Objective To seek specific response points on the body surface of patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) by observing blood perfusion unit (PU) at different points of the three Yin meridians of foot using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). Methods Eighty PD patients were recruited as a PD group, and 80 healthy female undergraduates were taken as a normal group. During one menstrual cycle (before menstruation, during menstruation, and 3 d after menstruation), each participant was examined using the LSCI system to determine PU at bilateral Taixi (KI3), Taibai (SP3), Taichong (LR3), Shuiquan (KI5), Diji (SP8), Zhongdu (LR6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Xuehai (SP10) and non-acupuncture points. The researchers in charge of point location, operation, and statistical analysis were not aware of grouping. PU at the detection spots was taken as the outcome measure. Results Compared with the normal group, the PD group showed increases in PU at right Taixi (KI3) before menstruation ( P <0.05) and at bilateral Zhongdu (LR6) and right Diji (SP8) during menstruation ( P <0.05). At the other time points, significance was not found between the two groups in comparing PU at the detected spots. Conclusion Compared with healthy participants, PD patients present specific changes in PU at Taixi (KI3), Diji (SP8), and Zhongdu (LR6) at specific time points during the menstrual cycle, which provides a reference for acupuncturemoxibustion treatment of PD in clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE:To explore the sensitization acupoints of women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) by comparing infrared radiation temperatures between acupoints and non-acupoints.METHODS:We tested 10 acupoints of every woman with PD and healthy subjects on premenstrual, menstrual, and postmenstrual days using an infrared imaging device. The primary outcome was the absolute value of body surface temperature difference (AVTD) between the left and right sides of the same testing point.RESULTS:A total of 58 PD patients and 57 healthy volunteers completed the test from May 2016 to May 2017. Compared with the healthy group, we observed a significant reduction and increase in the AVTD in Taichong (LR3) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), respectively, during menstrual days in the PD group (= 0.01; = 0.04); while during postmenstrual days, all AVTDs of Shuiquan (KI5), Diji (SP8), and Xuehai (SP10) were diminished in the PD group (= 0.01; = 0.03; = 0.01, respectively). No significant differences in AVTD were detected at any other points or testing times.CONCLUSIONS:Compared with the healthy group, the AVTDs of Taichong (LR3), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Shuiquan (KI5), Diji (SP8), and Xuehai (SP10) at menstruation-relevant points of PD patients were sensitized, providing a reference for the selection of acupoints in the treatment of PD.

