Professor LI Zhi-dao, according to acupoint selection of syndrome differentiation in TCM basic theory, concluded a new therapy, namely "tonifying three qi" that is mainly based on three acupoints in the Conception Vessel. This method is consisted of Danzhong (CV 17), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Qihai (CV 6) in the Conception Vessel, which could successively nourish clear qi, stomach qi and original qi. In clinic, according to the severity of symptoms of three qi, the acupoints are selected flexibly, which could respectively treat deficiency of heart-lung qi, deficiency of stomach-spleen qi and deficiency of original qi. Some examples are also given in the article.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; methods ; China ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Qi

This study examined the ability of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (β-PGG) to induce the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the PC12 cells and its regulation in the PC12 cells. One week before treatment with the drug, nerve growth factor (NGF) was added to the cultures at a final concentration of 50 ng/mL to induce neuronal differentiation. After drug treatment, HO-1 gene transcription was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression of HO-1 and NF-E2-related factor2 (Nrf2) and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt were detected by Western blotting. The viability of the PC12 cells treated with different medicines was examined by MTT assay. The oxidative stress in the PC12 cells was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively by DCFH-DA. The results showed that β-PGG up-regulated HO-1 expression and this increased expression provided neuroprotection against MPP(+)-induced oxidative injury. Moreover, β-PGG induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, which was found to be upstream of β-PGG-induced HO-1 expression, and the activation of ERK and Akt, a pathway that is involved in β-PGG-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, HO-1 expression and neuroprotection. In conclusion, β-PGG up-regulates HO-1 expression by stimulating Nrf2 nuclear translocation in an ERK- and Akt-dependent manner, and HO-1 expression by β-PGG may provide the PC12 cells with an acquired antioxidant defense capacity to survive the oxidative stress.

Objective To investigate the actual situation of implementation of the project to reduce water arsenic in endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Shanxi province,and to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of the disease.Methods In June 2011,a questionnaire survey of 151 arsenic endemic villages was carried out in Shanxi province.The actual situation of implementation of the project to reduce water arsenic was investigated.Water samples were collected and arsenic level was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry.Results In the 151 arsenic poisoning villages 126 villages had changed the water,and the rate was 83.44％.In these villages,22 villages did not use the water improvement utilities properly.Of the 33 water improvement projects to reduce arsenic,23 operated normally.The projects covered 110 villages,beneficiary population of 97 920 people,accounting for 46.9％(97 920/208 736) of the total population.Water arsenic exceeded the national standards(≤0.05 mg/L) in 10 of the water improvement projects which covered 31 villages,including 15 nonendemic villages and 16 diseased villages.There were a population of 24 764 people in the diseased villages.Conclusions In Shanxi endemic arsenic poisoning areas,water improvement efforts need to be strengthened; the quality of water improvement project needs to be improved,and the project's later management and maintenance also need to be further strengthened.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of terpene penetration enhancers on membrane fluidity and membrane potential using HaCaT keratinocytes, and study the potential mechanisms of these terpene compounds using as natural transdermal penetration enhancer. Six terpene compounds, namely menthol, limonene, 1,8-cineole, menthone, terpinen-4-ol and pulegone, were chosen in this study on account of their good penetration-enhancement activities. The cytotoxicity of these terpene compounds was measured using an MTT assay. The fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique was employed to measure the change of membrane fluidity of HaCaT cells. The flow cytometer was used to study the alteration of membrane fluidity of HaCaT cells, and investigate the effect of terpene compounds on intracellular Ca2+. It was found that 6 terpene compounds possessed low cytotoxicity in comparison to the well-established and standard penetration enhancer azone. Those terpene compounds could significantly enhance HaCaT cells membrane fluidity and decrease HaCaT cells membrane potentials. Meanwhile, after treated with various terpene compounds, the Ca2(+)-ATPase activity and intracellular Ca2+ of HaCaT cells was decreased significantly. Terpene penetration enhancers perhaps changed the membrane fluidity and potentials of HaCaT cells by altering the Ca2+ balance of the cell inside and outside, resulting in the low skin permeability to increase the drug transdermal absorption.
Cell Line ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Membrane Fluidity ; drug effects ; Skin Absorption ; drug effects ; Terpenes ; pharmacokinetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect and mechanism of acupoint sticking of Chuanfuling (CFL) in dog-days (the hottest periods of the year) in preventing and treating children asthma in remission stage.

