Quality of life and survival analyses of breast cancer cases treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine

BACKGROUND Breast cancer(BC)is the second leading cause of tumor-related mortality after lung cancer.Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge to progress in BC treatment,warranting further exploration of feasible and effective alternative therapies.AIM To analyzed the quality of life(QoL)and survival of patients with BC treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine(TCM-WM).METHODS This study included 226 patients with BC admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and February 2023,including 100 who received conventional Western medicine treatment(control group)and 126 who received TCM-WM treatment(research group).The total effective rate,side effects(alopecia,nausea and vomiting,hepatorenal toxicity,and myelosuppression),QoL assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30),1-year overall survival(OS),recurrence and metastasis rates,and serum inflammatory factors[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor alpha]were comparatively analyzed.RESULTS The research group showed statistically better overall efficacy,EORTC QoL-C30 scores,and 1-year OS than the control group,with markedly lower side effects and 1-year recurrence and metastasis rates.Moreover,the posttreatment levels of serum inflammatory in the research group were significantly lower than the baseline and those in the control group.CONCLUSION Overall,TCM-WM demonstrated significantly improved therapeutic efficacy while ensuring drug safety in BC,which not only improved patients’QoL and prolonged survival,but also significantly inhibited the inflammatory response.

Pharmacological intervention of traditional Chinese medicine for the quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer： a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective： The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of various traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）approaches on the quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods： In this study, we systematically performedthe screening of randomized controlled trials from Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science.The data were extracted by two reviewers independently, and then risk assessment was performed. All the analyses wereconducted using Review Manager 5.3. Results： A total of 18 eligible studies containing 1312 patients were included.Experimental group were treated with TCM combined with Western medicine or TCM alone （N = 688） and controlgroup were treated with Western medicine treatment alone （N = 624）. The results showed that the recent clinicalefficiency between the two groups was not statistically significant （P = 0.06）. KPS scores of the experimental group werehigher than those in the control group [P 〈 0.001, WMD = 9.60, 95%CI = （5.62, 13.57）]. The toxicity comparisonshowed that the occurrence of toxicities, such as leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, andneurotoxicity in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group [P 〈 0.001, OR = 0.31, 95%CI = （0.19,0.50）], [P = 0.003, OR = 0.49, 95%CI = （0.31, 0.78）], [P 〈 0.001, OR = 0.30, 95%CI = （0.16, 0.54）], [P 〈 0.001, OR =0.40, 95%CI = （0.27, 0.58）], and [P 〈 0.001, OR = 0.43, 95%CI = （0.30, 0.61）]. The immunological test comparisondemonstrated that the immunological parameters （CD3, CD4, and CD4/CD8） showed higher values in the experimentalgroup than those in the control group [P 〈 0.001, MD = 5.55, 95%CI = （4.83, 6.28）], [P 〈 0.0001, MD = 6.75, 95%CI =（5.25, 8.26）], and [P = 0.001, MD = 0.26, 95%CI = （0.10, 0.41）]. Conclusions： TCM did not show significant recentclinical efficiency. However, treatment with TCM showed increase in KPS scores in patients with colorectal cancer,alleviation of toxicity associated with chemotherapy, regulation of autoimmunity, and improvement in the quality of lifeof patients.

Enhancing ulcerative colitis treatment with traditional Chinese medicine

Inflammatory bowel disease,particularly ulcerative colitis(UC),poses significant treatment challenges due to its chronic nature and potential for severe complications.This editorial reviews a recent network meta-analysis that evaluated the efficacy of and highlighted the superior outcomes achieved by combining each of five traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulations with mesalazine for the adjuvant treatment of UC.Clinical outcomes included enhanced mucosal healing,improved quality of life,and reduced recurrence rates.Additionally,the combination therapy resulted in a lower incidence of adverse reactions compared with mesalazine monotherapy.Despite these promising results,limitations such as variability in study quality and TCM dosage highlight the need for further highquality,large-sample,multicenter randomized controlled trials.This editorial underscores the potential of TCM in enhancing UC management and calls for more rigorous research to substantiate these findings and refine clinical guidelines.

