1.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Preliminary Proteomics-based Investigation of Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of BD-77 by Nebulized Inhalation on Respiratory Viral Infections
Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Shanshan GUO ; Lirun ZHOU ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Yanyan BAO ; Xing LI ; Cigang HUANG ; Kun JIANG ; Feiyan PENG ; Zhou XU ; Chenggang HUANG ; Xiaolan CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):52-59
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of BD-77 by nebulized inhalation on animal models of various respiratory viral infections and investigate the mechanism of broad-spectrum antiviral action of BD-77 using proteomics. MethodThe influenza virus H1N1/FM1 experiment used ICR mice and divided them into a normal group, model group, Tamiflu group, and BD-77 groups of 75 and 37.5 g·L-1 for inhalation of 20 min and 25 min. Human coronavirus 229E and OC43 experiment divided the BALB/c mice into a normal group, model group, chloroquine phosphate group, and BD-77 groups of 75, 37.5, 18.75, and 9.375 g·L-1, with 10 mice in each group. Influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 infection-induced pneumonia models were used to detect mouse lung index, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the viral load in lung tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect related inflammatory factors in lung tissue, and proteomics analysis was performed on the lung tissue of OC43-infected mice. ResultCompared with that in the normal group, the lung index of mice in each infection group was significantly increased (P<0.01), and viral nucleic acid could be detected in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronaviruses 229E and OC43. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronavirus 229E were all significantly increased (P<0.01). BD-77 could significantly reduce the lung index of mice infected with influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 (P<0.05, P<0.01), cut down the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 (P<0.01), and lower the contents of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronavirus 229E (P<0.01). Proteomics analysis of the lung tissue of OC43-infected mice showed that BD-77 regulated the AMPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, NOD-like signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. ConclusionNebulized inhalation of BD-77 is effective in treating pneumonia caused by influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 infection in mice and may exert its antiviral effects by regulating the balance of cellular metabolism, enhancing the immune function of the host, and attenuating inflammatory responses. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Clinical effect of acupuncture based on syndrome differentiation in the treatment of chronic insomnia and its influence on cognitive function.
Bao-Xian WU ; Shuo YANG ; Rui HUANG ; Yue LIAO ; Xing-Rong ZHANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2023;43(9):1014-1017
		                        		
		                        			OBJECTIVE:
		                        			To compare the effect of acupuncture based on syndrome differentiation and estazolam in the treatment of chronic insomnia and its influence on cognitive function.
		                        		
		                        			METHODS:
		                        			A total of 90 patients with chronic insomnia were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group, 45 cases in each group. The acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) combined with compatibility of acupoints based on syndrome differentiation, once a day for 6 d and then rest for 1 d, for a total of 4 weeks. The medication group was treated with oral estazolam tablets before bedtime, 1 tablet each time, for a total of 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and auditory verbal memory test (AVMT) of the two groups were compared, and the effects were evaluated.
		                        		
		                        			RESULTS:
		                        			After treatment, the PSQI sub-item scores and total scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment ( P<0.05 ), and above scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the medication group ( P<0.05 ); the scores of MMSE, MoCA and AVMT in the two groups were higher than those before treatment ( P<0.05 ), and the scores in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the medication group ( P<0.05 ). The total effective rate of the acupuncture group was 80.0% (36/45), which was higher than 53.3% (24/45) in the medication group (P<0.05).
		                        		
		                        			CONCLUSION
		                        			Syndrome differentiation acupuncture can improve the sleep quality and cognitive function of patients with chronic insomnia, and the curative effect is better than that of estazolam.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        			Humans
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy*
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Estazolam
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Acupuncture Therapy
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Cognition
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Acupuncture Points
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Syndrome
		                        			
		                        		
		                        	
