Background： Functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） is a novel method for studying the changes of brain networks due to acupuncture treatment. In recent years, more and more studies have focused on the brain f...Background： Functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） is a novel method for studying the changes of brain networks due to acupuncture treatment. In recent years, more and more studies have focused on the brain functional connectivity network of acupuncture stimulation. Objective： To offer an overview of the different influences of acupuncture on the brain functional connec- tivity network from studies using resting-state fMRI. Search strategy： The authors performed a systematic search according to PRISMA guidelines, The database PubMed was searched from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016 with restriction to human studies in English language. Inclusion criteria： Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed using the keywords ＂acupuncture＂ and ＂neuroimaging＂ or ＂resting-state fMRI＂ or ＂functional connectivity＂, Data extraction and analysis： Selection of included articles, data extraction and methodological quality assessments were respectively conducted by two review authors. Results： Forty-four resting-state fMRI studies were included in this systematic review according to inclu- sion criteria. Thirteen studies applied manual acupuncture vs. sham, four studies applied electro- acupuncture vs. sham, two studies also compared transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation vs. sham, and nine applied sham acupoint as control. Nineteen studies with a total number of 574 healthy subjects selected to perform fMRI only considered healthy adult volunteers. The brain functional connec- tivity of the patients had varying degrees of change. Compared with sham acupuncture, verum acupunc- ture could increase default mode network and sensorimotor network connectivity with pain-, affective- and memory-related brain areas. It has significantly greater connectivity of genuine acupuncture between the periaqueductal gray, anterior cingulate cortex, left posterior cingulate cortex, right anterior insula, limbic/paralimbic and precuneus compared with sham acupuncture. Some research had also shown th展开更多
AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing rec...AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing receptor (KDR) in human gastric cancer tissue were observed by immunohistochemical staining. VEGF levels were manipulated in human gastric cancer cell using eukaryotic expression constructs designed to express the complete VEGF(165) complimentary DNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. The biological changes of the cells were observed in which VEGF was up-regulated or down-regulated. RESULTS: VEGF-positive rate was 50%, and VEGF was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of the tumor cells, while KDR was mainly located in the membrane of vascular endothelial cells in gastric cancer tissues and peri-cancerous tissue. In 2 cases of 50 specimens, the gastric cancer cells expressed KDR, localized in both the cytoplasm and membrane. Introduction of VEGF(165) antisense into human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901, immunofluorescence intensity, 31.6%)) resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-specific messenger RNA and total and cell surface VEGF protein (immunofluorescence intensity, 8.9%) (P【0.05). Conversely, stable integration of VEGF(165) in the sense orientation resulted in an increase in cellular and cell surface VEGF (immunofluorescence intensity, 75.4%) (P【0.05). Lowered VEGF levels were associated with a marked decrease in the growth of nude mouse xenografted tumor (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 345.40 +/- 136.31 mm3)(P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group: 1534.40 +/- 362.88 mm3), whereas up-regulation of VEGF resulted in increased xenografted tumor size (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 2350.50 +/- 637.70 mm3) (P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group). CONCLUSION: This study provides direct evidence that VEGF plays an important role in the oncogenesis of human gastric cancer.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To assess the effect of case-based learning(CBL)in the education of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM).METHODS:The studies concerning TCM courses designed with CBL were included by searching the databases of ...OBJECTIVE:To assess the effect of case-based learning(CBL)in the education of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM).METHODS:The studies concerning TCM courses designed with CBL were included by searching the databases of EBSCO,Pubmed,Science Citation Index,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Chongqing VIP database.The valid data was extracted in accordance with the included criteria.The quality of the studies was assessed with Gemma Flores-Masteo.RESULTS:A total of 22 articles were retrieved that met the selection criteria:one was of high quality;two were of low quality;the rest were categorized as moderate quality.The majority of the studiesdemonstrated the better effect produced by CBL,while a few studies showed no difference,compared with the didactic format.All included studies confirmed the favorable effect on learners'attitude,skills and ability.CONCLUSION:CBL showed the desirable results in achieving the goal of learning.Compared to didactic approach,it played a more active role in promoting students'competency.Since the quality of the articles on which the study was based was not so high,the findings still need further research to become substantiated.展开更多