Analysis of the Clinical Effect of Chinese Medicine Combined with Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Insomnia

Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia.Method:80 patients with primary insomnia were selected as the study sample,with 20 cases randomly selected as the control group and the rest as the observation group.The control group was treated with ordinary western medicine,while the observation group patients were treated with traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion based on this syndrome differentiation.The comparison items were treatment effect,sleep quality,mental health,quality of life,specific sleep indicators,cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitters.Result:The treatment effectiveness showed that the observation group had a higher treatment effectiveness rate than the control group(P<0.05);The results of sleep quality showed that after treatment,the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group in seven dimensions:sleep quality,sleep time,sleep onset time,sleep efficiency,sleep disorders,hypnotic drugs,and daytime dysfunc‐tion score(P<0.05);The quality of life results showed that after treatment,the observa‐tion group had higher scores than the control group in eight dimensions:physiological function,physiological function,physical pain,health status,energy,social function,emotional function,and mental health(P<0.05);The results of slow wave sleep time and fast eye movement sleep time showed that after treatment,the HAMA and HAMD scores of the physiological mechanism in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);The results of cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter indica‐tors show that after treatment,glutamateγ-The peak systolic blood flow velocity of ami‐nobutyric acid,vertebral artery,and basilar artery in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical treatment of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia patients can significantly improve the clinical treatment effect,and improve the cerebral hemorrhage and neurotransmitter status of patients,promote the improvement of their physical and mental status,can more significantly improve the quality of sleep,reduce sleep difficulties,reduce the dosage of sleeping pills,which has important clinical application value.

The scientific nature of traditional Chinese medicine in the post-modern era

There is a growing need to understand traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in modern scientific terms.TCM possesses the dual attributes of science and the humanities.At present,medical science and technology are progressing,while humanistic ethics are being neglected.TCM embodies the interaction between imagery and conceptual thinking,which can be explained from the following three aspects:imagery as an internal driving force for cultural rejuvenation,return to the true self and guarding of the root of life,and cosmology(harmony between man and nature).In the post-modern era,“people-oriented”medical values will lead to integrations between science and humanities,holism and reductionism,imagery-based thinking and conceptual thinking,systematic research and descriptive research,and evidence-based medicine and narrative medicine.

The Influence of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment on the Quality of Life and Laboratory Indicators of Patients with Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia

Objective: To investigate the influence of integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment on the quality of life and laboratory indicators of patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Methods: A prospective, self-controlled study was conducted to analyze the changes in corresponding laboratory indicators and quality of life in 75 confirmed COVID-19 patients treated with integrated Chinese and Western medicine in our hospital during the early stage, middle stage, recovery period, and two weeks after discharge. The effectiveness and safety of the treatment regimen were evaluated in conjunction with the time for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid conversion, disease progression, and adverse reactions. Results: The PLT levels in the initial stage were significantly lower than those in the recovery period in 75 patients. The CRP levels in the initial stage were significantly lower than those after discharge for 2 weeks. The TBIL, IBTL, and DHIL levels in the initial stage were significantly lower than those in the middle stage. The K+ levels in the initial stage were significantly lower than those in the recovery period and after discharge for 2 weeks. The LYMGH levels in the initial stage were significantly lower than those in the recovery period and after discharge for 2 weeks. The TP and ALB levels in the initial stage were higher than those in the middle stage and the recovery period. The LDH levels, scores of daily activity limitation, scores of respiratory distress symptoms, scores of psychological emotions, CT imaging scores, and positive rate of nucleic acid were significantly lower than those in the recovery period and after discharge for 2 weeks. The AG, CK, CK-MB, and α-HBDH levels in the initial stage were significantly higher than those in the recovery period. However, the AMY level in the initial stage was significantly lower than that in the recovery period and after discharge for 2 weeks (p Conclusion: Integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment has a significant impact on laboratory indicators such as PLT, LYMGH, CRP, TBIL, IBTL, DHIL, TP, ALB, K+, AG, LDH, CK, CK-MB, α-HBDH, AMY, CT imaging, and 2019-nCoV nucleic acid in COVID-19 patients. It has good clinical efficacy and safety, and can improve the quality of life of patients.

Literature review and analysis of the application of health outcome assessment instruments in Chinese medicine

OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the application of health assessment instruments in Chinese medicine. METHODS： According to a pre-defined search strategy, a comprehensive literature search for all articles published in China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was conducted. The resulting articles that met the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for analysis. RESULTS： A total of 97 instruments for health outcome assessment in Chinese medicine have been used in fundamental and theoretical research, and 14 of these were also used in 29 clinical trials that were randomized controlled trials, or descriptive or cross-sectional studies. In 2 152 Chinese medicine-based studies that used instruments in their methodology, more than 150 questionnaires were identified. Among the identified questionnaires, 51 were used in more than 10 articles （0.5%）. Most of these instruments were developed in Western countries and few studies （4%） used the instrument as the primary evidence for their conclusions. CONCLUSION： Usage of instruments for health outcome assessment in Chinese medicine is increasing rapidly; however, current limitations include selection rationale, result interpretation and standardization, which must be addressed accordingly.

