Tiaobu Xinshen Recipe (调补心肾方) Improved Mild Cognitive Impairment of Alzheimer's Disease Patients with Xin (Heart) and Shen (Kidney) Deficiency

Objective: To observe the intervention effects of Tiaobu Xinshen Recipe(调补心肾方, TXR) on patients with mild cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer's disease(MCI-AD). Methods: Totally 88 MCI-AD patients with syndrome of Xin(Heart) and Shen(Kidney) deficiency were assigned to the experimental group(47 cases, treated with TXR) and the control group(41 cases, treated with donepezil hydrochloride) using a random number table. Final recruited qualified patients were 44 cases in the experimental group and 39 cases in the control group. The therapeutic course was 12 weeks. Neuropsychological scales [mini mental state examination(MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)], and Chinese medicine(CM) dementia syndromes scales were performed in all patients, and results were compared between groups or intra-group before and after treatment. Results: MMSE and Mo CA scores of the two groups were increased after treatment compared with those before treatment(P0.05). But there was no statistical difference in MMSE or MOCA scores after treatment between the two groups(P0.05). CM dementia syndrome score was significantly decreased after treatment in the experimental group compared with the control group(P0.01). Visual spatial and executive function scores and delayed recall scores of the two groups were increased compared with those before treatment(P0.01). Conclusion: TXR could effectively improve cognitive impairment of MCI-AD patients with syndrome of Xin and Shen deficiency.     

Effect of Shenshao Tablet (参芍片) on the quality of life for coronary heart disease patients with stable angina pectoris

Objective： To observe the effect of Chinese medicine Shenshao Tablet （参芍片, SST） on the quality of life in coronary heart disease （CHD） patients with stable angina pectoris （SAP）. Methods： Sixty-six patients with SAP confirmed by coronary angiography were enrolled and assigned to two groups by means of PROC PLAN using a SAS 6.12 software in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled design. Patients in the treated group were treated with SST, and the others in the control group were given placebo. The weekly angina frequency, quality of life scale [Seattle Angina Questionnaire （SAQ）] and incidence of important clinical events were observed to evaluate the intervention effect of SST on the quality of life for CHD patients with SAP. Results： During the study, one case dropped out in the treated group and two cases in the control group, respectively, and 63 cases including 32 cases in the treated group, and 31 cases in the control group completed the trial. After four weeks of treatment, the weekly angina frequency of the treated group （5.32± 2.46 times per week） was significantly less than that of the control group （7.32± 3.20 times per week, P 〈 0.05）. The total score of the quality of life in the treated group （71.30± 5.44） was obviously higher than that in the control group （63.50± 4.60, P 〈 0.01）, and the angina stability, angina frequency, and treatment satisfaction were significantly superior to those in the control group （P〈 0.01）. The incidence of important clinical events of the treated group （3.1%） was lower than that of the control group （6.5%） during the six-month follow-up period, but the difference was insignificant （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion： SST could lower the angina frequency and greatly improve the quality of life in CHD patients with SAP.     

Study on Effect of Zhixinkang Capsule （脂欣康胶囊）in Treating Unstable Effort Angina and Hyperlipidemia and Its Function in Vascular Endothelium Protection

Objective:To observe the clinical effect and protection of vascular endothelium of Zhixin-kang Capsule (ZXKC) in middle-aged and old people with unstable effort angina and hyperlipidemia. Methods: Sixty-five patients with unstable effort angina were randomly divided into ZXKC group (34 cases) and control group (31 cases). Conventional western medical therapy was given to both groups, with ZXKC group receiving additional ZXKC treatment. Data of 20 healthy persons were taken as normal group. Forty-eight patients with hyperlipidemia were divided into ZXKC group treated with ZXKC (31 cases) and control group treated with Yixintong (17 cases). The changes of clinical symptoms and laboratory indexes in all the patients were observed before and after treatment. Results: In patients with unstable effort angina, the efficacy of treatment of ZXKC, the withdrawal rate of nitroglycerin, the relieving of symptoms, the improvement of the electrocardiogram, the counts of circulating endothelial cells, the content of p     

Effect of Xin''''anning Nasal Drop ( 心安宁滴鼻剂 ) in Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Unstable Angina Pectoris