Objective: To observe the differences in analgesic effect of moxibustion at different intervention times on dysmenorrhea rats and explore its effect mechanism. Methods: Forty-five female Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group (group A), model group (group B), pre-moxibustion group (group C), instant moxibustion group (group D) and pre-instant moxibustion group (group E), with 9 rats in each group. Cold-damp coagulation and stagnation type dysmenorrhea models were established. In group C, mild moxibustion on "Shenque (CV 8)" and "Guanyuan (CV 4)" was carried out from the time after modeling on the 8th day for 3 consecutive days. In group D, mild moxibustion was given as the same methods with group C after injection with oxytocin on the 11th day. In group E, mild moxibustion was given as the same methods from the time after modeling on the 8th day to that after injection with oxytocin on the 11th day for 4 consecutive days. The writhing behavior and the changes in levels of ET-1 and NO in uterine tissues of rats with dysmenorrhea in each group were observed. Results: Comparison of the latent period: compared with (4.38 +/- 1.06) min in group B, the latent period of rats in group C (9.67 +/- 1.32) min, group D (11.78 +/- 1.30) min and group E (15.00 +/- 1.22) min obviously prolonged (all p < 0.01). Compared with group C, the latent period of group E obviously prolonged (p < 0.01). Compared with group D, the latent period of group E obviously prolonged (p < 0.01). Comparison of the writhing times: compared with (4.38 +/- 1.06) in group B, the writhing times of rats in group C (9.67 +/- 1.32), group D (11.78 +/- 1.30) and group E (15.00 +/- 1.22) reduced (all p < 0.01). Compared with group C, the writhing times of rats in group D and group E reduced (both p < 0.01). Compared with group D, the writhing times in group E reduced (p < 0.05). Comparison of the total writhing score: compared with (4.38 +/- 1.06) in group B, the total writhing score of rats in group C (9.67 +/- 1.32), group D (11.78 I 1.30) and group E (15.00 +/- 1.22) decreased (all p < 0.01). Compared with group C, the total writhing score of rats in group D and group E decreased (both p < 0.01). Compared with group D, the total writhing score of rats in group E decreased (p < 0.05). Comparison of ET-1 level: compared with (4.80 +/- 0.47) in group A, the ET-1 level in uterine tissues of rats in group B (7.57 +/- 0.69) significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with group B, the ET-1 level in uterine tissues of rats in group C (6.20 +/- 0.50), group D (5.67 +/- 0.29) and group E (5.16 +/- 0.33) obviously decreased (all p < 0.01). Compared with group C, the ET-1 level in uterine tissues of rats in group D and group E obviously decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Compared with group D, the ET-1 level in uterine tissues of rats in group Eobviously decreased (p < 0.05). Comparison of NO level: compared with (6.63 +/- 1.83) in group A, the NO level in uterine tissues of rats in group B (1.62 +/- 0.58) significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Compared with group B, the NO level in uterine tissues of rats in group C (3.60 +/- 0.59), group D (4.77 +/- 0.67) and group E (5.99 +/- 0.63) obviously increased (all p < 0.01). Compared with group C, the NO level in uterine tissues of rats in group Dand group E obviously increased (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Compared with group D, the NO level in uterine tissues of rats in group E obviously increased (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The analgesic effect of mild moxibustion at different intervention times on cold-damp coagulation and stagnation type dysmenorrhea rats was different, which was the most significant in pre-instant moxibustion group. One of the mechanisms of action may be related with the adjustment of abnormal levels of ET-1 and NO. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of World Journal of Acupuncture Moxibustion House.

以"红外热成像技术""红外热成像仪""循经红外辐射轨迹""infrared thermal imaging""infrared ther-momerter"等为篇名或主题词,检索科学领域为针灸,通过对中国知网与Pubmed等文献资源进行检索,共检索到文献209篇,中文文献194篇,英文文献15篇,其中密切相关文献46篇.通过分析文献,将红外热成像技术在经脉、穴位、刺灸法效应、针灸临床疗效评价等方面研究概况及未来发展趋势进行阐述,旨在对红外热成像技术在针灸领域研究的应用有所启示.

Objective To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on free radical metabolism in rat’s hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise. Methods A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group ( n =8), a model group ( n =32) and a moxibustion group ( n =32). According to the times of modeling or treatment, the model group was further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time model subgroup, a 4-time model subgroup, a 7-time model subgroup and a 10-time model subgroup ( n =8); the moxibustion group was also further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time moxibustion subgroup, a 4-time moxibustion subgroup, a 7-time moxibustion subgroup and a 10-time moxibustion subgroup ( n =8). Rats in both model and moxibustion subgroups were subjected to establishing the swimming exhaustive model. Rats in each moxibustion subgroup received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) for 15 min immediately after modeling, once every other day. The concentration of malic dialdehyde (MDA), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in rat’s hippocampus in each group were detected 24 h after the exhaustive exercise. Results Compared with the 1-time model subgroup, the exhaustive swimming time of rats was significantly prolonged in the 4-time model subgroup ( P <0.01), while it was significantly shortened in the 7-time and 10-time model subgroups (both P <0.01). Compared with the matched model subgroup, the exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups was significantly prolonged (both P <0.01). Compared with the normal group, the MDA concentration was increased significantly ( P <0.01), and the activities stress response of SOD and T-AOC were increased in the 1-time model subgroup (both P <0.05); the MDA concentration was increased (all P <0.01), and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC were decreased differently ( P <0.05 or P <0.01) in the 4-time, 7-time and 10-time model subgroups. Compared with the matched model subgroup, the concentration of MDA was significantly reduced ( P <0.05 or P <0.01), and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC were significantly increased in the 4-time, 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups (all P <0.01). Conclusion Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) can improve the fatigue status of the body after long-term exhaustive exercise by regulating free radical metabolism in rat’s hippocampus. To some extent, this provides an experimental basis for moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) against exercise-induced fatigue.

