With the application of scientific studying methods, the level of clinical study has been improved greatly, and people has been paid more attention to scientific evaluation of the clinical effect of Chinese medicine and acu-moxibustion. Formerly, because of lack in acceptance and application of modern scientific studying methods in Chinese clinical acu-moxibustion researchers, their achievements weren't approved by the international academy for the faulty model of study. Randomized Control Trial (RCT) is the golden standard method widely accepted at present, so it is of great importance for clinical acu-moxibustion researchers to exert control methods correctly and effectively. The commonly used controlling methods of overseas clinical acu-moxibustion studies were discussed in this article in order to give some suggestion and benifits to the internal acu-moxibustion clinical researchers.
Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of four constituents in Qingzhiyi Tablets (Puerariae lobatae Radix,Phyllanthi Fructus,Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.).METHODS The analysis of 50％ methanol extract of this drug was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Kromasil C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.1％ formic acid-methanol-acetonitrile flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 270 nm.RESULTS Gallic acid,puerarin,salvianolic acid B and tanshinone Ⅱ A showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 11.95-382.48,14.23-455.28,10.77-344.68 and 3.89-124.32 μg/mL,whose average recoveries were 99.96％,100.92％,98.87％ and 97.67％ with the RSDs of 1.09％,1.30％,1.11％ and 1.22％,respectively.CONCLUSION This sensitive,simple and accurate method can be used for the quality control of Qingzhiyi Tablets.

This study aimed at investigating the drug preparation of precise powder decoction pieces (PPDP) system,Fallopia multiflora radix preparata (FMRP) was employed in this study.Different specifications of PPDP were prepared,their extract rates were in contrast with the original pieces.Compared the quality uniformity of three batches between FMRP original slices and its PPDP extraction,the similarity of the chemical fingerprints was evaluated,and the contents of common peaks and quality uniformity were compared by relative peak areas.ITS2 sequence was taken as a DNA barcode to identify F.multiflora radix (FMR).As a result,the extract rate of PPDP was 2.5 times as much as the original slices.The average content of stilbene glucoside from the three original slices and the PPDP extraction were 3.56 ± 2.61 and 13.23 ± 0.37 mg·g-1,respectively;while the RSD were 73.28％ and 2.82％.The similarity of the fingerprints of the PPDP extraction was almost the same as that of the original slices,but the content and the uniformity of the common peaks of the PPDP extraction were significantly improved.Thus,FMR was accurately identified using ITS2 sequences.It was concluded that the PPDP considerably improve the decocting rate and quality uniformity,indicating that PPDP could save resources and improve the clinical efficacy.

OBJECTIVEIBS-D rat model was established to assess the effect of Shen warming Pi strengthening method (SWPSM) for intervening diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by observing rats' general state, stool properties, AWR ranking, and histopathological changes.

METHODSTotally 72 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e. the normal group, the model group, the high, middle, low dose SWPSM groups, and the control group, 12 in each group. The IBS-D rat model was successfully established referring to AL-Chaer ED's modeling method. After modeling high, middle, and low dose SWPS Recipe boil-free granules were given by gastrogavage to rats in corresponding treatment groups. Sishen Pill boil-free granule was given by gastrogavage to those in the control group. Equal volume of normal saline was given by gastrogavage to rats in the model group. The medication lasted for 2 weeks. Rats' general state, stool properties, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) ranking, and histopathological changes were observed.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the general state of all rats got im- provement to various degrees. The improvement in the high and middle dose SWPS Recipe groups were superior to that in the low dose SWPS Recipe group and the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the growth rate between after and before treatment in each group (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group and the low dose SWPS Recipe group, the defecation amount within 4 h was less in the high and middle dose SWPS Recipe groups and the control group (P < 0.05). The Bristol ranking score, average ranking of loose stool, ratio of dry stool and wet stool were lower in the high and middle dose SWPS Recipe groups than in the control group and the low dose SWPS Recipe group (P < 0.05). The AWR ranking score was lower in the high and middle dose SWPS Recipe groups than in the control group when the volume of balloon dilation was 1.5 mL. There was no organic change of histological or morphological observation.

CONCLUSIONSHigh sensitive IBS-D model was proved to be reliable. SWPSM could reduce the quantity of stools, lower Bristol ranking score, average ranking of loose stools as well as ratios of dry stool and wet stool, contributing to reducing the high sensitivity of rats' visceral organs to some extent.

Animals ; Diarrhea ; drug therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin in combination with bortezomib on the proliferation and apoptosis of human MM cell line H929 in vitro, and to explore its mechanisms. MTT assay was applied to detect the inhibitory effects of curcumin and bortezomib either alone or combined at different concentrations on H929 cells, and flow cytometry was employed to assay the apoptosis rate. In addition, RT-PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of gene BCL-2, BAX, cyclin D1. Immunofluorescence technique was performed to study the location changes of NF-κB P65 in different groups. The results showed that both curcumin and bortezomib inhibited the proliferation of MM cell line H929 in dose-dependent manner, and combination of these two drugs displayed synergistical effect. A much higher apoptosis rate was determined by flow cytometry in combinative groups than that in single or control group. And RT-PCR showed, as compared with curcumin or bortezomib group, there was mRNA expression decrease of BCL-2, cyclin D1 but increase of BAX in combined group. The expression of NF-κB P65 in nucleus was downregulated in either the curcumin or bortezomib group, however, distribution of NF-κB P65 in cytoplasm was observed in combined group. It is concluded that the combination of curcumin and bortezomib is much more effective for the inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of H929 cell line, which may function by inhibiting the transcription of NF-κB and apoptosis-related genes.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Boronic Acids ; pharmacology ; Bortezomib ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Multiple Myeloma ; metabolism ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo establish and evaluate a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated with depression for further elaborating the disease.

METHODSTwenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal group (group N), T2DM group (group T) and T2DM with depression group (group T + D), with 8 rats in each group. The T2DM rat model was induced by high fat diet and low dose of Streptozotocin (STZ) injection, and in addition, the T2DM rats were made restraint stress for 21 days. After the model was established, the insulin tolerance test (ITT) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed. Then the rat depression level was analyzed by open field test, and the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA)was determined by ELISA to confirm the model identity.

RESULTSThe blood glucose level in group T and group T + D didn't return to the normal level at 180 minutes in the ITT and OGTT test; Compared with the group N, the max movement distance, retaining time in the central zone and the retaining frequency within 5 minutes in the group T + D decreased; 5-HT and DA level in the serum of rats in. group T + D was reduced.

CONCLUSIONA rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with depression has been successfully established by high fat diet and injection of low dose streptozotocin in combination with restraint stress for 21 days. This rat model is useful for further relevant studies.

Animals ; Depression ; complications ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diet, High-Fat ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Restraint, Physical ; Serotonin ; Streptozocin ; Stress, Psychological

BACKGROUNDHeterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy (HCSP) is a very rare but life-threatening entity and there is no optimal management strategy. Here we report a successfully managed case of HCSP with expectant treatment in a tertiary referral hospital.

METHODSA woman with HCSP after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer opted for expectant treatment after five days of mild bleeding and ultrasound demonstrated cardiac activity disappearance of the scar pregnancy at 8(+4) weeks of gestation.

RESULTSThe patient had mild to moderate bleeding during close monitoring. Three days later, speculum examination revealed the gestational mass was partly protruding at the os of the cervix and it was removed with forceps without massive hemorrhage. A healthy male baby was delivered by cesarean section at gestational age of 36(+4) weeks.

CONCLUSIONSThe expectant method might be an alternative option for a HCSP with loss of cardiac activity of the scar pregnancy, when applied under supportive management and with available emergency surgery facilities.

Adult ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Pregnancy, Ectopic ; diagnostic imaging ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) on phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) in the dorsal horn of spinal cord induced by plantar inflammation in the rat.

METHODSAll the rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, simple electroacupuncture group, formalin group, formalin plus ipsilateral electroacupuncture group and formalin plus contralateral electroacupuncture group. The acute inflammation animal model was made by injection of 100 microL of 4% formalin into the right posterior foot pad. Electroacupuncture was given at "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 30 min, with sparse-dense waves, frequency 2-15 Hz, and intensity 2-3 mA. One and a half hours latter, the rats were killed under anesthesia, and pERK1/2 expression in the lumbar dorsal horn were investigated with immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSThe positive cells were rarely seen (6.45 +/- 1.05) in the superficial spinal cord in the control group; a few cells (14.07 +/- 3.19) in ipsilateral superficial spinal cord were found in the electroacupuncture group. The number of pERK1/2-positive neurons (26.57 +/- 4.93) in lamina I - II0 of the ipsilateral dorsal horn in the formalin group increased significantly. After electroacupuncture at ipsilateral Zusanli (ST 36), the number of positive cells (20.79 +/- 5.21) had a tendency to decrease, but with no statistically significant difference. However, after electroacupuncture at contralateral Zusanli (ST 36), the number of positive cells (14.75 +/- 3.03) significantly decreased as compared with the non-acupuncture group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the spinal cord dorsal horn by electroacupuncture is possibly involved in acupuncture analgesic effect.

Acupuncture Analgesia ; Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; Posterior Horn Cells ; enzymology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo study the brain protection and the possible mechanism of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD).

METHODSSuccessfully establishing a neonatal rat model of HIBD, hUC-MSCs labeled with BrdU were transplanted into the lateral ventricle 24 hours after HIBD. The number of apoptotic cells and the expression of Caspase-3 were detected by TUNEL and Western blot respectively at 24 and 48 hours after transplantation. The neurological functions of HIBD rats were evaluated by Longa score, and the survival, differentiation and pro-differentiation effects of hUC-MSCs were identified by immunofluorescence at 1 to 3 weeks after transplantation.

RESULTSAt 24 and 48 hours after transplantation, apoptotic cells and Caspase-3 expression in the MSCs group were less than in the HIBD group (P<0.05). At 2 and 3 weeks after transplantation, the Longa score in the MSCs group was lower than in the HIBD group (P<0.05). After transplantation, positive cells labeled with BrdU were seen in the brain tissue. The expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuron specific esterase (NSE) in the MSCs group were higher than in the HIBD and sham-operated control groups (P<0.05), and increased gradually with the transplantation time (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONShUC-MSCs transplantation in HIBD rats can inhibit Caspase-3 expression and reduce apoptotic cells in the early stage, and in the later period, the survival hUC-MSCs can differentiate into neural-like cells and promote the differentiation of endogenous neural-like cells, providing protective effects to brain.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of anterior tooth movement using clear aligners in integrated three-dimensional digital models. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography was performed before and after treatment with clear aligners in 32 patients. Plaster casts were laser-scanned for virtual setup and aligner fabrication. Differences in predicted and achieved root and crown positions of anterior teeth were compared on superimposed maxillofacial digital images and virtual models and analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: The mean discrepancies in maxillary and mandibular crown positions were 0.376 +/- 0.041 mm and 0.398 +/- 0.037 mm, respectively. Maxillary and mandibular root positions differed by 2.062 +/- 0.128 mm and 1.941 +/- 0.154 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Crowns but not roots of anterior teeth can be moved to designated positions using clear aligners, because these appliances cause tooth movement by tilting motion.
Casts, Surgical ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Crowns ; Humans ; Tooth Movement* ; Tooth*