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Xin'anning Nasal Drop (XAND, 心安宁滴鼻剂 )in treating coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris (CHD-UAP). Methods: Sixty patients with CHD-UAP were assigned, according to the randomizing number table, to two groups, the control group treated with conventional Western medicine, and the treated group treated with conventional Western medicine plus XAND. The clinical efficacy and the changes of S-T segment in resting EKG and total ischemia burden (TIB) in 24-h dynamic EKG were observed. Results: The clinical efficacy, including the effect of angina alleviation, its initiation, and the effect of TCM syndrome score reduction, were significantly superior in the treated group to those in the control group ( P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ). The degree and extent of myocardial ischemia were significantly improved in both groups ( P＜0.01 ), but the improvement in the treated group was better than that in the control group ( P＜0.05). Moreover, it was worth mentioning that the immediate effect in the treated group was better than that in the control group, and the reduction of TIB, the improvement in heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption (immediately after the first administration or by the end of the therapeutic course), and systolic blood pressure after treatment in the former were all superior to those in the latter, showing significant difference ( P＜0.05 or P＜0. 01 ). Conclusion: XAND has a quick effect in alleviating angina in patients with CHD-UAP, and it is worthy of further studies and spreading in clinical practice.     

Effect of Yitangning Granule on Glycometabolism and Urinary Micro Albumin of Diabetes B Patients

One hundred and twenty patients with diabetes B that belong to the type of kidney deficiency andblood stasis were randomly divided into a treatment group treated with Yitangning Granule ( 益糖宁颗粒), a control group A treated with Jiangtangshu Capsule (降糖舒胶囊) and a control group B treated with Glurenorm Tablet (糖适平片). A better total effective rate was found in the treatment group, as compared with the two control groups, but there was no obvious difference. However, the treatment group was superior to the two control groups (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01) in the reduction of blood sugar and urinary micro albumin. It indicates that Yitangning Granule can improve the clinical symptoms and glycometabolism in patients with diabetes B and has a reverse effect on early diabetic nephropathy (DN).     

Clinical observation on the treatment of chronic urticaria with total glucosides of paeony capsule combined with citirizine

<正>Objective:To assess the effect and adverse reaction of total glucosides of paeony capsule(TGPC)in combining with citirizine for the treatment of chronic urticaria.Methods:A total of 120 patients were assigned to two groups by lottery,65 in the treated group and 55 in the control group.They all were orally treated with citirizine tablet 10 mg per day,but to the treated group,additional 0.2 g TGPC was given three times per day,the therapeutic course for both groups was 4 weeks.The effectiveness of treatment was observed,and the changes of total symptom score,serum levels of interleukin-4(IL-4),and immunoglobulin E(IgE)were measured before and after treatment.Moreover,a followup was carried out one month after ending the treatment.Results:The dropped cases were two in the treated group and seven in the control group;so,the study was accomplished on 63 patients in the treated group and 48 patients in the control group.The total effective rate was assessed at 73.02%(46/63)in the treated group,which was significantly higher than 47.92%(23/48)in the control group(P0.01).After treatment,the total symptom score decreased in both groups,but the decrement in the treated group was more significant(P0.05).Serum levels of IL-4 and IgE in the treated group lowered significantly,while the changes in the control group were insignificant,so statistical significant differences were shown between groups(P0.01).A follow-up study showed that the relapse rate in the treated group was 30.00% (6/20),while that in the control group was 90.00%(9/10),and the former was lower than the latter(P0.01).Adverse reactions,revealed as drowsiness,dizziness,and weakness,were seen in eight cases and seven cases in the two groups,respectively.Besides,mild diarrhea occurred in two cases of the treated group.Condusioiis:The treatment of TGPC combining citirizine shows definite curative effect in treating chronic urticaria,with low relapse rate and without evident adverse reaction.Its therapeutic effect might be realized by means of regulating patients' immune function. Besides,the medication should be continued for a rather long period to achieve the full effect.     

Clinical Observation on Cervical Spondylopathy of the Vertebroarterial Type Treated by Electro-acupuncture

Objective: To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture in the treatment of cervical spondylopathy of the vertebroarterial type. Methods: According to the consulting order, the patients were randomly divided into a treatment group (29 cases treated with electro-acupuncture), and a control group (28 cases treated with simple acupuncture). 20 treatments were given to patients in both groups. Results: The markedly effective rate of the treatment group was 75% and that of the control group was 61.54% (P<0.05). Conclusion: Electro-acupuncture has a better therapeutic effect than the simple acupuncture in the treatment of cervical spondylopathy of the vertebroarterial type.     