How Are Minor Mental Health Problems Perceived by Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The purpose of this study was to reach a better understanding of how minor mental health problems (MMP) are perceived in China by professionals practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and by well-educated people living in three urban locations. The results derive from interviews with three TCM doctors, three TCM students and eight other students. Psychological problems are separated into two different categories: “serious” and “not serious”. MMP are labelled not as disorders or illnesses but looked upon as ordinary problems in daily living or as “heart problems”. MMP seem to have less serious consequences according to the Chinese than from a modern Western perspective. “Problems of life” rather than sickness was the category that best summarized perceptions of MMP. TCM professionals’ advice to change lifestyle and most Chinese regulate by themselves less serious mental problems. Both lay people and TCM professionals associate serious problems with pathological mental function in a disease perspective. Some reasons for and consequences of these comprehensions are discussed.

Effect of the Fu Zheng Method Applied by Hong-Feng CHEN on the Quality of Life in TNBC Patients and Empirical Research Based on Data Mining

Objective To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of the Fu Zheng method(supporting resistance against pathogenic factors)applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN in improving the quality of life in patients with triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)to collect and organize the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulas applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN in the treatment of TNBC in order to explore the patterns in prescription.Methods The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast scale(FACT-B V4.0)were collected before and after treatment;the database and data mining platform for prescribed TCM formulas were constructed using Microsoft SQL Server 2005,and the patterns in drug pairing and combination were summarized by correlation analysis of data mining.Results The formulas improved the mean scores of the patients’physical well-being,social/family well-being,emotional well-being,physical function well-being and additional concerns(P<0.01);the drug combinations and pairs frequently used by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN were summarized.Conclusion The TCM formulas applied by Professor Hong-Feng CHEN can alleviate adverse physiological reactions,improve psychological conditions and improve function in patients.The formulas take spleen invigoration and stomach nourishment as well as blood circulation promotion and stagnation dissipation as the therapeutic principles,with simplicity in prescription and focus on care and protection the foundation of acquired constitution.

Effect of TCM Combined with Chemotherapy on Immune Function and Quality of Life of Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer inStage Ⅲ-Ⅳ

Objective: To observe and compare the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy (CT) on immune function and quality of life (QOL)of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Methods: One hundred cases with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ NSCLC were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group (n=50) received CT combined with TCM, and the control group received CT alone. The percentage of T lymphocyte subset in peripheral blood and the change of natural killer (NK) cell count were observed after treatment. The QOL and tolerance of CT were also compared between the two groups after treatment. Results: In the treated group, CD3 cell count, CD4 cell count, CD4/ CDg ratio and NK cell activity were higher than those in control group, while CD8 cell count in the treated group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and QOL and tolerance of CT in the treated group were also better (P<0.05). Conclusion: TCM combined with CT could raise the patients' ability in tolerating CT in stage Ⅲ-ⅣNSCLC.

Clinical and Psychometric Validation of the Quality of Life Assessment System for Advanced Gastric Cancer Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine

Objective： To establish questionnaire scaling and reliability and examine the clinical and psychometric validity of the quality of life assessment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine for advanced gastric cancer（QLASTCM-Ga）. Methods： The QLASTCM-Ga was developed based on programmed decision procedures with multiple nominal and focus group discussions, in-depth interview, pretesting and quantitative statistical procedures. The questionnaire was administered to 240 patients diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer before and after treatment. Structured group methods were employed to establish a general and a specific module respectively. The psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated with respect to validity, reliability and responsiveness. Results： The three identified scales of the QLASTCM-Ga and the total score demonstrated good psychometric properties. Test-retest reliability of the total scale and all domains ranged from 0.90 to 0.94, and internal consistency ranged from 0.86 to 0.93. Correlation and factor analysis demonstrated good construct validity. Significant difference in the subscales and the total score were found among groups differing in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, supporting the clinical sensitivity of the QLASTCM-Ga. Statistically significant changes were found for each scale and the total score. Responsiveness was also good. Conclusions： The QLASTCM-Ga demonstrates good psychometric and clinical validity to assess quality of life in patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing traditional Chinese medicine therapy. This study is an important first step for future research in this area.

