摘要:After analyzing the sentence “observe pulse and symptoms to infer their causes and then give treatment accordingly”, we believe that theoretical discussions in traditional Chinese medicine fall into two categories: discussions on what and discussions on why. By “observing pulse and symptoms”, we try to answer the question “what” a particular combination of pulse and symptoms is like. By “inferring their causes”, we try to answer the question “why” such pulse and symptoms appear. By giving treatment accordingly, we try to answer the question “how” to deal with them. The last question involves the relationship between pattern manifestations and prescriptions, which can be further reduced to “what” and “why” is the relationship. Therefore, the general principles of traditional Chinese medicine embodied in the above-mentioned sentence can be analyzed from the two angles of what and why. The study of “what” is descriptive research, which leads to descriptive theory. The study of “why” leads to interpretative theory of causality. However, the causality in traditional Chinese medicine is often based on inferring causes from results. Therefore, it is difficult to test and verify the “cause” derived from such analysis because it is not a factual “cause”, but a “cause” in terms of ontological commitment. The main reason why the interpretative theory of traditional Chinese medicine can guide clinical practice is that such interpretative theory is based on a large number of descriptive theories that have been tested and verified.  
关键词:Treatise on Cold Damage;pattern;prescription;descriptive;interpretive;ontology
摘要:Under the direct influence of Neo-Confucianism, it became the common pursuit of Confucianists and TCM doctors to understand the tai chi principle of the universe by exploring tai chi of the body. Therefore, in order to understand and explain the body from a Confucian perspective, physicians in the Ming Dynasty re-explored the origin of life by applying the cosmological model of Neo-Confucianism to life. As they re-explored and reconstructed the origin of human body, they sought evidence from perspectives of both medicine and culture.From the medical perspective, they borrowed the term “mingmen” (life gate), originally referring to “eyes”, fromHuangdi Neijing (Huangdi’s Internal Classic)and the concept “the stirring qi of the kidney region”, which is regarded as fundamental to life fromNanjing (Classic of Difficult Issues). Through combination and transformationmingmenbegan to refer to the stirring qi of the kidney region and became the new origin of life, thus forming the textual support from medical classics.In terms of culture, TCM physicians’ re-exploration of the origin of life in the Ming Dynasty were motivated directly by the pursuit of the ontology of the universe by Neo-Confucianism at that time. Drawing on Yi-ology, especially Zhou Dunyi’s new interpretation, they reshapedmingmenand the two kidneys in a metaphysical way, which gained the medical theory support from Confucianism that was widely acknowledged by the society. However, the transformation of the concepts of body by TCM doctors in the Ming Dynasty represented by themingmentheory was more an analogy to Confucianism than any real breakthrough in and transcendence over the traditional system of pattern differentiation and treatment.  
关键词:confucianization of TCM;mingmen;Neo-Confucianism;view
摘要:This paper analyzes the theoretical characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by applying artificial intelligence “data feeding” to it. It is believed that the essence of the theorization of TCM is to construct the database of general “clinical information” based on the human brain as the material base and with materialist dialectics as the guiding principle to realize the digital decision-making process of “data feeding” in TCM. The conclusions are follows. Improvement in the volume and quality of the “data pool” is the most important motive force for TCM theorization. On the other hand, the decline of the “data pool” will lead to the stagnation of TCM development, and the present development of TCM should focus on the clinical practice of treating diseases. In addition, further development in the field of artificial intelligence is expected to deepen our understanding of TCM by providing a new historical context.  
关键词:data feeding;to treat a disease;artificial intelligence;theorization;TCM
摘要:In-depth interview is one of the most commonly used methods to collect data in qualitative research. The information obtained as raw data determines the outcome of qualitative research. Knowing the ways of effective implementation of interviews help to improve the quality of interview, enrich the materials for interview and guarantee the successful progress of the qualitative research. During the preparation for the interview, the researchers should clarify the purpose of the study, carry out pre-interviews, familiarize the background information of the interviewees, determine the time and place of interview, and dress properly. During the interview, they should pay attention to the interview skills of breaking the ice, questioning, making detailed inquiry and giving feedback. After the interview, they should sort out the data in time and determine whether a second interview or supplementary materials are needed. By illustrating the above points with specific examples of qualitative research on illustrious senior traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, this study provides ideas for carrying out efficient and high-quality interviews and reference for future qualitative research in Chinese medicine.  