METHODSNinety patients were divided into three groups, 30 in each. Patients in the CFL group were treated with CFL sticking, in the Western medicine (WM) group treated with Pulmicort inhalation, and in the control group was untreated. The clinical effect and indexes of humoral immunity (IgE, IgA, IgG) and cellular immunity (Eos, IL-4, IFN-gamma) before and after treatment were observed.

RESULTSAfter treatment in the CFL group all the immune parameters were significantly improved (P<0.05 or P<0.01), all were better than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the effect on IgA and IgG was better than that in the WM group. In the WM group after treatment, improvement was shown on the IgE and cellular immune parameters with signifian difference (P<0.05 or P<0.01), better than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Besides, significant difference was shown in comparing IL-4 level between the WM group and the CFL group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONCFL sticking in dog-days could significantly improve the immune function in children with asthma to alleviate and control the attack.

Acupuncture Points ; Adjuvants, Immunologic ; administration & dosage ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Anti-Asthmatic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; blood ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; blood ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Seasons

Objective To understand the characteristics of physiological craving to alcohol related cues of the alcohol abstinents and explore the corresponding nursing strategy. Methods 20 alcohol abstinents were confirmed with ICD-10 diagnosis of alcohol dependence (test group) and 20 normal subjects were selected to match the cases with gender, age and years of schooling (control group). All the subjects were exposed to alcohol-related environmental cues. The multi-channel biofeedback recordings were taken to record the physiological indicators before and after exposure. Alcohol Urge Questionnaire Scale (AUQ) was adopted to assess the extent of craving before and after exposure and analysis craving change characteristics of physical indicators. Results The test group in the alcohol-related environmental cues increased craving after induction (P <0. 01), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and skin power were also increased (P < 0.01), however, skin temperature was lower (P < 0. 05), compared with normal subjects. Conclusions Exposing to alcohol-related cues could increase abstinent alcohol dependents' craving and induce the change of physiological indicators. It was useful to construct corresponding nursing strategy according to characteristics of psychological craving and physiological indicators.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Compound Zhajin Granule (CZG) on Toll-like re-ceptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in high-fructose corn syrup induced NASH mice.

METHODSThirty 6-week-old male C3H mice were divided into the high fat and high fructose (HFHFr) group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 10) according to body weight. Mice in the HFHFr group ate high fat diet and drank 20% fructose water, while those in the control group ate common diet and drank common water. After 8 weeks mice in the HFHFr group were divided into two group according to body weight, the HFHFr group and the CZG group, 10 in each group. Mice in the CZG group were fed with high fat forage and 20% fructose water, and administered with 50 mL/kg 12. 8% CZG (prepared by hawthorn, Radix Curcumae, Alisma Orientale, Fritillaria Thunbergii, Silybum Marianum, peach seed in the ratio of 3:1.5:1.5:2:1.5:2:1) by gastrogavage. Mice in the HFHFr group were fed in the same way and daily administered with equal volume of distilled water by gastrogavage. Sixteen weeks later all mice were sacrificed. Body weight, liver wet weight, liver function, and lipid metabolism were detected. Pathological changes of liver tissues were assessed by HE staining, oil red O staining, and Masson staining. Expressions of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were detected using immunohistochemical staining and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.

RESULTSBody weight, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were obviously lower in the CZG group than in the HFHFr group (P < 0.05); oil red O stained area and density were decreased more in the CZG group than in the control group. HE staining showed ballooning inflammation was reduced more in the CZG group than in the HFHFr group. Masson staining was negative. Positive rates of TLR4 and MyD88 and mRNA expressions were significantly lower in the CZG group than in the HFHFr group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCZG could significantly inhibit TLR4 signaling pathway of liver in NASH mice.

Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; metabolism ; Diet, High-Fat ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fructose ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Inflammation ; Lipid Metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C3H ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 ; metabolism ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

This study examined the ability of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (β-PGG) to induce the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the PC12 cells and its regulation in the PC12 cells. One week before treatment with the drug, nerve growth factor (NGF) was added to the cultures at a final concentration of 50 ng/mL to induce neuronal differentiation. After drug treatment, HO-1 gene transcription was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression of HO-1 and NF-E2-related factor2 (Nrf2) and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt were detected by Western blotting. The viability of the PC12 cells treated with different medicines was examined by MTT assay. The oxidative stress in the PC12 cells was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively by DCFH-DA. The results showed that β-PGG up-regulated HO-1 expression and this increased expression provided neuroprotection against MPP(+)-induced oxidative injury. Moreover, β-PGG induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, which was found to be upstream of β-PGG-induced HO-1 expression, and the activation of ERK and Akt, a pathway that is involved in β-PGG-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, HO-1 expression and neuroprotection. In conclusion, β-PGG up-regulates HO-1 expression by stimulating Nrf2 nuclear translocation in an ERK- and Akt-dependent manner, and HO-1 expression by β-PGG may provide the PC12 cells with an acquired antioxidant defense capacity to survive the oxidative stress.
Animals ; Cell Death ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; genetics ; Hydrolyzable Tannins ; pharmacology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; drug effects ; genetics ; PC12 Cells ; Piperidines ; adverse effects ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; genetics ; Pyrazoles ; adverse effects ; Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEAnemia can not only reduce the quality of life of patients with cancer, but also affect their survival. This study was to investigate the prognostic value of hemoglobin (Hb) level in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy.

METHODSClinical data of 520 NPC patients received definitive radiotherapy between 2000 and 2002 at Sun Yat sen University Cancer Center were analyzed. Patients were stratified into normal Hb level and anemia groups according to their Hb levels before, during, and after radiation. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria as Hb level < 130 g/L in men and < 120 g/L in women. Hb continuous decrease group and non decrease group were defined according to Hb changes in the patients during radiotherapy. Loco regional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model to analyze the prognostic factors.

RESULTSBefore radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 60.9% in anemia group and 63.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.337); the 5 year OS rates were 65.2% and 71.0%, respectively (P = 0.299). During radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 56.7% in anemia group and 67.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.013); the 5 year OS rates were 61.0% and 75.9%, respectively (P = 0.001). After radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 59.6% in anemia group and 64.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.169); the 5 year OS rates were 65.0% and 71.9%, respectively (P = 0.090). The 5 year LRFS and OS rates were significantly lower in Hb continuous decrease group than in Hb non decrease group (59.1% vs. 69.3%, P = 0.032; 66.2% vs. 76.4%, P=0.011). Multivariate analysis showed that the continuous decrease of Hb was an independent prognostic factor for OS.

CONCLUSIONThe change in Hb level during radiotherapy is an important prognostic factor affecting the OS of NPC patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Anemia ; blood ; etiology ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemoglobins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Particle Accelerators ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; adverse effects ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

Objective To explore into the condition of fluoride content of the drinking water and the present status of water-improving projects in the endemic fluomsis areas in Shanxi province,and to provide the evidence for making scientific and effective tactics in prevention and control.Methods In 2007,according to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control",screening for drinking water fluoride content was carried out in non-improving water villages of 15 counties(cities,districts).The investigation of all water-improving projects was carried out in 10 counties(cities).The fluoride content in drinking water was determined by fluoride selective ion electrode(GB/T 8538-1995).Results Screening for drinking water fluoride content was carried out in 969 non-improving water villages in 15 counties(cities,districts).Average water fluoride content was≤1.0 mg/L in 497 villages,accounting for 51.29%(497/969).Average water fluoride content was>1.0 mg/L in 472 villages.accounting for 48.71%(472/969).The overall standard drinking water fluoride content was mainlv>1.0-4.0mg/L,and the maximum average water fluoride content was 8.96 mg/L.The investigation of 290 water-improving projects was carried out in 10 counties(cities).Among 290 water-improving projects 213 water-improving projects were running normally,accounting for 73.45%(213/290);77 water-improving projects were running abnormally,accounting for 26.55%(77/290).Water fluoride content was≤1.0 mg/L in 158 projects,accounting for 54.48%(158/290).Water fluoride content was>1.0 mg/L in 132 projects,accounting for 45.52%(132/290).The maximal water fluoride content was 5.20 mg/L.Conclusions The situation of drinking water fluoride content over the national standard is serious in Shanxi province.The qualification rate was lower for the fluoride content of water-improving projects.Therefore,we should strength water-improving projects to raise the effectiveness of prevention and treatment and assure their quality.