Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effect...Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effects of acupuncture on brain function in a pathological context. Sixteen patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to true point group （true acupuncture at right Waiguan （SJ5）） and sham point group （sham acupuncture）. Results of functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed activation in right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 7 and 19）, the right temporal lobe （Brodmann area 39）, the right limbic lobe （Brodmann area 23） and bilateral oc-cipital lobes （Brodmann area 18）. Furthermore, inhibition of bilateral frontal lobes （Brodmann area 4, 6, and 45）, right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 1 and 5） and left temporal lobe （Brodmann area 21 ） were observed in the true point group. Activation in the precuneus of right parietal lobe （Brodmann area 7） and inhibition of the left superior frontal gyrus （Brodmann area 10） was observed in the sham group. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture at Waiguan in stroke patients inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side. Results indicated that the altered specificity of sensation-associated cortex （Brodmann area 5） is possibly associated with a central mechanism of acupuncture at Waiguan for stroke patients.展开更多
Functional constipation(FC)is a chronic discasc that significantly afcts the life quality of patients.Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of FC for many years,but its effectiveness has not been scientifcally a...Functional constipation(FC)is a chronic discasc that significantly afcts the life quality of patients.Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of FC for many years,but its effectiveness has not been scientifcally assessed.The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture(EA)in relieving the symptoms,mental states and quality of life(QOL)of FC patients.A total of 96 FC patients were randomly allocated into EA,mosapride&sham EA group(MS)and mosapride control group(MC).In the EA group,patients were treated with 16 sessions of needling at Quchi(LI1I)and Shangjuxu(ST37)bilaterally,5 times a week in the first 2 weeks,and 3 times a.week in the last 2 weeks.In the MC group,patients were treated with 5 mg mosapride citrate three times a day for 4 weeks.In the MS group,patients underwent sham EA and the same mosapride citrate treatment as in the MC group.The primary outcome was the number of weekly spontaneous bowel movements(SBMs).The secondary outcomes included stool consistency,intensity of defecating difficulty,36-Item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-36),Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS),and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life(PAC-QOL).The results showed that as compared with the baseline,EA significantly improved the weekly SBMs,stool consistency and intensity of defecating difficulty(P<0.05).It also partly ameliorated the PAC-QOL,SF-36,SDS and SAS scores when compared with MC or MS group(P<0.05).However,no significant difference was observed between MS and MC groups in bowel function outcomes and QOL scores.It was concluded that EA could effectivcly improve bowel function,mental states and QOL of FC patients.展开更多
We compared the activities of functional regions of the brain in the Deqi versus non-Deqi state, as reported by physicians and subjects cludng acupuncture, Twelve healthy volunteers received sham and true needling at ...We compared the activities of functional regions of the brain in the Deqi versus non-Deqi state, as reported by physicians and subjects cludng acupuncture, Twelve healthy volunteers received sham and true needling at the Waiguan （TE5） acupoint. Real-time cerebral functional MRI showed that compared with non-sensation after sham needling, true needling activated Brodmann areas 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 20, 21, 37, 39, 40, 43, and 47, the head of the caudate nucleus, the parahippocampal gyrus, thalamus and red nucleus. True needling also deactivated Brodmann areas 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9. 10. 18.24.31.40 and 46.展开更多
The action of needling in acupoint therapy has to first be regulated and integrated by the brain, and then it affects the target organ and manifests its therapeutic effects, which is dependent on the specificity of th...The action of needling in acupoint therapy has to first be regulated and integrated by the brain, and then it affects the target organ and manifests its therapeutic effects, which is dependent on the specificity of the acupoints. The authors put forward the hypothesis of the ＂acupoint-related brain＂. Single-photon emission computed tomography was used to explore the activation of brain regions following true needling in true acupoint Waiguan （SJ 5）, sham needling in true acupoint Waiguan, true needling in a sham point, and sham needling in a sham point. The relative specificity of Waiguan in normal persons was analyzed by observing changes in regional cerebral blood flow. Compared with the sham needling in true acupoint group and sham needling in the sham point group, acupuncture at Waiguan can activate brain regions controlling movement. Compared with true needling in the sham point group, acupuncture at Waiguan can also activate brain regions controlling movement. The results suggest that the specificity of needling at an acupoint is related to certain activated cerebral functional regions, which are associated with the clinical application of the acupoint.展开更多