目的 比较低频电针对男、女两组脾虚湿盛型单纯性肥胖症患者临床疗效的差异性.方法 纳入单纯性肥胖症患者共80例,男性37例,女性43例.两组均选取阴陵泉、三阴交、足三里、丰隆、曲池、天枢、中脘、水分、气海、关元等穴,采用低频电针治疗,留针30min,每天1次,10次为一疗程,治疗2个疗程.观察两组患者治疗前后及随访3个月的体重、BMI、F％、胸围、腰围、臀围、腰臀比的变化,评价两组临床疗效,并进行分析比较.结果 男性组临床显效率为21.62％,总有效率为97.29％;女性组分别为4.65％、86.04％,男性组显效率和总体临床疗效均优于女性组(均P＜0.05),两组患者治疗后及随访3个月体重、BMI、F％、胸围、腰围、臀围、腰臀比较治疗前均有明显改善(均P＜0.01),但男性组体重、BMI较女性组均降低明显(P＜0.01);女性组F％、腰围、臀围较男性组均降低明显(P＜0.01).结论 低频电针对男、女脾虚湿盛型单纯性肥胖症患者均有明显的减肥作用和疗效,并且两者存在着一定的差异性,在改善体重、BMI方面男性优于女性,而在改善F％、腰围、臀围方面则女性优于男性.

Objective To observe the effect of instant moxibustion on the levels of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGE(2 alpha)) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the uterine tissues of dismenorrhea rats with cold-damp congealing and stagnation type and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, herble medicine group, pre-moxibustion group and instant moxibustion group, with 9 rats in each group. Cold-damp congealing and stagnation type primary dismenorrhea models were established by adopting (0 +/- 1)degrees C ice water-extraction method combined with estradiol benzoate injection method. After modeling on the 8th day, in herble medicine group, Tongjingbao granules was given to the rats by intragastric administration. In pre-moxibustion group, mild moxibustion was carried out at "Shenque" (CV 8) and "Guanyuan" (CV 4) of the rats for 10 min at each acupoint. In instant moxibustion group, moxibustion as that in pre-moxibustion group was conducted for once after injection with oxytocin on the 11th day. ELISA was adopted to detect the levels of PGE(2) and PGE(2 alpha) in the uterine tissues of rats, and radioimmunoassay was used for detection of AVP level in the uterine tissues of rats. Results Compared with the model group, the latent period of rats in herbal medicine group, pre-moxibustion group and instant moxibustion group obviously prolonged, the number of times of torsion reduced, and the total score of torsion decreased (P<0.01); compared with herbal medicine group, the latent period of rats in instant moxibustion group obviously prolonged, and the total score of torsion decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); compared with pre-moxibustion group, the number of times of torsion of rats in instant moxibustion group reduced, and the total score of torsion decreased (P<0.01). Compared with blank group, the levels of PGE(2 alpha) and AVP and the ratio of PGE(2 alpha) and PGE(2) in the uterine tissues of rats in model group significantly increased (P<0.01), and the PGE(2) level significantly reduced (P<0.01); compared with model group, the PGE(2 alpha) level and the ratio of PGE(2 alpha) and PGE(2) in the uterine tissues of rats in herble medicine group, pre-moxibustion group and instant moxibustion group obviously reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the PGE(2) level obviously increased (P<0.01), and the AVP level in the uterine tissues of rats in pre-moxibustion group and instant moxibustion group obviously reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01); compared with herbal medicine group, the levels of PGE(2 alpha) and AVP and the ratio of PGE(2 alpha) and PGE(2) in the uterine tissues of rats in instant moxibustion group significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01); compared with pre-moxibustion group, the PGE(2 alpha) level and the ratio of PGE(2 alpha) and PGE(2) in the uterine tissues of rats in instant moxibustion group obviously reduced (P<0.05), and the PGE(2) level obviously increased (P<0.01). Conclusion Both pre-moxibustion and instant moxibustion can obviously inhibit spasmodic uterine smooth muscle contraction of rats with dismenorrhea, regulate imbalanced levels of PGE(2 alpha) and PGE(2), reduce the AVP level, so as to improve the uterine hypoxia-ischemia, and play a role in alleviating pain. The efficacy of instant moxibustion was superior to that of pre-moxibustion.