4.Application of CBL combined with 3D printing teaching in clinical teaching of sacral tumors
Guofeng BAO ; Zhiming CUI ; Qinyu WANG ; Xing ZHANG ; Guanhua XU ; Yuyu SUN ; Xiaoqin HUANG ; Hong GAO ; Limin CHEN ; Tingting GU ; Haiyan HUANG ; Hong YE
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2023;22(2):220-223
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To explore the application effect of case-based learning (CBL), teaching mode combined with 3D printing in clinical teaching of sacral tumors.Methods:A total of 108 undergraduate interns and standardized residency training students who studied in our hospital from 2017 to 2018 were divided into the CBL teaching group ( n = 53) and the CBL combined with 3D printing teaching group ( n = 55) according to their study time. The combined teaching group used computer tomography (CT) data to reconstruct and print out a 3D model of sacral tumors based on CBL, and performed preoperative teaching on the invasion of the surrounding tissues of the tumor. The scores of the students in the two groups were evaluated respectively, and the students were surveyed by self-identification questionnaire (learning interest, self-learning ability, teamwork ability, comprehensive analysis ability and clinical thinking ability). The t-test (one-sided) was used for comparison between groups using stata 14.0. Results:The score of CBL teaching group (75.90±6.70) was lower than that of CBL combined with 3D printing teaching group (83.60±7.40). In terms of critical thinking ability evaluation, self-learning ability, learning interest, comprehensive analysis ability and clinical thinking ability, the CBL combined 3D printing teaching group was superior to the CBL teaching group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). In terms of teamwork ability, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion:The CBL teaching mode combined with 3D printing can improve academic performance, students' learning interest and clinical thinking ability of sacral tumors in the teaching of undergraduate interns and standardized residency training students.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Clinical analysis of the analgesic effect of general anesthesia combined with different concentrations of ropivacaine for abdominal transverse muscle planar block in laparoscopic appendectomy
Fu-Xing LIN ; Qing-Gui CHEN ; Bao-Xin MA ; Ying HUANG
China Pharmacist 2023;26(11):249-256
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To exploxe the analgesic effect of general anesthesia combined with different concentrations of ropivacaine and transverse abdominis plane block on laparoscopic appendectomy(LA).Methods LA patients from Xiamen University Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital from January 2022 to July 2023 were included.All patients underwent general anesthesia combined ropivacaine plane block of the transverse abdominis muscle.According to the different concentrations of ropivacaine,patients were divided into high concentration group(0.50%,20 mL),medium concentration group(0.375%,20 mL)and low concentration group(0.25%,20 mL).The dosage of fentanyl,postoperative bleeding,time of first press of the analgesic pump,and number of presses among three groups of patients were recorded and compared.The postoperative vital signs(mean arterial pressure and heart rate),pain level(NRS),comfort level(BCS)(1 h,6 h,12 h,and 24 h),and incidence of postoperative adverse reactions were observed and compared.Results This study included a total of 90 LA patients,with 30 cases in each group.The first press of the analgesic pump in the low concentration group was significantly shorter than that in the medium and high concentration groups(P<0.05),while the number of presses was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The mean arterial pressure and heart rate significantly decreased with the increase of ropivacaine concentration at 1 hour after surgery(P<0.05);compared with 1 hour after surgery,the average arterial pressure and heart rate of patients in the medium concentration group and low concentration group significantly increased at 6 hours after surgery(P<0.05),and no significant changes occurred thereafter.The NRS scores of patients in the high concentration group were significantly lower than those in the medium and low concentration groups at all four postoperative time points(P<0.05);the NRS scores of patients in the medium concentration group were significantly lower than those in the low concentration group at four postoperative time points(P<0.05).The BCS scores of the low concentration higher than those of the medium concentration group and low concentration group an 1 h,6 h and 24 h.The incidence of adverse reactions in the high concentration group was significantly higher than that in the low concentration group and the medium concentration group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the medium concentration group and the low concentration group(P>0.05).Conclusion General anesthesia combined with 0.50%ropivacaine abdominal transverse muscle plane block has a significant analgesic effect and high comfort for patients undergoing LA,but the risk of postoperative adverse reactions is high,and the plan needs to be adjusted according to the actual situation.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Epidemiological investigation on allergic diseases related to animal dander of cats, dogs and horses.