Individualized Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment vs antibiotics for recurrent urinary tract infections: a multicenter, randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the effects of individualized Chinese medicines on recurrent urinary tract infections(rUTIs).METHODS: This study recruited 230 adult female patients in the remission phase of rUTIs from five hospitals in China. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups: an individualized Chinese medicine group(n = 114) and a control group(n = 116). Patients in the Chinese medicine group received individualized Chinese herbs, which were evaluated for syndrome differentiation.Patients in the control group received antibiotic treatment combined with a Chinese medicine placebo. The duration of treatment was three courses of four weeks each, with a three-month subsequent follow-up. UTI recurrence rate,Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) syndrome scores,36-item Short Form Survey(SF-36) score, and urine secretory immunoglobulin A(SIgA) were measured and analyzed before and after treatment in each group. RESULTS: Patients from the Chinese medicine group exhibited significant decreases in both short-and longterm UTI recurrence rates compared with the control group(P < 0.05). The changes in TCM syndrome scores between the Chinese medicine and control groups were significant(P < 0.05). The changes in the average SF-36 quality-of-life scores in the Chinese medicine group were also significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment(P < 0.05). The Chinese medicine group also demonstrated a significant increase in urine SIg A expression. CONCLUSION: Taken together, compared to the oftenused long-term antimicrobial prophylaxis during the remission stage of r UTIs, treating patients with an individualized Chinese medicine decoction by syndrome differentiation could effectively reduce the recurrence rate, improve the patients' TCM syndrome scores and quality of life, and enhance immunity, which in turn helps to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in treating acquired immune deficiency syndrome: 2004–2014

Substantial progress has been made in China in using traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)to treat acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS).Our objective was to review the latest developments in TCM treatment of AIDS in China between 2004 and 2014.We reviewed the content of original articles investigating the efficacy and safety of TCM for treating AIDS published in Chinese and English language journals.Relevant references from 2004 to 2014 were found using PubMed and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database.We found that TCM has been widely used for treating AIDS and its complications in China.The number of TCM studies has increased,which indicates efficacy and safety.Measures of efficacy in the reviewed articles included the alleviation of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-related signs and symptoms,improvements in quality of life,improvements in long-term survival,counteraction of the adverse side effects of antiviral drugs,promotion of immune reconstitution,and improvement of laboratory results.In sum,the literature indicates that TCM is safe.TCM plays an important role in the treatment of AIDS.Some studies have attempted to measure the efficacy and safety of TCM for treating AIDS,but more evidence is needed.Therefore,more research on this topic is required in the future.

Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine plus narrow-band medium-wave ultraviolet B radiation on moderate-to-severe psoriasis vulgaris in a case series

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy combined with ultraviolet B light therapy in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. METHODS: Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (skin lesion area > 10% of the body surface area) for 2 consecutive years were treated with TCM (oral and external use of herbal medicines, acupuncture, and herbal bathing) and narrow-band medium-wave ultraviolet B light treatment for 12 weeks. The treatment effect was evaluated based on the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), the achievement of a 50% reduction in the PASI (PASI50), the achievement of a 75% reduction in the PASI (PASI75), pruritus score, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and safety. RESULTS: A total of 95 outpatients were enrolled, and 92 subjects (96.8%) completed the 12-week treatment course. At baseline, the average proportion of the body surface area covered by skin lesions was 12.4%, and the average PASI was 17.7. All patients had previously been treated with conventional medicine (89.1% of patients received ultraviolet light treatment, 50.0% received glucocorticoids, and 21.7% received acitretin). After the 12-week treatment course, 22 patients (23.9%) achieved PASI75, and 43 (46.7%) achieved PASI50. The post-treatment pruritus score and Dermatology Life Quality Index of all treated patients were significantly lower than the respective baseline values (P < 0.0001). No adverse effects were detected by the monitoring of blood, urine, stools, liver and kidney function, and echocardiography.CONCLUSION: Comprehensive therapy comprising TCM therapy combined with ultraviolet B light therapy achieved good outcomes for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Modern quantum theories and experimental achievements motivate new exploration of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）, a theoretical medical system founded about three thousand years ago, originated from the richness of Chinese culture with the support and development of ancient astronomy and philosophy. It has illuminated many mysteries of nature and the human body. This has not always been easy for the layperson to understand. In modern times, some of these processes have been gradually discovered or confirmed by frontier science. The experiments of quantum physics have shaken the fundamental concepts of conventional science, refuting criticism of Chinese culture and TCM theories. The new discoveries have triggered a new understanding of TCM theories. For example, the theory of quantum mechanics interfering with certain human functions helps explain a series of phenomena that were previously difficult to understand. The veil of many wonderful phenomena of Chinese culture and TCM acupuncture has not yet been fully pierced. For example, the body＇s energy system, the invisible qi, and the phenomenon of consciousness and subconscious function remain mysterious. However, quantum theory and numerous scientific experiments can lead to the explanations of difficult problems which were not understood in the past. For example, the nature of the changes in yin and yang, and associated principles; the five-element principles; consciousness and sub-consciousness which might affect scientific experiments and treatment outcomes; the objective existence of qi and qi field; and the essence of the meridian system in the human body and the principles of acupuncture. This article explores the scientific principles of TCM and acupuncture. The unique characteristics of TCM and acupuncture position themselves as Eastern cultural treasures. The authors endeavor to strengthen readers＇ confidence in theoretical TCM and believe that it is a major step in integrating TCM acupuncture into modern science and medicine.

