Objective: To investigate whether grain-sized moxibustion at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) can alleviate cognitive decline and other pathologic features in early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) using transgenic mice with 5 familial AD mutations (5XFAD). Methods: The genotype of transgenic mice was detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 40 transgenic mice (1.5 months old) were randomly and equally allocated to an AD model group (5XFAD group) or a grain-sized moxibustion group (5XFAD + GM group), with 20 wild-type (WT) mice (C57BL/6J) serving as the normal control group (WT group). Mice in the 5XFAD + GM group were treated by grain-sized moxibustion at bilateral Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23). Mice in the WT group and 5XFAD group received no treatment but were restrained to ensure exposure to a similar experimental condition. Cognitive function and memory were assessed with the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests. The amyloid β 40 (Aβ40) and amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) levels in the brain were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; amyloid plaque deposition in brain tissue sections was detected by thioflavin-S staining; the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: In the Morris water maze test, compared with the 5XFAD group, mice in the 5XFAD + GM group had a shorter escape latency and more target area crossings and spent more time in the target quadrant (P<0.05). In the Y-maze test, compared with the 5XFAD group, the number of training times of the 5XFAD + GM group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), together with more correct responses (P<0.05). Compared with the 5XFAD group, the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the brain tissue of the 5XFAD + GM group were significantly lower (P<0.05); in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, the total number of amyloid β plaque deposition were significantly lower (P<0.05); the expression levels of GFAP and CD11b were significantly reduced (P<0.05); and the expression levels of ChAT and BDNF were significantly increased (P<0.05).Conclusion: Grain-sized moxibustion at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) greatly improves learning and memory functions, decreases the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42, inhibits amyloid β plaque deposition, decreases the expression of GFAP and CD11b, and increases the expression of ChAT and BDNF in AD mice to inhibit the progression of AD.

One hundred and ten patients with obstinate facial palsy were randomly divided into study group and control group with 55 cases in each group. Both groups received electropuncture on face acupoints five times a week, the study group received additional acupuncture on Zhongzhen six acupoints, subsequently fire needles were used for Yangbai (GB 14), Quanliao (SI 18), Dicang (ST 4) and Jiachengjiang (Extra) acupoints twice a week. And the treatment courses lasted for four weeks. The House-Brackmann (HB) scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used for evaluation of facial nerve function and anxiety status before and after treatment, respectively. One hundred and four cases completed the treatment in the two groups. Before treatment there were no significant differences in HB and SAS scores between study and control groups (Z=-0.271, P=0.79; Z=-1.689, P=0.09). After 4 weeks of treatment the HB and SAS scores in both group were significantly improved (Z=-5.652, Z=-5.038, all P<0.01; Z=-6.050, Z=-5.332, all P<0.01); however, there were significant differences in HB scale and SAS scores after treatment between two groups (Z=-2.066, Z=-2.884, all P<0.05). The electric acupuncture on face acupoints plus Zhongzhen six acupoints combined with fire acupuncture can effectively improve facial nerve function and anxiety state in patients with obstinate facial palsy.

Objective To investigate the impact of the electroacupuncture treatment in Jiao's scalp acupuncture balance area on the walking ability of patients with stroke. Methods The stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the control group (ordinary acupuncture group) and the treatment group (Jiao's scalp group). The two groups were scored before treatment, after 1 course of treatment and 2 courses of treatment, by using Fugl-Meyer lower limb score, Berg balance score and Holden walking grading. Results After 1 course of treatment, the Fugl-Meyer, Berg, and Holden walking grading of the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.01). The Fugl-Meyer, Berg, and Holden walking grading of the treatment group were better than those of the control group, and the difference was significant (P<0.01). The Fugl-Meyer, Berg, Holden walking grading of the two groups after treatment for 2 courses were significantly higher than those before treatment and after 1 course of treatment (P<0.01). There was no difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture treatment of Jiao's scalp balance area can effectively improve the balance of stroke patients, increase the ability of lower limbs to improve walking function, reduce the risk of falls.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of's neck acupuncture combined with swallowing rehabilitation on swallowing function and quality of life in patients with post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy.

