Evaluating the clinical application and effect of acupuncture therapy in anal function rehabilitation after low-tension rectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND According to the indexes of serum and anal function,acupuncture therapy was applied to patients with low rectal cancer in order to avoid the occurrence of anal incontinence and reduce complications.AIM To explore the clinical application and evaluate the effect of acupuncture therapy for anal function rehabilitation after low-tension rectal cancer surgery.METHODS From the anorectal surgery cases,we selected 120 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery between January 2020 and December 2022 and randomly divided them into a control group(n=60),observation group(n=60),and control group after surgery for lifestyle intervention(including smoking cessation and exercise),dietary factor adjustment,anal movement,and oral loperamide treatment.The serum levels of motilin,5-hydroxytryptamine,and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),Wexner score for anal incontinence,and incidence of complications were compared between groups.RESULTS After treatment,the VIP and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The motilin level was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Postoperative anal incontinence was better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of complications in the observation group was 6.67%,which was significantly lower than that in the control group(21.67%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture therapy has a positive effect on the rehabilitation of anal function after low-tension rectal cancer surgery;it can effectively help to improve the serum indices of patients,avoid the occurrence of anal incontinence,and reduce the incidence of complications.Popularizing and applying it will be valuable.

A comparative study of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics on postoperative anal function of lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND From the anal function,inflammatory response and other indicators,acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics was applied to patients with cancer undergoing low resection,aiming to improve the prognosis of patients.AIM To explore the effects of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics on anal function after lower rectal cancer surgery.METHODS From January 2020 to December 2022,128 patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery in the Department of Oncology of Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 64 patients in each group.Patients in the control group were not treated with acupuncture or rehabilitation gymnastics and served as blank controls.Patients in the study group were treated with acupuncture and rehabilitation gymnastics from the 7th postoperative day.The anal incontinence scores,changes in serum interleukin-4,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10 Levels,and serum motilin,5-hydroxytryptamine,and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels were compared.RESULTS There were no significant differences in serum interleukin-4,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10 Levels between the groups before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,these levels were better than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the anal incontinence scores between the groups before and 7 d after surgery(P>0.05).Anal incontinence scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group at 14 d,21 d,and 28 d postoperatively(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in serum motilin,5-hydroxytryptamine,or vasoactive intestinal peptide levels between the groups before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,these levels were higher in the study group than in the control group,and vasoactive intestinal peptide level was lower in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics can promote the recovery of anal function and reduce the inflammatory response in patients with lower rectal cancer after surgery.

Surgical management of adult hand macrodactyly in a 49-year-old patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Macrodactyly is a rare congenital malformation characterized by an increase in the size of all structures of a digit,accounting for less than 1%of all congenital upper extremity conditions.CASE SUMMARY We report a case involving a 49-year-old woman who presented for the first time with untreated,radial-sided hand macrodactyly.We performed soft tissue debulking,amputation,median nerve neurotomy and coaptation,and carpal tunnel release.At the 6-year follow-up,no significant growth was observed in the bone or soft tissue of the affected area.CONCLUSION Tissue overgrowth in patients with progressive macrodactyly can continue and progress excessively with age.Median nerve neurotomy and coaptation play a crucial role in preventing recurrence of the deformity.

Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for the treatment of urinary calculi with acute pain

BACKGROUND Urological calculi often cause renal colic,which is characterized by paroxysmal or persistent severe pain in the upper abdomen or lumbar region.Development of methods to quickly relieve these pain symptoms has garnered clinical attention.Wrist-ankle acupuncture is a type of floating acupuncture therapy administered at selected points in the carpal and ankle areas,and it has good pain-relieving effects.We used wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for pain intervention in patients with renal calculi to confirm its application and safety.AIM To study the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing in the treatment of urinary calculi with acute pain.METHODS Eighty-two patients with urinary calculi with acute pain as the first symptom followed at our hospital from November 2019 to June 2021 were enrolled in the study and classified into two groups according to the odd and even numbers of the visit sequences,each with 41 cases.The control group received a routine nursing intervention and intramuscular injection of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,whereas the observation group received pain management nursing and wrist-ankle acupuncture.Subsequently,the pain-relieving effect was compared between the two groups.RESULTS The score on the visual analog scale(VAS)at 24,48,and 72 h postintervention was decreased in both groups compared with the baseline data;moreover,the observation group scored significantly lower than the control group on the VAS at each time point after the intervention(P<0.05).The clinical efficacy at 24 h postintervention was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).In turn,the pain recurrence rate at 72 h postintervention was lower in the observation group compared with the control group(P<0.05).Finally,the nursing satisfaction rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group(P<0.05).No serious adverse reactions occurred during the treatment and the safety of treatment was high in both groups.CONCLUSION Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for treating urolithiasis with acute pain effectively alleviated the degree of pain and reduced the recurrence rate,which was worthy of clinical application.

