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The rapid development of terahertz technology promotes the realization of various terahertz imaging systems. Terahertz technology features terahertz waves as good non-invasive illumination sources due to their high spectral resolution, penetration and safety. The terahertz imaging technique (TIT) has gradually been extended from the biomedical field to the field of Chinese medicine (CM), and it has become a powerful tool for seeking scientific evidence for CM theories with the use of modern science and technology. This paper reviews the current application of TITs in the field of CM research, and most importantly offers novel proposals for the application of TITs in CM research from the perspective of CM syndrome objectification and acupuncture research and cites existing reports as reference to the feasibility of these new proposals.

To establish a quantitative evaluation parameter system for basic acupuncture manipulations based on 3D motion tracking technology, and to further analyze the characteristics of acupuncture manipulation.The motion tracking system Simi Motion Ver.8.5 was used to collect parameters of acupuncture manipulations, so as to establish a quantitative evaluation system mainly in spatial control parameters, time control parameters and stability parameters. Based on the evaluation parameter system, data of acupuncture manipulations (even reinforcing-reducing manipulation using lifting-thrusting technique and twirling technique) were collected from 19 teachers majored in acupuncture-moxibustion, of which the characteristics were analyzed and were compared with the results tested by traditional ATP-Ⅱ acupuncture manipulation parameter determination apparatus (ATP-Ⅱ).The evaluation parameter system could quantitatively analyze the basic acupuncture manipulations in 3 aspects, i.e. space, time and stability. Acupuncture manipulations were performed by shifting the needle body in a certain range alongThe quantitative evaluation parameter system based on 3D motion tracking technology can objectively evaluate basic acupuncture manipulations, and show the characteristics of different manipulations and the movement details of finger joints.

Background More than 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) also have hypertension. Moreover, hypertension has been regarded as one paraneoplastic phenomenon of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study was designed to determine the relationship between blood pressure and DM in HCC patients. Patients and Methods A total of 879 HCC patients were included and 151 (17.2%) were diagnosed with DM. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship and the results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Considering the effect of potential confounders, sub-group analysis was performed. We would further study the association of systolic blood pressure (SBP) with fasting glucose, and the association between DM duration/treatment and SBP level. Results Compared with non-diabetic patients, the diabetic patients had increased levels of SBP (133.7±18.5 mmHg vs 128.3±15.2 mmHg, P=0.001) and fasting blood glucose (9.13±3.04 mmol/L vs 5.18±1.08 mmol/L, P

Objective. To analyse the operational stability of basic acupuncture manipulation (AM) based on three-dimensional (3D) motion tracking. Method. Two quantitative indicators (spatial and temporal dispersions) and corresponding algorithms of operation stability were established based on the coordinate-time data derived from 3D motion tracking of basic AM. The differences in stability were compared between 20 acupuncture teachers and 20 acupuncture students. Results. The teachers and students had similar temporal stability, but the teachers were more stable in their spatial control, perhaps because of the teachers’ better fingertip force and more practice with feedback. Conclusion. The spatial and temporal dispersions can be used to evaluate operational stability in basic AM. Repetitive training and finger force enhancement with more accurate feedback and rhythmic auditory stimulation are recommended for improving operation stability in basic AM.

Purpose To observe the changes of Nogo/NgR and Rho/ROCK signaling pathway-related gene and protein expression in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) treated with electroacupuncture (EA) and to further investigate the possible mechanism of EA for treating SCI. Methods Allen's method was used to create the SCI rat model. Sixty-four model rats were further subdivided into four subgroups, namely, the SCI model group (SCI), EA treatment group (EA), blocking agent Y27632 treatment group (Y27632) and EA+blocking agent Y27632 treatment group (EA+Y), according to the treatment received. The rats were subjected to EA and/or blocking agent Y27632 treatment. After 14 days, injured spinal cord tissue was extracted for analysis. The mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell apoptosis changes in the spinal cord were evaluated by in situ hybridization. Hindlimb motor function in the rats was evaluated by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan assessment methods. Results Except for RhoA protein expression, compared with the SCI model group, EA, blocking agent Y27632 and EA+blocking agent Y27632 treatment groups had significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of Nogo-A, NgR, LINGO-1, RhoA and ROCK II in spinal cord tissues, increased mRNA and protein expression of MLCP, decreased p-MYPT1 protein expression and p-MYPT1/MYPT1 ratio, and caspase3 expression, and improved lower limb movement function after treatment for 14 days (P

Three-dimensional (3D) motion tracking has been used in many fields, such as the researches of sport and medical skills. This experiment aimed to use 3D motion tracking technology to measure the kinematic parameters of the joints of fingers during acupuncture manipulation (AM) and establish three technical indicators "amplitude, velocity and time". This method can reflect the operation characteristics of AM and provide quantitative parameters along three axes of multiple finger joints. The current evidence shows that the method has great potential for future applications such as the study of the dose-effect relationship of acupuncture, teaching, and learning of AM, and the measurement and preservation of famous acupuncturists' AM.