Protocol to study the effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on patients with coronary heart disease showing phlegm-heat-stasis symptom pattern

OBJECTIVE:To describe a protocol to assess the effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)on patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)showing symptoms of phlegm-heat-stasis symptom pattern.METHODS:This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial that will be conducted in the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of TCM and 60 patients with CHD showing phlegm-heat-stasis symptom pattern will be included.Patients will be randomly divided into either a treatment group(Qingre Huatan formulae+Western Medicine)or to acontrol group(conventional Western Medicine only)for 7-14 d.Primary patient outcomes will be vascular endothelial function and quality of life.Measurement data will be expressed as mean±standard deviation using t-test analysis or repeated-measure variance analysis.Enumeration data will be expressed by cases and percentages,usingχ^(2) analysis,and rank sum test will be used for ranked data.RESULTS:This study further verified the effectiveness and safety of Qingre Huatan formulae for the phlegm-heat-stasis syndrome pattern of CHD on the basis of previous studies on the characteristics of syndromes and medication rules.DISCUSSION:Phlegm-heat-stasis symptom pattern has become a common manifestation in CHD.Standardized Western medications together with TCM have been extensively used in China and have developed into a comprehensive treatment model.Our trial will help formulate recommendations for symptom maintenance and provide clinical evidence for the application of TCM for patients with CHD showing phlegm-heat-stasis symptom pattern.

Health related quality of life:is it another comprehensive evaluation indicator of Chinese medicine on acquired immune deficiency syndrome treatment?

Health related quality of life(HRQOL) can better reflect changes in acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients and inform economic evaluation of AIDS treatment services,and the assessment of HRQOL can help us to detect problems that may influence the progression of the disease,hence HRQOL has become a particularly important assessment indictor for HIV comprehensive interventions.Being a multi-angle,multi-level,and diversified complex intervention,roles of Chinese medicine(CM) in AIDS treatment have been recognized and accepted by more and more patients,and HRQOL has been widely used to evaluate the comprehensive management effects of CM on AIDS.In this article,the authors analyze the definition and measurement of HRQOL,measurement of HRQOL of HIV/AIDS patients and effects of CM on AIDS,and give some reasonable advices for the usage of the scale of HRQOL.The authors hold that some new HRQOL instruments specific for CM treatment of AIDS should be developed and further prospective studies should be carried out to demonstrate the practicality,reliability and validity of HRQOL as an evaluation indictor for CM treatment of AIDS.

Investigation of the Test–Retest Reliability and Inter-Rater Agreement of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Based Pulse Practitioners

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability and inter-rater agreement between the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pulse diagnosis between two Indian TCM practitioners.Methods:A total of 300 participants were evaluated for their bilateral pulse based on TCM independently by two investigators with similar years of experience but who graduated from different medical schools.The investigators who were blinded diagnosed the participants as per TCM based on the depth,rate,and strength of their pulse.Cronbachαand weighted kappa were used for assessing the reliability and repeatability.Results:The data of all the 300 participants were included in the analysis.The test–retest reliability computed using Cronbach's alpha indicated high reliability between the investigators(α=0.963).There were a total of 37 different types of diagnoses identified by both investigators.The investigators diagnoses matched for 116 participants out of 300 participants;whereas 184 cases were not matched between the investigators.The inter-rater agreement for the TCM diagnosis tested by weighted Kappa did not returned any significant agreement(Kappa=0.370).Discussion:The present study shows higher reliability between the pulse diagnoses between the investigators.However,the inter-rater agreement for TCM diagnosis based on pulse diagnosis was not significant probably due to the variation in subjective assessments.This calls for the standardization of training in TCM diagnostic methods among practitioners.Future studies should include the differences in training,medical education,and experience among the practitioners while determining the reliability of pulse diagnosis.