Investigation and Analysis on Constitution and Syndrome Types of High- Normal Blood Pressure People in Hebei Area in the Year of 2017

Purpose: To investigate the distribution of population and syndrome patterns in high-normal blood pressure people in Hebei area. Methods: A total of 453 people who met the inclusion criteria were investigated using a high-normal blood pressure human mass survey questionnaire. Results: of the 453 constitution types of high-normal blood pressure patients in Hebei area, 184 were the constitution of yin-yang harmony, accounting for 40.62% of the total;73 were the constitution of yang asthenia, accounting for 16.11% of the total;59 were the constitution of damp-heat, accounting for 13.02% of the total;52 were the constitution of qi asthenia, accounting for 11.48% of the total;8 were the allergic constitution, accounting for 1.77% of the total. In addition, of their syndrome types, the syndrome of liver-fire hyperactivity were accounting for 30.24%;the syndrome of excessive phlegm-dampness were accounting for 26.71%;the syndrome of yin-deficiency and yang-predominance were accounting for 23.18%;the syndrome of deficiency of both yin and yang were accounting for 19.87%. Conclusion: Among the high-normal blood pressure people in Hebei area, the proportion of the constitution of yin-yang harmony is the highest, followed by the constitution of yang asthenia, the constitution of damp-heat, and the constitution of qi asthenia, with the lowest percentage being the allergic constitution. In addition, when it comes to the syndrome of them, the proportion of the syndrome of liver-fire hyperactivity is the highest, followed by the syndrome of yin-deficiency and yang-predominance, and the lowest is the syndrome of deficiency of both yin and yang.

Identification of key genes and biological pathways in lung adenocarcinoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were to identify hub genes and biological pathways involved in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)via bioinformatics analysis,and investigate potential therapeutic targets.AIM To determine reliable prognostic biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment of LUAD.METHODS To identify potential therapeutic targets for LUAD,two microarray datasets derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database were analyzed,GSE3116959 and GSE118370.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in LUAD and normal tissues were identified using the GEO2R tool.The Hiplot database was then used to generate a volcanic map of the DEGs.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted to cluster the genes in GSE116959 and GSE-118370 into different modules,and identify immune genes shared between them.A protein-protein interaction network was established using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database,then the CytoNCA and CytoHubba components of Cytoscape software were used to visualize the genes.Hub genes with high scores and co-expression were identified,and the Database for Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery was used to perform enrichment analysis of these genes.The diagnostic and prognostic values of the hub genes were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,and gene-set enrichment analysis was conducted.The University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis portal was used to analyze relationships between the hub genes and normal specimens,as well as their expression during tumor progression.Lastly,validation of protein expression was conducted on the identified hub genes via the Human Protein Atlas database.RESULTS Three hub genes with high connectivity were identified;cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2(CRABP2),matrix metallopeptidase 12(MMP12),and DNA topoisomerase II alpha(TOP2A).High expression of these genes was associated with a poor LUAD prognosis,and the genes exhibited high diagnostic value.CONCLUSION Expression levels of CRABP2,MMP12,and TOP2A in LUAD were higher than those in normal lung tissue.This observation has diagnostic value,and is linked to poor LUAD prognosis.These genes may be biomarkers and therapeutic targets in LUAD,but further research is warranted to investigate their usefulness in these respects.

