Objective: To analyze the publication activity in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and learn more about the development and perspective of TCM as well as its subfields. Methods: TCM-related publications (from 1964 to 2008) indexed in Medline were analyzed, including publication number and proportion of TCM papers, TCM clinical research papers, papers in TCM subfields such as Chinese medicine, Chinese herbs and acupuncture. We also analyzed the journals in which they got published. Results: A total of 34 528 TCM-related papers were indexed in Medline from 1964 to 2008. The number and proportion of publication in Medline were increased steadily. TCM articles have changed towards clinical-oriented research, especially in complementary therapies and acupuncture subfields. Before 1973 the popular content of TCM articles was acupuncture, but at present it changed to Chinese herbs. TCM papers were found in core clinical journals, specialized complementary journals and non-core journals, the last one was the majority. Conclusion: The publication activity of TCM literature increased rapidly since 1970s. TCM attracts more and more attentions and researchers. The safety and efficacy of TCM have been tried to identify by conducting modern scientific researches.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the world medical market. The basis of globalization of TCM was to make sure the current situation of CAM and the role that TCM plays. It will improve the application and reputation of TCM by analyzing the global usage rate, sort of diseases, social-demographic characteristics of users and medical economics of CAM.

Researches on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are attracting more and more attention in the United States, and their scale and investment are progressively increasing. The differences between China and the United States in application of TCM therapies, background of Eastern and Western knowledge, thinking model, as well as the recognition of TCM theories lead to the differences in content and design of TCM researches.

Objective To evaluate the effects of statins on the cerebral haemodynamics of ischemic stroke patients with transcranial Doppler(TCD). Methods 70 inpatients with acute ischemic stroke were divided into two groups according whether they had taken statins after stroke.The change of the cerebral haemodynamics was studied in the two groups with TCD three months after stroke. Results Three months later,the systolic flow velocities and mean flow velocities of bilateral middle cerebral arteries in the statins groups significantly increased (P＜0.05). The pulse index of bilateral middle cerebral arteries in statins group significantly decreased (P＜0.05).The flow velocities and pulse index of bilateral middle cerebral arteries in control group don't change significantly(P＞0.05). Conclusions Statins may have the effects of improving the situation of cerebral haemodynamics of patients with ischemic stroke.

Objective To analyze the causes of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) relat-ed infections, study the types of pathogens and their drug sensitivities in order to supply evidence for clini-cal medication. Methods 110 cancer patients were analyzed for PICC related infections and blood sam-pies underwent bacterial culture. Results Of 110 cases of cancer patients, catheter-related infections were found in 11 patients (10.00%), including 9 cases of local infection (8.18%), and 2 cases of hemato-ge-nous infection (1.82%). Catheter-related infections were not associated with gender, age, types of catheter, venous selection, and the inserted length of intravenous catheter. Catheter- related infections were likely to be associated with the indwelling time of catheters. Conclusions To avoid the infections related to long-term PICC, strict aseptic operation and standardized maintaining procedures are required.

ObjectiveTo investigate the applicability and superiority of modified Seldinger technique (MST).MethodsTotally 108 patients receiving peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) through vascular ultrasound combined with MST technology were enrolled as MST group and another 108 patients receiving PICC using traditional direct vision method as control group.The first puncture success rate,PICC succesa rate,catheterization time required,and early complication rate were compared between these two groups.ResultsThe first puncture success rate was 88.89％ in MST group and 72.22％ in control group (P=0.002) ; the catheterization success rate was 82.41％ in MST group and 57.41％ in control group ( P =0.000).In the MST group,there were two cases where the catheter within neck was ectopic ( P =0.003 ),two cases experienced bleeding at the puncture sites (P =0.017),three cases had phlebitis (P =0.001 ),and one case suffered from catheter blockage (P=0.010).In the eontrol group,the corresponding numbers were 13,10,18,and 9.However,the time required for PICC showed no significant difference between these two groups (P=0.685).In the MST group,15 cases were catheterized in less than 15 minutes,72 cases between 15 and 25 minutes,and 21 cases for more than 25 minutes.In the control group,12 cases were catheterized in less than 15 minutes,70 cases between 15 and 25 minutes,and 26 cases for more than 25 minutes.ConclusionPICC through MST can be more effective in positioning the targeting blood vessels,increasing the success rate of catheter insertion,reducing various tissue damages,and lowering potential complications.