Objective:To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture(EA)on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true a...Objective:To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture(EA)on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group(control)for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program.Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively.The first set consisted of Zhongji(CV 3),Qihai(CV 6),Guilai(ST 29),Sanyinjiao(SP 6),Yinlingquan(SP 9),Hegu(LI4)and Baihui(GV 20),and the second set consisted of Tianshu(ST 25),ST 29,CV 3,CV 6,SP 6,Taichong(LR 3),Neiguan(PC)6 and GV 20.Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm.Outcome measures included body mass index(BMI),waist-hip-ratio(WHR),oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),insulin release test,glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,adiponectin,leptin,visfatin,resistin,and interleukin(IL-6).Results:Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial.After 16 weeks of treatment,no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups(P>0.05).However,as compared with baseline data,a reduction in weight,BMI,hipline,WHR,fasting glucose,homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity,visfatin and HDL-C,and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group(P<0.05).In addition,a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism.Moreover,the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective.Sham acupuncture m展开更多
Many clinical trials and experimental studies claim that sham acupuncture is as effective as traditional Chinese acupuncture. However, these studies have no standard sham acupuncture control and many other factors can...Many clinical trials and experimental studies claim that sham acupuncture is as effective as traditional Chinese acupuncture. However, these studies have no standard sham acupuncture control and many other factors can affect the clinical effect. These factors include needle retention time, treatment frequency, and the total number of treatments needed for satisfactory results, and all can change the clinical effect. The majority of existing acupuncture treatment studies do not consider these factors and lack standard dosage criteria. Therefore, it is still too early to conclude that sham acupuncture is as effective as traditional Chinese acupuncture. This article investigates the factors that influence the curative effect of acupuncture as to help set a standard for acupuncture studies in the future.展开更多
In a recent study aimed at validating the Park sham needle for use as a double-blind control intervention,To and Alexander concluded that the practitioner who was performing acupuncture recognized the type of needle[1...In a recent study aimed at validating the Park sham needle for use as a double-blind control intervention,To and Alexander concluded that the practitioner who was performing acupuncture recognized the type of needle[1].This paper may lead the reader to misunderstand the design and purpose of placebo/sham acupuncture[2–6]which have been developed in recent decades for the purpose of acupuncture research.展开更多
Objective： To investigate the influence of the depth of skin press in blunt tip placebo acupuncture needles on patient blinding and its relationship to needle diameter.Methods： Forty healthy volunteers were enrolled...Objective： To investigate the influence of the depth of skin press in blunt tip placebo acupuncture needles on patient blinding and its relationship to needle diameter.Methods： Forty healthy volunteers were enrolled as subjects for patient blinding. Four acupuncturists applied the following needles randomly at three points in each forearm： 0.18 mm and 0.25 mm diameter penetrating needles inserted to a depth of 5 mm, and 0.18 mm and 0.25 mm diameter skin-touch needles depressing the skin at the acupoint to a depth of 1 mm and 2 mm from the skin surface. The subjects reported their guesses at the nature of needles they received, and rated needle pain and de qi. A blinding index was calculated to define the success of blinding for subjects.Results： The blinding status of subjects for 1 mm press needles of 0.18 mm diameter was ＂random guess＂,but ＂unblinded＂ for 1 mm press needles of 0.25 mm diameter. For 2 mm press needles of both diameters,the blinding status was ＂opposite guess＂ and the blinding status for penetrating needles of both diameters was ＂unblinded.＂ The percentages of ＂felt pain＂ with 2 mm press needles of both diameters were similar to that with penetrating needles, but those were not similar for 1 mm press needles. The frequency of de qi occurrence with 2 mm press needles of 0.18 mm diameter was similar to that of penetrating needles of both diameters.Conclusion： Placebo needles of 2 mm press made more subjects guess that the needles penetrated the skin than 1 mm press needles. The use of small diameter needles increased patient blinding.展开更多
