Objective To explore the action mechanism of moxibustion in treating Crohn's disease (CD) by observing the effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1) and IL-1β. Method Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats of clean conventional grade were randomized into a normal control group (NG), a model control group (MG), a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion control group (MoxG), and a sham moxibustion control group (SMG). The CD rat models were developed by using the mixture of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and alcohol via enema. When the models were successfully developed, the MoxG received moxibustion intervention at bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (CV6), and the SMG were administered by unlighted moxa cones. At the end of treatment, the length of each rats' colon and the colon macroscopic damage index (CMDI) score were recorded, the histopathological variations of rats' colons were observed by adopting HE staining and light microscope, and the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β in rats' colons were determined by using immunohistochemical technique. Result Compared to the NG, the MG had its rats' colons present with severe damages, fissured ulcers and inflammatory cell infiltration with edema, and granulomas in submucosa of some colons, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β increased significantly (P<0.05);compared to the MG, the MoxG had rats' colons present with improved structures and reduced intestinal inflammation, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β dropped significantly (P<0.05); the SMG had its rats' colon inflammation present similarly to the MG, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion Herbal Cake-partitioned moxibustion can down-regulate the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1β in CD rats' colons to promote the repair of colon damage.

Objective To observe changes in the infrared thermogram of Yangming meridian acupoints in patients with idiopathic facial paralysis in acute stage. Method High-performance uncooled infrared focal plane array (M7800 Thermal Imager, LumaSense, USA) was used to detect the infrared thermogram of Yangming meridian acupoints[Kouheliao (LI19), Yingxiang (LI20), Hegu (LI4), Shangyang (LI1), Chengqi (ST1), Sibai (ST2), Juliao (ST3), Dicang (ST4), Daying (ST5), Jiache (ST6), Xiaguan (ST7), Tianshu (ST25), and Zusanli (ST36) ]of 80 patients with idiopathic facial paralysis in acute stage and 75 healthy subjects. The temperature data of the meridian acupoints obtained from the analysis software were statistically processed. Result Compared with the healthy subjects, the temperature differencesΔT of the Hand Yangming Meridian acupoints including Kouheliao, Yingxiang and Hegu, and Foot Yangming Meridian acupoints including Chengqi, Sibai, Juliao, Dicang, Daying, Jiache and Xiaguan were more significant in the patients with idiopathic facial paralysis in acute stage, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05); the temperature differences ΔT of the Hand Yangming Meridian acupoint Shangyang, and the Foot Yangming Meridian acupoints including Tianshu and Zusanli in the facial paralysis patients showed insignificant differences compared with those in the healthy subjects (P>0.05). Conclusion There are changes in the infrared thermogram at Yangming meridian acupoints located on face (Kouheliao, Yingxiang, Shangyang, Chengqi, Sibai, Juliao, Dicang, Daying, Jiache and Xiaguan) and the distant acupoint Hegu in idiopathic facial paralysis patients in acute stage, while Shangyang, Tianshu and Zusanli do not present the above phenomenon, indicating the specificity of acupoint effect from the perspective of infrared.