Frontier science promotes exploration of principles and methodologies of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a theoretical medical system founded about three thousand years ago, originated from the richness of Chinese culture with the support and development of ancient astronomy and the Taoist philosophy of heaven and man. It has revealed many mysteries and illuminated interactions between nature and human beings. Those mysteries have not been easily understood by the public because TCM's conceptual system differs in form and essence from modern sciences. In modern times, some of the mysterious processes have been gradually discovered or confirmed by an advanced science: quantum physics. Quantum science is considered to break through basic concepts of mechanistic science, thus providing an entry to understanding of Chinese culture and TCM theories. Some experimental results of contemporary quantum physics shake the foundations of conventional scientific concepts. For example, quantum mechanics theory helps expand the limits of three-dimensional observations. It helps explain the phenomena that the consciousness with certain human functions interfere some experimental results. Viewing new things in a high-dimensional time-space framework helps people understand the real and virtual characteristics and their interaction;this leads to understanding the function of advanced human wisdom and intelligence in dealing with more complex objects (systems) such as the universe, the human body, life itself and consciousness. It may help people in developing simple models of the complex world and is believed more conducive to grasping the essence of human life and gradually removing the veil over many wonderful phenomena of Chinese culture and TCM. For example, TCM's 'Imagery Analogism' is attained in the quiet state of well-trained meditation practitioners. Their intuition and inspiration have significant advantages in understanding complexity of objects such as the universe, human body, life, and consciousness. The methodology of thinking helps to derive simple models so as to better grasp the essence of complex objects. Many phenomena of Chinese culture and TCM acupuncture remain incompletely understood. This paper selects a few examples to discuss, including human consciousness and sub-consciousness, human body's energy system, invisible qi, functional phenomena as well as special functions of the heart and Triple Energizer (Three Jiao) in six Fu organs. The 'new finding of an unrecognized interstitium in human tissues' as declared by a group of Western scholars is actually referring to Triple Energizer that had already been revealed and written in Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) three thousand years ago. Both the concept and functions of Triple Energizer have been utilized throughout TCM clinical practices. Through the discussion, the authors attempt to explain the superiority of TCM theories, to strengthen the confidence for TCM innovation and Chinese culture because they believe that offering an integration of TCM practice into the public health and life science would advance human wellbeing and pave a right path for TCM mission and development.

Clinical Research of Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction in the Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure with Edema Syndrome due to Yang Deficiency

[Objectives]The paper was to investigate the clinical effects of Zhenwu Decoction combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction in the treatment of chronic heart failure with edema syndrome due to yang deficiency.[Methods]Eighty patients with chronic heart failure were randomly divided into 2 groups(control group and treatment group),with 40 cases in each group.The patients in the control group were treated with conventional western medicine for 14 d,and the patients in the treatment group were treated with Zhenwu Decoction and Tingli Dazhao Xiefeng Decoction on the basis of the control group for 14 d.The curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),plasma N-terminal brain natruretic peptide precursor(NT-proBNP)and New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional class were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire in the principle of Chinese civilization and traditional medicine characteristics(C-MLHF)at admission and 1 month after discharge were compared between the two groups.[Results]After treatment,the total effective rate of TCM syndrome score in the treatment group was 82.50%,and that in the control group was 67.50%.The curative effect of TCM syndrome score in the treatment group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment the LVEF in both groups was increased compared with that before treatment,and the NT-proBNP level was decreased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and those in the treatment group were better than those in the control group.The total effective rate of cardiac function in the treatment group was 87.50%,and that in the control group was 65.00%.The improvement of cardiac function in the treatment group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).One month after discharge,C-MLHF scores in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment,and that in the treatment group was lower than in the control group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Zhenwu Decoction combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction based on traditional western medicine treatment could improve the clinical efficacy,symptoms and quality of life of patients in the treatment of chronic heart failure with edema syndrome due to yang deficiency.