The basic concept of integrative medicine（IM） is that by combining mainstream（biomedicine） with complementary and alternative medicine（CAM）, synergistic therapeutic effects can be attained.When the methods of mi...The basic concept of integrative medicine（IM） is that by combining mainstream（biomedicine） with complementary and alternative medicine（CAM）, synergistic therapeutic effects can be attained.When the methods of mind/body medicine（MBM） are added to this combination,as in Western countries,a new concept emerges that drastically changes the approach toward illness. It is interesting to note that the joining of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in the early days of the Peoples＇ Republic of China preceded the Western model of IM by almost 50 years.Several elements that make up the key components of IM as practiced today in the West were already present in the Chinese version of IM,and Chinese medicine has played and continues to play an important role in advancing IM.However,one of the major differences between the Chinese and the Western models of IM today,besides MBM and some other treatment options,is that Western integrative medicine（WIM） strictly requires its CAM methods to be supported by scientific evidence. The therapeutic methods of IM and their applications are many and varied.However,they are most frequently employed to treat chronic medical conditions,e.g.,bronchial asthma,rheumatic disease, chronic inflammatory bowel disorder and chronic pain.Other fields in which IM may be applied are internal medicine（inflammatory bowel diseases and cardiovascular diseases）,musculoskeletal disorders,oncology （chemotherapy-induced side effects）,obstetrics and gynecology（dysmenorrhea,endometriosis,infertility and menopausal complaints）,pediatrics,geriatrics,neurology（migraine and chronic headache）,and psychiatry （anxiety and depression）. The concept of WIM is discussed here in detail by reviewing its scope and implications for the practice of medicine and focusing on the role of Chinese medicine in WIM.展开更多
In this paper,the deformation reinforcement theory(DRT) proposed by the authors is elaborated with a new definition of instability that an elasto-plastic structure is not stable if it cannot satisfy simultaneously equ...In this paper,the deformation reinforcement theory(DRT) proposed by the authors is elaborated with a new definition of instability that an elasto-plastic structure is not stable if it cannot satisfy simultaneously equilibrium condition,kinematical admissibility and constitutive equations under the prescribed loading.Starting from the definition,a proof is established to the principle of minimum plastic complementary energy for failured structures.It is revealed that the principle of mini-mum plastic complementary energy results in relaxed constitutive equations,especially,yield conditions.It is demonstrated with case studies that many key issues in arch dam design,e.g.,global stability,dam-toe reinforcement,dam-toe cracking,dam-abut-ment reinforcement,can be well solved within the framework of the deformation reinforcement theory.The structural global stability can be described by the curve of the plastic complementary energy vs overloading factor.The unbalanced-forces obtained by elasto-plastic FEM can be used as the basis of analysis of global stability,dam-heel cracking,dam-toe anchorage and reinforcement of faults of high arch dams and their foundations.展开更多
A new set of binary sequences-Periodic Complementary Binary Sequence Pair (PCSP) is proposed. A new class of block design-Difference Family Pair (DFP) is also proposed.The relationship between PCSP and DFP, the proper...A new set of binary sequences-Periodic Complementary Binary Sequence Pair (PCSP) is proposed. A new class of block design-Difference Family Pair (DFP) is also proposed.The relationship between PCSP and DFP, the properties and existing conditions of PCSP and the recursive constructions for PCSP are given.展开更多
Nowadays, use of alternative and complementary therapies with mainstream medicine has gained the momentum. Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies which use essential oils as the major therapeutic agents to...Nowadays, use of alternative and complementary therapies with mainstream medicine has gained the momentum. Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies which use essential oils as the major therapeutic agents to treat several diseases. The essential or volatile oils are extracted from the flowers, barks, stem, leaves, roots, fruits and other parts of the plant by various methods. It came into existence after the scientists deciphered the antiseptic and skin permeability properties of essential oils. Inhalation, local application and baths are the major methods used in aromatherapy that utilize these oils to penetrate the human skin surface with marked aura. Once the oils are in the system, they remodulate themselves and work in a friendly manner at the site of malfunction or at the affected area. This type of therapy utilizes various permutation and combinations to get relief from numerous ailments like depression, indigestion, headache, insomnia, muscular pain, respiratory problems, skin ailments, swollen joints, urine associated complications etc. The essential oils are found to be more beneficial when other aspects of life and diet are given due consideration. This review explores the information available in the literature regarding therapeutic, medical, cosmetic, psychological, olfactory, massage aromatherapy, safety issues and different plants used in aromatherapy. All the available information was compiled from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Ethnobotany, Google Scholar, PubM ed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search.展开更多
AIM:Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder and many patients fail to find adequate relief from conventional therapies for their symptoms. This study tests the claim that acupuncture is effective for a maj...AIM:Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder and many patients fail to find adequate relief from conventional therapies for their symptoms. This study tests the claim that acupuncture is effective for a majority of these patients. METHODS: A prospective, blinded, sham acupuncture-controlled trial of traditional Chinese acupuncture was performed at a single postgraduate teaching hospital in Europe. Sixty patients with well-established IBS were recruited. The blinded comparator was sham acupuncture administered by the second of two acupuncturists who alone was aware of the randomization, and who otherwise followed the prescription of the first. The primary end-point was a defined fall in the symptom score at 13 wk (by intention to treat). The prior expectation was a 30% placebo response, and a response rate of 70% from acupuncture, for which the study was adequately powered. RESULTS: Patients in treated and sham groups improved significantly during the study-mean improvement in scores being equal (minus 1.9) and significant for both (P<0.05; one-tailed t test). There was a small numeric but nonsignificant difference between the response rate in patients receiving acupuncture (40.7%) and sham treatment (31.2%). Several secondary end-points marginally favored active treatment, but an improved symptom score of any degree of magnitude occurred more often with sham therapy (65.6% vs 59.2%). For no criterion was statistical significance approached. CONCLUSION: Traditional Chinese acupuncture is relatively ineffective in IBS in the European hospital setting, and the magnitude of any effect appears insufficient to warrant investment in acupuncture services.展开更多
