Plain Questions Research Articles

A Small Discussion on the Guiding Significance of the Theory of Diet Recurrence and Heat That Has Not Yet Dissipated in the Recovery Period of Pediatric Febrile Illnesses in the Plain Questions Treatise on Heat

A Small Discussion on the Guiding Significance of the Theory of Diet Recurrence and Heat That Has Not Yet Dissipated in the Recovery Period of Pediatric Febrile Illnesses in the Plain Questions Treatise on Heat

Exosome and prevention of Alzheimer's disease: based on theory of kidney storing essence

The theory of kidney storing essence storage, an important part of the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), comes from the Chapter 9 Discussion on Six-Plus-Six System and the Manifestations of the Viscera in the Plain Questions, which says that "the kidney manages closure and is the root of storage and the house of Jing(Essence)". According to this theory, essence is the fundamental substance of human life activities and it is closely related to the growth and development of the human body. Alzheimer's disease(AD) is one of the common neurodegenerative diseases, with the main pathological features of Aβ deposition and Tau phosphorylation, which activate neurotoxic reactions and eventually lead to neuronal dysfunction and cell death, severely impairing the patient's cognitive and memory functions. Although research results have been achieved in the TCM treatment of AD, the complex pathogenesis of AD makes it difficult to develop the drugs capable of curing AD. The stem cell therapy is an important method to promote self-repair and regeneration, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) as adult stem cells have the ability of multi-directional differentiation. By reviewing the relevant literature, this paper discusses the association between BMSCs and the TCM theory of kidney storing essence, and expounds the material basis of this theory from the perspective of molecular biology. Studies have shown that TCM with the effect of tonifying the kidney in the treatment of AD are associated with BMSCs. Exosomes produced by such cells are one of the main substances affecting AD. Exosomes containing nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids can participate in intercellular communication, regulate cell function, and affect AD by reducing Aβ deposition, inhibiting Tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and promoting neuronal regeneration. Therefore, discussing the prevention and treatment of exosomes and AD based on the theory of kidney storing essence will provide a new research idea for the TCM treatment of AD.

Application of omics technology to investigate the mechanism underlying the role of San Hua Tang in regulating microglia polarization and blood-brain barrier protection following ischemic stroke

Ethnopharmacology relevanceSan Hua Tang (SHT) was first mentioned in the book "The Collection of Plain Questions about Pathogenesis, Qi, and Life." SHT has the effect of dispelling wind and dredging collaterals, dredging viscera, and guiding stagnation, and is used in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). SHT is composed of Rheum palmatum L., Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E.H.Wilson, Citrus assamensis S.Dutta & S.C.Bhattacharya, and Notopterygium tenuifolium M.L.Sheh & F.T.Pu, which is the traditional prescription of the Tongxia method for the treatment of stroke. Tongxia is one of the "eight methods" used in traditional Chinese medicine, which plays a role in treating diseases by promoting gastrointestinal peristalsis and defecation. Studies have demonstrated a close relationship between gut microbiota metabolism and cerebral stroke; however, the role of SHT in IS treatment through gut microbiota or intestinal metabolites is unclear.Aim of the study: To explore the connotation of the Xuanfu theory and clarify the mechanism underlying SHT-mediated opening Xuanfu methods. Through metabolomics, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and molecular biology techniques, research on the changes in the gut microbiota and blood-brain barrier (BBB) will highlight greater strategies for the treatment of stroke. Materials and methodsWe used pseudo-germ-free (PGF) rats combined with an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rat model for the follow-up experimental research. PGF rats were prepared by the intragastric administration of an antibiotic cocktail for 6 days, following which SHT was administered for 5 consecutive days. The I/R model was performed 1 day following the concluding administration of SHT. We detected the neurological deficit score, cerebral infarct volume, serum inflammatory factor levels (interleukin IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha), tight junction-related proteins (Zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5), and small glue plasma cell-associated proteins (Cluster of Differentiation 16/Cluster of Differentiation 206, Matrix metalloproteinase, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, and C-X3-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1) 24 h following I/R. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics analysis, we explored the relationship between fecal microecology and serum metabolites. Eventually, we analyzed the correlation between the gut microbiota and plasma metabolic profile as well as the mechanism underlying the SHT-mediated regulation of gut microbiota to protect the BBB following stroke. ResultsIn IS treatment, SHT is principally involved in reducing neurological injury and the volume of cerebral infarction; protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier; increasing the levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid; promoting the transformation of microglia to the M2 state; reducing inflammatory reactions; and enhancing tight junctions. These therapeutic effects were not observed in the group treated with antibiotics alone or that treated with SHT in combination with antibiotics, thereby indicating SHT plays a therapeutic role through the gut microbiota. ConclusionSHT regulates the gut microbiota, inhibits pro-inflammatory factors in rats with IS, alleviates an inflammatory injury of the BBB, and plays a protective role in the brain.