In the West,hundreds of randomized controlled trials（RCTs）have been performed testing acupuncture.They include two types：those that compare acupuncture to other therapies,usual care or no treatment（pragmatic trial...In the West,hundreds of randomized controlled trials（RCTs）have been performed testing acupuncture.They include two types：those that compare acupuncture to other therapies,usual care or no treatment（pragmatic trials）,and those that have placebo controls（efficacy trials）.Acupuncture has generally performed well against other therapies or no treatment,but until recently,the evidence from placebo controlled trials has been considered equivocal or contradictory.A recent series of large RCTs,mostly performed in Germany and also in the US have included both pragmatic and placebo comparisons.The evidence poises a conundrum for the profession of acupuncture.This essay first describes the two types of RCTs used to examine acupuncture and examine the results of two recent large RCTs for chronic low back pain as representative examples of recent large studies.The essay then presents the most common Euro-American acupuncture professions＇ interpretation of these results.Western responses have included：（1）methodological weaknesses; （2）inappropriateness of placebo controls; （3）questions as to whether acupuncture placebo controls are＂inert＂; （4）rejection of evidence-based medicine epistemology; （5）discrepancy between acupuncture performed in RCTs with real world acupuncture; （6）enhanced placebo effects of acupuncture; and（7）needs to re-evaluate acupuncture theory.The authors do not necessarily agree with all of these responses; they are presented in an attempt to foster critical discussion.The paper also looks at recent neuroimaging experiments on acupuncture that may point to some worthwhile new avenues of investigation.Finally,the Euro-American health care policy consequences of these recent RCTs are discussed.展开更多
Objective To introduce an operation procedure and evaluate the continence diversion results of the modified ureterosigmoidostomy after radical cystectomy. Methods Fourteen cases of bladder cancer or prostate carcin...Objective To introduce an operation procedure and evaluate the continence diversion results of the modified ureterosigmoidostomy after radical cystectomy. Methods Fourteen cases of bladder cancer or prostate carcinoma were operated on with modified Sigma pouch from Feb, 1998 to Dec, 1999. A longitudinal incision about 25 cm on the sigmoid wall was done to form a low pressure pouch. The vertex of the new pouch was fixed to sacrum. Both ends of ureters were anastomosed side to side and to form a big nipple and inserted into the top of pouch for 2 to 3 centimeters.Results It took about sixty five minutes to create a new low pressure pouch after radical cystectomy. Early complication of was found in two cases postoperatively, and cured with temporary colonostomy. Hydronephrosis and hypokalemia in one patient were cured by percutaneous anterograde ureter dilatation with balloon and oral replacement of potassium salt. All patients displayed urinary continence. No symptomatic renal infection or hypercholoraemic acidosis occurred. Conclusion Modified ureterosigmoidostomy is a safe procedure of urinary diversion and provides a big volume, low intravesical pressure pouch. The patients are free from the troublesome urine bag, intermittert catheterization, and upper urinary tracts are protected effectively. The quality of life is satisfied.展开更多
The study was conducted to make clear the activity of azoxystrobin to 4 plant pathogens and the synergistic effects of salicylhydroxamic acid （SHAM）, which acted on the alternative oxidase. It was also conducted to ...The study was conducted to make clear the activity of azoxystrobin to 4 plant pathogens and the synergistic effects of salicylhydroxamic acid （SHAM）, which acted on the alternative oxidase. It was also conducted to be aware of the mechanism of azoxystrobin in inhibition on mycelial respiration and the influence of SHAM. The activity test of azoxystrobin and SHAM was carried out with a mycelial linear growth test and spore germination test. Other related biological properties were also observed. Inhibition of azoxystrobin and SHAM on 4 pathogens was determined by using SP-II oxygraph system. Azoxystrobin inhibited mycelial growth in Colletotrichum capsici, Botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia solani, and Magnaporthe grisea, respectively; it also inhibited conidia germination, and conidia production in C. capsici, B. cinerea M. grisea, and sclerotia formation in R. solani. Moreover, it created stayed pigment biosynthesis in C. capsici and M. grisea somehow. Salicylhydroxamic acid enhanced inhibition by azoxystrobin. An oxygen consuming test of the mycelia showed that azoxystrobin inhibited all the 4 fungi＇s respiration in the early stages. With the concentration rising up, the effectiveness increased. However, as time went on, the respiration of the mycelia treated with fungicides recovered and SHAM could not inhibit the oxygen consuming. This reaction between the mycelia and the fungicides appeared not to initiate alternative respiration but rather the other mechanism created a lack of efficacy.展开更多