Henan Province in China has a major epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome （HIV/AIDS）. Chinese medicine （CM） has been used throughout the last decade, and a management modalit...Henan Province in China has a major epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome （HIV/AIDS）. Chinese medicine （CM） has been used throughout the last decade, and a management modality was developed, which can be described by unified-planning, graded- administration, and centralized-controlling （UGC）. The UGC modality has one primary concept （patient-centered medicine from CM theory）, four basic foundations （classifying administrative region, characteristics of CM on disease treatment, health resource conditions, and distribution of patients living with HIV）, six important relationships （the ＂three uniformities and three combinations,＂ and the six relationships therein guide the treatment of AIDS with CM）, and four key sections （management, operation, records, and evaluation）. In this article, the authors introduce the UGC modality, which could be beneficial to developing countries or resource-limited areas for the management of chronic infectious disease.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81473784)University Science Research Project of Anhui Province of China(No.KJ2017A298)+1 种基金the Key Project of the Youth Elite Support Plan in Universities of Anhui Province of China(No.gxyq ZD2016134)Construction Project of Scientific Research Innovation Platform of Anhui Province of China(No.2015TD033)
文摘Background： Functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） is a novel method for studying the changes of brain networks due to acupuncture treatment. In recent years, more and more studies have focused on the brain functional connectivity network of acupuncture stimulation. Objective： To offer an overview of the different influences of acupuncture on the brain functional connec- tivity network from studies using resting-state fMRI. Search strategy： The authors performed a systematic search according to PRISMA guidelines, The database PubMed was searched from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016 with restriction to human studies in English language. Inclusion criteria： Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed using the keywords ＂acupuncture＂ and ＂neuroimaging＂ or ＂resting-state fMRI＂ or ＂functional connectivity＂, Data extraction and analysis： Selection of included articles, data extraction and methodological quality assessments were respectively conducted by two review authors. Results： Forty-four resting-state fMRI studies were included in this systematic review according to inclu- sion criteria. Thirteen studies applied manual acupuncture vs. sham, four studies applied electro- acupuncture vs. sham, two studies also compared transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation vs. sham, and nine applied sham acupoint as control. Nineteen studies with a total number of 574 healthy subjects selected to perform fMRI only considered healthy adult volunteers. The brain functional connec- tivity of the patients had varying degrees of change. Compared with sham acupuncture, verum acupunc- ture could increase default mode network and sensorimotor network connectivity with pain-, affective- and memory-related brain areas. It has significantly greater connectivity of genuine acupuncture between the periaqueductal gray, anterior cingulate cortex, left posterior cingulate cortex, right anterior insula, limbic/paralimbic and precuneus compared with sham acupuncture. Some research had also shown th
文摘AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing receptor (KDR) in human gastric cancer tissue were observed by immunohistochemical staining. VEGF levels were manipulated in human gastric cancer cell using eukaryotic expression constructs designed to express the complete VEGF(165) complimentary DNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. The biological changes of the cells were observed in which VEGF was up-regulated or down-regulated. RESULTS: VEGF-positive rate was 50%, and VEGF was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of the tumor cells, while KDR was mainly located in the membrane of vascular endothelial cells in gastric cancer tissues and peri-cancerous tissue. In 2 cases of 50 specimens, the gastric cancer cells expressed KDR, localized in both the cytoplasm and membrane. Introduction of VEGF(165) antisense into human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901, immunofluorescence intensity, 31.6%)) resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-specific messenger RNA and total and cell surface VEGF protein (immunofluorescence intensity, 8.9%) (P【0.05). Conversely, stable integration of VEGF(165) in the sense orientation resulted in an increase in cellular and cell surface VEGF (immunofluorescence intensity, 75.4%) (P【0.05). Lowered VEGF levels were associated with a marked decrease in the growth of nude mouse xenografted tumor (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 345.40 +/- 136.31 mm3)(P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group: 1534.40 +/- 362.88 mm3), whereas up-regulation of VEGF resulted in increased xenografted tumor size (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 2350.50 +/- 637.70 mm3) (P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group). CONCLUSION: This study provides direct evidence that VEGF plays an important role in the oncogenesis of human gastric cancer.