How Did the Clinical Medicine Progress during the Unified Silla Era: Installment of the Medical Education Center 'Uihak', and Its Effects.

In this research, I aimed to recognize the historical meaning of installing the medical education center, 'Uihak', during the Silla dynasty. 'Uihak' was installed in 692, in the first year of King Hyoso 's rule. 'Uihak' was founded by using various Chinese medical classics as its textbooks for medical education, such as the Classic of Plain Questions. The wooden prescriptions excavated from Anapji, which is thought to have been created in the middle of the 8th century, and the Chinese medical book Prescriptions for Universal Benefit, which the envoy of Silla tried to acquire in 803, reflect the idea on medicine during that period in Silla. By this time, the field of medicine began to develop the idea to discern the locations and mechanism of disease patterns by centering on the viscera and bowels while making use of the herbal prescriptions based on various drugs. This means that clinical medicine founded upon the medical education achieved in 'Uihak' was being realized in the medical fields as well. According to the Chronicles of the Three States, for the illness of Queen Sunduk in 636, medicine, praying, and the method of esoteric Buddhism was tried out as a means of her cure. Comparatively, for the treatment of the first rank Chunggong in 822, the Kingdom's representative doctor with professional medical knowledge was sought out to fine a cure. The analyses of the human disease, diagnosis, treatment method, etc., given by the kingdom's representative doctor were identical to those recommended in the medical textbooks used in 'Uihak'. As such, we can posit that his academic background was 'Uihak' and the education given there. The Classic of Materia Medica, which was also used in 'Uihak', was a book professionally centered on the drug branch of medicine. The Classic of Materia Medica is a terminology referring to various books on drugs, including the Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica, the Variorum of the Classic of Materia Medica, the Newly Revised Materia Medica, etc. Thus, we cannot specify what the classic of Materia Medica actually taught, based on only its terminology. However, based on the wooden prescriptions excavated from Anapji, and from the terminology of drugs recorded in the drug trading document Purchase List for Silla goods preserved in Shosoin of Japan, we can hypothesize that in the middle of the 8th century, the Newly Revised Materia Medica was indeed being circulated. Based on these evidences, we can also hypothesize that Silla was part of the network of drug trading that encompassed the entire region of Asia. After unifying the Korean peninsula, the Kingdom of Silla actively adopted the medical educational system of Tang China. By using the obtained medical knowledge, Silla cured illnesses and used the medical knowledge on various drugs recorded in the Newly Revised Materia Medica to pursue trade with China, Japan, and other countries. Through the installation of 'Uihak', the same medicine has now begun to be officially used in East Asia, including Silla.