Wan Jia LI ; Zhi Feng HUANG ; Hui Qing ZHU ; Ying LIU ; Rong Fang ZHANG ; Guo Ping LI ; Meng XU ; Chuang Li HAO ; Shu Ping ZHANG ; Yong Mei YU ; Dong Ming HUANG ; Hua Li REN ; Xing SUN ; Yun SUN ; Jin Hai MA ; Xiao Luan LI ; Bao Qing SUN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;56(9):1279-1288
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective: A multicenter Chinese mainland survey was conducted to investigate the sensitization distribution characteristics of cat, dog and horse dander in patients with allergic diseases, so as to provide clinicians with epidemiological data of common animal allergens and useful information for the prevention and treatment of allergies in cats, dogs and horses. Methods: The epidemiological investigation and design was adopted. This study is based on the national epidemiological survey of allergic diseases led by the first affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. From January to December in 2021, a total of 2 122 patients diagnosed with allergic diseases were included in the outpatient department of respiratory department/pediatrics/allergy department of 14 units such as the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and 222 healthy subjects were included as controls from the physical examination center of the above units in the same period. All the subjects filled out the allergic disease questionnaire under the guidance of doctors, and the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) of cats, dogs and horses of all subjects were detected by magnetic particle chemiluminescence system. The epidemiological characteristics of three animal allergens in different diseases, ages and regions were analyzed. Chi square test was used to analyze the frequency difference between groups, t test or Mann Whitney U test was used to test the distribution difference between two groups, and one-way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis H test was used to compare the distribution difference between multiple groups. Bar chart, Venn-plot and radar chart were drawn to show the sensitization distribution characteristics. A small number of missing values caused by subjects' omission have been excluded during the analysis. Results: The 2 122 patients with allergic diseases were 57.35% male (1 217/2 122) and 40.95% female (869/2 122), and 1.70% (36/2 122) patients had loss of gender information. The age of patients with allergic diseases was 9.0 (6.0, 28.0) years, while that of healthy controls was 29.0 (13.0, 39.0) years old, and there were 1.7% (36/2 122) and 0.9% (2/222) subjects with missing age information, respectively. The proportion of caesarean section in allergic patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (31.4% vs. 17.6%,χ2=16.582,P<0.001) [2.5% (54/2 122) of the patient group and 5.4% (12/222) of the control group had missing birth mode information], and the proportion of patients with allergic diseases who reported that both parents had allergic diseases was significantly higher than that of the control group (35.7% vs. 9.5%, χ2=65.171,P<0.001). Patients with allergic diseases are mainly school-age (6-12 years old) and adolescents (12-18 years old). 16.4% of patients with allergic diseases were sensitized to cat dander, 10% and 6% to dog and horse dander. The sensitization rate of cat dander in patients with rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, food allergy and atopic dermatitis was the highest (16.4%-21.6%), followed by dog dander (10.2%-15.2%). The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was the highest among different animal sensitized populations. The proportion of cat, dog and horse allergens sensitized at the same time is between 10%-15%, and the proportion of any two or more animal dander sensitized at the same time is about 45%. Animal allergens are associated with respiratory allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis with allergic conjunctivitis. There were significant differences in the distribution of positive rates of three animal allergens in different regions, and the highest positive rate of cat dander was found in all provinces of the country. Conclusion: The sensitization rate of animal dander allergens increased significantly, and the highest was in children and adolescents. Cat dander is the most common animal allergen, followed by dog. Different animals show obvious cross or common sensitization due to their high homology.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        			Allergens
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Animals
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Cats
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Cesarean Section
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Dander
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Dogs
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Female
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Horses
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Immunoglobulin E
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Male
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Pregnancy
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Rhinitis, Allergic
		                        			