基金Supported by "Twelve-five" Scientific Research Study on Education from Chinese Academy of Higher Education(No.11YB032)by Scientific Research Study on Education from Sichuan Academy of Higher Education(No.11SC-007)by Key research project on teaching reform from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.JGZD201001)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To assess the effect of case-based learning(CBL)in the education of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM).METHODS:The studies concerning TCM courses designed with CBL were included by searching the databases of EBSCO,Pubmed,Science Citation Index,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Chongqing VIP database.The valid data was extracted in accordance with the included criteria.The quality of the studies was assessed with Gemma Flores-Masteo.RESULTS:A total of 22 articles were retrieved that met the selection criteria:one was of high quality;two were of low quality;the rest were categorized as moderate quality.The majority of the studiesdemonstrated the better effect produced by CBL,while a few studies showed no difference,compared with the didactic format.All included studies confirmed the favorable effect on learners'attitude,skills and ability.CONCLUSION:CBL showed the desirable results in achieving the goal of learning.Compared to didactic approach,it played a more active role in promoting students'competency.Since the quality of the articles on which the study was based was not so high,the findings still need further research to become substantiated.
文摘The basic concept of integrative medicine（IM） is that by combining mainstream（biomedicine） with complementary and alternative medicine（CAM）, synergistic therapeutic effects can be attained.When the methods of mind/body medicine（MBM） are added to this combination,as in Western countries,a new concept emerges that drastically changes the approach toward illness. It is interesting to note that the joining of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in the early days of the Peoples＇ Republic of China preceded the Western model of IM by almost 50 years.Several elements that make up the key components of IM as practiced today in the West were already present in the Chinese version of IM,and Chinese medicine has played and continues to play an important role in advancing IM.However,one of the major differences between the Chinese and the Western models of IM today,besides MBM and some other treatment options,is that Western integrative medicine（WIM） strictly requires its CAM methods to be supported by scientific evidence. The therapeutic methods of IM and their applications are many and varied.However,they are most frequently employed to treat chronic medical conditions,e.g.,bronchial asthma,rheumatic disease, chronic inflammatory bowel disorder and chronic pain.Other fields in which IM may be applied are internal medicine（inflammatory bowel diseases and cardiovascular diseases）,musculoskeletal disorders,oncology （chemotherapy-induced side effects）,obstetrics and gynecology（dysmenorrhea,endometriosis,infertility and menopausal complaints）,pediatrics,geriatrics,neurology（migraine and chronic headache）,and psychiatry （anxiety and depression）. The concept of WIM is discussed here in detail by reviewing its scope and implications for the practice of medicine and focusing on the role of Chinese medicine in WIM.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.50709014)the Special Funds for Major State Basic Research Projects of China (Grant No.2009CB724604)
文摘In this paper,the deformation reinforcement theory(DRT) proposed by the authors is elaborated with a new definition of instability that an elasto-plastic structure is not stable if it cannot satisfy simultaneously equilibrium condition,kinematical admissibility and constitutive equations under the prescribed loading.Starting from the definition,a proof is established to the principle of minimum plastic complementary energy for failured structures.It is revealed that the principle of mini-mum plastic complementary energy results in relaxed constitutive equations,especially,yield conditions.It is demonstrated with case studies that many key issues in arch dam design,e.g.,global stability,dam-toe reinforcement,dam-toe cracking,dam-abut-ment reinforcement,can be well solved within the framework of the deformation reinforcement theory.The structural global stability can be described by the curve of the plastic complementary energy vs overloading factor.The unbalanced-forces obtained by elasto-plastic FEM can be used as the basis of analysis of global stability,dam-heel cracking,dam-toe anchorage and reinforcement of faults of high arch dams and their foundations.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (69972042),Natural Science Fund of Hebei Provice(599245)and Science Foundation of Yanshan University
文摘A new set of binary sequences-Periodic Complementary Binary Sequence Pair (PCSP) is proposed. A new class of block design-Difference Family Pair (DFP) is also proposed.The relationship between PCSP and DFP, the properties and existing conditions of PCSP and the recursive constructions for PCSP are given.