Since acupuncture came to western countries,research has been done to try and prove whether or not it is effective.Current Acupuncture research is most often based on the sham needle which was first designed by K Stre...Since acupuncture came to western countries,research has been done to try and prove whether or not it is effective.Current Acupuncture research is most often based on the sham needle which was first designed by K Streitberger and J Kleinhenz in 1998.The sham acupuncture needles are developed for the control group and do not penetrate the skin.Sham acupuncture has been used in randomized controlled trial（RCT） for diseases which normally benefit from acupuncture treatment.The sham needle is not the best placebo needle though.Because of the use of sham acupuncture,the result of those research shows acupuncture having no effect or it shows there is no significant difference between real acupuncture（verum） and sham acupuncture（placebo）.However,a detailed introduction of the Nine Classical Needles（ancient） and the Nine Modern Needles（SHI＇s nine needles） shows that the use of sham acupuncture in RCT research is flawed by design.This then casts doubt on the findings and conclusions reached by using sham acupuncture in RCT acupuncture research.展开更多
基金the State Plan for Development of Basic Research in Key Areas(973 Program)in China,No.2006CB504505,2012CB518504the Key Subject Construction Project of"211 Engineering"III Stage of Guangdong Province in Chinathe Guangdong Provincial"College Students’Innovative Experiment Plan"Project in China,No.1212112038
文摘Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effects of acupuncture on brain function in a pathological context. Sixteen patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to true point group （true acupuncture at right Waiguan （SJ5）） and sham point group （sham acupuncture）. Results of functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed activation in right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 7 and 19）, the right temporal lobe （Brodmann area 39）, the right limbic lobe （Brodmann area 23） and bilateral oc-cipital lobes （Brodmann area 18）. Furthermore, inhibition of bilateral frontal lobes （Brodmann area 4, 6, and 45）, right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 1 and 5） and left temporal lobe （Brodmann area 21 ） were observed in the true point group. Activation in the precuneus of right parietal lobe （Brodmann area 7） and inhibition of the left superior frontal gyrus （Brodmann area 10） was observed in the sham group. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture at Waiguan in stroke patients inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side. Results indicated that the altered specificity of sensation-associated cortex （Brodmann area 5） is possibly associated with a central mechanism of acupuncture at Waiguan for stroke patients.
基金This study was supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program(No.2011CB505203)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81603652,No.81874388).
文摘Functional constipation(FC)is a chronic discasc that significantly afcts the life quality of patients.Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of FC for many years,but its effectiveness has not been scientifcally assessed.The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture(EA)in relieving the symptoms,mental states and quality of life(QOL)of FC patients.A total of 96 FC patients were randomly allocated into EA,mosapride&sham EA group(MS)and mosapride control group(MC).In the EA group,patients were treated with 16 sessions of needling at Quchi(LI1I)and Shangjuxu(ST37)bilaterally,5 times a week in the first 2 weeks,and 3 times a.week in the last 2 weeks.In the MC group,patients were treated with 5 mg mosapride citrate three times a day for 4 weeks.In the MS group,patients underwent sham EA and the same mosapride citrate treatment as in the MC group.The primary outcome was the number of weekly spontaneous bowel movements(SBMs).The secondary outcomes included stool consistency,intensity of defecating difficulty,36-Item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-36),Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS),and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life(PAC-QOL).The results showed that as compared with the baseline,EA significantly improved the weekly SBMs,stool consistency and intensity of defecating difficulty(P<0.05).It also partly ameliorated the PAC-QOL,SF-36,SDS and SAS scores when compared with MC or MS group(P<0.05).However,no significant difference was observed between MS and MC groups in bowel function outcomes and QOL scores.It was concluded that EA could effectivcly improve bowel function,mental states and QOL of FC patients.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program), No. 2006CB504505,2012CB518504the Third Key Construction Program of"211 Project" of Guangdong Province
文摘We compared the activities of functional regions of the brain in the Deqi versus non-Deqi state, as reported by physicians and subjects cludng acupuncture, Twelve healthy volunteers received sham and true needling at the Waiguan （TE5） acupoint. Real-time cerebral functional MRI showed that compared with non-sensation after sham needling, true needling activated Brodmann areas 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 20, 21, 37, 39, 40, 43, and 47, the head of the caudate nucleus, the parahippocampal gyrus, thalamus and red nucleus. True needling also deactivated Brodmann areas 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9. 10. 18.24.31.40 and 46.