关键词:traditional Chinese medicine;qualitative research;interview implementation point;illustrious senior traditional Chinese medicine practitioners
摘要:As a unique part of Chinese herbal medicine, charred Chinese medicinal herbs, or charred herbs for short, enjoyed a long history and abundant clinical applications. Charred herbs were firstly used by accident, and later more were used intentionally and systematically until finally a theory was formed, the whole process of which took a long time. As early as in the Qin and Han dynasties, the mystery of using charred herbs to cure diseases was unveiled in medical practice. The types and processing methods of charred herbs increased and improved over the later dynasties. It was widely used in internal medicine, external medicine, gynecology, and pediatrics, etc. Its curative effects were proven in clinical practice in the past and has been confirmed by more and more pharmacological researches now. Through a thorough review of ancient literature, it’s believed that the application of charred herbs was one of the pioneering medical practices of our ancestors and its vitality lies in its great efficacy. This paper provides literature basis and ideas for more profound research into charred herbs, on which further studies are warranted.  
关键词:charred herbs;clinical applications;historical evolution;ancient literature
摘要:Zhongguo Zhongyi Guji Zongmu (General Catalogue of Ancient Books on Chinese Medicine), which recorded the collection information of TCM ancient books, has been indispensable to the research of traditional Chinese medicine. Based on literature review and comparison with the original book, this paper discovers that the catalogue failed to include three major works on basic TCM theory in the Republic of China (1912-1949), i.e.Shenglide Ranshao (Physiological Oxidation), Huabei Guoyi Xueyuan Shenglixue Jiangyi (Physiology Teaching Materials of North China Chinese Medicine College)andBinglixue Jiangyi (Pathology Teaching Materials).In addition, there are also several mistakes concerning the publication time, author and categories of 5 other works. With the addition and correction of the information of these booksZhongguo Zhongyi Guji Zongmucan be further improved.  
关键词:Zhongguo Zhongyi Guji Zongmu;the Republic of China;basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the differentiation methods for the pattern of spleen deficiency leading to damp accumulation in ulcerative colitis (UC) rats from the perspectives of both the disease in Western medicine and the pattern in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and then establish desirable models for pharmacological evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine and basic researches in TCM pattern.Methods40 SD rats were randomly divided into the control groups (studied for 4 weeks) and the model groups (8 weeks), 10 in each group. Immune induction together with coloclysis of 2,4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) was used to induce ulcerative colitis. Macroscopic characteristics, grip strength, open field test, hair and other features of the rats were collected at multiple time points. The colon samples were taken on the 28thand 56thdays after coloclysis and the pathological changes were analyzed using HE stained sections. The corresponding criteria for pattern differentiation of rats were established based on common clinical diagnostic criteria of ulcerative colitis.ResultsThree days after coloclysis, rats in the model groups manifested relatively lusterless and frizzy hair, anorexia, significant weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stool, and increased resistance against grasping but normal vitality, responsiveness, autonomous activity and general state. From the fourth day to the end of the second week, compared with the control group, no significant differences were observed in the model rats except loose and sticky stool. In the third and fourth weeks, the model rats excreted loose stools, ate less and showed decreased grip strength (P<0.05) and lusterless and frizzy hair. Compared with the control groups, they also showed decreased vitality, resistance against grasping and responsiveness and UC was diagnosed based on their colonic pathological test results. From the fifth week to the eighth week, all the parameters of the model rats returned to normal gradually.ConclusionDuring the third and fourth weeks after coloclysis, the model rats could meet the diagnostic criteria of ulcerative colitis with spleen deficiency leading to damp accumulation pattern.  
关键词:ulcerative colitis;rat;pattern evaluation;spleen deficiency leading to damp accumulation pattern
摘要:ObjectiveTo observe the acute testicular injury in male Balb/c mice induced by 2.0 Gy60Co γ rays and the preventive effect ofYiqi Jiedu Fang(Qi-boosting and Toxin-removing Decoction, YQJDF) administered before irradiation.Methods200 male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal group, model group, positive drug group, and high- and low-dose YQJDF groups. Except for the normal group, the other mice were subjected to single-dose whole-body irradiation with 2.0 Gy60Co γ rays. The mice in the intervention groups were given their corresponding drugs for 10 consecutive days before the irradiation, and at the same time the mice in the normal group and the model group were given deionized water. Mice tissues were collected 1 day before and on the 1st3rdand 7thdays after the irradiation, and the body weight, testicular parameters, morphological changes of the testis, and apoptosis of spermatogenic cells were measured.ResultsCompared with the normal group, there was no significant difference in the above mentioned parameters of mice between groups 1 day before the irradiation. However, 1 day after irradiation, mice in the model group had a decreased Johnsen score of testis and an increased apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells. On the 3rdday after irradiation, the weight of mice in the model group and the positive drug group decreased, the Johnsen score of mice in the model group, the positive drug group and the high-dose YQJDF group decreased, and the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells in all groups subjected to irradiation increased. On the 7thday after irradiation, testicular parameters decreased in all the irradiated groups, testicular morphology and structure changed, Johnsen score decreased significantly, and the spermatogenic cell apoptosis rate increased further. Compared with the model group, on the 3rdand 7thday after the irradiation, the Johnsen score of all the intervention groups were notably higher, and the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells were significantly lower, and the testicular pathological changes were lighter.Conclusion2.0 Gy60Co γ ray can cause morphological and structural changes in mouse testis, and increase the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and in turn affect the spermatogenic function of mice. The preventive treatment with YQJDF before irradiation effectively reduced the above injuries.  
