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Complementary Therapies in Medicine Aug 2014A series of case-control studies have been conducted to investigate the association between blood lipid and phlegm turbidity syndrome of angina pectoris, but produced... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A series of case-control studies have been conducted to investigate the association between blood lipid and phlegm turbidity syndrome of angina pectoris, but produced inconsistent results.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a meta-analysis to determine the association between blood lipid and phlegm turbidity syndrome of angina pectoris more precisely.
METHODS
Manual screening as well as screening of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Journal full-text database (VIP), Wanfang database (WF), ScienceDirect, Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase were carried out for relevant literature. The formula was translated to calculate the pooled mean value and standard deviation value. The "Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale: Case-Control Studies" (NOS) was taken to assess the quality of the included studies. The Revman 5.2.6 software provided by "The Cochrane Collaboration" was used to analyze the collected data. The subgroup analysis was established according to the sample size proportion between the test group and the control group. Sensitivity analysis was constructed by using two different effect models. Besides, a funnel plot was created to analyze potential publication bias.
RESULTS
No statistically meaningful difference existed between the test group and control group of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in non-Qi and yin deficiency syndrome (QYDS) and non-Yang deficiency syndrome (YDS) subgroup, whereas the two biotic indicators in the test group were higher than the non-phlegm syndrome group in other subgroups. Triglyceride (TG) in phlegm syndrome group showed superior to non-phlegm syndrome group in the rest subgroups except for the non-CCS (Cold coagulating syndrome)-non-YDS subgroup. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels of the phlegm group were lower than that of the non-phlegm group in all subgroups.
CONCLUSION
When comparing with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes of asthenia nature, such as YDS, QYDS, and heart qi deficiency syndrome), the levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C were higher in phlegm turbidity syndrome. However, for sthenia syndromes such as Qi stagnation syndrome (QSS), heart blood stasis syndrome (HBSS), and CCS, there was no obvious difference. Furthermore, HDL-C levels in the phlegm turbidity group were lower than those of the non-phlegm group. Nevertheless, these results should be confirmed with further studies.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Angina Pectoris; Cholesterol; Female; Humans; Male; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Middle Aged; Triglycerides
PubMed: 25146084
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.05.008 -
Respiratory Care Jun 2009Although some clinicians still believe that cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is largely due to hypersecretion of very viscous mucus, it has never been demonstrated that... (Review)
Review
Although some clinicians still believe that cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is largely due to hypersecretion of very viscous mucus, it has never been demonstrated that there is mucus hypersecretion in CF and it is clear that there is almost no intact mucin (the principal polymeric component of normal mucus) in CF sputum. CF sputum has lower viscosity when compared to asthma or bronchitis sputa, but is highly tenacious and biochemically most closely resembles pus. Tenacity and lower viscosity lead to decreased cough clearance of infected phlegm, which is thought to induce a persistent inflammatory state in the airway, leading to bronchiectasis. There are many medications and devices either in use or under development that are meant to improve airway hygiene in CF by assisting with sputum expectoration. This paper discusses the scientific basis and potential mechanism of action for many of these interventions and briefly reviews the clinical evidence of their safety and effectiveness.
Topics: Cystic Fibrosis; Disease Progression; Expectorants; Humans; Mucus; Respiratory Mucosa; Sputum
PubMed: 19467160
DOI: 10.4187/002013209790983269 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Jun 2023Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories assert that body constitution and meridian energy lay the foundation for disease prevention. TCM-based health concepts have... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories assert that body constitution and meridian energy lay the foundation for disease prevention. TCM-based health concepts have not yet been incorporated into mobile health (mHealth) apps for individuals with prediabetes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a TCM mHealth app for individuals with prediabetes.