		                        		
		                        	
7.Minimal clinically important difference of the frequency of bowel movement for patients with chronic severe functional constipation treated with acupuncture.
Yan-Ke AI ; Zhi-Shun LIU ; Bao-Yan LIU ; Yan-Hong ZHANG ; Yang LI ; Hai-Shu SUN ; Xue CAO ; Jia LIU ; Zhuo-Xin YANG ; Hai-Bo YU ; Xing-Xian HUANG ; Li-Yun HE
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2022;42(11):1247-1250
		                        		
		                        			OBJECTIVE:
		                        			To estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the frequency of bowel movement for the patients with chronic severe functional constipation treated with acupuncture so as to provide the evidence for the clinical decision.
		                        		
		                        			METHODS:
		                        			In this study, 813 patients with chronic severe functional constipation treated with acupuncture in two previous randomized controlled trials were included. Through the anchor-based method (anchored by the item 28 "satisfaction with previous treatment" of the patient assessment of constipation-quality of life [PAC-QOL]) and the distribution-based method, the MCID of the weekly frequency of complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) and spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) was analyzed statistically in the patients.
		                        		
		                        			RESULTS:
		                        			The MCID of the mean weekly frequency of CSBM and SBM was 1.3 times and 1.6 times in patients with chronic severe functional constipation treated with acupuncture, respectively.
		                        		
		                        			CONCLUSION
		                        			The mean increase of the weekly CSMB is ≥ 1.3 times and that of SBM is ≥ 1.6 times after treatment when compared with the baseline respectively, suggesting the clinical significance.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        			Humans
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Quality of Life
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Minimal Clinically Important Difference
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Treatment Outcome
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Constipation/therapy*
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Acupuncture Therapy
		                        			
		                        		
		                        	
8.Naoxintong Capsule for Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke: A Multicenter, Randomized, and Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Xiao-Fei YU ; Xu-Ying ZHU ; Can-Xing YUAN ; Dan-Hong WU ; Yu-Wu ZHAO ; Jia-Jun YANG ; Chang-de WANG ; Wei-Wen WU ; Xue-Yuan LIU ; Zhen-Guo LIU ; Zhi-Yu NIE ; Ben-Qiang DENG ; Huan BAO ; Long-Xuan LI ; Chun-Yan WANG ; Hong-Zhi ZHANG ; Jing-Si ZHANG ; Ji-Han HUANG ; Fan GONG ; Ming-Zhe WANG ; Yong-Mei GUO ; Yan SUN ; Ding-Fang CAI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2022;28(12):1063-1071
		                        		
		                        			OBJECTIVE:
		                        			To examine whether the combination of Naoxintong Capsule with standard care could further reduce the recurrence of ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of severe bleeding.
		                        		
		                        			METHODS:
		                        			A total of 23 Chinese medical centers participated in this trial. Adult patients with a history of ischemic stroke were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio using a block design to receive either Naoxintong Capsule (1.2 g orally, twice a day) or placebo in addition to standard care. The primary endpoint was recurrence of ischemic stroke within 2 years. Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction, death due to recurrent ischemic stroke, and all-cause mortality. The safety of drugs was monitored. Results were analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle.
		                        		
		                        			RESULTS:
		                        			A total of 2,200 patients were enrolled from March 2015 to March 2016, of whom 143 and 158 in the Naoxintong and placebo groups were lost to follow-up, respectively. Compared with the placebo group, the recurrence rate of ischemic stroke within 2 years was significantly lower in the Naoxintong group [6.5% vs. 9.5%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.665, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.492-0.899, P=0.008]. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary outcomes and safety, including rates of severe hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage (P>0.05).
		                        		
		                        			CONCLUSION
		                        			The combination of Naoxintong Capsule with standard care reduced the 2-year stroke recurrence rate in patients with ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of severe hemorrhage in high-risk patients. (Trial registration No. NCT02334969).
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        			Adult
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Humans
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Secondary Prevention/methods*
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Ischemic Stroke
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Stroke/prevention & control*
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Cerebral Hemorrhage/complications*
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Double-Blind Method
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
		                        			
		                        		
		                        	