An 84-month observational study of the changes in CD4 T-lymphocyte cell count of 110 HIV/AIDS patients treated with traditional Chinese medicine

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） by observing the changes in CD4 T-lymphocyte cell count of 110 cases with human immunodeficiency virus （HIV）/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome （AIDS） treated continuously with TCM for 84 months. Information of 110 HIV/AIDS patients from 19 provinces and cities treated with TCM from 2004 to 2013 was collected. Changes in the indexes of CD4 counts （ ~〈 200, 201-350, 351-500 and 〉 500 cells/mm3） at five time points （0, 12, 36, 60 and 84 months） and different treatments [TCM and TCM plus antiretroviral therapy （ART）] were compared. Repeated measures test indicated no interaction between group and time （P 〉 0.05）. Degrees of increasing and decreasing CD4 count of the two groups at four different frames were statistically significant compared with the baseline. The CD4 count between the two groups was not statistically significant. For CD4 count of ~〈 200 cells/ram3, the mean CD4 count changes were 21 and 28 cells/mm3 per year for the TCM group and TCM plus ART group, respectively. For CD4 count of 201-350 celis/mm3, the mean CD4 count changes were 6 and 25 cells/mm3 per year for the TCM group and TCM plus ART group, respectively. For CD4 count of 351 500 cells/mm3, the mean CD4 count changes were 13 and -7 cells/mm3 per year for the TCM group and TCM plus ART group, respectively. For CD4 count of 〉 500 cells/mm3, the mean CD4 count changes were -34 and -17 cells/mm3 per year for the TCM group and TCM plus ART group, respectively. Long-term use of TCM could maintain or slow the pace of declining CD4 counts in patients with HIV/AIDS, and may achieve lasting effectiveness.

Forty Cases of Gastrointestinal Neurosis Treated by Acupunture

Objective： To compare the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for gastrointestinal neurosis with that of oral remedy. Methods： Eighty cases were randomly divided into the following 2 groups. In the treatment group, acupuncture was given for one month at the main points of Zhongwan （CV 12）, Zusanli （ST 36）, Taichong （LR 3） and Shenmen （HT 7）, with the auxiliary points selected according to TCM differentiation. In the control group, Domperidone was orally administered for one month. Results： The total effective rate was 92.5% in the treatment group and 75.0% in the control group, with a significant difference between the 2 groups 0（2=4.423, P〈0.05）. Acupuncture was superior to the oral remedy in therapeutic effects. Conclusions： Acupuncture may show better results for gastrointestinal neurosis and with less toxic side effects.

Effect of toll-like receptor 3 agonist poly I:C on intestinal mucosa and epithelial barrier function in mouse models of acute colitis

AIM To investigate potential effects of poly I:C on mucosal injury and epithelial barrier disruption in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis. METHODS Thirty C57BL/6 mice were given either regular drinking water (control group) or 2% (w/v) DSS drinking water (model and poly I:C groups) ad libitum for 7 d. Poly I:C was administrated subcutaneously (20 mu g/mouse) 2 h prior to DSS induction in mice of the poly I:C group. Severity of colitis was evaluated by disease activity index, body weight, colon length, histology and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha), interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interferon-. (IFN-gamma). Intestinal permeability was analyzed by the fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled-dextran (FITC-D) method. Ultrastructural features of the colon tissue were observed under electron microscopy. Expressions of tight junction (TJ) proteins, including zo-1, occludin and claudin-1, were measured by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS DSS caused significant damage to the colon tissue in the model group. Administration of poly I:C dramatically protected against DSS-induced colitis, as demonstrated by less body weight loss, lower disease activity index score, longer colon length, colonic MPO activity, and improved macroscopic and histological scores. It also ameliorated DSS-induced ultrastructural changes of the colon epithelium, as observed under scanning electron microscopy, as well as FITC-D permeability. The mRNA and protein expressions of TJ protein, zo-1, occludin and claudin-1 were also found to be significantly enhanced in the poly I:C group, as determined by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, Western blot and RT-qPCR. By contrast, poly I:C pretreatment markedly reversed the DSS-induced up-regulated expressions of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-17 and IFN-gamma. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that poly I:C may protect against DSS-induced colitis through maintaining integrity of the epithelial barrier and regulating innate immune responses, which may shed light on the therapeutic potential of poly I:C in human colitis.

Effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on propofol dosage during painless colonoscopy:A randomized controlled prospective study

BACKGROUND The clinical advantages of painless colonoscopy can reduce the fear and discomfort of patients and increase the detection rate of diseases.Propofol has the characteristics of fast effect and short action time.It is a common choice for painless endoscopic sedation and anesthetics.However,propofol can cause severe respiratory and circulatory depression.Therefore,it is important to find a way to reduce the dose of propofol.AIM To explore the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on propofol dose during colonoscopy.METHODS Two hundred patients who were going to receive selective painless colonoscopy in Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected and divided into wrist-ankle acupuncture group(WAA group,n=100)and control group(CON group,n=100).After entering the operation room,patients were given 0.025 mg/kg nabufine intravenously and propofol at the initial dose of 0.5 mg/kg.In patients who did not fall asleep,propofol(10 mg/time)was given until loss of consciousness.Prior to anesthesia,patients in WAA group were punctured by specialist in the inferior 1,2 and 3 regions according to the zoning principle of wrist-ankle acupuncture.The primary endpoint was required dose of propofol,and the secondary endpoints were the incidence of hypoxemia and hypotension.Furthermore,the following data were recorded:The operation time,wake-up time,incidence of nausea and vomiting,incidence of abdominal distention,post colonoscopy pain,examiners'satisfaction,patients'satisfaction and Borg fatigue index.This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(Registration Code:ChiCTR1900022177).RESULTS The induced dose of propofol and the total dose of propofol in WAA group were 80 mg and 110 mg,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in CON group(P<0.05).The incidences of hypoxemia and hypotension in the WAA group were 2.2%and 3.3%,respectively,significantly lower than those in the CON group(P<0.05).The incidence of abdominal distension in the WAA group was 8.8%,which was significantly lower than that in the CON group(P<0.05,28.9%).The waking time of WAA group was 3.26±0.87 min,which was significantly lower than that of CON group(6.06±0.88 min,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Wrist-ankle acupuncture can reduce the induction dose and total dose of propofol as well as the incidence of adverse reactions in painless colonoscopy without affecting the satisfaction of examiners and patients.This procedure is simple in operation and easy to promote in clinical practice.

Changes in neuropeptides related to food intake in the rat arcuate nucleus after chronic immobilization stress and the effect of comfortable music exposure

Stress is an inevitable interference factor that seriously affects health.Listening to music is an economical,noninvasive,and highly accepted tool for easing stress.However,physiological studies investigating the ability of music to reduce stress in daily life are limited.We established rat models of chronic immobilization stress(CIS)to observe changes in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus(ARC)neurons involved in the regulation of food intake and the effect of comfortable classical music exposure.Twenty-one days of stress resulted in decreased food intake and delayed body weight gain,up-regulation of leptin receptor(Ob-R),cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript(CART),proopiomelanocortin(POMC),and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone(α-MSH)expression,and downregulation of neuropeptide Y(NPY)and agouti-related protein(AgRP)expression in the ARC.Thus,peripheral leptin entered the ARC under chronic stress conditions,bound to Ob-R,and affected downstream nerve pathways related to appetite,such as the NPY/AgRP and CART/POMC pathways.Gentle classical music played at 65 dB reversed the abnormal expression of Ob-R and NPY induced by chronic stress.Thus,listening to comfortable music improves changes in ARC neurons related to the regulation of food intake in CIS rats,and these results provide a reference for basic research regarding how music therapy alleviates stress and stress-related health issues.

Effect of saikosaponin A on Treg and Th17 immune balance in depressive rats

Objective:To investigate the Effect of saikosaponin A on Treg and Th17 immune balance in depressive rats.Methods:The rat depression model was established with reference to the Katz method,and the rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,western medicine group,and saikosaponin A group.The western medicine group was given 1.2 mg/kg/d of fluoxetine,and the saikosaponin A group was given 25 mg/kg/d of saikosaponin A,while the control group and model group were given the same volume of normal saline.The evaluation of depression in Rats was analyzed by Openfield-test and sugar water preference test.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of Th17 and Treg cells.And the expression of IL-17,IL-23,TNF-α,IL-10,TGF-βwere detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results:Compared with the control group,the horizontal exercise score,vertical exercise score,and sugar preference of the model group decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indicators were significantly increased in the western medicine group and saikosaponin A group(P<0.05).Flow cytometry showed that compared with the control group,the Th17 cells,Th17/Treg cell ratio in model group increased significantly,whereas the Treg cells decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,The Th17 cells and Th17/Treg ratio in western medicine group and saikosaponin A group decreased,while the Treg cells increased significantly(P<0.05).ELISA showed that compared with control group,the serum levels of IL-17,IL-23 and TNF-αin model group increased,while the levels of IL-10 and TGF-βdecreased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the levels of IL-17,IL-23 and TNF-αdecreased,while the levels of IL-10 and TGF-βincreased in western medicine group and saikosaponin A group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Saikosaponin A can reduce the degree of depression by regulating the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in depressed rats.