The Ideological Application of “Plain Questions: The Great Theory of Four Qi Tiaoshen” in Pediatric Tuina

The Ideological Application of “Plain Questions: The Great Theory of Four Qi Tiaoshen” in Pediatric Tuina

Self-addressed questions and honorifications: The case of Japanese daroo-ka/desyoo-ka

Abstract Japanese self-addressed questions (SAQs) are either marked with SAQ question particles (i.e. kana, yara) or marked with modals daroo or desyoo. The present paper argues that the pragmatic profile of Japanese SAQs should not be limited to solitary contexts. The paper presents an experiment examining whether daroo-ka/desyoo-ka can be perceived as SAQs in the accompanied contexts. The results of the experiment indicate that Japanese SAQs can be felicitously uttered in the presence of a second (socially higher) person. Apart from the experimental study, this paper also presents a pilot study of comparing daroo-ka questions and plain information-seeking questions (i.e. those without daroo-ka) in urgent situation contexts. The preliminary results shed light on the fact that Japanese native speakers interpret daroo-ka questions as canonical questions in the performance of indirect speech acts.

Huangdi Neijing and Huangdi Waijing compiled in the Western Zhou

There are 18 volumes of Huangdi Neijing(, Inner Canon of Huangdi) and 37 volumes of Waijing in Hanshu:Yiwenzhi. Base on Huangfu Mi's preface to Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing(, Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), "Now there are Classic of Acupuncture and Plain Questions that are Neijing", and researchers think Huangdi Waijing has been lost for a long time. However, the study of historical records shows that with the gradual loss of records in Huangdi Neijing and Huangdi Waijing, the inheritance of Huangdi Suwen and Huangdi Zhenjing has become increasingly clear. From the bibliography of Yiwenzhi of Qingshi Gao, Suwen and Lingshu were undoubtedly two books. According to the development process of ancient Chinese society, the medical system of Zhou Dynasty, the achievements of Yiyin medicine, and the evolution of doctors' Appellations of "Wu"(Wizard), "Gong"(craftsman) and "Yi"(physician), this paper thinks that Huangdi Neijing and Huangdi Waijing can only be written in the Western Zhou Dynasty, while the state power was highly concentrated, not in the Warring States period. Huangdi Neijing was probably written in response to the needs of "disease medicine" and "food medicine" of the Zhou Dynasty. Its inheriting writing is the current edition of plain questions, covering the major internal medicine system; Huangdi Waijing is likely to be written in response to the needs of " skin and external diseases medicine" of Zhou Dynasty, and its inheriting writing is the current version of Lingshu(, Miraculous Pivot), covering the general anatomy of the human body, acupuncture, sores, massage, guidance, etc., quite the grand surgical system.

Typographic Cueing Facilitates Survey Completion on Smartphones in Older Adults

As more people use mobile devices to complete Web surveys, it is critical to verify that current Web survey design practices carry over to mobile Web. One such practice is to bold the question to draw attention to the start of each question and to italicize instructions to facilitate filtering of potentially unneeded information. We conducted a laboratory experiment to investigate whether the common Web survey design practice of utilizing typographic cues to indicate different categories of question text is beneficial for surveys designed for smartphones. Thirty participants completed a 5-question survey on an iPhone. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of the four designs: (1) bolded questions and italicized instructions, (2) bolded questions and plain instructions, (3) plain questions and italicized instructions, (4) plain questions and plain instructions. Survey performance was measured with survey completion time, difficulty rating, and preference. We found that italicizing the instructions led to shorter completion times, while bolded questions had no effect on performance. All designs were rated easy to use. The designs with bolded questions were preferred by 83% of the participants. We argue that italicized instructions assist in visual filtering by providing a cue to respondents that they may not need to read the instructions in detail but may scan or skim the instructions instead. Scanning or skimming leads to shorter completion time without detriment to accuracy because respondents can still acquire the relevant instructions.