A new type of handshape研发一种新型手形推拿罐疗仪，以克服传统罐疗法存在压痕和疼痛的缺点，同时模拟拿捏类推拿手法，实现罐疗与推拿手法的结合。手形推拿罐疗仪具有喇叭形、硅胶材质的罐口，同时在罐口处增加指腹样形态，模拟推拿时手指拿捏的形状，在脉动气流的吸气、放气作用下，达到模拟推拿手法的目的，且手形推拿罐形成的压痕和疼痛感明显小于传统罐具。.

By reviewing the relevant literature in recent years, this paper analyzes the transformation and conduction of moxibustion physical signals, and explores the action mechanism of moxibustion. It is found that the different molecular targets activated by moxibustion photothermal signal are the keys to transform stimulation signal into biological signal. Photothermal signal transmits signal through neuroendocrine immune system and produces a series of biological reactions, thus regulating the functions of various systems of the body.通过回顾近年的相关文献，分析艾灸物理信号的转化传导与作用，探究艾灸作用机制。发现艾灸光热信号所激活的不同分子靶点是刺激信号转化生物信号的关键，光热信号通过神经内分泌免疫系统实现信号的传导并产生一系列生物反应，从而对机体各系统功能起到调节作用。.

Objective To compare objective measures of needle manipulation between students and teachers of acupuncture using motion video analysis technology, to help support instructional acupuncture education. Methods A total of 30 teachers and 60 students participated in this study. Acupuncture needles were inserted at LI11 and motion videos were recorded for three subtypes of ‘lifting-thrusting’ manipulation: (1) ‘mild reinforcing-attenuating’; (2) ‘reinforcing’; and (3) ‘attenuating’. The videos were analysed using Simi Motion 3D software to acquire the movement parameters of four trace marks: ‘thumb tip’; ‘forefinger tip’; ‘forefinger middle joint’; and ‘forefinger base joint’. Differences between the two groups were compared using t-tests, X2 tests and/or rank-sum tests. Results Changes in the near-end interphalangeal joint were positively associated with a range of movement along the X axis. Motion parameters for the thumb tip, the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the forefinger and the X axis shaft swing near the end of the forefinger in the teacher group were higher than those in the student group. The teacher group featured smaller trough dispersion and smaller crest dispersion during ‘reinforcing’ and ‘attenuating’ manipulations, respectively. Conclusions The ‘lifting-thrusting’ manipulation could be simplified as a fixed-axis rotation using metacarpophalangeal joints in the thumb and forefinger as the shaft centre. Teachers opened at a larger angular variation for the PIP during the lifting and thrusting processes with better spatial control. Temporal control was similar between groups and therefore appears easier to grasp. Repetitive training might be helpful for improving athletic and spatial stability during needle manipulation.

This study developed a method for teaching acupuncture manipulation in small groups optimized with the theory of motor learning. Sixty acupuncture students and their teacher participated in our research. Motion videos were recorded of their manipulations using the lifting-thrusting method. These videos were analyzed using Simi Motion software to acquire the movement parameters of the thumb tip. The parameter velocity curves along Y axis was used to generate small teaching groups clustered by a self-organized map (SOM) and K-means. Ten groups were generated. All the targeted instruction based on the comparative results groups as well as the videos of teacher and student was provided to the members of each group respectively. According to the theory and research of motor learning, the factors or technologies such as video instruction, observational learning, external focus and summary feedback were integrated into this teaching method. Such efforts were desired to improve and enhance the effectiveness of current acupuncture teaching methods in limited classroom teaching time and extracurricular training.

To realize real-time measurement and recording of temperature parameters inside acupoints during acupuncture treatment.The fine wire thermocouple was embedded in hollow needle body as acupoint detection probe. According to the structure of acupoint temperature signal processing circuit, the Agilent 34420A nanovolt/micro-eurometer was used to design the technology method of acupoint temperature data acquisition, and an acupoint temperature collection platform was established. In addition, a verification experiment was conducted to verify the feasibility and stability of the system.The contrast experiment with mercury thermometer measurement showed that the temperature measurement curve of the designed acupoint temperature data collection platform was highly consistent with that of the standard thermometer, which verified the stability and reliability of the designed temperature measurement platform. The experiment of animal in-vivo measurement showed that the acupoint temperature probe had good feasibility for in-vivo acupoint temperature measurement.Acupoint temperature probe and acupoint temperature data collection technology can measure the temperature inside acupoints, and ensured the accuracy and veracity of the results. As an experimental method of acupoints temperature parameter collection, it can quantitatively record the temperature changes during the acupuncture treatment.