Research progress on markers of urine tubular damage in idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is a common primary glomerular disease.Recently,it has been found that the progression and prognosis of glomerular diseases are not only related to the glomeruli itself,but also to the severity of renal tubular injury.Although blood creatinine and urinary protein are recognized biomarkers,they appear late,are insensitive,lack specificity,and are difficult to respond to IMN conditions in a timely and accurate manner.Markers such as N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase,kidney injury molecule 1,neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein in urine can dynamically reflect the progress of kidney injury in the early stage,and are detected as noninvasive,so It has been applied in IMN,but such research is lacking,and the scope needs to be further expanded and discussed in depth.

Effects of Qingwen Baidu decoction on coagulation and multiple organ injury in rat models of sepsis

Background:Sepsis-induced coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes are the leading causes of death in patients with sepsis.Qingwen Baidu decoction(QWBD)can effectively improve the clinical manifestations of sepsis and ease inflammation,but its effects on coagulation functions and multiple organ injuries remain unclear.Methods:100 healthy,male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham group,the cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)group,the low-dose QWBD group,and the high-dose QWBD group,with 25 rats in each group.The sepsis model was established using CLP.Blood was collected to measure platelet count,serum creatinine(Cr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)levels,as well as coagulation function.The total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was determined in each group of rats.The lung,liver,and kidney tissues were harvested,and statistics were calculated on the wet-to-dry(W/D)weight ratio.Changes in histopathology and thrombin level were evaluated in each group.The remaining ten rats in each group were observed daily to record the number of surviving rats.Such observation was made consecutively for 7 days to calculate survival rates.Results:After model establishment,ALT,AST,Cr,and BUN levels were significantly elevated(P<0.01).The BALF protein content and lung W/D weight ratio were significantly increased(P<0.01).Furthermore,the survival rate of rats was significantly reduced in the CLP group compared with the sham group.After the treatment,rats in the high-dose QWBD group had lower ALT(P<0.05),AST(P<0.01),Cr(P<0.05),BUN(P<0.01)levels,lower BALF protein content(P<0.05)and lower lung W/D weight ratio(P<0.01)than the CLP group.However,rats in the high-dose QWBD group had significantly better pathological changes in the lung,liver,and kidney compared to the sham group.After the treatment,the platelet level in the peripheral blood was elevated(P<0.05)and both activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time were significantly shortened(P<0.01).The fibrinogen level was significantly increased(P<0.01).Finally,thrombin positive expression areas in the lung,liver,and kidney were significantly decreased in the high-dose QWBD group.Conclusion:QWBD can improve coagulation disorders caused by sepsis and has a protective effect on multiple organ injuries in rats.

Risk factors of interstitial lung diseases in clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis

Background:Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis(CADM)is a unique sub-type of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies with a high prevalence of interstitial lung disease(ILD).Poor prognosis of the patients was strongly associated with rapid progressive ILD.The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for prediction of different types of ILD in CADM.Methods:In this study,data of 108 inpatients with CADM were collected,including 87 with ILD.The baseline clinical data and laboratory parameters,including myositis-specific and associated antibodies and tumor-associated antigens were analyzed to identify risk factors for acute or subacute interstitial pneumonitis(A/SIP)and chronic interstitial pneumonitis(CIP).Results:In 87 patients with CADM-ILD,39(36.1%)were A/SIP,and 48(44.4%)were CIP.There were 22(20.4%)patients with asymptomatic ILD who were detected by routine high resolution computed tomography.Cytokeratin-19 fragment(CYFRA21-1)was significantly higher in CADM-ILD than that in CADM patients without ILD;carcinoembryonic antigen and neuron-specific enolase were significantly elevated in A/SIP than that in CIP.Patients with A/SIP had a higher positive rate of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5(MDA5),while patients with CIP had a higher positive rate of anti PL-12 and anti-Ro-52.Logistic regression analysis indicated that elevation of CYFRA21-1 was a risk factor for ILD,higher titer of anti-MDA5 indicated increased likelihood for A/SIP,and higher titer of anti-Ro-52 was also clearly associated with CIP.Conclusions:This study indicated that the prevalence of ILD was high in CADM.Asymptomatic ILD has been previously underestimated.Anti-MDA5 was a risk factor for the presence of A/SIP,and CYFRA21-1 was a risk factor for ILD.