Effect and Safety of Guanxinning Tablet(冠心宁片) for Stable Angina Pectoris Patients with Xin(Heart)-Blood Stagnation Syndrome:A Randomized,Multicenter,Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: To investigate the effect and safety of Guanxinning Tablet(冠心宁片, GXN) for the treatment of stable angina pectoris patients with Xin(Heart)-blood stagnation syndrome(XBSS). Methods: One hundred and sixty stable angina pectoris patients with XBSS were randomly assigned to receive GXN(80 cases) or placebo(80 cases, Guanxinning simulation tablets, mainly composed of lactose), 4 tablets(0.38 g/tablet), thrice daily for 12 weeks. After treatment, an exercise stress test(treadmill protocol), Chinese medicine(CM) syndrome score, electrocardiogram(ECG), and nitroglycerin withdrawal rate were evaluated and compared in the patients between the two groups. Meanwhile, adverse events(AEs) were evaluated during the whole clinical trial. Results: Compared with the control group, the time extension of exercise duration in the GXN group increased 29.28±17.67 s after treatment(P0.05); moreover, the change of exercise duration in the GXN group increased 63.10±96.96 s in subgroup analysis(P0.05). The effective rates of angina pectoris, CM syndrome and ECG as well as nitroglycerin withdrawal rate were 81.33%, 90.67%, 45.76%, and 70.73%, respectively in the GXN group, which were all significantly higher than those in the control group(40.58%, 75.36%, 26.92%, 28.21%, respectively, P0.05). Conclusion: GXN was a safe and effective treatment for stable angina pectoris patients with XBSS at a dose of 4 tablets, thrice daily.     

Effect of Feitai Capsule(肺泰胶囊) on Quality of Life and Progression-Free Survival of Patients with Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

<正>Objective:To examine the effect of a Chinese medicinal herbal formula(Feitai Capsule,肺泰胶囊) on the quality of life(QOL) and progression-free survival(PFS) of patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:Sixty-two patients were randomly divided into the treatment group(31 cases) and the control group(31 cases).For the treatment group,4 capsules(1.2 g/capsule) of Feitai Capsule were administered 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks;then no drug was administered for 1 week.This schedule was continued for at least 3 more cycles(12 weeks totally).If there were no obvious toxic reactions,the treatment was extended.The patients were evaluated at least once every 8 weeks until progressive disease(PD). For the control group,the regular follow-up and evaluation were performed at least once every 8 weeks until PD.Clinical symptoms,objective response,physical constitution and energy,QOL,and PFS were evaluated regularly.Analysis of variance(ANOVA),a non-parametric test,and analysis of covariance were used to compare clinical features,amelioration of clinical symptoms,physical constitution and energy,and QOL.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the two-group PFS.Results:Sixty patients finished the final evaluation, with 30 patients in each group.Baseline characters between groups were not significantly different(P0.05). The control group had a 36.7%improvement in clinical symptoms,while the treatment group had a 73.3% improvement.This difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.632,P=0.008).The control group had a 26.7% improvement in the Karnofsky performance status(KPS),while the treatment group had a 53.4%improvement. This was also significantly different(Z=-2.182,P=0.029).A comparative analysis indicated a positive correlation (r=0.917,P0.001).Compared with the control group,QOL in the treatment group was significantly improved, except in the social/family condition and doctor-patient relationship indicators.The PFS of the treatment group and control group were 6.23 months and 4.67 months,respectively(P=0.048).Conclusion:Feitai Capsule,a Chinese medicinal herbal treatment could improve the QOL and extend the PFS of the unresectable NSCLC patients.     

Thirty Cases of the Blood-Stasis Type Prolapse of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Treated by Acupuncture at the Xi （cleft） Point plus Herbal Intervention Injection