To observe the effects of moxibustion at different times on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), in the uterine tissues of rats with dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention, and to explore the differences and possible mechanisms of moxibustion at different times in easing pain in dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention.

Objective To explore the difference in the regulating effect of electroacupuncture on serum insulin (Ins) and fat consumption between male and female simple obesity rat and the possible mechanism of its action.Methods A rat model of simple obesity was made by induction with sodium glutamate. The rats were randomized into model and electroacupuncture groups (male and female), 10 rats each. A normal group of 10 rats (male and female) was established as a control. Points Quchi, Zhongwan, Guanyuan, Housanli, Fenglong and Sanyinjiao were selected in the electroacupuncture group. Stimulation with a low frequency of 2 Hz was provided after needle insertion. The treatment was given once daily for 28 consecutive days. Serum Ins content, and greater omentum, pericardiac and perirenal fat weights were measured in the male and female groups of rats before and after electroacupuncture intervention. The comparisons were made.Results Serum Ins content, and greater omentum, pericardiac and perirenal fat weights were significantly lower in the electroacupuncture male and female groups of rats than in the model male and female groups of rats (P<0.01) and also in the electroacupuncture male group of rats than in the electroacupuncture female group of rats (P<0.05).Conclusions Electroacupuncture has different degrees of weight-reducing effect in both male and female obesity rats. The reducing effect on serum Ins content, and greater omentum, pericardiac and perirenal fat weights is better in male obesity rats.

Objective To observe different efficacies of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on pancreatic endocrine system in male and female patients with simple obesity due to spleen deficiency-related dampness. Methods A total of 80 simple obesity patients were assigned to a male group ( n =37) and a female group (n=43). Both groups received a 30-minute low-frequency EA at Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Quchi (LI 11), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4). The treatment was done once a day, and 10 times made up a course of treatment. Patients in both groups were treated for 2 courses. Then the changes in body mass index (BMI), serum insulin, insulin antibodies and leptin level in the two groups were observed and analyzed. Results After treatment, the BMI, serum insulin, insulin antibodies and leptin levels were significantly reduced in both groups ( P <0.01 or P <0.05); the BMI and serum insulin concentration were more significantly reduced in the male group than those in the female group (both P <0.01); and the leptin level was more significantly reduced in the female group than that in the male group ( P <0.01). Conclusion EA can significantly regulate BMI and pancreatic endocrine system in both men and women with simple obesity; however, there is a gender difference: better effect for men in reducing BMI and serum insulin and better effect for women in reducing serum leptin level.

Objective To observe the difference of the effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on blood lipids between male and female patients with simple obesity due to damp induced by spleen deficiency. Methods Eighty patients with simple obesity were recruited, including 37 males and 43 females, to receive low-frequency EA by selecting Yinlingquan (SP 10), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Quchi (LI 11), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4), with needles retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once a day, 10 sessions as a treatment course, for 2 courses in total. The contents of body fat percentage (F%), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), blood glucose (Glu) and adiponectin (ADPN) in serum were observed to see the changes, and the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results After the treatment, F%, and serum contents of TC, TG, LDL, Glu and ADPN dropped significantly in the two groups ( P <0.05 or P <0.01) and the serum content of HDL increased significantly in male group ( P <0.05). The decrease of F% in female group was more significant than that in male group ( P <0.01); the decrease of ADPN in male group was more significant than that in female group ( P <0.05). Conclusion EA can regulate the disordered blood lipids in male and female patients with simple obesity, with certain differences between genders. The decrease of subcutaneous fat content is more significant in females than that in males, while the decrease of ADPN is more significant in males.