Purpose To observe the changes of Nogo/NgR and Rho/ROCK signaling pathway-related gene and protein expression in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) treated with electroacupuncture (EA) and to further investigate the possible mechanism of EA for treating SCI. Methods Allen’s method was used to create the SCI rat model. Sixty-four model rats were further subdivided into four subgroups, namely, the SCI model group (SCI), EA treatment group (EA), blocking agent Y27632 treatment group (Y27632) and EA+blocking agent Y27632 treatment group (EA+Y), according to the treatment received. The rats were subjected to EA and/or blocking agent Y27632 treatment. After 14 days, injured spinal cord tissue was extracted for analysis. The mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell apoptosis changes in the spinal cord were evaluated by in situ hybridization. Hindlimb motor function in the rats was evaluated by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan assessment methods. Results Except for RhoA protein expression, compared with the SCI model group, EA, blocking agent Y27632 and EA+blocking agent Y27632 treatment groups had significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of Nogo-A, NgR, LINGO-1, RhoA and ROCK II in spinal cord tissues, increased mRNA and protein expression of MLCP, decreased p-MYPT1 protein expression and p-MYPT1/MYPT1 ratio, and caspase3 expression, and improved lower limb movement function after treatment for 14 days (P

The therapeutic effect of manual acupuncture (MA) is closely related to the stimulation amount. In the clinical studies, the stimulation amount is often difficult to be determined. The reason is that there are many parameters affecting the stimulation amount, including manipulation selection, treatment time, needling velocity, and force, and no complete and reasonable scheme is available for the measurement of stimulation parameters. This paper reviewed the theoretical and laboratory measurement studies on MA stimulation, summarized 4 types of available parameters according to the theory of physics, and compared the advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods of parameter measurement. Such efforts are hoped for providing reference for the establishment of the stimulation parameter system of MA and possible technical solutions for future measurement experiments.

Studying on resistance specificity of human acupoints is one of the major subjects in the research on acupoint specificity. Even since a long time ago, many methods have been put forward in the detection of acupoint resistance specificity. From the vertical lengthways of the acupoint structure, the methods and means are put forward to detect the acupoint resistance in a series of studies. In the studies, some peculiar phenomena are found out in the detection of the acupoint resistance, and some phenomena are interrelated with the volume conductor characteristics of the human body, and some phenomena might be interrelated with the detecting methods and means. By the summary and analysis of those peculiar phenomena, references are offered to the relevant researchers engaged in the detection of the acupoint resistance.

In the review of the literature on the quantitative study of the needling techniques, the authors believe that modern scientific technology plays an important role in the quantitative study of the needling techniques, submit the research methods and channels of the quantitative study of the needling techniques under the current condition, foresee its development prospects and emphasize the significance of the quantitative study of the needling technique in the teaching, clinical service and research process of acupuncture.

OBJECTIVE To establish a supplementary diagnostic indicator (infrared radiant intensity) in tongue diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands through correlation analysis of infrared radiant intensity between hyperplastic breast tissue and tongue surface. METHODS Infrared radiant intensity of the hyperplastic breast tissue and different points on tongue surface in 20 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands with liver-energy stagnation and phlegm retention syndrome and 16 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands with irregular thoroughfare and conception vessels syndrome were measured with external infrared spectrometer PHE-201 made by Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics. Correlation of infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and the different points on tongue surface was assessed by using bivariate correlation analysis. RESULTS The results showed that the numbers of positive correlated wave bands of infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and different detected points on tongue surface in the patients with liver-energy stagnation and phlegm retention syndrome and irregular thoroughfare and conception vessels syndrome were 127 (83.55%) and 71 (46.71%), respectively. Infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and the tongue surface had a positive correlation. CONCLUSION Infrared radiant intensity can be used as one of supplementary diagnostic indicators in TCM tongue diagnosis of hyperplasia of mammary glands.

During the process of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy, whether there being a corrosive effect in ac- upuncture needles was observed. Acupuncture needles were inserted into a rabbit's acupoint to perform a 12-hour electrical stimulation with three types of common EA waveform; additionally two needles were put in 0.9% sodium chloride solution with 12-hour direct current. Afterwards, environmental scanning electron microscope was applied to detect the surface physical characteristics of acupuncture needles. As a result, after a 12-hour continued electri- cal stimulation with three types of common EA waveform in the rabbit, there was no corrosive effect in acupunc- ture needles; but the direct current could cause severe corrosion in acupuncture needles. It is believed that there is no corrosion effect on acupuncture needles in current EA treatment, and some accidents reported in literature may be related to quality of EA device or improper manipulation during the treatment.

Objective: Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver injury. The present study was designed to investigate the protective role of Lutein against alcohol-induced liver injury. Treatment: Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into 3 groups, control, EtOH treatment, Lutein followed by EtOH treatment. Ethanol-treated rats received EtOH [5 g/kg body weight] by gavage every 12 hours for a total of 3 doses. For Lutein pre-treatment, Lutein at a dose of 40 mg/kg was dissolved in the EtOH and gavaged 30 mins before EtOH treatment. Methods: Oxidative stress markers-(reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls and sulfhydryls content), liver markers (ALT, AST, ALP and LDH) were determined. Antioxidant enzyme activities and its master regulator Nrf-2 expression were analyzed. Further, inflammatory proteins NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-6) were analyzed. Results: The results showed significant decrease in oxidative stress markers and liver markers in the lutein pre-treatment. Lutein treatment down regulated inflammatory proteins and cytokines with concomitant up regulation in Nrf-2 levels and antioxidant enzymic activities. Conclusion: The present study showed that Lutein treatment exerted potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property and offered significant cytoprotection against alcohol-induced liver injury.