METHODS
This randomized controlled trial recruited 121 individuals with prediabetes at a teaching hospital in New Taipei City between February 2020 and May 2021. The participants were randomly assigned to the TCM mHealth app group (n=42), ordinary mHealth app group (n=41), or control group (n=38). All participants received the usual care that included 15-20 minutes of health education about the disease, along with healthy diet and exercise encouragement. The ordinary mHealth app included physical activity (PA), diet, and disease education, along with individual records. The TCM mHealth app additionally included qi and body constitution information, along with constitution-based PA and diet advice. The control group received the usual care alone and did not have access to any app. Data were collected at baseline, at the end of the 12-week intervention, and 1 month after the intervention. Body constitution, including yang-deficiency, yin-deficiency, and phlegm-stasis, was measured according to the Body Constitution Questionnaire, with higher scores indicating a greater deficiency. Body energy was examined using the Meridian Energy Analysis Device. The Short-Form 36 questionnaire was used to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which yielded physical component scores and mental component scores, with higher scores indicating better physical and mental aspects of HRQOL, respectively.
RESULTS
Compared to the control group, the TCM mHealth app group showed greater improvement in hemoglobin A (HbA), yang-deficiency and phlegm-stasis body constitution, and BMI; however, no significant differences were found in these outcomes between the TCM mHealth app and ordinary mHealth app groups. The TCM mHealth app group showed better improvement in body energy and mental component scores than the ordinary mHealth app group. There were no significant differences in fasting plasma glucose, yin-deficiency body constitution, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary behavior, and total PA among the three groups after the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Use of either the ordinary or TCM mHealth app improved HRQOL among individuals with prediabetes. Compared to the outcomes of controls not using any app, use of the TCM mHealth app was effective at improving HbA, BMI, yang-deficiency and phlegm-stasis body constitution, and HRQOL. Moreover, using the TCM mHealth app seemed to improve the body energy and HRQOL more than when using the ordinary mHealth app. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period may be necessary to determine whether the differences favoring the TCM app are clinically meaningful.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04096989; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04096989.
Topics: Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Prediabetic State; Mobile Applications; Quality of Life; Yin Deficiency; Telemedicine
PubMed: 37338977
DOI: 10.2196/41099 -
International Archives of Occupational... Apr 2023Occupational exposure to dust has been recognised as a significant health hazard to mine workers. This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to...
PURPOSE
Occupational exposure to dust has been recognised as a significant health hazard to mine workers. This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to inhalable (INH) and respirable (RES) dust and respiratory health among mine workers in Western Australia using an industry-wide exposure database.
METHODS
The database comprised cross-sectional surveys conducted by mining companies for the period 2001-2012. The study population consisted of 12,797 workers who were monitored for exposure to INH and RES dust and undertook health assessments including a respiratory questionnaire and spirometry test.
RESULTS
Despite the general trend of declining exposure to both INH and RES dust observed over the 12 years period, mine workers reported a higher prevalence of phlegm and cough when exposed to elevated concentrations of INH and RES dust. Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the positive association between INH dust exposure and the prevalence of phlegm with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.033 (95% CI 1.012-1.052). Overall, 6.3% of miners might have potential airway obstruction, and exposure to INH dust was associated with impaired lung function parameters.
CONCLUSION
Exposure levels of INH and RES dust particles among mine workers have reduced considerably and were well below currently legislated occupational exposure limits. However, given the reported higher prevalence of phlegm and cough among those with elevated dust concentrations, there is a continued need for effective dust exposure monitoring and control in the mineral mining industry.
Topics: Humans; Miners; Cough; Dust; Cross-Sectional Studies; Australia; Occupational Exposure; Lung Diseases
PubMed: 36089622
DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01922-z -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Apr 2022Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, ovarian polycystic changes, and irregular ovulation, often occurring in women of...
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, ovarian polycystic changes, and irregular ovulation, often occurring in women of childbearing age for whom it can be a cause of infertility. Hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis dysregulation is important in the pathogenesis of PCOS and the associated chronic excess of sex hormones can lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and malignancies such as endometrial cancer, and breast cancer. At present, most scholars agree that lifestyle interventions in conjunction with drug treatment can help PCOS patients achieve their goals of successful pregnancy and childbirth.