随着人们物质生活水平的不断提高，肥胖症的发病率迅速增长，严重威胁着人类的健康。目前，应用针灸治疗单纯性肥胖症的临床研究报道颇多，疗效确切。现将近10年来针灸治疗单纯性肥胖症的临床进展进行综述，并对其治疗研究中所存在的问题提出一些看法和展望。

在艾灸动物实验过程中,笔者发现了实验动物的固定、操作的灸量、操作时间及神阙穴的定位4个影响实验结果的问题,并努力尝试解决,尽量减小其对实验客观数据的影响.同时发现当前形势下,针灸动物实验操作标准却存在不足,其可能直接影响实验数据的客观化程度,故将针灸动物实验过程中发现的一些问题,提出若干建议,以期能够为实验针灸的建设发挥些微作用.

Objective To explore the difference of low-frequency electroacupuncture in regulating serum leptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) of male and female patients with simple obesity due to spleen deficiency and damp exuberance. Methods Eighty patients with simple obesity, including 37 males and 43 females, were included in this study. In both groups (male group and female group), Yinlgquan (SP 9), Sanynjiao (SP 6), Zusanli ( ST 36), Fenglong (ST40), Quchi ( LI 11), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Qihai (CV 6), and Guanyuan (CV 4). were selected, and low-frequency electroacupuncture treatment was applied. Needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was conducted once a day, and 10 times were considered as one course of treatment. Two courses were needed. The changes of weight, BMI (body mass index), F% (fat percentage) and serum leptin and NPY contents of patients in the two groups before and after treatment were observed and analyzed comparatively. Results After treatment, in male group, the weight lost ( 9.24 +/- 2.55) kg, BMI reduced by 4.19 +/- 2.30, F% reduced by 3.98 +/- 2.13, serum leptin level reduced by (0.66 +/- 0.23) ng/mL, and serum NPY level reduced by (18.56 +/- 2.89) pg/mL; in female group, the weight lost (6.77 +/- 2.31) kg, BMI reduced by 2.65 +/- 0.93, F% reduced by 4.98 +/- 2.30, serum leptin level reduced by ( 3.49 +/-.09) ng/mL, and serum NPY level reduced by (11.21 +/- 1.97) pg/mL. The results reduced significantly when compared with the level before treatment (P<0.05, P<0. 01). The loss of weight, BMI and serum NPY content in male group was more obvious than that in female group (all P<0. 01), and the loss of F% and serum leptin content in female group was more obvious than that in male group (both P< 0. 01). Conclusion Low-frequency electroacupuncture can significantly regulate the weight, BMI, F% and serum leptin and NPY contents of male and female patients with simple obesity, and there are gender differences. In terms of reducing weight, BMI and serum NPY content, the efficacy of low-frequency electroacupuncture in males is superior to that in females, while in terms of reducing F% and serum leptin content, the efficacy in females is superior to that in males.

目的：通过对近30年针灸治疗感冒后咳嗽临床研究文献计量学分析，从临床研究方法、治疗方法选择、穴位选择等方面为针灸治疗感冒后咳嗽临床研究提供借鉴。方法：采用相关主题词，严格按照纳入标准和排除标准，从中国期刊全文数据库（ CNKI）、维普中文科技期刊数据库（ VIP）检索1987年至2016年针灸治疗感冒后咳嗽相关文献，并用文献计量学方法对其进行定量分析。结果：符合纳入标准的文献共57篇，从研究方法看，23篇运用对照研究，其中18篇为随机对照研究，5篇描述了随机方法，未见运用盲法的文献；从疗效来看，57篇文献报道的平均有效率为94．5％；从刺灸方法来看，使用频次最高的为针刺、拔罐；从腧穴选用来看，使用频次较高的为背部膀胱经腧穴，其中肺俞穴使用最多。结论：针灸治疗感冒后咳嗽多采用膀胱经腧穴，主要方法为针刺和拔罐，有效率较高，但临床研究设计不够规范，需进一步扩大样本量，规范设计，提高临床研究水平，为针灸治疗感冒后咳嗽提供确凿证据。

Acupuncture has a good effect in treating acute gouty arthritis.This paper, by searching the documents in periodicals of 5 years, analyzed comprehensively the treatments from the aspect of bloodletting therapy, fire-needle acupuncture and electroacupun-ture, and brought forward some ideas and outlooks on some problems in treatment and research.