Objective To observe the difference between continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) at acupoint and CSII at non-acupoint in treating type 2 diabetes, for providing a novel option in selecting the insulin injection site. Method Sixty-six subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomized into a treatment group of 32 cases and a control group of 34 cases. The treatment group was intervened by CSII at acupoint, while the control group was intervened by CSII at non-acupoint. The body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h-postprandial plasma glucose (P2hPG), bedtime blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), consumption of insulin, and the score of diabetes symptom grading and quantification of the two groups were compared. Result The blood sugar level, insulin consumption, HbA1c level and symptom score declined significantly after treatment in both groups (P<0.05);the BMI and initial dosage of insulin in the treatment group dropped significantly after treatment in the treatment group (P<0.05); after treatment, the BMI, FPG level, initial dosage of insulin and symptom score in the treatment group were markedly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); there were no significant differences between the treatment group and the control group in the P2 hBG level, bedtime glucose sugar level, HbA1c level, pre-prandial insulin dose and total effective rate (P>0.05). Conclusion CSII at acupoint and at non-acupoint both can effectively improve the disease condition of type 2 diabetes. The treatment group is superior to the control group in controlling BMI and FPG, reducing the initial level of insulin, and improving the symptoms, and the treatment group presents a higher total effective rate with the increase of treatment duration compared with the control group. It is indicated that insulin infusion at abdominal acupoint has a certain advantage in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Objective To observe the therapeutic efficacy of Tian Yuan acupuncture method in treating liver cancer pain and its effect on quality of life (QOL) and adverse reactions. Method A total of 108 patients with liver cancer were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 54 cases in each group. The observation group was intervened by Tian Yuan acupuncture method, while the control group was intervened by the three-step analgesic ladder recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The clinical efficacies, changes in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and QOL, and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups were observed. Result The total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05); the VAS and QOL scores showed improvement after treatment in both groups and the improvements in the observation group were more significant than those in the control group (P<0.05); adverse reactions occurred in both groups, and the occurrence rate was 25.9％ in the observation group, significantly lower than 53.7％ in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion Tian Yuan acupuncture method can produce significant clinical efficacy in treating liver cancer pain. It can effectively improve the symptoms of cancer pain and enhance the QOL.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy plus Chinese medical decoction as assistant in treating liver cirrhosis ascites. Method Ninety-five patients with liver cirrhosis ascites were divided into an observation group (48 cases) and a control group (47 cases) by the random number table. The control group was given Chinese medical decoction, while the observation group was additionally given acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. The clinical effects were compared after treatment. The alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), clinical symptom score, 24-h urine volume, abdominal circumference, and body weight were recorded before and after treatment. The patient's satisfaction rates after treatment were also compared.Result The total effective rate was 93.8％ in the observation group, significantly higher than 74.5％ in the control group (P<0.05); the levels of ALT and TBIL dropped after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); the ALB level increased after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the observation group was markedly higher than the control group (P<0.05); the clinical symptom score dropped after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05); the 24-h urine volume increased after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the observation group was markedly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The abdominal circumference and body weight dropped after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05); the satisfaction rate was 87.5％ in the observation group after treatment, significantly higher than 68.08％ in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy plus Chinese medical decoction can improve the relevant symptoms, liver function and patient's satisfaction rate in the treatment of liver cirrhosis ascites.

Objective To assess the effectiveness of puncturing Sifeng points (EX-UE10) and pricking Back-Shu points in treating dyspepsia due to chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Method Sixty patients were randomized into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The observation group was intervened by puncturing Sifeng points and pricking Back-Shu points, once a week. The selected Back-Shu points included bilateral Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21) and Geshu (BL17). The control group was treated by promoting gastrointestinal motility (itopride hydrochloride 50 mg) and supplementing digestive enzymes (compound azintamide tablets). The two groups were observed before and after treatment in terms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, nutritional status score and Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS). The therapeutic efficacies were also assessed. Result The total effective rate was 93.3％ (28/30) in the observation group versus 70.0％ (21/30) in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The TCM symptom score showed significant improvement in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and the improvement in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the score of Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in the score between the two groups (P>0.05). The KPS score increased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), indicating a more significant improvement of KPS score in the observation group. Conclusion Puncturing Sifeng plus pricking Back-Shu points is effective in treating dyspepsia due to chemotherapy for TNBC. It can improve patient's appetite and quality of life.

Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture plus Chinese medication on the therapeutic efficacy and digestive function in treating patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Method A retrospective analysis was carried out by targeting 68 FD patients admitted during August 2015 and August 2017. According to the treatment protocol the patients received, they were divided into an observation group and a control group. The control group (33 cases) received Chinese medication, and the observation group (35 cases) was intervened by acupuncture plus Chinese medication. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical efficacy, and post-treatment changes in dyspepsia symptom score, gastric emptying, and the levels of motilin and neuropeptide in serum. Result The total effective rate in the observation group (85.7％) was higher than that in the control group (63.6％), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the scores of bloating discomfort, early satiation, upper abdominal pain, and upper abdominal burning sensation (P>0.05), while the scores of the dyspepsia symptoms mentioned above were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group after treatment (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in gastric emptying between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05), while the gastric emptying evaluation was better in the observation group than in the control group after treatment (P<0.05); the between-group differences in the serum levels of motilin and neuropeptide were statistically insignificant before treatment (P>0.05), while the levels of motilin and neuropeptide in serum of the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture plus Chinese medication can effectively increase the levels of motilin and neuropeptide in serum, boost gastric emptying, and improve dyspepsia symptoms and gastrointestinal motility in treating FD.

Objective To observe the regulatory effect of acupuncture plus intradermal needle on blood pressure in patients with low-risk mild essential hypertension. Method Sixty patients with low-risk mild essential hypertension were randomized into an experiment group and a control group. The experiment group was intervened by acupuncture plus intradermal needle in addition to life habit control; the control group was simply intervened by life habit control.The intervention lasted 4 weeks for both groups. Result Twenty-nine subjects in the experiment group and 30 subjects in the control group finished the trial, and thus a total of 59 cases were involved in the statistical analysis. After treatment, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) was (130.93±4.25) mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was (81.31±3.06) mmHg in the experiment group, versus (135.77±4.12) mmHg and (84.07±4.08) mmHg in the control group.The between-group differences in the SBP and DBP after treatment were statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the SBP in the experiment group dropped by (17.27±6.08) mmHg and the DBP dropped by (6.48±5.69) mmHg, versus (12.36±5.54) mmHg and (2.73±4.66) mmHg in the control group. There were significant differences in the decreases of SBP and DBP between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture plus intradermal needle can produce satisfactory effect in down-regulating the blood pressure in patients with mild essential hypertension.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of SHAO's five-needle therapy in treating active ulcerative colitis. Method By following a randomized controlled design, 57 patients with active ulcerative colitis were divided into a lung-intestine simultaneous treatment group of 28 cases and an intestine treatment group of 29 cases. The lung-intestine simultaneous treatment group was intervened by SHAO's five-needle therapy plus medications including oral administration of mesalazine, sulfasalazine suppositories via rectal insertion and Ge Gen Qin Lian decoction via enema; the intestine treatment group was intervened by medications. The two groups were both treated successively for4 weeks. The Sutherland Disease Activity Index (Sutherland DAI) was observed in the two groups and the release rate was also assessed; the main clinical symptom and sign scores of the two groups were recorded before and after treatment. Result The Sutherland DAI score dropped after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); the scores of abdominal pain, diarrhea and stool mixed with pus and blood declined after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05); the lung-intestine simultaneous treatment group was superior to the intestine treatment group comparing plus medications the therapeutic efficacy regarding the symptoms and signs (P<0.05). Conclusion SHAO's five-needle therapy can rapidly release the clinical symptoms and body signs of active ulcerative colitis and enhance the clinical efficacy.

Objective To observe the effect of bloodletting at Jing-well points on the recovery of cognitive function and prognosis in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment. Method One hundred patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment were enrolled and divided by the random number table into two groups, with 51 cases in the observation group and 49 cases in the control group. The control group was intervened by conventional treatment, while the observation group was additionally given bloodletting at Jing-well points. The two groups were observed and compared in terms of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), and the plasma cortisol level before and after treatment. The therapeutic efficacy and occurrence rate of adverse reactions of the two groups were also compared. Result After treatment, the MMSE, MoCA and BI scores all increased in the two groups, but the scores of MMSE, MoCA and BI in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 94.1％ in the observation group, higher than 71.4％ in the control group (P<0.05). The plasma cortisol level dropped after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the level in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The occurrence rate of adverse reactions was 7.8％ in the observation group, lower than 22.4％ in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Bloodletting at Jing-well points as assistant can effectively improve the mental state, cognitive function and activities of daily living, and to some extent reduce the happening of adverse reactions in the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment.