The Sexual Dimorphism in Rectum and Protein Digestion Pathway Influence Sex Pheromone Synthesis in Male Bactrocera Dorsalis.

Sexual dimorphism is a crucial aspect of mating and reproduction in many animals, yet the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In Bactrocera dorsalis, sex pheromones trimethylpyrazine (TMP) and tetramethylpyrazine (TTMP) are specifically synthesized by Bacillus strains in the male rectum. In the female rectum, Bacillus strains are found, but TMP and TTMP are not, indicating sexually dimorphic differences in sex pheromone synthesis. Our anatomical observations and precursor measurements revealed significant differences in rectal structure and ammonium levels between sexes.  In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that ammonium is vital for sex pheromone synthesis in rectal Bacillus strains. Comparative transcriptome analysis identified ammonium-producing genes (carboxypeptidase B and peptide transporter) in the protein digestion pathway that show much higher expression in the male rectum than in the female rectum. Knocking down the expression of either carboxypeptidase B (or inhibiting enzyme activity) or peptide transporter decreases rectal ammonium levels significantly, resulting in the failure of sex pheromone synthesis in the male rectum. This study provides insights into the presence of sexual dimorphism in internal organs and their functionalities in male-specific sex pheromone synthesis and has significant implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying sex pheromone synthesis by symbionts in insects.

Efficacy of steam and diatomaceous earth dust against the tropical bed bug Cimex hemipterus (F.) under laboratory and field conditions.

BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, bed bugs (Cimex spp.) have resurged as common urban pests around the world. The search for efficient and safe control measures has become a key interest among researchers, manufacturers, and pest control professionals. In this study, we evaluated and compared the efficacy of steam, diatomaceous earth (DE) dust, and a combination of both against tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus (F.)) under laboratory and field conditions. RESULTS: In the laboratory study, the mortality of bed bugs after 2 days of exposure to DE dust was 100%. When bed bugs stayed on the surface of an object or in cracks, a brief steam treatment (1 s) caused 100% mortality. However, when bed bugs were hidden under a fabric cover, steam application for 10 s only caused 89 ± 6% mortality. Bed bugs that survived steam treatment exhibited reduced feeding activity. In a 14-week long study, there was no significant difference in the reduction rate of bed bugs between steam treatment and DE dust treatment. A 37-week long control study showed that steam and steam plus DE dust treatments eliminated 97-100% of the infestations. CONCLUSION: Applying steam and DE dust are effective strategies for eliminating natural tropical bed bug infestations. Continuous follow-up monitoring and treatment until no bed bugs are found are crucial in completely eliminating the infestation of tropical bed bugs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phase Behavior of Hydrocarbon Fluids in Shale Reservoirs, Considering Pore Geometries, Adsorption, and Water Film.

Phase behavior of hydrocarbon fluids in nanopores is different from that observed in a PVT cell due to the confinement effect. While scholars have established various models for studying the phase behavior in nanopores, the authors often ignore the effect of pore geometries, which can significantly affect the critical fluid properties in shale nanopores. In this study, we extend the Soave-Redlich-Kwong equation of state (SRK EOS) using potential theory and establish models of critical property shift, considering pore geometries, adsorption, and water film. Our research shows that the critical property shifts, considering fluid adsorption, begin at rp ≤ 10 nm and are seriously strengthened with nanopore radius reduction. The extended SRK EOS is applied to compute phase diagrams of the 50% C1-50% nC10 mixture at different pore sizes and find that the thickness of adsorption and water film causes a depression in the P-T diagram and that the bubble point pressure is lower in cylindrical pores. At pressures above 6 MPa, the irreducible water saturation and pore geometries greatly impact the vapor-liquid ratio. This study is significant for evaluating residual oil distribution and studying fluid flow laws in shale reservoirs.

Pancancer Analysis Revealed the Value of RAC2 in Immunotherapy and Cancer Stem Cell.

Objective: To investigate the oncogenic effect and clinical significance of RAC2 in pancarcinoma from the perspective of tumor immunity and cancer stem cell. Methods: After in-depth mining of TCGA, GEO, UCSC, and other databases, basic information of the RAC2 gene and its expression in tumor tissues as well as the relationship between RAC2 and tumor were analyzed based on survival, mutation, immune microenvironment, tumor stemness, and enrichment analysis on related pathways. Results: RAC2 mRNA expression was increased in most tumor tissues and was associated with their prognosis. Compared to normal tissues, the RAC2 mutation rate was higher in patients with skin melanoma, uterine sarcoma, and endometrial cancer. RAC2 had a strong relation with immune cell infiltration, immunomodulators, immunotherapy markers, cancer stem cell of THYM, and immune-related pathways. Conclusions: This study explored the potential importance of RAC2 in the prognosis, immunotherapy, and cancer stem cell of 33 cancers, laying the foundation for mechanistic experiments and its future application in clinical practice. However, the results using bioinformatics methods could be affected by the differences in patients across databases. Thus, the present results were preliminary and required further experimental validation.

[Network visual data mining and analysis of literature on electroacupuncture treatment of post-stroke sequelae].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the optimum stimulating parameters and acupoint combination law of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of post-stroke sequelae (PSS) through the network visual data mining and analysis of the literature，so as to provide reference for clinical application. METHODS: The related articles of acupuncture treatment of PSS patients published from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2021 were collected from databases of CNKI, Wanfang, Weipu（VIP), SinoMed, CHAOXING, DUXIU, PubMed, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane Library. After the articles were screened according to our formulated inclusion and exclusion criteria, a "Clinical Literature Database of EA Treatment of PSS" was established. The SPSS Modeler14.1 software was used for modeling (by using the parameters of EA, types of apoplexy sequelae, names of acupoints, methods of acupoint matching, acupoint-attributed meridians, etc.) and association rule analysis, and the Cytoscape 3.6.0 software was used for data network visualization analysis. RESULTS: A total of 354 articles were collected, including 13 types of PSS, among which the hemi-plegia accounts for the highest proportion (51.13%), followed by depression (17.51%) and dysphagia (14.97%). A total of 228 acupoints are used, with a total frequency-time of 1 690. Among the 8 PSS (hemiplegia, depression, dysphagia, cognitive impairment, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, speech disorders, constipation) with the frequency of application of acupoints greater than or equal to 3, 275 articles are involved, with the frequency of dense wave being the highest (123 times), followed by continuous waves (95 times). The stimulation frequency of EA appears 275 times, with the low frequency being the highest (188 times). For hemiplegia type of PSS, low frequency and continuous waves or dense waves are mostly used, and the high correlation acupoint groups are Zusanli(ST36)/Hegu(LI4), LI4/Quchi(LI11) and ST36/LI11. For depression, low frequency and dense waves are mostly used, and the high correlation acupoint groups are Baihui(GV20)/Yintang(EX-HN3), GV20/Shenting(GV24) and GV20/Neiguan(PC6). For swallowing disorder, the mostly used stimulation parameter is low frequency, and the high correlation acupoint groups are Lianquan(CV23)/ST36/Fenglong(ST40), Tongli(HT5)/Yifeng(TE17)/PC6/ST40, and TE17/HT5/PC6/LI4. CONCLUSION: EA therapy is frequently used in the treatment of PSS, for which ST36, LI4 and LI11 are most frequently used in the treatment of hemiplegia, with the stimulation parameters being low-frequency and continuous waves or dense waves. For depression, GV20, EX-HN3, GV24 and PC6 are used, with the stimulation parameters being low frequency and dense waves. For dysphagia, CV23, HT5, TE17, PC6, ST36, ST40 and LI4 are employed, with low frequency electrical stimulation.

[Regularities of acupoint compatibility and application characteristics of methods of needling and moxibustion in the treatment of ankle sprain based on complex network analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the compatibility regularities of acupoints and the application characteristics of needling-moxibustionmethods in the treatment of ankle sprain by using complex network technology, so as to provide the basis and treatment ideas. METHODS: The clinical research articles on acupuncture treatment of ankle joint sprain published from November 2011 to November 2021 were retrieved from databases of CNKI, Wanfang Data knowledge service platform, VIP information Chinese journal service platform and PubMed by using key words of "acupuncture""moxibustion" "acupuncture and moxibustion" "ankle injury" "ankle sprain" "injured ankle" and "syndesmotic injuries". After screening these articles according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, a database of acupuncture treatment of ankle sprain was established. Then, analysis on the occurrence frequency of acupoints and their related meridians, and methods of needling manipulation, and the association rule analysis (quantitative analysis) about the closeness between acupoints, and the degree of support and confidence coefficient were conducted for acquiring the acupoint combinations with higher correlation in the compatibility using Apriori algorithm after modeling (with IBM SPSS Modeler18.0 software). Gephi 0.9.2 software was used to make complex network analysis, for which "k-core hierarchical analysis" and "community analysis" were used as the methods to analyze the network structure of acupoints, and the confidence value was used as the index to measure the importance of acupoints. RESULTS: A total of 201 articles meeting the criteria were collected, including 196 articles in Chinese and 5 in English. A total of 236 acupuncture prescriptions were extracted, involving 61 acupoints, with a total frequency of occurrence being 846. The top 10 acupoints were Ashi point, Kunlun (BL60), Jiexi (ST41), Qiuxu (GB40), Shenmai (BL62), Yanglingquan (GB34), Taixi (KI3), Zhaohai (KI6), Xuanzhong (GB39) and Shangqiu (SP5), with the occurrence frequency being 109, 79, 70, 68, 63, 59, 53, 52, 37 and 34, respectively. The results of descriptive analysis showed that the top 5 meridians were Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-shaoyang, Bladder Meridian of Foot-taiyang, Kidney Meridian of Foot-shaoyin, Stomach Meridian of Foot-yangming and Spleen Meridian of Foot-taiyin, with the frequency being 181, 153, 116, 105 and 53, respectively. Complex network analysis displayed that after "k-core hierarchical analysis" and "Community division", two communities were reserved, mainly involving 15 core acupoints such as Ahshi point, GB40, ST14, BL62, GB34, KI6, BL60, KI3, GB39, Zusanli (ST36), SP5; Taichong (LR3), Zulinqi (GB41), Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Rangu (KI2). The results of association rule analysis showed that the most relevant acupoint combination is "BL60-ST41" (support degree 34.83％), followed by "BL60-KI3" (support degree 26.37%), reflecting the principle of selection of local acupoint for ankle sprain. The therapeutic methods are filiform needle acupuncture, and the reducing technique and uniform reinforcing and reducing manipulation are the most commonly used approaches, but the reinforcing method is rarely used. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of ankle sprain, local acupoints and Ashi points are mainly used, in combination with reducing or uniform reinforcing and reducing manipulations, as well as the method of needling and moxibustion, which provides a good reference for clinical practice.

Baseline Analysis of Endophytic Fungal Associates of Solenopsis invicta Buren from Mounds across Five Counties of Guangdong Province, China.

Red imported fire ants mounds have been suggested as a potential reservoir for beneficial entomopathogenic fungal species that are vital for more complex roles in the ecosystem aside from infecting the insects. In the current study, the assemblage of fungal symbionts of the red imported fire ants (RIFA) were obtained across five cities in Guangdong Province, China. The sampling areas were selected because of high occurrence of fire ants mounds in the regions. Mound soils, plant debris within mounds, and ants were collected from three sampling locations in each city for potential isolation of entomopathogenic fungal associates of RIFA. All samples were collected during the spring of 2021. Following successful isolation from substrates, the patterns of fungal species composition, and richness were evaluated. In total, 843 isolates were recovered, and based on their phenotypic distinctiveness and molecular characterization based on DNA sequences of multiple loci including the ITS, SSU, and LSU regions, 46 fungal taxa were obtained, including 12 that were unidentified. Species richness and abundance was highest in the mound soils, while the lowest value was recorded from the ant body. As per the different locations, the highest abundance level was recorded in Zhuhai, where 15 fungal taxa were cultivated. The most common taxa across all substrates and locations was Talaromyces diversus. A baseline analysis of the fungal community composition of RIFA would better our understanding on the interactions between these social ants and their associated microbial organisms, and this knowledge in turn would be important for the successful management of the RIFA.

[Adding acupoint identification into the textbook Meridians and Acupoints: preliminary assumption].

To deepen the understanding of the acupoint indications, clarify the targeting of acupoints, and provide a basis for the composition of acupuncture prescriptions, it is suggested to add acupoint identification into the textbook Meridians and Acupoints, and a preliminary assumption that relevant acupoints can be identified by taking the indications, locations, and meridians as the key points is proposed. In this paper, acupoints for treating stomach disease, acupoints of eye region, and five-shu points of lung meridian are taken as examples, combined with ancient literature and modern scientific research achievements, the main indications of acupoint is identified, which is of great significance to the discipline's development, talent training, and achievement transformation.

Pan-Cancer Analysis of TLE3 Revealed Its Value in Tumor Microenvironment and Prognosis.

Background: Transducin-like enhancer of split 3 (TLE3), a member of the TLE gene family, is related to tumor genesis and progression. However, whether TLE3 played a crucial role in the whole pan-cancer remained unknown. Methods: Comprehensive analysis of TCGA, GEO, and GTEx data with an online tool, and R language was performed to explore the relationship of TLE3 expression between prognosis, gene mutation, protein phosphorylation, DNA methylation, tumor microenvironment, and related pathways in 33 tumors. Results: TLE3 was high-expressed in most tumors, and TLE3 expression and the prognosis of some tumor types were significantly correlated. The level of TLE3 expression in 33 cancer types was closely associated with DNA methylation. High-level phosphorylation sites of Tle3, such as S267 and S217, may promote cancers. In terms of the tumor microenvironment, TLE3 affected a wide variety of cancers, especially PRAD and LIHC, and TLE3 may act on them via immune-related pathways. Conclusions: The current work provided the first comprehensive investigation of TLE3 in a pan-cancer study, highlighting the role of TLE3 in the tumor immune microenvironment, and also determined the potential of TLE3 as a prognostic, immunotherapy response, and diagnostic biomarker in many cancers. However, the present results were preliminary and required further validation as this study was based on bioinformatics analyses.

[Visual analysis of the acupoint prescription characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

Using the complex network technology, the characteristics of the core acupoint prescriptions and the application of acupuncture-moxibustion techniques were analyzed in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) so as to provide the evidences for acupoint selection and therapeutic methods for RA treated with acupuncture and moxibustion. The articles of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of RA in recent 20 years were collated and imported, and the database of the acupoint prescriptions was developed. Using Cytoscape 3.9.2 software, the acupoints in the prescriptions were visualized for the common occurrence network analysis. The association rule analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 software and the complex network analysis was by Gephi 0.9.2 software. A total of 798 articles were screened, in which, 3 258 prescriptions were extracted with 253 acupoints involved. The analysis of acupoint selection was conducted in terms of syndrome/pattern differentiation, acupoint locations and main acupoints, and therapeutic methods. The results showed that the most common TCM syndromes of RA included painful bi syndrome, wandering bi syndrome, fixed bi syndrome and bi syndrome due to wind, damp and heat. Regarding the core combination of acupoints, painful bi syndrome: Guanyuan (CV 4) and Shenshu (BL 23); fixed bi syndrome: Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Pishu (BL 20) and Fenglong (ST 40); wandering bi syndrome: Fengchi (GB 20), Geshu (BL 17), Fengmen (BL 12), Xuehai (SP 10) and Waiguan (TE 5); bi syndrome due to wind, damp and heat: Dazhui (GV 14), Quchi (LI 11) and Hegu (LI 4). Regarding the acupoint locations, the acupoints located in the upper limbs, lower limbs and spinal region were generally selected. Quchi (LI 11) was one of the main acupoints in prescriptions with the highest use frequency. Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenshu (BL 23) presented the highest co-occurrence intensity, while Zusanli (ST 36) and Quchi (LI 11) indicated the highest correlation. The treatment of acupuncture-moxibustion for RA is generally complied with the principle as "the synthesis of main acupoints, supplementary acupoints in local affected area and those based on syndrome differentiation". Warm needling and the combination of acupuncture and herbal medication are the most common therapeutic methods for RA.

[Analysis on clinical application characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of Meniere's disease based on topology model by complex network].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the application characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion in clinical treatment of Meniere's disease by using complex network technology, so as to provide evidence for selecting acupoints, needling and moxibustion methods and treatment ideas. METHODS: Articles both in English and Chinese published from the inception of databases of CNKI, Wanfang VIP, Chinese biomedical literature database (SinoMed), PubMed, Embase, EBSCO (Academic Search Pre-mier), Web of Science and Ovid to April of 2021 were retrieved by using key words "acupuncture" or "moxibustion" or "acupuncture and moxibustion" and "Meniere disease" or "Meniere's syndrome" or "Ménières vertigo" or "otogenic vertigo" or "auditory vertigo", followed by screening the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and establishing a database of clinical li-terature about acupuncture treatment of Meniere's Disease with software Epidata 3.1. Then, the descriptive analysis was conducted first, followed by association rule analysis using SPSS Modeler 18.0, and complex network analysis using Gephi 0.9.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 232 articles were included, containing 152 acupoints [97 body acupoints as Baihui (GV20), Fengchi (GB20), Neiguan (PC6), etc., 28 otopoints as Ershenmen (MA-TF1), Shen (MA-SC), etc., 20 scalp points as Yunting Area, 7 extra-points as Sishencong (EX-HN1), Taiyang (EX-HN5), etc.] which were used to be a total frequency of 1 569. Descriptive analysis showed that the main meridians were the Governor Vessel, Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming, Trienergizer Meridian of Hand Shaoyang, and Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang. Acupuncture was the most commonly used therapy for Meniere's disease. The association analysis showed that the most relevant combination of acupoints was GV20 and GB20, GV20 and PC6, reflecting the principles of local acupoint selection and combination of local and distant acupoints. Finally, "K-core Analytic Hierarchy Process" and "Community Analysis" revealed that 3 core acupoint groups were most frequently used in clinical treatment of Meniere's disease, including 1) auricular acupoints, as MA-TF1, MA-SC, Neier(MA-L), Zhen(MA-AT) and Pizhixia(MA-AT1), 2) acupoints of the 14 meridians and extra-points, as Tinggong(SI19), Yifeng(TE17), GB20, 3) acupoints of the Shaoyang meri-dians of hand and foot, as Shuaigu (GB8), Tinghui (GB2), Zhongzhu (TE3), Ermen (TE21), etc. CONCLUSION: The principle of acupoint selection is mainly based on the combination of acupoints along the meridians and local areas, while paying attention to the coordination among the auricular points, scalp acupoints and extra-points, which may provide a reference for the clinical treatment and scientific research on acupuncture treatment of Meniere's disease.

[Effect of moxibustion on quality of life in tumor patients: network Meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To rank the effectiveness of various moxibustion methods on the quality of life in tumor patients, and explore the best treatment plan of moxibustion for improving the quality of life in tumor patients from the perspective of evidence-based medicine. METHODS: The Chinese and English literature of randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the effect of moxibustion on the quality of life in tumor patients were searched in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang and VIP. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the databases to October 31, 2020. The R3.6.2 and Stata15.0 software were used for network Meta-analysis based on Bayesian model. RESULTS: A total of 30 Chinese RCTs were included, including 2 169 patients, involving 16 interventions. In terms of the effectiveness of improving quality of life, the top three treatments were special moxibustion plus other therapies 1 (either of tendon acupuncture, acupoint pressing, acupoint injection, etc.), wheat-grain moxibustion and mild moxibustion. The special moxibustion methods were the combination of fire-dragon moxibustion, thunder-fire moxibustion, fuyang fire moxibustion and moxa salt-bag moxibustion. The number of literature of these four moxibustion methods was small. Considering the clinical application of moxibustion, it was concluded that wheat-grain moxibustion ranked first. CONCLUSION: The adjuvant treatment of wheat-grain moxibustion is more effective than other moxibustion methods on improving the quality of life in tumor patients, but the results needed to be further verified because the bias risk of RCT included in this study is high and the sample size is small.

Effects of different courses of moxibustion treatment on intestinal flora and inflammation of a rat model of knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was done to determine the effects of different courses of moxibustion on a rat knee osteoarthritis (KOA) model, and explore the dose-effect relationship of moxibustion on KOA from the perspectives of intestinal flora and inflammatory factors. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal, model, moxibustion for 2 weeks, moxibustion for 4 weeks and moxibustion for 6 weeks groups (n = 5 each group). A KOA rat model was induced by monosodium iodoacetate, and moxibustion intervention was performed at the acupoints "Dubi" (ST35) and "Zusanli" (ST36), once every other day. Pathologic changes in the cartilage of rat knee joints were assessed after intervention, and fecal samples were subjected to 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing for microbial diversity analysis. RESULTS: Damage to the knee articular cartilage was obvious in the model group, which also had increased levels of pro-inflammatory factors, decreased levels of anti-inflammatory factors, and intestinal flora disorders with decreased diversity. The degree of cartilage damage in the 4 and 6 weeks of moxibustion groups was significantly improved compared with the model group. The 4 and 6 weeks of moxibustion groups also demonstrated reduced levels of interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α and increased levels of interleukin-10 (P < 0.05). Both the abundance and diversity of the intestinal flora were increased, approaching those of the normal group. Abundances of probiotics Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 increased, while that of the pathogenic bacteria Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group decreased (P < 0.05). Although the abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group decreased in the 2 weeks of moxibustion group compared with the model group (P < 0.05), there was no statistically significant difference in serum inflammatory factors, flora species diversity or degree of pathological damage compared with the model group. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion treatment led to significant improvements in the intestinal flora and inflammatory factors of rats with KOA. Moxibustion treatment of 4 and 6 weeks led to better outcomes than the 2-week course. Moxibustion for 4 and 6 weeks can regulate intestinal flora dysfunction with increased probiotics and reduced pathogenic bacteria, reduce pro-inflammatory factors and increase anti-inflammatory factors. No significant differences were seen between the effects of moxibustion for 4 weeks and 6 weeks.

[Complex network analysis on regularities of acupoint combinations and application characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the regularities of combination of acupoints in the existing clinical trial literature by using complex network technique, so as to provide reliable evidence for selecting appropriate acupoint recipes in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with acupuncture and moxibustion therapies. METHODS: Clinical papers about acupuncture treatment of KOA published from January of 2000 to April of 2020 were searched from Chinese and English databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Pubmed and ScienceDirect by using keywords of "acupuncture", "moxibustion" and "knee osteoarthritis". According to the inclusive and exclusive criteria, the collected papers were screened out to set up a database. SPSS Modeler18.0 software was used to analyze the association rules of acupoints (including the core acupoint nodes and compatibility relationship), and Gephi0.9.2 software was employed to conduct a complex network analysis about the compatibility rules of acupoints and their application characteristics of moxibustion and needling methods in the treatment of KOA (shown by a complex network schematic diagram). RESULTS: A total of 444 acupuncture prescriptions were extracted, including 6 single-acupoint prescriptions (1.35%) and 438 multiple-acupoint prescriptions (98.65%). A total of 112 acupoints were involved, with the application frequency of 3 389. Among them, the application frequency of the Neixiyan (EX-LE4)is the highest (354 times, 10.45%), followed by Dubi (ST35), Xuehai(SP10), Yanglingquan(GB34), Liangqiu(ST34), Zusanli(ST36), etc. The mainly involved meridians are the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming and the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin. The involved specific acupoints are the Five-shu (stream) acupoints, being the most commonly used, followed by the crossing points, and lower confluent (sea) acupoints. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of KOA with acupuncture and moxibustion, the regularities and characteristics of acupoint combinations (acupoint prescriptions) are: 1) often selecting local acupoints at the lower limbs, 2) frequently applying the Five-shu acupoints (specific acupoints), and 3) matching the acupoints of the outside meridians and inside meridians, especially those of the Spleen Meridian and Stomach Meridian.