METHODSOne hundred patients were randomly assigned in to an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were treated with basic pharmaceutical treatment, including neurotrophy medication and free radical scavenging medication as well as swallowing rehabilitation; the patients in the observation group, on the basis of those in the control group, were treated with's neck acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20), Yiming (EX-HN 14), Gongxue (Extra), Lianquan (CV 23), Wai Jinjin Yuye (Extra), Tunyan (Extra), Zhiqiang (Extra), Fayin (Extra), once a day, five times a week for continuous eight weeks. The Repetitive saliva-swallowing test (RSST), standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and swallow quality-of-life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) before and after treatment in the two groups were observed; the relationship between disease location and frequency and efficacy of's neck acupuncture was explored in the observation group.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the RSST, SSA and SWAL-QOL were superior to those before treatment (all<0.01), with more significant results in the observation group (all<0.01). The total effective rate was 91.7% (44/48) in the observation group, which was superior to 75.5% (37/49) in the control group (<0.01). The frequency of disease onset was one in 11 patients and 2 and above in 37 patients in the observation group, and the efficacy of one onset of disease was 100.0% (11/11), which was superior to two and above of onset 89.2% (33/37,<0.01). The number of patients with disease location at cortex and subcortex was 21, while that at capsula interna and basal ganglia was 27 in the observation group, the efficacy of two was similar (>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS 's neck acupuncture combined with swallowing rehabilitation could effectively improve dysphagia and quality of life in patients with post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy. No correlation of lesion locations on acupuncture efficacy is observed, while onset frequency is inversely proportional to efficacy.

Objective To observe the effect of proximal needling at Tianzhu (BL10) plus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone on the lower-limb motor function and walking function in cerebral stroke patients.Method A hundred cerebral stroke patients were randomized into a rehabilitation group and a proximal needling group. The rehabilitation group was intervened by balance training and conventional rehabilitation exercises; the proximal needling group was intervened by proximal needling at Tianzhu plus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone in addition to the treatment given to the rehabilitation group. The interventions weregiven once a day, 5 times a week, successively for 4 weeks. Prior to the intervention and after 4-week treatment, the lower-limb motor function and walking function were estimated by using lower-extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), time taken for 10-meter walk, and Holden's Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC).Result After 4-week treatment, the FMA, 10-meter walk time and FAC were significantly enhanced in both groups compared to the indexes prior to the treatment (P<0.01); the FMA, 10-meter walk time and FAC in the proximal needling group were significantly superior to those in the rehabilitation group (P<0.05).Conclusion In addition to conventional rehabilitation and acupuncture, proximal needling at Tianzhuplus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone can increasethe lower-limb motor function score and promote the activities of daily life in cerebral stroke patients; it can also strengthen the security in walking and keep the patients from falling down.

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference between the acupoint embedding therapy and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules in the clinical efficacy on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern.

METHODSThe multi-center clinical trial was adopted and 180 cases of NAFLD of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern were randomized into an embedding therapy group and a western medication group, 90 cases in each one. On the basis of general treatment such as diet control and proper physical exercise, in the embedding therapy group, the acupoint embedding therapy was applied to Ganshu (BL 18), Tai-chong (LR 3), Fenglong (ST 40), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), once every 7 days; in the western medication group, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules (essentiale) were prescribed, 228 mg/capsule, 2 capsules each time, three times a day. In 6 months of treatment, TCM syndrome score, liver enzymology, blood lipid and abdomen B-ultrasound examination were observed and compared before and after treatment between the two groups.