Relationship between Students’ Scores on Plain Questions and Worded Problems in Mathematics


 It appears that students find it easier to solve problems on plain questions than worded problems in mathematics. This led the researcher to study the relationship between students’ scores on plain questions and their scores on worded problems. The study was correlational. A sample of 122 final year senior secondary school students was drawn through judgemental sampling technique from public secondary schools in Bayelsa and Delta states, south-south Nigeria. The instrument had five plain questions and five worded problems adapted from the May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination questions examined in 2009,2010 and 2011. Students responded to questions in algebraic operations, arithmetic, trigonometry and geometry. Using mean and the product moment correlation statistics to analyze the scores from the two set of questions, it was discovered that scores from plain questions had no significant relationship with scores from worded problems. However, students had higher mean score on plain questions. It was recommended that students should be drilled in solving word problems in mathematics.

Puzzle Solution of the compilation and circulation of Classics on Acupuncture and Plain Questions

Through mining and collecting the compiling thought of Miraculous Pivot (《》) and Plain Questions (《》), which were handed down from ancient times, it is discovered that these two ancient works refer to two components of one integrity book. With regard to the character and relationship, Miraculous Pivot is the main section and the essence, focusing on theoretic innovation. "Writing" is predominated in its statement. Plain Questions is the supplementary opinions to the main section, containing clinical application and material collection. "Compiling" is predominated in its statement. Both of two works were completed between the late Western Han Dynasty and the Eastern Han Dynasty. The author was a leading scholar and had worked in a national library for a long time. Before the Song Dynasty, Plain Questions had been widely circulated, while the spreading of Miraculous Pivot was limited. In the process of inheritance, some of the content of these two works were lost or supplemented, and the chapters were disarranged or adjusted artificially. But, in general, the original is not distorted seriously, especially the essential section, Miraculous Pivot.

New investigation on "liver is the root of Pi ji"

"" was recorded in Liu Jie Zang Xiang Lun of Su Wen (《·》, On Six-Period and Visceral Manifestation of Plain Questions), and there has been 11 versions of interpretation on "Pi Ji ()" in last 400 years since Wu Kun of the Ming dynasty. "Pi Ji ()" appeared 3 times in Xuanquan Han slips, annotated as "Pi Ji ()" , denoting " (fatigue)" , a synonymous compound word. "Pi Ji ()" was seen on 9 occasions in Shi Ji (《》, The Historical Records) and Han Shu (《》, History of The Former Han) altogether, with the annotation of "Pi Kun (fatigue and tiredness)" by Yan Shigu. It is confirmed that the "Pi Ji ()" means " (fatigue)" and the "" can thus be interpreted as "Liver is the root of utmost exhaustion or fatigue" , with a combination of evidence from excavated texts and existing literature records supported by clinical and experimental data.

Regularities of application of acupoints to relieving clinical indications of Sanguan (cun, guan and chi, three places at the wrist where the pulse is usually taken) in classical book Mai Jing (Pulse Classic)

According to indications of Sanguan (cun, guan and chi, three places at the wrist where the pulse is usually taken) described in book Mai Jing (Pulse Classic), the selection of acupoints is based on the location of problems and pulse conditions. WANG Shu-he (201-280, a well-known physician of the Wei and Jin dynasties) chose the operation method and stimulating intensity according to the nature of clinical disorders, that is, performing acupuncture or moxibusion in accordance with pulse conditions, or performing reinforcing or reducing needling manipulations based on pulse conditions. Clinical indications of Sanguan described in Mai Jing originate from Suwen: Sanbu Jiuhou Lun (Plain Questions: Discussion on Three Portions and Nine Pulse-takings) and are also influenced by Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases) and Jingui Yao Lue (Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber). It inherits ZHANG Zhong-jing's clinical thinking of "pulse-syndrome-treatment" and supplements the content of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, and also influenced the contents of indications of acupoints in book Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) and Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold). For this reason, it is necessary to unscramble the Mai Jing from clinical perspective of acupuncture and moxibustion, and to explore the thinking and practice mode of clinical diagnosis and treatment of clinical conditions by acupuncture and moxibustion.

A Survey of the Chinese versions of Suwen in Japan's Edo Period

Through transcription, reprinting and continuous study by the Japanese, the research topic of Suwen(, Plain Questions) has been continuously integrated into Japanese traditional medicine. The editions of Suwen from Edo Period (1603-1867) are Chinese originally printed and Japanese reprinted, which called "Japan block-printed edition" in today's Japan. The survey shows the editions of Chinese Suwen in Japan are divided into three categories: the total-24-volume editions from Chinese original copy are 8 versions; the total-12-volume editions are 7 versions, and the versions with notations and comments are 10 kinds; about the "Japan block-printed edition" , the total-24-volume editions are 7 versions, the total-12-volume editions are 1 version, and the versions with notations and comments are 11 kinds.

Interpretation of text about governor vessel disease and its general treatment principle from Suwen: Gu Kong Lun

In Gu Kong Lun(Discourse on Bone Hollows), a chapter from Suwen(, Plain Questions): When the governor vessel(Du Mai) generates a disease, treat the governor vessel. Treat it above the bone. In severe cases treat at the camp below the navel(,,). This sentence illuminated acupoint selection methods and treatment thoughts for governor vessel disease, the comprehension of physicians in ancient different dynasties have large divergence. This paper digs and presents its meaning through investigating the following ancient documents: governor vessel disease, acupuncture point indications of governor vessel, relative therapy methods, expert annotation, etc. Then this paper draws a conclusion that "above the bone" means above the vertebral column, where is the circulation area of governor vessel, "under the umbilicus" is the part from umbilicus to pubis symphysis center. This sentence not only indicates the treatment part when governor vessel generates disease, but also emphasizes the therapy ideas that provides different treatment method according to severity degree of disease.

From on Banning of Acupuncture in Plain Questions to Acupuncture Prohibition：the formation of early acupuncture safety regulation

Acupuncture safety is an unavoidable problem in acupuncture clinical. On Banning of Acupuncture in Plain Questions is the earliest ancient literature on acupuncture taboo, which has a far-reaching influence on the clinical acupuncture safety regulation. Acupuncture Prohibition of A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion absorbs the essence of on Banning of Acupuncture in Plain Questions, retaining most of the contents of the theory and rearranging it. This paper tries to explore the discussions about on Banning of Acupuncture in Plain Questions, compared with Acupuncture Prohibition, from the point of "anatomy" and "spirit", to describe the early understanding of acupuncture taboo, to emphasize the importance of acupuncture safety from three aspects, as human anatomy, needle and operation, and mental and functional status. It is suggested that a relatively preliminary acupuncture safety regulation was being formed at the time, in order to bring inspiration to the contemporary acupuncture clinical .

Textual research on Дх.09319, a fragment of Dunhuang literature preserved in Russia

Дх.09319, a fragment collected in the page 150 of Volume 14 of Dunhuang Literature Preserved in Russia, is damaged around the page, and only 6 lines of the text are remained. It is one of versions of San bu jiu hou lun (Treatise on Three Positions and Nine Indicators) in Su wen (Plain Questions), and different from another version of Dunhuang, Дх.00613+ P.3287. The two versions cannot be spliced together, but the former can supplement the texts of the latter. In addition, Дх.09319 is also significant to the collation of the missing popular version of San bu jiu hou lun of later generation.

Description of a Methodology from Econophysics as a Verification Technique for a Financial Strategy

ABSTRACT. In this article, I would like to draw attention to a method inspired by the analysis of stochastic models typical of quantum physics, and to utilise it to test a financial strategy. We start from the principal question asked by anyone involved in financial investments: Are the results obtained due to a correct interpretation of the market, or are they merely fortuitous? This is a plain question and it can be given an equally clear answer. The results obtained are due to a correct interpretation of the market if the probability of obtaining equal or better results randomly is very small (i.e. tends to zero as the number of times the strategy is used increases).