Objective:To observe the clinical therapeuric effects and explore the mechanism of acupuncture at the xi (cleft)points combined witll herbal intervention injection for treatment of prolapse of the lumbar intervertebral disc with TCM symptoms and signs of blood stasis.Methods:The 60 CaSeS in this series were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,30 cases in each group.The patients in the treatment group were treated by acupuncture at Jiaji L4-S1,Waiqiu(GB 36),Weizhong(BL 40)and Xiaxi (GB 43)plus intervention injection of Gegensu Zhusheye(葛根素注射液 Puerarin Injectio).The patients of the control group were given the routine acupuncture combined with injection of Gegensu Zhusheye (葛根素注射液 Puerarin Injectio)into the Ashi points.The changes in interleukin-6(IL-6) and hempdynamics were observed before and after treatment in both the two groups.Resuits:The total therapeutic effect in the treatment group was obviously better(P＜0.05)and the treatment course was obviously shorter than that of the control group(P＜0.01).After the treatment,the total score,the visual analog scale(VAS)pain-evaluating score,and the score in straight-leg raising test were obviously improved in both the two groups,in which the improvement in the treatment group shown by the score in straight-leg raising test and the total score superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).The IL-6 level,red blood cell ratio,K value of blood sedimentation equation.and whole blood high shearing specific viscosity were improved in both the two groups.but the treatment group showed better improvement than that of the control group in the red blood cell ratio,K value of blood sedimentation,and IL-6 level(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusions:The treatment group was superior to the control group in improvement of the symptoms and signs,the daily life ability,and in pain alleviation.The mechanism is possibly related witb the improvement in the IL-6 level and hemodynamic indexes.which may promote the subsidence of inflammation of the nerve roots.     

Effect of Yangxinkang Tablets(养心康片)on Chronic Heart Failure:A Multi-Center Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objectives:To investigate the safety and efficacy of Yangxinkang Tablets(养心康片) in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF) and syndrome of qi and yin deficiency,blood stasis,and water retention.Methods:In a double-blinded,randomized,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical trail,228 patients with CHF New York Heart Association(NYHA) class Ⅱ or Ⅲ in stage C were assigned by randomized block method to two groups in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either conventional Western treatment or conventional treatment plus Yangxinkang Tablets for 4 weeks.The outcome measure were effect of cardiac function,Chinese medicine(CM) syndromes,scores of symptoms,signs,and quality of life measured by Minnesota Living with heart failure questionnaire(MLHFQ) before and after the treatment.Results:Totally 112 patients were analyzed in the treatment group and 109 in the control group.They were comparable in NYHA functional class,basic parameters and primary diseases before treatment.Cardiac function and CM syndromes were greatly ameliorated in both groups after treatment.Total effective rates of cardiac function and CM syndrome in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P0.05).Total symptom score and sign score in the treatment group decreased significantly after treatment(P0.01),which were significantly lower than those in the control group(P0.05).There were statistically significant differences in post-treatment scores of gasp,cough with phlegm,pulmonary rales and jugular vein engorgement between the two groups(P0.05 or P0.01).Three MLHFQ scores decreased significantly in both groups after treatment(P0.01).Post-treatment total scale score and physical subscale score in the treatment group and the reduction of them showed statistically significant differences(P0.05) as compared with the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups in emotional subscale score and the reduction after treatment(P0.05).There was no obvious adverse reaction in either group noted during the study.Conclusions:Yangxinkang Tablets were safe and efficacious in improving cardiac function,CM syndromes,symptoms,signs,and quality of life in patients with CHF class Ⅱ orⅢ in stage C on the base of conventional treatment.     

Short-term Effect of Combined Therapy with Jinlong Capsule(金龙胶囊)and Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization on Patients with Primary Hepatic Carcinoma and Its Influence on Serum Osteopontin Expression

<正>Objective:To observe the clinical combination effect of Jinlong Capsule(金龙胶囊,JLC) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) on the patients with primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC) and JLC's influence on serum osteopontin(OPN) expression and elucidate the correlation between the serum OPN level and curative effect of JLC and TACE.Methods:A total of 98 patients with PHC were observed in a randomized controlled trial(RCT).They were assigned to the Chinese medicine(CM) group(53 patients who were treated with TACE and JLC) and the intervention group(45 patients who were treated with TACE only).The serum OPN levels were measured before and after treatment by quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Forty healthy people were assigned to the control group.The clinical efficacy was observed and Karnofsky score(KPS) was graded.Results:The clinical efficacy of the CM group(60.38%) was better than that of the intervention group(40.00%),and the KPS(84.35±12.19) was higher than the intervention group(69.86±11.58)(P0.05).The serum OPN levels before and after treatment in the patients with PHC were significantly elevated compared with those in the control group(P0.01).After treatment,the OPN levels in CM group(117.69±78.50) were significantly lower compared with those in intervention group(151.09±83.90,P0.05).The OPN levels of responders were remarkably lowered than the non-responders after treatment,and the level of OPN in the CM group was lower than the intervention group(P0.05).Conclusions:The short-term clinical efficacy and the quality of life of patients with PHC can be improved by combining JLC with TACE.The serum OPN levels in PHC patients can reflect the curative effect of treatment and the prognosis of the disease.     