AIM
To investigate the clinical effect of an online and offline (O2O) preventive health management model on PCOS with kidney deficiency and phlegm dampness.
METHODS
A total of 82 patients with PCOS of the kidney deficiency and phlegm dampness type who were admitted to Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from April 2019 to June 2020 were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group was treated with oral Diane-35 for 3 mo and received preventive O2O medical health management for 6 mo (including eating and living, exercise, drug management). The control group was treated with oral Diane-35 for 3 mo and completed outpatient health education. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, acne score, hair score, sex hormone level and clinical effects were compared between the two groups before and after the intervention.
RESULTS
After treatment, the TCM syndrome score, acne score, and serum luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone level were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group ( < 0.05). After 3 mo of treatment, the TCM syndrome curative effect index in the treatment group was 97.30% compared to 54.05% in the control group ( < 0.05), whereas the total treatment effect in the treatment group was 91.89%, compared to 54.05% in the control group ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
An integrated therapeutic approach incorporating medication, TCM methods and social media is more effective than standard treatment for PCOS.
PubMed: 35647126
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i10.3060 -
Gut Oct 2005A variety of pulmonary and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms and disorders are considered to be extraoesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease... (Review)
Review
A variety of pulmonary and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms and disorders are considered to be extraoesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). These extraoesophageal manifestations include asthma, chronic cough, laryngeal disorders, and various ENT symptoms. Recent studies have established that GORD underlies or contributes to chronic sinusitis, chronic otitis media, paroxysmal laryngospasm, excessive throat phlegm, and postnasal drip. Traditionally, management of extraoesophageal GORD manifestations relies on prolonged empiric therapy with high doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), followed by pH monitoring under PPI in refractory cases. Recent studies found no benefit of empiric long term high dose PPI therapy. The diagnostic yield of endoscopy in extraoesophageal GORD manifestations seems higher than previously appreciated while pH monitoring under PPI therapy has a low yield. Based on these new findings, a new management algorithm can be proposed that uses short term empiric PPI therapy and GORD investigations off PPI. Well designed controlled studies evaluating the proposed management algorithms and treatment approaches in this area are urgently needed.
Topics: Algorithms; Asthma; Chronic Disease; Cough; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Laryngeal Diseases; Lung Diseases; Otitis Media; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; Proton Pump Inhibitors
PubMed: 16162955
DOI: 10.1136/gut.2004.053025 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022In this study, we analyzed the metabonomics of intermingled phlegm and blood stasis (IPBS) and its three concurrent syndromes in patients with stable angina pectoris of...
OBJECTIVES
In this study, we analyzed the metabonomics of intermingled phlegm and blood stasis (IPBS) and its three concurrent syndromes in patients with stable angina pectoris of coronary heart disease.
METHODS
A total of 164 sera of separated outpatients from 12 national tradition Chinese medicine clinical research centers with IPBS or concurrent syndromes were collected for the study and assessed with LC-ESI-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem-mass spectrometry)-based metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Non-differential metabolites between IPBS and its separate syndrome combined with the top 100 most abundant metabolites in four groups were screened to reflect the essence of IPBS. Amino acid and its metabolomics and glycerol phospholipids were screened for common metabolites, and these metabolites were mainly enriched in valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Principal component analysis revealed that the difference between IPBS and its separate concurrent syndromes was not distinct. Compared with IPBS, anserine, cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine, and 7,8-dihydro-L-biopterin separately significant increase in phlegm stasis and toxin (PST), phlegm stasis and Qi stagnation (PQS), and phlegm stasis and Qi deficiency (PQD). While these different metabolites were associated with histidine metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and folate biosynthesis. Three accurate identification models were obtained to identify the difference between IPBS and its concurrent syndromes.
CONCLUSION
Our study indicated that valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism could represent the essence of IPBS; dysregulated metabolites were valuable in identifying PST from IPBS.
PubMed: 35647058
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.871142 -
Medicine Sep 2023This study aimed to examine whether the 3 harmonic components (HCs) of photoplethysmography (PTG) - total harmonic distortion (THD), harmonic power (HP), and normalized...