基金Funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research,King Abdulaziz University,Jeddah under grant number(G-1436-156-590)
文摘Nowadays, use of alternative and complementary therapies with mainstream medicine has gained the momentum. Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies which use essential oils as the major therapeutic agents to treat several diseases. The essential or volatile oils are extracted from the flowers, barks, stem, leaves, roots, fruits and other parts of the plant by various methods. It came into existence after the scientists deciphered the antiseptic and skin permeability properties of essential oils. Inhalation, local application and baths are the major methods used in aromatherapy that utilize these oils to penetrate the human skin surface with marked aura. Once the oils are in the system, they remodulate themselves and work in a friendly manner at the site of malfunction or at the affected area. This type of therapy utilizes various permutation and combinations to get relief from numerous ailments like depression, indigestion, headache, insomnia, muscular pain, respiratory problems, skin ailments, swollen joints, urine associated complications etc. The essential oils are found to be more beneficial when other aspects of life and diet are given due consideration. This review explores the information available in the literature regarding therapeutic, medical, cosmetic, psychological, olfactory, massage aromatherapy, safety issues and different plants used in aromatherapy. All the available information was compiled from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Ethnobotany, Google Scholar, PubM ed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search.
基金Supported by the a donation gratefully received from the T-R Golden Charitable Trust
文摘AIM:Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder and many patients fail to find adequate relief from conventional therapies for their symptoms. This study tests the claim that acupuncture is effective for a majority of these patients. METHODS: A prospective, blinded, sham acupuncture-controlled trial of traditional Chinese acupuncture was performed at a single postgraduate teaching hospital in Europe. Sixty patients with well-established IBS were recruited. The blinded comparator was sham acupuncture administered by the second of two acupuncturists who alone was aware of the randomization, and who otherwise followed the prescription of the first. The primary end-point was a defined fall in the symptom score at 13 wk (by intention to treat). The prior expectation was a 30% placebo response, and a response rate of 70% from acupuncture, for which the study was adequately powered. RESULTS: Patients in treated and sham groups improved significantly during the study-mean improvement in scores being equal (minus 1.9) and significant for both (P<0.05; one-tailed t test). There was a small numeric but nonsignificant difference between the response rate in patients receiving acupuncture (40.7%) and sham treatment (31.2%). Several secondary end-points marginally favored active treatment, but an improved symptom score of any degree of magnitude occurred more often with sham therapy (65.6% vs 59.2%). For no criterion was statistical significance approached. CONCLUSION: Traditional Chinese acupuncture is relatively ineffective in IBS in the European hospital setting, and the magnitude of any effect appears insufficient to warrant investment in acupuncture services.
基金Supported by the National Special Science and Technology Program on Major Infectious Diseases(No.2013ZX10005001-001,No.2012ZX10005001-005)Henan Province Colleges and Universities Key Youth Teachers Scheme(No.2013GGJS-095)Plan For Scientific Innovation Talent of Henan Province(No.2015-025)
文摘Henan Province in China has a major epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome （HIV/AIDS）. Chinese medicine （CM） has been used throughout the last decade, and a management modality was developed, which can be described by unified-planning, graded- administration, and centralized-controlling （UGC）. The UGC modality has one primary concept （patient-centered medicine from CM theory）, four basic foundations （classifying administrative region, characteristics of CM on disease treatment, health resource conditions, and distribution of patients living with HIV）, six important relationships （the ＂three uniformities and three combinations,＂ and the six relationships therein guide the treatment of AIDS with CM）, and four key sections （management, operation, records, and evaluation）. In this article, the authors introduce the UGC modality, which could be beneficial to developing countries or resource-limited areas for the management of chronic infectious disease.