Effect of Xin’ anning Nasal Drop (心安宁滴鼻剂) in treating coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of Xin＇anning Nasal Drop （XAND,心安宁滴鼻剂） in treating coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris （CHD-UAP）. Methods： Sixty patients with CHD-UAP were assigned, according to the randomizing number table, to two groups, the control group treated with conventional Western medicine, and the treated group treated with conventional Western medicine plus XAND. The clinical efficacy and the changes of S-T segment in resting EKG and total ischemia burden （TIB） in 24-h dynamic EKG were observed. Results： The clinical efficacy, including the effect of angina alleviation, its initiation, and the effect of TOM syndrome score reduction, were significantly superior in the treated group to those in the control group （ P〈0.05 or P〈0.01 ）. The degree and extent of myocardial ischemia were significantly improved in both groups （ P〈0.01 ）, but the improvement in the treated group was better than that in the control group （ P〈0.05）. Moreover, it was worth mentioning that the immediate effect in the treated group was better than that in the control group, and the reduction of TIB, the improvement in heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption （ immediately after the first administration or by the end of the therapeutic course）, and systolic blood pressure after treatment in the former were all superior to those in the latter, showing significant difference （ P〈0.05 or P〈0.01 ）. Conclusion： XAND has a quick effect in alleviating angina in patients with CHD-UAP, and it is worthy of further studies and spreading in clinical practice.     

An analysis of the Long-term Therapeutic Effect of the Integrated Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Radiotherapy on Abdominal Malignant Tumor

To observe the long-term therapeutic effect of the integrated therapy of radiotherapy and Chinese herbal drugs fortreatment of abdominal malignant tumor and explore the applied value of differential treatment duringradiotherapy. Sixty cases of abdominal malignant tumor with hyperactivity of fire due to yin deficiency ordeficiency of both qi and blood were randomly divided into an integrated treatment group of 30 cases and acontrol group of 30 cases. The integrated treatment group was treated by combination of radiotherapy and Chineseherbal drugs and the control group by simple radiotherapy. The results shows that in the integrated treatmentgroup,the score of physical state was 23.17±7.18,score of psychological quality 21.23±4. 53 and total scoreof living quality 44.40±11.22,and survival rate for three years was 67.55%,which were significantly superior tothose of the control group (P<0.01). It is then concluded that differential treatment of TCM could play a valuablerole in treating abdominal malignant tumor during radiotherapy,which can improve the long-term living qualityand prolong the survival time of the patients.     

Summary of 32 patients with cardiac syndrome X treated by TCM therapy of regulating qi relieving chest stuffiness and promoting blood circulation

Objective： To evaluate the clinical effect of Liqi Kuanxiong Huoxue method （宽胸活血,LKH, traditional Chinese medicine, TCM therapeutic method for regulating qi, relieving chest stuffiness and promoting blood circulation） in treating patients with cardiac syndrome X （CSX）. Methods： The prospective, non-randomized controlled study was conducted on 51 selected patients with CSX, who were non-randomly assigned to 2 groups, the treated group treated with LKH in addition to the conventional treatment （32 patients）, and the control group treated with conventional treatment （19 patients） like nitrate, diltiazem hydrochloride, etc. The treatment course was 14 days. The changes of such symptoms as angina pectoris, TCM syndrome and indexes of treadmill exercise test before and after treatment were observed. Results： After treatment, such symptoms as chest pain and stuffy feeling and palpitation in the treated group were improved more than those in the control group （P〈0.05）; the total effective rate on angina pectoris and TCM syndrome in the treated group was better than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. The treadmill exercise test showed that the maximal metabolic equivalent （Max MET）, the time of angina onset and ST segment depression by 0.1 mV were obviously improved after treatment in both groups, but the improvement in the treated group was better than that in the control group respectively （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The LKH method could reduce the frequency of angina attacks and improve the clinical condition of patients with CSX.     