RESULTS(1) For TCM syndrome score, the total score in the embedding therapy group was lower significantly than that in the western medication group (P<0. 05); (2) For liver enzymology and blood lipid, the levels of serum alanine transarninase (ALT), serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) in the embedding therapy group were reduced significantly as compared with those in the western medication group (all P<0. 05); (3) For abdomen B-ultrasound examination, the fatty liver degree in the embedding therapy group was relieved significantly as compared with that in the western medication group (P< 0. 05); (4) For clinical efficacy, the total effective rate was 89. 8%o (79/88) in the embedding therapy group, higher significantly than 76. 7% (69/90) in the western medication group(P<0. 05).

CONCLUSIONThe acupoint embedding therapy achieves the definite efficacy on NAFLD of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern, better than polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Catgut ; utilization ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Spleen ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To summarize and analyze regularities in clinical use of acupoint application for headache. Method Fifth version Chinese Medical Classics database was searched. Thirty-three library-stored ancient books were searched manually. The ancient literature included for the study was sorted out. Descriptive statistical analysis was made of classification, point selection, used medicine, excipients and dosage forms for acupoint application for headache. Result A total of 51 pieces of literature was included. Statistical analysis showed that there were nine kinds of disease names, three types of classification-based treatment, eight acupoints, fifty kinds of medicines, eight hinds of excipients and five kinds of dosage forms. Conclusion Headache is the most basic nomenclature for pains in the head. Classification-based treatment fully embodies the idea of treatment based on disease differentiation mainly in combination with syndrome differentiation. Point Taiyang is the main point for local selection of point. The most frequently selected medicines are those of going through meridians, opening the orifices, unblocking collaterals and having thick smells. Blistering medicines are used cautiously. Scallion juice is most frequently used as excipients. Medicinal cakes are dosage forms most suitable for acupoint application for headache.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in treating post-stroke urinary incontinence. Method Ninety patients with post-stroke urinary incontinence were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 45 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by heat-sensitive moxibustion at Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), while the control group was by moxa-box moxibustion. After 4-week treatment, the two groups were compared with each in the incontinence grading and Activities of Daily Living (ADL).Result After treatment, the incontinence grading and ADL scores were significantly changed in both groups (P<0.05). The incontinence grading and ADL scores of the treatment group were significantly different from that of the control group after treatment (P<0.05).Conclusion Heat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the post-stroke urinary incontinence and ADL.

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at the Balance Area on ambulation and quality of life in patients with cerebral stroke.Method A hundred patients with cerebral stroke were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 50 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by electroacupuncture at the Balance Area plus rehabilitation, while the control group was by conventional acupuncture plus rehabilitation. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Holden ambulation grading score, and modified Barthel Index (BI) were adopted to evaluate the walk ability and quality of life.Result The BBS score, Holden grading score, and modified BI score respectively after 1 treatment course and 2 treatment courses were significantly different from that before intervention in both groups (P<0.01). After 1 treatment course, the BBS score, Holden grading score, and BI score of the treatment group were significantly different from that of the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at the Balance Area can effectively enhance the balance function of cerebral stroke patients, and it can promote the ambulation ability and quality of life.

Objective:To observe the clinical effects of acupoint thread-embedding method for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in pattern of liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency.
Methods: A total of180 cases in conformity with the diagnostic criteria of NAFLD in pattern of liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 90 cases in each group, and finally 88 cases in the treatment group and 90 cases in the control group were recruited for statistics. The treatment group was managed by acupoint thread-embedding method, and the control group was treated by oral administration of Polyene Phosphatidylcholine capsules. Both groups were treated for 6 months. Before and after the treatment, liver enzymology, blood fat test, abdominal B ultrasonic examination, and assessment of clinical effects were respectively processed.
Results:After treatment, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) decreased in the treatment group, and were significantly different from those in the control group after treatment (allP<0.05). There was no statistically significant inter-group difference in the degree of fatty liver (by B ultrasound examination) before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the improvement degree of fatty liver in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rates were 89.8% in the treatment group and 76.7% in the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion:The acupoint thread-embedding method can reduce the levels of ALT, AST, TC and TG in NAFLD patients, and can improve the pathologic degree of fatty liver and its clinical effects are remarkably better than that of oral medications.