摘要:ObjectiveTo explore the immune protective effects ofLouqin Zhisou Youhua Fang(Snakegourd-fruit Scutellaria-root Cough-stopping Formula with Modifications, LQZSYHF) on infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.MethodsThe effects of LQZSYHF on improving the penetration of levofloxacin through the PA mature biofilm (BF) were studied via in vitro experiment. Its effects on regulating inflammatory immune imbalance were explored through observing the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the lung tissues of PA-infected rats via in vivo experiment.ResultsIn vitro, both LQZSYHF and ambroxol assisted levofloxacin in penetrating PA mature biofilms. In vivo, both the Western drug and Chinese herbal medicine significantly promoted the elimination of lung bacteria and reduced the pathological damage to lung tissue. TNF-α level in lung tissue was significantly reduced and IFN-γ level was greatly increased in the Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) group compared with the model group (P<0.001). TNF-α level in lung tissue was greatly significantly reduced (P<0.001) and IFN-γ level was slightly increased without statistical significance in the Western drug (WG) group compared with the model group. TNF-α level in lung tissue was significantly reduced and IFN-γ level was greatly increased in the CHM group compared with WD group (P <0.001).ConclusionLQZSYHF can help antibiotics pass through mature biofilms in vitro. Its mechanism might be that it can correct the immune imbalance in PA-infected rats, by which it accelerates the elimination of lung bacteria and reduces lung pathological damage, thereby reducing inflammatory response, and it enhances body resistance against PA biofilm infection, thereby indirectly eliminating bacteria. Compared with ambroxol, its advantages may lie in improving immunity, and its underlying mechanism warrants further study.  
摘要:ObjectiveTo observe the protective effect ofQishen Yiqi(Astragalus Root and Danshen Root Qi-boosting) Dripping Pills (QSYQDP) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and its correlation with the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway.MethodsModels of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury were established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery in miniature pigs. Sixty healthy Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10): sham-operated group, model group, low-dose QSYQDP group (0.125 g/kg), mid-dose QSYQDP group (0.25 g/kg), high-dose QSYQDP group (0.3 g/kg), and QSYQDP plus wortmannin group. QSYQDP plus wortmannin group was given 20 mg/g PI3K/AKT signaling pathway blocker wortmannin and QSYQDP 300 kg/L via gavage. All the groups were treated continuously for 4 weeks. The levels of serum CK, CK-MB, AST, CRP and cTnT were detected by ELISA, and the levels of p-AKT and AKT were assessed by Western blotting. During the treatment, the second lead ECG was continuously monitored, and the frequency of ventricular fibrillation and the amplitude of ST segment elevation were recorded.ResultsECG results showed that the incidences of ventricular fibrillation in the QSYQDP groups were significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). Levels of CK, CK-MB and cTnT in the model group and low-dose QSYQDP group were significantly higher than those in the sham-operated group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the contents of AST, cTnT and CRP in the low-, mid- and high-dose QSYQDP groups were significantly lower. The cTnT and CRP levels in the high-dose QSYQDP group were lower than those in the low-dose QSYQDP group with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of p-AKT in the low-, mid- and high-dose QSYQDP groups increased (P<0.05), but there was no significant change in total AKT protein levels in any group (P>0.05).ConclusionQSYQDP can improve in a dose-dependant manner the cardiac function, reduce the incidence of ventricular fibrillation and activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in miniature pigs with myocardial ischemia, so as to reduce the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and protect cardiomyocytes.  