基金supported by the National 973 Program of China,No.2006CB504505the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.90709027
文摘The action of needling in acupoint therapy has to first be regulated and integrated by the brain, and then it affects the target organ and manifests its therapeutic effects, which is dependent on the specificity of the acupoints. The authors put forward the hypothesis of the ＂acupoint-related brain＂. Single-photon emission computed tomography was used to explore the activation of brain regions following true needling in true acupoint Waiguan （SJ 5）, sham needling in true acupoint Waiguan, true needling in a sham point, and sham needling in a sham point. The relative specificity of Waiguan in normal persons was analyzed by observing changes in regional cerebral blood flow. Compared with the sham needling in true acupoint group and sham needling in the sham point group, acupuncture at Waiguan can activate brain regions controlling movement. Compared with true needling in the sham point group, acupuncture at Waiguan can also activate brain regions controlling movement. The results suggest that the specificity of needling at an acupoint is related to certain activated cerebral functional regions, which are associated with the clinical application of the acupoint.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81573787,81803913)。
文摘Objective:To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture(EA)on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group(control)for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program.Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively.The first set consisted of Zhongji(CV 3),Qihai(CV 6),Guilai(ST 29),Sanyinjiao(SP 6),Yinlingquan(SP 9),Hegu(LI4)and Baihui(GV 20),and the second set consisted of Tianshu(ST 25),ST 29,CV 3,CV 6,SP 6,Taichong(LR 3),Neiguan(PC)6 and GV 20.Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm.Outcome measures included body mass index(BMI),waist-hip-ratio(WHR),oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),insulin release test,glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,adiponectin,leptin,visfatin,resistin,and interleukin(IL-6).Results:Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial.After 16 weeks of treatment,no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups(P>0.05).However,as compared with baseline data,a reduction in weight,BMI,hipline,WHR,fasting glucose,homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity,visfatin and HDL-C,and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group(P<0.05).In addition,a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism.Moreover,the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective.Sham acupuncture m
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(No.2012CB518505)National Industry of Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Research(No.201207001-10)
文摘Many clinical trials and experimental studies claim that sham acupuncture is as effective as traditional Chinese acupuncture. However, these studies have no standard sham acupuncture control and many other factors can affect the clinical effect. These factors include needle retention time, treatment frequency, and the total number of treatments needed for satisfactory results, and all can change the clinical effect. The majority of existing acupuncture treatment studies do not consider these factors and lack standard dosage criteria. Therefore, it is still too early to conclude that sham acupuncture is as effective as traditional Chinese acupuncture. This article investigates the factors that influence the curative effect of acupuncture as to help set a standard for acupuncture studies in the future.
文摘In a recent study aimed at validating the Park sham needle for use as a double-blind control intervention,To and Alexander concluded that the practitioner who was performing acupuncture recognized the type of needle[1].This paper may lead the reader to misunderstand the design and purpose of placebo/sham acupuncture[2–6]which have been developed in recent decades for the purpose of acupuncture research.
基金supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(JP15K08938 and JP16K09266)
文摘Objective： To investigate the influence of the depth of skin press in blunt tip placebo acupuncture needles on patient blinding and its relationship to needle diameter.Methods： Forty healthy volunteers were enrolled as subjects for patient blinding. Four acupuncturists applied the following needles randomly at three points in each forearm： 0.18 mm and 0.25 mm diameter penetrating needles inserted to a depth of 5 mm, and 0.18 mm and 0.25 mm diameter skin-touch needles depressing the skin at the acupoint to a depth of 1 mm and 2 mm from the skin surface. The subjects reported their guesses at the nature of needles they received, and rated needle pain and de qi. A blinding index was calculated to define the success of blinding for subjects.Results： The blinding status of subjects for 1 mm press needles of 0.18 mm diameter was ＂random guess＂,but ＂unblinded＂ for 1 mm press needles of 0.25 mm diameter. For 2 mm press needles of both diameters,the blinding status was ＂opposite guess＂ and the blinding status for penetrating needles of both diameters was ＂unblinded.＂ The percentages of ＂felt pain＂ with 2 mm press needles of both diameters were similar to that with penetrating needles, but those were not similar for 1 mm press needles. The frequency of de qi occurrence with 2 mm press needles of 0.18 mm diameter was similar to that of penetrating needles of both diameters.Conclusion： Placebo needles of 2 mm press made more subjects guess that the needles penetrated the skin than 1 mm press needles. The use of small diameter needles increased patient blinding.