Acupuncture techniques recorded in the Tianhui bamboo slips of medicine in the tomb of the Han Dynasty

Ci Shu was nominated after the collection of the bamboo slips of medicine unearthed from the tomb of the Han Dynasty in Tiahui county, Chengdu of Sichuan Province. It is the special chapter on the therapeuticmethods of acupuncture, providing the valuable new historical evidences for the study on the inheritance and evolution of acupuncture in TCM. In the paper, using the cross-proof method among the unearthed literature, the inherited literatures and the unearthed relics, the ancient acupuncture techniques at the early Western Han Dynasty were explored. It was discovered that the manipulations of the different needling techniques, such as pulse needling and intermuscular needling, as well as the forms of the needling tools provided the evidences to the Nine Needles recorded in Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot) and the archaeological discovery. There were many acupuncture prescriptions, reflecting the needling methods recorded in Shiji: Canggong Zhuan (Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of CANG Gong) and Suwen: Miuci Lun (Plain Questions: On Contralateral Puncture) as well as Bianque needling chart, the stone portrait of the Han Dynasty. The close combination between the acupuncture needling techniques and the pulse diagnosis indicates the theoretic essence of the meridian medicine at the ancient time.

The textual research of "body cun"

Although the concept of "body cun" was proposed in Neijing (Inner Canon of Huangdi), it was matured in Qianjin Yaofang (Invaluable Prescriptions for Ready Reference) in Tang Dynasty, so it was believed by the majority of physicians this term was firstly proposed in Qianjin Yaofang. In this study, the literature regarding "body cun" was reviewed, and it was believed the term was originated from Chongguangbuzheng Huangdineijingsuwen, when WANG bing noted Suwen (The Plain Questions). The connotation of the "body cun" included multiple meanings, such as bone cun, finger cun and so on, and the points of view were different in different periods, different doctors or scholars. From the respective explanation of bone cun and finger cun to the combination use in Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, the extension of the term was embodied. After the establishment of term' s connotation and extension, the translation of the term was accurate and clear.

Concepts of "urinary bladder" and "vesicles (bao)" , "jin ye" (fluid and humor) and "urine" and other associated issues

In the Huang di nei jing(Huangdi's Internal Classic), jin ye (fluid and humor) is described in two senses, broad and narrow, though not so strictly.Sometimes, jin ye is explained ambiguously as "sweat" and "urine" , as in the phrase "the bladder, being a house of jin ye" , here "jin ye" refers to the urine. In the Qi jue lun pian of Su wen (Chapter on Qi-Syncope of Plain Questions) , the "bao" in the sentence "heat of bao moved to bladder" refersto the uterus. In the Shi cong rong lun pian (Chapter of Readily Inspecting) of Plain Questions, the "bladder" in the phrase "gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, spleen, bao and bladder" , which, being an annotation of "bao" originally, is mistakenly incorporated into the text of the Classic. In the Wu wei lun of Ling shu (On Five Tastes in Miraculous Pivot) , the "bao" in "bao of bladder" refers to the external hou (external manifestation) of the bladder, that is the scrotum. In the Bei ji qian jin yao fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies) , the short sentence "pang guang zou bao" is an error in itself. In the sentence of "settled in the bao and zhi causing to dream of defecation and urination" in the Yin xie fa meng (Dreams due to Evils) of Miraculous Pivot, "bao" refers to uterus, and "zhi" to anus. In Bi lun pian(Chapter on Impediment) of Plain Questions, "the man suffered bao bimight feel internal pain when the lesser abdomen and bladder are pressed" , here, "bao" refers to the bladder. In the Wu yin wu wei(Chapter on Five Sound and Five Tastes) of Miraculous Pivot, the "bao" in the sentence "thoroughfare vessel and conception vessel all starts from bao" , again, "bao" here refers to the bladder, rather than to the uterus. From the above descriptions of "bladder" and "bao" in the Huangdi's Internal Classic, the "bladder" in ancient medical books refers to the substantial bladder, an anatomical organ, and "bao" refers to cystiform organs, including the bladder, uterus, scrotum etc.