OBJECTIVE To apply the real-time data collection and demonstration system for acupuncture manipulation to quantitative analysis of acupuncture manipulation for acupuncture teaching and research. METHODS The real-time observation and analysis of parameter changes of acupuncture manipulation were implemented by this system. RESULTS During the course of lifting and thrusting manipulation, the needle body moved in a uniform variable motion, and the action force was still kept while the arrival of Qi was achieved. During the course of twirling manipulation, the variations of twirling number and radian caused the changes of resistance moment, and this reaction was related to the body response. During the course of rotating and shaking manipulation, the radius for rotating and shaking was related to such factors as the force, the action point and the direction. CONCLUSION The real-time data collection and demonstration system for acupuncture manipulation can provide a new experimental method for quantitative data analysis, standardized research and teaching demonstration of acupuncture.

To explore the efficacy differences in early intervention of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods on gastrocnemius fatigue in rats induced by electrical stimulation.Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a hand acupuncture group, an electroacupuncture group and a moxibustion group, 10 rats in each group. Electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve was given in the control group and gastrocnemius fatigue test was induced by electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve in the model group after anesthesia without other treatment, but just take 6 times interval stimulation in the control group. The hand acupuncture group, the electroacupuncture group and the moxibustion group were treated with the corresponding acupoints stimulation method respectively for 20 min before gastrocnemius fatigue test, and Dazhui (GV 14) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected. Immediately after gastrocnemius fatigue test, three or four gastrocnemius tissues at the same site on the right side were quickly taken for making specimen for transmission electron microscope (TEM). The changes of skeletal muscle ultrastructure of myofibrils, mitochondria, sarcoplasmic reticulum, glycogen particles were observed under TEM.(1) Muscle fibers disorder, partial mitochondrial vacuolization and glycogen particles smaller were shown in the model group. (2) No abnormalities were shown in the hand acupuncture group and the moxibustion group with mitochondrial morphology and number, which better than that in the model group, and glycogen particles increased. (3) Abnormal changes in morphology were shown in the electroacupuncture group with part of the muscle fibers derangement, Z line malalignment and a few mitochondria vacuolization.Hand acupuncture, electroacupuncture and moxibustion have the different effects on ultrastructure of gastrocoemius in rats. Acupuncture and moxibustion have shown good effects on the prevention and treatment of exercise-induced skeletal muscle cell and organelle damage and delaying exercise-induced fatigue.

To observe the dose-effect relationship of electroacupuncture of different current intensities combined with Morphine of different dosage on alleviating the rats' tibial cancer pain, and explore the possible mechanism, which could provide the experiment basis for alleviating the tibial cancer pain by electroacupuncture combined with Morphine.One hundred female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and eight treatment groups, 10 cases in each group. The rats in the treatment groups were treated by combined therapies of electroacupuncture of different intensities with 2 Hz /100 Hz dense-disperse wave on "Jiaji"(EX-B 2)and different dosage Morphine in 2 factor 3 level conditions, once a day for 6 days. The pain thresholds were observed before the treatment and 0 min, 1 h, 2 h and 5 h after the first treatment as well as after 3 and 6 times of treatments. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was determined by immunohistochemical method.The rats' pain thresholds were significantly increased with electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA (all P0.01) on the 0 min, 1 h and 2 h of the first treatment, between which there were no significant differences (all P0.05). The pain threshold was still increased by electroacupuncture of 2 mA on the 5 h of the treatment (P0.01), while that of 1 mA failed to take effect (P0.05). After 3 and 6 times of treatments, both electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA had the effect of increasing the pain threshold (all P0.01), and the effect of 2 mA was superior to that of 1 mA (P0.05), had the synergistic effect with 5 mg/(kg x d) Morphine (P0.05). After 6 times of treatments, both electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA could inhibit the expression of GFAP (both P0.01), and there was no significant difference between them (P0.05). Both of 5 mg/(kg x d) and 2.5 mg/(kg x d) of Morphine, however, didn't bring about inhibition effect (P0.05).There is a does-effect relationship on electroacupuncture of different current intensity for alleviating the tibial cancer pain in rats. The electroacupuncture with 2 mA, which is better than that with 1 mA, has the synergistic effect with 5 mg/(kg x d) of Morphine. The electroacupuncture can inhibit the expression of GFAP to cooperate with Morphine for the purpose of alleviating the rats' tibial cancer pain.