The Short-term Therapeutic Effect of the Three-part Massotherapy for Insomnia Due to Deficiency of Both the Heart and the Spleen——A Report of 100 Cases

Objective: To evaluate the short-term therapeutic effect of the three-part massotherapy on insomnia due to deficiency of both the heart and spleen. Methods: Two hundred cases were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each consisting of 100 cases. Patients in the treatment group were treated with the three-part massotherapy, while those in the control group with oral administration of Guipi Wan (归脾丸 Pill for Invigorating the Spleen and Nourishing the Heart). The total clinical therapeutic effects, the total scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) of the treatment group were compared with those of the control group. Results: After the treatment, the total therapeutic effects, PSQI, SAS, and SDS of the two groups all showed significant improvement (P<0.01), and the scores of the treatment group were superior to those of the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: The three-part massotherapy has definite therapeutic effects on insomnia due to deficiency of both the heart and the spleen, which is safe and easy to operate, and worthy of popularization.     

Clinically controlled study on children’s infectious mononucleosis treated by Chinese medicine

Objective： To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese drugs for the treatment of children＇s infectious mononucleosis （CIM）. Methods： Sixty CIM patients were assigned into the treated group and the control group, patients in the treated group were administered with Chinese herbal decoction, and those in the control group were treated with intravenous dripping of ganciclovir 10 mg/kg per day, for a treatment course of 14 days. Results： The total effective rate was 96.0% in the treated group and 97.1% in the control group, showing insignificant difference between groups. The efficacy in the treated group was superior to that in the control group on the fever clearance time （3.0 ± 1.5 days vs 4.9 ± 3.9 days ） and the disappearance time of cervical lymph node swelling （0.8 ± 1.0 score vs 1.5 ± 1.2 score）, showing statistical significance （all P〈0.05）. T-cell subsets were markedly improved in both groups after treatment. Adverse reaction occurred in four cases of the control group. Conclusion： Using Chinese herbs for clearing heat, removing toxin, activating blood circulation, and dissolving stasis is effective and safe for the treatment of CIM. It can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and shows a certain effect on immune regulation.     

Effect of Huanshuai Recipe Oral Liquid (缓衰口服液) on Renal Dysfunction Progression in Patients with Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis

Objective:To investigate the effect of Huanshuai Recipe Oral Liquid(缓衰口服液,HSR) on retarding the progression of renal dysfunction in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis(ARAS).Methods:A total of 52 ARAS patients with the Chinese medicine(CM) syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis,phlegm and dampness retention were recruited and randomly assigned into the treatment group(36 cases) and the control group(16 cases).Both groups received a basic treatment(high-quality low-protein diet,blood pressure control,lipid-lowering,correcting the acidosis,etc.).In addition,the treatment group received 20 mL HSR and the control group received placebo,3 times a day for 6 months.Renal function(serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen and uric acid) and blood lipids(cholesterol,triglycerides and low density lipoprotein) were examined monthly.The estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) and CM syndrome score were compared between groups.Results:After treatment,compared with the control group,the serum creatinine level,uric acid level and CM syndrome score of the treatment group were significantly decreased(P0.05 or P0.01),and the eGFR in the treatment group were significantly increased(P0.05).Conclusion:HSR can effectively improve the renal function and clinical symptoms of ARAS patients.     

The Study of Early Application with Dixiong Decoction for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer to Decrease the Incidence and Severity of Radiation Pneumonitis: A Prospective,Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of compound Dixiong Decoction (地芎汤, a Chinese herbal decoction) on early prevention of radiation pneumonitis. Methods: Forty-six patients with non-small cell lung cancer who were planning to receive radiotherapy were randomly assigned to the treatment group treated with the compound Dixiong Decoction and the control group treated with a commonly used herbal decoction which has the effects of supplementing qi and nourishing yin, clearing heat and detoxifying at the time of radiotherapy. Primary measure was the incidence of radiation pneumonitis after radiotherapy. Secondary outcomes included Watters clinical radiographic physiologic (CRP) dyspnea score, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading score, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, and the application of corticosteroids. Results: The incidence of radiation pneumonitis in the treatment group was 10.0%, while that in the control group was 26.3% (P=0.0032). The Watters CRP dyspnea score and RTOG grading score in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P0.05). The KPS score in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P0.01). The dosage of corticosteroids was smaller with a shorter duration of therapy in the treatment group than that in the control group. Conclusion: The early application of the Chinese herbal decoction compound Dixiong Decoction can decrease the incidence of radiation pneumonitis, reduce the injury of the lung, and improve the life quality of the patients.