9.Epidemiological investigation of tinnitus in Sichuan and Chongqing.
Jia Qiu DAI ; Ying PANG ; Zi Qi CHEN ; Si Ji WANG ; Bin PENG ; Hong XU ; Feng Hui YU ; Lin ZHU ; Xi OUYANG ; Chang Chao XIANG ; Ping LYU ; Yun HE ; Dong Bao YANG ; Qiu Tang HUANG ; Sen YANG ; Wen Xing YU ; Xia JIANG ; Hou Yong KANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2021;56(11):1164-1173
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of tinnitus in Sichuan and Chongqing. Methods: We designed a tinnitus epidemiological questionnaire. The multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling methods was applied to obtain study subjects in six areas (Nanchong, Jiangjin, Fengdu, Yunyang, Suining and Ya'an), which were selected for epidemiological investigation. Home visit completion of epidemiological questionnaires was conducted. The trained investigators guided the respondents to fill in the tinnitus epidemiological questionnaires, and the epidemiological status of six areas on prevalence and risk factor was investigated. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Sampling population were 10 289, in which 9 273 were valid questionnaires. There were 4 281 males and 4 992 females, with an average age of 47.3 years, among which 34.83% (3 230/9 273) had tinnitus. 3.99% (370/9 273) were diagnosed with bothersome tinnitus. In a multivariable logistic regression mod, the following factors were associated with onsetting of tinnitus: sleep disorder [Odds Ratio(OR)=3.74] and noise exposure(OR=1.99). The risk of disease was lowest in the age of 30-40 years old, while the risk of disease was higher for people under 30 and over 40. In another multivariable logistic regression mode, the following factors were associated with having bothersome tinnitus: older people were more likely to suffer from tinnitus, sleep disorders (OR=4.68) and noise exposure (OR=1.56). Conclusions: The prevalence of tinnitus in Sichuan and Chongqing is about 34.83%, but most of the tinnitus is short-lived and has low loudness, which will not affect the patients. Only a small number of patients with tinnitus (3.99%) persist and affect their health and need treatment. The occurrence and exacerbation of tinnitus may be related to sleep, age, and noise exposure.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        			Adult
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Aged
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Female
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Humans
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Logistic Models
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Male
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Middle Aged
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Prevalence
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Risk Factors
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Surveys and Questionnaires
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Tinnitus/epidemiology*
		                        			
		                        		
		                        	
10.Chinese Medicine Involving Triple Rehabilitation Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in 696 Outpatients: A Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial.
Jie-Mei GUO ; Yan XIAO ; Tang-Yan CAI ; Jian-Hui WANG ; Bao-Lin LI ; Lu-Lu HUANG ; Xiao MAO ; Xing-Quan LAI ; Ya-Ju ZHU ; Yi-Qiang ZHANG ; Shao-Qing CHEN ; You-Xin SU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2021;27(10):729-736
		                        		
		                        			OBJECTIVE:
		                        			To determine the effects of Chinese medicine (CM) involving triple rehabilitation therapy on the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
		                        		
		                        			METHODS:
		                        			A total of 722 patients recruited from 38 community health service centers located in China from March 2013 to March 2017 were randomly divided into treatment and control groups equally, using a cluster randomization design. Health education combined with CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy for KOA (electro-acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herb fumigating-washing, and traditional exercises) was administered in the treatment group while conventional rehabilitation therapy (physical factor therapy, joint movement training, and muscle strength training) was administered in the control group. Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) scores ≽4 were treated with dispersible meloxicam tablets (7.5 mg, once daily). The Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, range of motion (ROM), lower limb muscle strength, knee joint circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and the short-form 36 item health survey questionnaire (SF-36) scores were measured for each patient at 5 checkpoints (before treatment, at the 2nd week and the 4th week during the 4-week treatment period, at 1 month and 3 months after end of treatment), and adverse reactions were observed also.
		                        		
		                        			RESULTS:
		                        			A total of 696 patients completed the entire process, with 351 in the treatment group and 345 in the control group. At all treatment checkpoints, the treatment group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group with regard to the total Lequesne index scores, effective rate and improvement rate of the total Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, lower limb muscle strength, knee circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and SF-36 scores as well (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No adverse reactions were encountered in this study.
		                        		
		                        			CONCLUSIONS
		                        			CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy can alleviate KOA-related pain and swelling, improve lower limb muscle strength, promote flexion and activity of the knee and improve the quality of life in patients undergoing KOA. It is suitable for patients with early or mid-stage KOA. (Registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-12002538).
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        			Humans
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Medicine, Chinese Traditional
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Osteoarthritis, Knee/therapy*
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Outpatients
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Quality of Life
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Treatment Outcome
		                        			
		                        		
		                        	
            
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