To verify the effect of lifting-thrusting reinforcing manipulation at Hegu (LI 4) of the right side on skin temperature on the Large Intestine Meridian.Thirty healthy volunteers were needled at Hegu (LI 4) on the right side with lifting-thrusting reinforcing manipulation at the depth of 5 - 8 mm, 100 times/min in freqency for 1 min. With PowerLab 8/30 eight-channel high-speed recorders and specially equipped skin temperature detector, the temperatures of Shangyang (LI 1) on the bilateral side, Hegu (LI 4) and Kouheliao (LI 19) on the left side were tested at the time 30 min before the needling, 1 min during the needling and 30 min after the needling.After the lifting-thrusting reinforcing manipulation on the right Hegu (LI 4), the average skin temperature (27.89 +/- 3.56) degrees C before the needling at the left Hegu (LI 4) was increased to (28.30 +/- 2.81) degrees C, the temperature of right Shangyang (LI 1) (24.57 +/- 4.29) degrees C was increased to (26.30 +/- 4.32) degrees C, left Shangyang (LI 1) (25.13 +/- 5.07) degrees C to (26.58 +/- 4.92) degrees C and left Kouheliao (LI 19) (32.11 +/- 1.68) degrees C to (32.25 +/- 2.15) degrees C, all of which were significantly improved to different degrees (P0.01, P0.05).The lifting-thrusting reinforcing manipulation has an effect of increasing skin temperature of acupoints, and the temperature changes after needling are along meridians and have specificity of acupoins.

In order to summarize and analyze the progresses and problems of resistance testing and technology research on acupoints, investigate the related solutions, articles on resistance testing from 1990 to 2011 were collected, and advantages and shortcomings of different types of testing instruments were discussed in this article as well. Detection technology of acupoint impedance has under updating changes, which are often applied on locating acupoints and clinical diagnosis. The progresses of those technologies are mainly embodied in improvement of circuit model, which enable a longer testing duration, less media interference and so on. The previous studies often focus on resistance testing of the skin. Since dermal resistance does not equal to acupoint resistance, the designation of equivalent circuit does not embody the condition of cells, tissues and nerves at acupoints, and testing technology is often affected by factors such as polarization of electrodes, contact medium and anatomical characteristics of acupoints, the resistance of acupoints can not be taken as the effective framework of the diagnostic standard and judgement of therapeutic effect in clinic. Based on the key problems in resistance testing of acupoints, it is proposed by the article that the techniques and designation of circuit model should be reformed, and mathematical model should be established in the study to meet the requirement of the life system. Inductance of human body should be considered in resistance research of acupoints, and interference factors should be eliminate as far as possible in designation of equipments. Thus, the change law of acupoint resistance in the inner part of the body can be fully embodied by the designation of experiments.

The occurrence of exercise-induced fatigue can be delayed and exercise endurance can be strengthened by removing lactic acid, decreasing serum creatine kinase, elevating hemoglobin, maintaining blood glucose, eliminating free radical, regulating amino acid metabolism and retaining heart rate with transcutanclus electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS). Problems in the above researching field are generalized in this paper. For instance, the point selection is relatively simple; the selection of wave band, frequency and duration during the application of TEAS apparatus are not unified; and observation indices mainly remained in the aspect of biochemistry. It also prospects the future directions of TEAS relieving exercise-induced fatigue including selecting acupuncture point by differentiation of symptoms and signs, setting uniform standards for TEAS, and studying the mechanisms of TEAS relieving exercise-induced fatigue by testing gonadal axis, adrenal axis, gene and protein.

To explore effects of 650 nm laser and moxibustion pretreatment on visceral traction pain (VTP) and its mechanism.Forty male SD rats were randomly devided into a sham operation group (group A), a VTP group (group B), a 650 nm laser pretreatment group (group C), a moxibustion pretreatment group (group D). Rats in group A and group B were not treated except sham operation or VTP model. In group C and D, the VTP models were produced immediate after 650 nm laser irradiation or moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36), respectively. The changes of pain score and systolic pressure were investigated and the activity of AChE, the content of SP and leu-enkephaline (LEK), and the positive index of c-Fos protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by biochemistry, radio-immunity method and immunohistochemistry, respectively.Compared with group A, the pain score, systolic pressure, the activity of AChE, the content of SP, and the positive index of c-Fos protein and GFAP of group B increased significantly (all P0.05); compared with group B, the pain score, AChE activity, the content of SP and the positive index of c-Fos protein and GFAP of both group C and group D decreased significantly (all P0.05); compared with group B, the content of LEK increased and systolic pressure decreased significantly in group C (both P0.05).Both 650 nm laser and moxibustion pretreatment can inhibit VTP and the mechanism may be related to reducing the activity of AChE and the content of SP, and increasing the activity of LEK and decreasing the expression of c-Fos protein and GFAP.

Based on acupoint temperature sensor needle related literatures, the development and the applications of temperature sensor needle and the measuring instrument which is used for measuring the temperature of acupoints are introduced in the present paper. This paper summarizes the basic structure and measuring principle of temperature sensor needle; it also summarizes the hardware and measuring procedures of the measuring instrument. According to the characteristics of the temperature sensor needle, this paper states its broad applications and development trend.

Reviewing the development and the current situation of electroacupuncture, the deficiencies and shortcomings of electroacupuncture instrument applied in clinic and laboratory are analyzed. It is proposed that compound electroacupuncture waveform is an inevitable trend for electroacupuncture technique development. Based on the clinic and experiment needs, three different waveforms are taken as the model of compound electroacupuncture waveforms. Controlled by the microcomputer technique, the compound electroacupuncture waveforms are more multiple and precise, which will expand the range of application of electroacupuncture.

To study the effect of acupuncture on skeletal muscle endurance in rats as a pre-games assistant training.Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, model and acupuncture group. Acupuncture group was treated at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Housanli" (ST 36) by twisting mild reinforcing-reducing method for 20 min, no interventions were added on control and model group. Muscle strength was detected in three groups under anaesthetic (after model established in model group, after model established and treated in acupuncture group). Averaged change percentage of mean skeletal muscle endurance (P(m)) and averaged maximum percentage of skeletal muscle endurance (P(max)) were evaluated.(1) 10P(m) in model group decreased more than acupuncture group statistically (P0.05); 20P(m), 30P(m) and 40P(m) in model group decreased significantly compared to those in control group and acupuncture group (P0.05, P0.01). (2) Changes of 10P(max) in acupuncture group was much less than in model group (P0.05); changes of 20P(max), 30P(max), 40P(max) and 50P(max) decreased more in model group than in acupuncture group and control group (P0.01, P0.05).As an assistant training method, acupuncture can postpone descending point of muscle strength endurance to delay sport fatigue.

OBJECTIVE To explore the impedance characteristics of ear acupoints in stroke patients with excess or deficiency syndrome, and to provide basis data for objective study of the syndromes of stroke. METHODS The data of electrical characteristics of ear acupoints in stroke patients and healthy people were collected, and excess syndrome and deficiency syndrome of stroke were identified by quantifying the syndromes of stroke using scales. The differences in impedance characteristics of ear acupoints between stroke patients and healthy people were analyzed, and the differences in impedance characteristics of ear acupoints between stroke patients with excess syndrome and stroke patients with deficiency syndrome were analyzed too. The correlation among impedance characteristics of ear acupoints, stroke and the syndromes was also analyzed. RESULTS There were significant differences in impedance characteristics of ear acupoints between stroke patients and healthy people (P

The main structure and content of the national standard Standardized Manipulation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Part 11, Electroacupuncture are analyzed in retrospection of its compilation process. Discussions are made concerning arguments on the central idea and problems appeared during the compilation. Meanwhile, key points which should be noticed in clinical application are advanced as well.

By using "Acupuncture Manipulation Information Analyzing System", the traditional reinforcing and reducing manipulations of acupuncture described in classical Chinese medical books were imitated and their parameters analyzed. It was found that in the oscillogram, the differences between the reinforcing and reducing manipulations (rapid-slow reinforcing-reducing skill, lifting-thrusting reinforcing-reducing skill) are the bigger duration of descending branch (t1) and smaller duration of ascending branch (t2) for the former, and shorter t1 and longer t2 for the later, due to slow insertion and rapid withdrawal of the acupuncture needle for the reinforcing, and rapid insertion and slow withdrawal of needle for the reducing. While for twirling reinforcing, t1t2 for predominantly-leftward twirling, and for twirling reducing, t1t2 for predominantly-rightward twirling were found. In addition, it is supposed that those parameters as the amplitude (s), frequency (f) and duration of one cycle (t) of the oscillogram may be related to acupuncture stimulating quantity, while t3 (duration of the plateau segment), t4 (duration of the horizontal plane segment) and their variance may be associated with the stability of the acupuncture manipulation. Due to the limited literal recordation, some other traditional acupuncture manipulations can not simulate indeed, because we don't know how to perform those kinds of acupuncture manipulation. This just reflects the importance of objectivity of acupuncture manipulations.

Through combing the academic development of acupuncture in recent ten years, objectively reflects the real development status of acupuncture subject on these aspects sucl as basis, clinic, equipment, teaching and standardization, etc., shows the scientific and technological achievements and the highlights of the acupuncture academic development, analyzes the bottleneck and dilemma of the acupuncture academic development. It is indicated that there are several problems existed in acupuncture researche at present, such as the scale and the input of the acupuncture theory research are not enough, the basic research and clinical application is disjointed, the correlation between the acupoints and viscera need more systematic and further researches, the design level of clinical research on acupoints' main indications should be improved. From now on we should follow the inherent rule of the traditional theory of Chinese medicine and the way of integrated thinking, explore the new rule of acupuncture academic development, in order to fit the new historical period, and comprehensively promote the sustainable and coordinated development of acupuncture science.

In recent years, investigation focusing on biophysical characteristics of moxibustion results in advancement. The investigations aiming at elucidating the mechanism of maoxibustion from the angle of biophysics show that the effectiveness of moxibustion results not only from thermal effect, but also from the combine effects of spectral radiation, bio-thermal effect and non-thermal-bio effect. Currently, multi-discipline techniques are applied in research about biophysical characteristics of moxibustion which received broad attention. These researches show a good way and method to elucidating the mechanism of moxibustion; furthermore, they provid experimental evidence for the advancement in clinical practices and the research and design of imitating moxibustion instruments. This paper states the researches focusing on the effect of moxibustion on local body temperature, the infrared spectrum characteristics of moxibustion, bio-thermal effect and energy conversion of moxibustion, bio-heat transfer of moxibustion and microcirculation.

To assess the application of analyzing systems and techniques in acupuncture manipulation education that may improve students' acupuncture manipulation skills.The teacher's acupuncture manipulation (TAM) was recorded in wave, data and video information by the Analyzing System. Students practised, adjusted and corrected their manipulation skills according to the TAM. After finishing the training sessions, the system's grading function evaluated every student's performance.After training, the stability of the students' acupuncture manipulation skills and their achievement were both significantly improved (P0.01, P0.001).The Analyzing System benefits for imitating and learning the manipulations of specilists and can improve the education quality.

Basing on analyzing property of the traditional Electro-Acupuncture (EA) and the exiting problem in clinical and experience, and the characteristic of traditional acupuncture therapeutics, we bring forward the conception of “single acupoint Electro- Acupuncture”(SAEA) and “Single-Acupoint Electro- Acupuncture therapeutics”(SAEAT), design the draft of single acupoint Electro-Acupuncture and work out its therapeutics, emphasize the significancy to set up the new electro-acupuncture therapeutics-SAEAT which embodies the traditional acupuncture feature (single acupoint stimulus).

In order to study on the definition domain and their correlated influencing factors about the acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation quantity, electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation quality and intensity, and to probe into the project of quantification of EA stimulation quantity. The authors reviewed the standardization work of EA, summed up the current state of the application of EA and the problems in quantification of the stimulation quantity in clinically control studies, expounded the different opinions and misunderstanding in acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation quantity and analyzed the definition domain and associated factors about acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation quantity and EA stimulation quantity and intensity. After the technical analysis, the calculation methods and formulas of pulse energy, quantity and intensity of EA stimulation were derived. On this basis, several schemes for the quantification of EA stimulation quantity with a certain feasibility and strong maneuverability are proposed.

OBJECTIVE To probe into the application of fuzzy cluster in analysis of therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture at different parameters on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) in rats. METHODS One hundred Wistar rats were randomly divided into ten groups: normal control group, untreated group and eight electro-acupuncture groups at different parameters. There were ten rats in each group. AA rats were treated by electro-acupuncture at different frequencies (2 Hz or 100 Hz), waveforms (successive wave or intermittent wave) and current intensities (0.1 mA or 0.2 mA). Firstly, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of electro-acupuncture at different parameters were compared with orthogonal experiment, and then with the application of fuzzy mathematics, the data of joint swelling, pain threshold and the contents of beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) after the treatment in all groups were standardized by the method of data range normalization. Programming and solution were done by MATLAB. The methods of fuzzy similar matrix and the transitive closure were used in similarity evaluation of therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture at different parameters. RESULTS Based on index determination and variance analysis, both the normal control group and untreated group were clustered to one category as lambda equaled to 0.72. Electro-acupuncture at 100 Hz, successive wave, 0.2 mA, electro-acupuncture at 100 Hz, intermittent wave, 0.1 mA and electro-acupuncture at 100 Hz, intermittent wave, 0.2 mA were clustered to one category and had similar good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The therapeutic effects of the remaining electro-acupuncture types were similar. CONCLUSION Fuzzy cluster analysis provides a better method for evaluating the overall therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture with multiple factors.

To probe into the selection of parameters of electroacupuncture and analyze some problems.Analyze and study on the relevant literature about the application of electroacupuncture in the past 5 years and analyze the parameters of electroacupuncture in the literature in detail.Most of literature paid greater attention to the selection of parameters of electroacupuncture, but different electroacupuncture apparatuses were used with different electroacupuncture parameters.The selection of the electroacupuncture apparatus and electroacupuncture parameters does not have an unified standard, influencing comparability and reference of experimental and clinical results.

Collecting the parameter of acupuncture manipulation by sensor technique, processing and saving data of acupuncture manipulation by computer technique, the system can give an impersonal appraisement to the test result of acupuncture manipulation. This system cannot only adapt to the needing of acupuncture teaching, but also provides a credible proof to the quantification of acupuncture manipulation and the relational analysis of acupuncture effect.

On the basis of "ATP-I Type Acupuncture Manipulation Parameter Analyzer", we have developed a new acupuncture parameter analysis software named "Acupuncture Manipulation Information Analysis System" by applying new arithmetic, enriching practicable parameters of acupuncture manipulation, and improving the methods for comparing and evaluating acupuncture manipulation. The present analysis system can satisfy the need of acupuncture manipulation teaching standardization.

To probe into the best parameter of electroacupuncture (EA) for treatment of inflammatory pain in the rat.One hundred and twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 12 groups, normal control group, model group and 10 EA groups including A1 B1 C1, A1 B1 C2, A1 B2 C1, A1 B2 C2, A2 B1 C1, A2 B1 C2, A2 B2 C1, A2 B2 C2 (A1 : 2 Hz, A2: 100 Hz; B1 : successive wave; B2: intermittent wave; C1: 0.1 mA, C2: 0.2 mA), A3 B3 C1 (4/20 Hz, disperse-dense wave, 0.1 mA) and A3 B3 C2 (4/20 Hz, disperse-dense wave, 0.2 mA). The rats of adjuvant-induced arthritis in all of the EA groups were treated by EA with selected different parameters once every day for 6 days. Pain thresholds and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) content in the local tissue of inflammation were used as indexes to compare analgesic effects of EA of different frequencies, waveforms and currents by orthogonal experiment design and other methods.The optimized parameters of raising the pain threshold was: 100 Hz, 0.1 mA, intermittent wave. EA at 100 Hz was better than 2 Hz for increasing the content of beta-EP in local tissue of inflammation. The analgesic effect of EA at 4/20 Hz, 0.1 mA, disperse-dense wave on the inflammatory pain in the rat was not significant different with that at 100 Hz, 0.1 mA, intermittent wave (P0.05).The best parameters are 100 Hz, 0.1 mA and intermittent wave for EA treatment of inflammatory pain in the rat.