This study aimed to examine whether the 3 harmonic components (HCs) of photoplethysmography (PTG) - total harmonic distortion (THD), harmonic power (HP), and normalized harmonic amplitude (HA) - have aging effects and may serve as an arterial stiffness marker and examine the relationship between HCs and clinical severity of pathological patterns. This study had a retrospective chart review design, and electronic medical records of 173 female patients (age: 38.57 ± 11.64 years) were reviewed. Patients were asked to complete the phlegm, blood stasis (BS), and food retention (FR) pattern questionnaires and underwent PTG and the second derivative of PTG measurements. THD, HP, and HA data were extracted till the 12th HCs from the raw PTG data. THD and HA had an aging effect (β: -0.179 to -0.278) and were related to b/a (r: -02.76 to -0.455) and d/a (r: 0.265-0.360) of the second derivative of PTG. In the younger group (≤33 years), HP and HA were positively correlated with phlegm, BS, and FR patterns (r: 0.257-0.370), while HP was positively correlated with the FR pattern (r: 0.278-0.315) in the middle age group (34-45 years). In the older group (≥46 years), HP and HA were positively or negatively correlated with the phlegm pattern (r: ±0.263 to ±0.440). HCs may serve as an arterial stiffness marker, and may be partially related to phlegm, BS, and FR patterns. Aging effect needs to be considered when utilizing HCs as an indicator of phlegm, BS, and FR patterns.
Topics: Middle Aged; Humans; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Photoplethysmography; Retrospective Studies; Mucus; Aging
PubMed: 37657055
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034200 -
Medicine Sep 2022Epilepsy is a chronic encephalopathy caused by abnormal discharge of neurons in the brain, resulting in brain dysfunction. Cognitive impairment is one of the most common... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUNDS
Epilepsy is a chronic encephalopathy caused by abnormal discharge of neurons in the brain, resulting in brain dysfunction. Cognitive impairment is one of the most common complications of epilepsy. The current treatment of epilepsy in the control of symptoms at the same time cause a lot of side effects, especially the aggravation of cognitive impairment. Many literatures have stated that the efficacy and safety of integrated Traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment is superior to that of western medicine alone. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we intend to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of removing stasis and resolving phlegm in the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of removing blood stasis and resolving phlegm in the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment.
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic review. The Chinese Journal Full Text Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, CQVIP Database (CQVIP), Cochrane Library, EMbase, and Pubmed were searched by computer, and randomized controlled studies on the efficacy of removing blood stasis and resolving phlegm in the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive disorders were included. Retrieval was carried out until January 2022, and relevant data were extracted for meta-analysis using Rev Man5.3 software.
RESULTS
Fourteen randomized controlled studies with a total of 1198 patients were included, including 601 patients in the control group and 597 patients in the treatment group (experimental group).
RESULTS
Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment in the western anti-epileptic drugs group alone, the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment combined with the method of removing blood stasis and resolving phlegm could significantly improve the clinical efficacy of epilepsy (OR = 3.41, 95% CI 2.39-4.88, P < .001). Improved the TCM symptom score (OR = 3.99, 95% CI 1.72-9.26, P < .001). Increased the EEG improvement rate (RR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.05-1.84, P = .02). Improved MOCA score and cognitive function (MD = 3.54, 95% CI 1.68-5.40, P < .001). Improved QOLIE-31 cognitive function score. Improved cognitive function (MD = 7.22, 95% CI 3.35-11.08, P < .001). Improved the incidence of adverse reactions (RR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.33-0.76, P = .001).
CONCLUSION
Compared with the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment by western anti-epileptic drugs alone, the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment combined with the method of removing blood stasis and resolving phlegm is superior to the treatment of epilepsy with cognitive impairment by western anti-epileptic drugs alone.
Topics: Cognition Disorders; Cognitive Dysfunction; Epilepsy; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36123849
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030212