Effect of moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） on free radical metabolism in rat＇s hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise

Objective： To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） on free radical metabolism in rat＇s hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise. Methods： A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a normal group （n=8）, a model group （n=32） and a moxibustion group （n=32）. According to the times of modeling or treatment, the model group was further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time model subgroup, a 4-time model subgroup, a 7-time model subgroup and a 10-time model subgroup （n=8）; the moxibustion group was also further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time moxibustion subgroup, a 4-time moxibustion subgroup, a 7-time moxibustion subgroup and a 10-time moxibustion subgroup （n=8）. Rats in both model and moxibustion subgroups were subjected to establishing the swimming exhaustive model. Rats in each moxibustion subgroup received mild moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） for 15 min immediately after modeling, once every other day. The concentration of malic dialdehyde （MDA）, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） in rat＇s hippocampus in each group were detected 24 h after the exhaustive exercise. Results： Compared with the 1-time model subgroup, the exhaustive swimming time of rats was significantly prolonged in the 4-time model subgroup （P〈0.01）, while it was significantly shortened in the 7-time and 10-time model subgroups （both P〈0.01）. Compared with the matched model subgroup, the exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups was significantly prolonged （both P〈0.01）. Compared with the normal group, the MDA concentration was increased significantly （P〈0.01）, and the activities stress response of SOD and T-AOC were increased in the 1-time model subgroup （both P〈0.05）; the MDA concentration was increased （all P〈0.01）, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC were decreased differently （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01） in the 4-time, 7-time and 10-time model subgroups. Compared with the matched model subgroup, the concentration of MDA was significantly reduced （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC were significantly increased in the 4-time, 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups （all P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） can improve the fatigue status of the body after long-term exhaustive exercise by regulating free radical metabolism in rat＇s hippocampus. To some extent, this provides an experimental basis for moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） against exercise-induced fatigue.

Effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture on pancreatic endocrine system in patients with simple obesity

Objective： To observe different efficacies of low-frequency electroacupuncture（EA） on pancreatic endocrine system in male and female patients with simple obesity due to spleen deficiency-related dampness. Methods： A total of 80 simple obesity patients were assigned to a male group（n=37） and a female group（n=43）. Both groups received a 30-minute low-frequency EA at Yinlingquan（SP 9）, Sanyinjiao（SP 6）, Zusanli（ST 36）, Fenglong（ST 40）, Quchi（LI 11）, Tianshu（ST 25）, Zhongwan（CV 12）, Shuifen（CV 9）, Qihai（CV 6） and Guanyuan（CV 4）. The treatment was done once a day, and 10 times made up a course of treatment. Patients in both groups were treated for 2 courses. Then the changes in body mass index（BMI）, serum insulin, insulin antibodies and leptin level in the two groups were observed and analyzed. Results： After treatment, the BMI, serum insulin, insulin antibodies and leptin levels were significantly reduced in both groups（P〈0.01 or P〈0.05）; the BMI and serum insulin concentration were more significantly reduced in the male group than those in the female group（both P〈0.01）; and the leptin level was more significantly reduced in the female group than that in the male group（P〈0.01）. Conclusion： EA can significantly regulate BMI and pancreatic endocrine system in both men and women with simple obesity; however, there is a gender difference： better effect for men in reducing BMI and serum insulin and better effect for women in reducing serum leptin level.

Effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on postoperative nausea and vomiting undergoing radiofrequency ablation in thyroid nodule:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To observe the influence of wrist-ankle acupuncture(WAA)on postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)undergoing radiofrequency ablation(RFA)in thyroid nodule and its analgesic effect.Methods:A total of 66 patients with thyroid nodule and undergoing RFA were randomized into a WAA group and a sham-acupuncture(SA)group,33 cases in each one.Acupuncture was exerted after the patients entering operation room.In the WAA group,WAA was applied on the bilateral Upper 1,2 and 3 areas.In the SA group,the sham-acupuncture was given on the same areas.In 30 min after needle insertion,the routine RFA started in the patients of the two groups.All the needles were removed when the operation was finished.The proportion of intraoperative sufentanil supplementation,the incidence of24 h PONV and the proportion of intraoperative intravenous injection of urapidil were recorded in the patients of the two groups.Results:In the WAA group,sufentanil was supplemented by 12.90%,obviously less than 36.36%in the SA group.The incidence of 24 h PONV was 9.68%in the WAA group,remarkably lower than 27.27%in the SA group,indicating statistical significances(both P<0.05).The intravenous injection of urapidil was not applied during operation in the two groups,without statistical difference between the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Wrist-ankle acupuncture reduces the intraoperative demand of sufentanil in radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodule and this therapy is preventive for PONV.

Effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on propofol dosage in painless bronchoscopy of elderly patients:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To observe whether wrist-ankle acupuncture can reduce propofol dosage in painless bronchoscopy of elderly patients or not and its potential effect mechanism.Methods:A total of 60 patients undergoing painless bronchoscopy were randomized into a wrist-ankle acupuncture group and a control group,30 cases in each one.In the wrist-ankle acupuncture group,wrist-ankle acupuncture was received and the needles were retained for 30 min before entering to the operating room.In the control group,no any intervention was provided.The patients in two groups all received venous administration of midazolam,nalorphine and lidocaine and target controlled infusion of propofol.When the patient’s consciousness was lost and the eyelash reflex disappeared,bronchoscopy was performed and the propofol dosage was increased accordingly during operation.Propofol dosage,vital signs and occurrence of adverse reactions,bronchoscopist satisfaction,operation time and recovering time were recorded in the patients of two groups.Results:Propofol dosage in induction period and the total dosage of propofol in the wrist-ankle acupuncture group were lower than those in the control group,indicating the statistical differences(both P<0.05).The vital signs were stable during bronchoscopy in patients of two groups.The occurrence rates of hypoxemia and choking in the wrist-ankle acupuncture groups were lower than those in the control group,indicating the statistical differences(both P <0.05).Bronchoscopist satisfaction in the wrist-ankle acupuncture group was higher than that of the control group,and the operation time and recovering time were lower than the control group,indicating the statistical differences(all P<0.05).Conclusion:In painless bronchoscopy,wrist-ankle acupuncture may effectively reduce propofol dosage,alleviate respiratory suppression,reduce adverse reaction and shorten the recovering time in elderly patients.

Efficacy observation on Governor Vessel-regulating and brain-unblocking acupuncture for post-stroke depression

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of Governor Vessel-regulating and brain-unblocking acupuncture on post-stroke depression. Methods： A total of 70 eligible cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table. Patients in the observation group were treated with Governor Vessel-regulating and brain-unblocking acupuncture, whereas patients in the control group were treated with oral Escitalopram Oxalate tablet. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. The Hamilton depression scale （HAMD）, Montgomery Asberg depression rating scale （MADRS）, and Barthel index （BI） were used to evaluate the patients＇ condition before, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment respectively. In addition, adverse reactions were also recorded. Results： After 4 weeks of treatment, the HAMD and MADRS scores were significantly decreased in both groups （P〈0.05）; and the BI scores were significantly increased in both groups （P〈0.05）. There was no between-group statistical difference in HAMD score （P〉0.05）; the MADRS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group （P〈0.05） and the BI score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. After 8 weeks of treatment, there were no between-group statistical differences in all aspects （P〉0.05）; however, the adverse reactions in the observation group were significantly less than those in the control group. Conclusion： The Governor Vessel-regulating and brain-unblocking acupuncture is safe and effective for post-stroke depression and can obtain similar efficacy as Escitalopram Oxalate tablet. In addition, it can fast alleviate core symptoms of depression and improve the activities of daily living （ADL） and has fewer adverse reactions.