalcidol+calcium group, and placebo+calcium group (n=40 each), with a follow-up period of 2 years. The serum levels of sclerostin, 25 hydroxyvitamin D, and bone turnover markers (β-CTX, N-MID and T-PINP) at baseline and at the 6th month, 1st year, 1.5th year, and 2nd year after treatment were measured. The results showed that the levels of circulating sclerostin were in- creased significantly at the 6th month after treatment in QEF+calcium group and alfacalcidol+calcium group as compared with placebo+calcium group (P〈0.05), but there was no significant difference be- tween the former two groups (P〉0.05). The levels of β-CTX, N-MID and T-PINP in serum were de- creased in both QEF+calcium group and alfacalcidol+calcium group at the 6th month after treatment, without significant difference between the two groups (P〉0.05). BUt the levels were significantly lower than that in placebo+calcium group (P〈0.05). These results suggest that the mechanism by which QEF modulates bone metabolism in patients with PMOP might be related with the effect of QEF in increas- ing sclerostin expression. Our findings provide a scientific rationale for using QEF as an effective drug to prevent bone loss in PMOP.
文摘Objectives: To study the partial mechanism of treating postmenopausal osteoporosis patients (POPs) using the ancient recipe of Qing’E Formula (QEF) by observing its effects on bone metabolic markers and VDR mRNA expression in primary POPs. Methods: Analysis was performed on 120 outpatient and inpatient POPs treated in our hospital between January and October 2013, where the patients were randomly divided into Qing’E group (QEF + Caltrate), Calcitriol group (Caltrate + Calcitriol soft capsules), and Compare group (Caltrate), each with a follow-up period of 1 year. Statistical analysis was then performed on bone mineral density, blood bone metabolic markers (β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP) and changes in VDR mRNA expressions in the POPs before and after the treatments. Results: Prior to the treatments, bone mineral density and blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression in the 3 groups of POPs exhibited no statistically significant differences, and the blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression in the control group showed no statistically significant differences before and after the treatments. There were no significant differences in bone mineral density in the Qing’E group and the Calcitriol group before and after the treatments whereas the bone mineral density decreased in the control group after the treatments. As for blood β-CTX, N-MID, T-PINP and VDR mRNA expression, the measurements in POPs in the Qing’E group and the Calcitriol group were significantly higher than that of the control group. Conclusion: By adjusting the VDR mRNA expression, the QEF, a kidney-invigorating Chinese herbal formula, is capable of activating bone metabolism to prohibit further losses of bone mass, thereby preventing the deterioration of osteoporosis.
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> Modern family planning methods (MFPM) prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduce fertility rate, and increase the interval between pregnancies. They prevent pregnancy by preventing fertilization or implantation of the fertilized ovum. MFPM include tubal ligation (TL), vasectomy, oral contraceptive pills, the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), depot injections, sub-dermal implants, and male and female condoms. <strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the level of knowledge of modern family planning methods (MFPM) among women of reproductive age (18 - 49 years) at the Mathari North Health Center in Nairobi County, Kenya. <strong>Methods: </strong>The study conducted among women of reproductive age at Mathare North Health Center in Nairobi was a cross-sectional descriptive survey between March 2016 and November 2018. It provided both qualitative and quantitative data. The sample size comprised of 274 women of reproductive age,<em> i.e.</em> (18 - 49 years) attending antenatal and postnatal clinics at the facility. Those excluded were women below 18 years of age, as they could not give consent according to Kenyan Laws. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, which consisted of socio-demographic and characteristics, knowledge of modern family planning methods and distance from the facility. Likert scale was used to ensure that data was tabulated on daily basis and subjected to statistical manipulation using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). <strong>Results:</strong> The four leading MFPM in use in order of acceptability were injectables, implants, intrauterine contraceptive device and pills in that order. 91% of respondents were aware or had heard about modern family planning methods. Level of education of mother and father were the two variables that influenced the uptake of MFPM with <em>p</em>-values of 0.0260 and 0.025, respectively. The study further found that knowledge of MFPM had a significant influence on their assimilation and utilization. All secondary variables considered in the research exhibit a substantial relationship concerning the use of MFPM. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Communities around Mathari North Health Center need to be given information;education and counselling on MFPM to enable them make an informed decision and choice on their preferred method of family planning.
文摘'Harmony between the heart and kidney' refers to the physiological relationship between these two zang organs in Chinese medicine,while 'disharmony between the heart and kidney' (also called disharmony between fire and water) refers to the pathological state.The pattern of disharmony between the heart and kidney is widely observed in patients with insomnia,anxiety disorder and menopausal syndrome,etc..In order to gain a full and systematical understanding of this pattern,from the perspective of ancient Chinese philosophy and zang-fu theory in Chinese medicine,we systematically reviewed and discussed the functions and physiological characteristics of the heart and kidney,the origin and development of theories relating to heart-kidney relationship,the pathogenesis and identification of the pattern,as well as the commonly used classical formulas for its treatment,including Coptis and DonkeyHide Gelatin Decoction (Huánglián (E)jiāo Tāng) and Grand Communication Pill (Jiāotài Wán).Two examples of clinical modifications of these formulas in the treatment of insomnia and menopausal syndrome are provided in this article.It should be noted that in clinical practice,these formulas should be used flexibly,and modified in accordance to the condition of the patient.