摘要:ObjectiveTo investigate the change in color and contents of three commonly seen ginsenosides Rg1Re and Rb1ofHongshen(Red GinsengRadix et Rhizoma Ginseng Rubra) at different steaming durations and provide reference for revising the standard for determination of ginsenosides inPharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as theChinese Pharmacopoeia).MethodsRenshen(GinsengRadix et Rhizoma Ginseng) andHongshen(steamed for different durations) were grounded into powder, the color of which were measured with colorimeter. The contents of ginsenosides Rg1Re and Rb1in the samples were determined with the method listed in the part of content determination ofHongshenin theChinese Pharmacopoeia(ChP2015). The results were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 software.ResultsThe results showed that with the increase in steaming time, the color luminance value L and the total color difference valueEofHongshenpowder decreased gradually, while the chromaticity values a and b increased gradually. Meanwhile, the contents of ginsenosides Rg1and Re demonstrated no significant change. However, the content of ginsenoside Rb1increased gradually and there was significant difference in this regard betweenHongshensteamed for 2 hours andRenshen(P<0.05).ConclusionAs the steaming time increases, the color ofHongshenpowder deepened gradually and the content of ginsenoside Rb1increased significantly. Therefore, it is suggested to raise the content standard of ginsenoside Rb1inHongsheninChinese Pharmacopoeia.  
关键词:Hongshen;steaming time;color;ginsenoside;quality standard
摘要:Although no such disease name as “不寐” (literally, insomnia) was mentioned inHuangdi Neijing (Huangdi’s Internal Classichereinafter referred to asNeijing), discussions on related symptoms like “目不暝” (literally, inability to close one’s eyes) and “卧不安” (literally, restless sleep) were recorded inNeijing. Based on an analysis of the discussion related to insomnia inNeijingit is believed that the direct cause of insomnia is that phlegm-fluid retention disturbs the stomach, which in turn leads to restless sleep. The root cause of phlegm-fluid retention, however, lies in two functions of the kidney. First, the kidney controls qi transformation, whose normal function causes no phlegm-fluid retention. Second, as the kidney stores essence, whose abundance places the five zang organs in peace without phlegm-fluid retention and keeps essence and spirit in the interior resulting in sound sleep. This approach to explaining the reasons for and mechanism of insomnia in terms of the functions of the kidney not only complements the theoretical discussion of the relationship between insomnia and kidney but also provides guidance and suggestions for the treatment of insomnia based on pattern differentiation.  
摘要:The termtongyang(promoting the flow of yang) was clearly recorded inWenre Lun (Treatise on Warm-Heat Diseases)and its theoretical essence can be traced back to many prescriptions recorded inHuangdi Neijing (Huangdi’s Internal Classic)andShanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage).Since the ancient timetongyanghas been employed as a major therapy in TCM pattern differentiation and treatment. Used to treat constrained yang qi, it was effective for static-blood obstruction and phlegm-fluid retention. As tumors have unique etiology and pathogenesis, thetongyangtherapy for treating tumors should take into account not only the status of yin and yang in the body but also tumor’s properties of yin in the interior and yang in the exterior. This article discusses the application of the theory thattongyangdoes not refer to warming only in tumor treatment from the perspective of warming and supplementing prenatal and postnatal yang qi and dredging the channels for free flow of yang qi.  
摘要:Based on literature review, clinical practice and theoretical research, it is concluded that “湿胜则濡” (literally, excessive dampness causing sluggishness) is more likely to be the original text inHuangdi Neijing (Huangdi’s Internal Classic)than “湿胜则濡泻” (literally, excessive dampness causing diarrhea). At the same time, since both “湿” and “濡” can mean literally sluggishness and slowness, dampness is soggy and stagnant in nature, and it’s treated by promoting the flow of qi, it is concluded that “湿胜则濡” means “pathogenic stagnation leads to the pattern of stagnation”. By analogy, it is explained that “湿” (literally, dampness) denotes the concept of pattern while qi stagnation is its root cause. Therefore, dampness cannot be regarded as the pathological product of abnormal metabolism of body fluid because it may easily lead to misunderstandings like “dampness is yin in nature and moves downward”, “dampness is often treated with warming method” and “dampness must be treated by promoting urination”, which may cause excessive use of medicinal herbs warm in nature or diuretics, leading to consumption of qi and damage to fluid. It is proposed that “dampness should not be treated with unjustifiably nourishing yin”. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to understand the underlying meaning of “湿胜则濡”.  
关键词:excessive dampness causing sluggishness;dampness;qi stagnation;promoting the circulation of qi;nourishing yin