文摘In the West,hundreds of randomized controlled trials（RCTs）have been performed testing acupuncture.They include two types：those that compare acupuncture to other therapies,usual care or no treatment（pragmatic trials）,and those that have placebo controls（efficacy trials）.Acupuncture has generally performed well against other therapies or no treatment,but until recently,the evidence from placebo controlled trials has been considered equivocal or contradictory.A recent series of large RCTs,mostly performed in Germany and also in the US have included both pragmatic and placebo comparisons.The evidence poises a conundrum for the profession of acupuncture.This essay first describes the two types of RCTs used to examine acupuncture and examine the results of two recent large RCTs for chronic low back pain as representative examples of recent large studies.The essay then presents the most common Euro-American acupuncture professions＇ interpretation of these results.Western responses have included：（1）methodological weaknesses; （2）inappropriateness of placebo controls; （3）questions as to whether acupuncture placebo controls are＂inert＂; （4）rejection of evidence-based medicine epistemology; （5）discrepancy between acupuncture performed in RCTs with real world acupuncture; （6）enhanced placebo effects of acupuncture; and（7）needs to re-evaluate acupuncture theory.The authors do not necessarily agree with all of these responses; they are presented in an attempt to foster critical discussion.The paper also looks at recent neuroimaging experiments on acupuncture that may point to some worthwhile new avenues of investigation.Finally,the Euro-American health care policy consequences of these recent RCTs are discussed.
文摘Objective To introduce an operation procedure and evaluate the continence diversion results of the modified ureterosigmoidostomy after radical cystectomy. Methods Fourteen cases of bladder cancer or prostate carcinoma were operated on with modified Sigma pouch from Feb, 1998 to Dec, 1999. A longitudinal incision about 25 cm on the sigmoid wall was done to form a low pressure pouch. The vertex of the new pouch was fixed to sacrum. Both ends of ureters were anastomosed side to side and to form a big nipple and inserted into the top of pouch for 2 to 3 centimeters.Results It took about sixty five minutes to create a new low pressure pouch after radical cystectomy. Early complication of was found in two cases postoperatively, and cured with temporary colonostomy. Hydronephrosis and hypokalemia in one patient were cured by percutaneous anterograde ureter dilatation with balloon and oral replacement of potassium salt. All patients displayed urinary continence. No symptomatic renal infection or hypercholoraemic acidosis occurred. Conclusion Modified ureterosigmoidostomy is a safe procedure of urinary diversion and provides a big volume, low intravesical pressure pouch. The patients are free from the troublesome urine bag, intermittert catheterization, and upper urinary tracts are protected effectively. The quality of life is satisfied.
基金sponsored by the National 973 Program of China (2009CB118906, 2006CB101907)the National 863 Program of China (2006AA10A211,2008AA10Z414)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30671048, 30671384)
文摘The study was conducted to make clear the activity of azoxystrobin to 4 plant pathogens and the synergistic effects of salicylhydroxamic acid （SHAM）, which acted on the alternative oxidase. It was also conducted to be aware of the mechanism of azoxystrobin in inhibition on mycelial respiration and the influence of SHAM. The activity test of azoxystrobin and SHAM was carried out with a mycelial linear growth test and spore germination test. Other related biological properties were also observed. Inhibition of azoxystrobin and SHAM on 4 pathogens was determined by using SP-II oxygraph system. Azoxystrobin inhibited mycelial growth in Colletotrichum capsici, Botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia solani, and Magnaporthe grisea, respectively; it also inhibited conidia germination, and conidia production in C. capsici, B. cinerea M. grisea, and sclerotia formation in R. solani. Moreover, it created stayed pigment biosynthesis in C. capsici and M. grisea somehow. Salicylhydroxamic acid enhanced inhibition by azoxystrobin. An oxygen consuming test of the mycelia showed that azoxystrobin inhibited all the 4 fungi＇s respiration in the early stages. With the concentration rising up, the effectiveness increased. However, as time went on, the respiration of the mycelia treated with fungicides recovered and SHAM could not inhibit the oxygen consuming. This reaction between the mycelia and the fungicides appeared not to initiate alternative respiration but rather the other mechanism created a lack of efficacy.
文摘Since acupuncture came to western countries,research has been done to try and prove whether or not it is effective.Current Acupuncture research is most often based on the sham needle which was first designed by K Streitberger and J Kleinhenz in 1998.The sham acupuncture needles are developed for the control group and do not penetrate the skin.Sham acupuncture has been used in randomized controlled trial（RCT） for diseases which normally benefit from acupuncture treatment.The sham needle is not the best placebo needle though.Because of the use of sham acupuncture,the result of those research shows acupuncture having no effect or it shows there is no significant difference between real acupuncture（verum） and sham acupuncture（placebo）.However,a detailed introduction of the Nine Classical Needles（ancient） and the Nine Modern Needles（SHI＇s nine needles） shows that the use of sham acupuncture in RCT research is flawed by design.This then casts doubt on the findings and conclusions reached by using sham acupuncture in RCT acupuncture research.