To observe the therapeutic effect of acupoint electrogymnastics therapy on apoplectic hemiplegia, so as to further popularize this therapy in treatment of apoplectic hemiplegia.Using three-central, randomized, controlled, multi-blind methods, 153 cases were divided into an electrogymnastics group (n = 77) and an electroacupuncture group (n = 76). They were treated with acupoint electrogymnastics (AE) and traditional electroacupuncture (TEA), respectively. Shousanli (LI 10) and Waiguan (TE 5) on upper limbs and Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Zusanli (ST 36) on the lower limbs were selected in the two groups. A JD-2008 hemiplegia treatment apparatus was used in the AE group. Fugl-Meyer method was used for assessment of motor function and sense function of the four limbs, balance function and joint activity, etc. before and after treatment.In the motor function and sense function of four limbs, balance function and joint activity in the two groups had significant improvement after treatment (both P0. 001) with no significant difference between the two groups (P0.05).Both acupoint electrogymnastics (AE) and traditional electroacupuncture (TEA) have a similar therapeutic effect on apoplectic hemiplegia, but AE has the advantages of safety, reliability and convenience in operation, so it is suitable for long-term rehabilitation treatment of the patient and for popularization in hospital of basic level.

To observe the effect of different emulated acupuncture-needle manipulations on blood pressure and myocardial angiotensin (Ang) II content in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), so as to seek a better acupuncture parameter for clinical treatment of hypertension.Thirty-three SHR were randomly divided into mild-stimulation group (n=8), moderate-stimulation group (n=8), heavy-stimulation group (n=8) and model group (n=9). Additionally, other 8 normal rats were made up of control group. Blood pressure (BP) was determined by using a non-invasive BP detection system. Myocardial Ang II content was assayed by radioimmunoassay. The emulated acupuncture-needle twirling angles and frequencies of 144 degrees, 75 r/min; 255 degrees, 111 r/min; and 360 degrees, 140 r/min in mild, moderate and heavy manipulations were applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Taichong" (LR 3) for 3 min, once daily for 3 weeks, with an interval of 2 days between every two weeks.Compared with pre-therapy, BP values of both heavy-stimulation and model groups increased significantly (P0.01); and compared with model group, BP values of mild-stimulation and moderate-stimulation groups decreased significantly after the therapy (P0.05), but were still higher than that of control group (P0.05). In addition, myocardial Ang II contents of mild-stimulation, moderate-stimulation, heavy-stimulation and model groups were significantly higher than that of control group (P0.05). No significant differences were found between mild-stimulation and moderate-stimulation groups, and between heavy-stimulation and model groups after therapy in BP, and among mild-stimulation, moderate-stimulation, heavy-stimulation and model groups in myocardial Ang II contents (P0.05).Mild and moderate manipulations of ST36 and LR3 have apparent influence on BP, but no apparent influence on myocardial Ang II content.

To understand the standardization of acupuncture manipulation methods at present.Apply "the acupuncture manipulation information analysis system" to analyze the collective acupuncture manipulation methods of teachers and acupuncture and moxibustion physicians, and to find basic rules of acupuncture manipulation methods.In the 6 basic acupuncture reinforcing and reducing manipulations researched in this study, almost all of the 7 parameters analyzed showed significant differences (P0.01), indicating that the basic acupuncture manipulation of reinforcing and reducing is lack of uniform manipulation standardization, which may be due to acupuncture manipulation having no objective standard as basis; it also was found that there were more differences among various acupuncture manipulations, but the difference between reinforcing and reducing manipulations was reflected in every manipulator's experimental data, and showed the same characteristics as those recorded in traditional acupuncture and moxibustion literatures, suggesting a that teaching and clinical practice of acupuncture manipulation possibly are at the present situation of good qualification and worse quantification.

Objective To research on the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on antioxidant enzymes activity, Ca2+ content and Ca2+-ATPase regulation in rat muscle mitochondria after acute swimming exercise. Method Forty male SD rats were divided randomly to 4 groups. The rats in the acupuncture group and electroacupuncture group were respectively treated by the two different methods of acupuncture and electroacupuncture before acute swimming exercise. After the swimming exercise, the rats were executed and the needed materials were taken. Then the relational indexes were determined. Result After acute swimming exercise, the values of GSH-Px activity and Ca2+-ATPase in rat muscle mitochondria in the swimming groups decreased obviously than those in the control group (P