[Analysis on rules of acupoint compatibility and application characteristics in acupuncture treatment of migraine based on complex network technique].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the compatible rules of acupoints in the treatment of migraine with acupuncture and moxibustion based on complex network technique so as to provide a reference for composing best acupoint recipes. METHODS: Clinical papers about acupuncture treatment of migraine published from January of 2010 to October of 2020 were searched from Chinese and English databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and Pubmed by using keywords of acupuncture, moxibustion and migraine. According to our inclusive and exclusive criteria, the collected papers were screened out to set up a database. The SPSS Modeler 18.0 software was used to analyze the association rules of acupoints, and the Gephi 0.9.2 software was used to conduct a complex network analysis about the compatibility rules of acupoints and their application characteristics of moxibustion and needling methods in the treatment of migraine. RESULTS: In the end, 572 articles meeting the conclusive criteria were selected, and a total of 1 091 acupoint prescriptions for the treatment of migraine were extracted, including 230 acupoints with a total appea-rance frequency of 7 902. Those acupoints most frequently used were mainly attributed to the Gallbladder Meridian, with Fengchi (GB20) being the highest in the cumulative frequency. The association rule analysis showed that the highest supporting degree acupoints was GB20-Taiyang(EX-HN5). The highest levels of confidence were EX-HN5-Touwei(ST8), GB20-Baihui(GV20), and GB20-ST8. The analysis of complex network topology showed that a total of 17 acupoints including GB20, EX-HN5, Shuaigu(GB8), Taichong(LR3), GV20, Ashi point, etc. were the core node acupoints for acupuncture treatment of migraine. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of migraine, the acupoints selected are mainly distributed in the head region. When the specific acupoints chosen, the five Shu acupoints, Yuan (source) acupoints and the confluent acupoints of eight meridians are frequently used. In terms of composing acupoint recipes, the acupoints in the local and distant part of the body are often used in combination. These outcomes may have a certain guiding significance for clinical treatment of migraine.

[Innovation and basic frame conception of modern acupuncture and moxibustion discipline theory system].

Through reviewing the construction status of the basic theory of acupuncture and moxibustion discipline from the ancient to modern eras, it is believed that the structure of acupuncture and moxibustion discipline has been formed, but nowadays, the theoretical system of acupuncture and moxibustion is still on the framework of classical meridian theory, and the treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion is in reference with the mode of syndrome/pattern difference of Chinese herbal medicines. Parts of these remain ambiguity. It is proposed that the innovation of acupuncture and moxibustion discipline should focus on anatomical physiology, psychology and other multi-disciplines; and the basic framework should compose of the theoretic systems of three major disciplines, i.e. Meridians and Acupoints, Technology of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, and Treatment of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Under the premise of multidisciplinary intersection, many updated scientific research achievements should be integrated in future to boost the constant development of acupuncture and moxibustion discipline.

Direct contact moxibustion promotes apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in rats by regulating intestinal flora.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether direct contact moxibustion (DCM) can prevent and treat gastric cancer (GC) by regulating intestinal flora in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, normal + DCM control group, model group, and model + DCM group. Gastric cancer rats were induced by N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, 20 mg/mL) by gavage. At the same time, the model rats and normal rats were given DCM at Zusanli (ST36), Weishu (BL21), and Zhongwan (CV12) for 16 weeks. After treatment, gastric tissues were collected to analyze the pathological changes and the apoptosis of gastric mucosa cells. In addition, the cecal stool was taken and analyzed by 16s rRNA sequencing. RESULTS: Gastric cancer-like pathological changes and different abundance of the intestinal flora were found in the model group. DCM promoted mucosa tissue apoptosis and regulated the abnormal changes of the intestinal microflora caused by MNNG; DCM also inhibited the growth of Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae flora and promoted the growth of probiotic Akkermansia. Furthermore, DCM made the composition and abundance of intestinal microflora in the GC rats tending to the normal rats. CONCLUSION: DCM stimulating Zusanli (ST36), Weishu (BL21), and Zhongwan (CV12) promoted the apoptosis of gastric mucosa and delayed the progression of gastric cancer, possibly by decreasing Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae bacteria (bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids in the intestine) and promoting the growth of probiotic Akkermansia.

[Pioneering a great undertaking, glorifying acupuncture worldwide: brief on WANG Xue-tai's academic thought].

WANG Xue-tai is a famous scholar of acupuncture-moxibustion of TCM, one of the founders of Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibusiton, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, the director of the second-term leadership of Institute, as well as the representative inheritor of "acupuncture" in the national intangible cultural heritage project. The academic and administrative achievement of professor WANG Xue-tai has been systematically reviewed in this paper. His academic thought and contributions are summarized as: clarifying the source of acupuncture-moxibustion development and laying the foundation of academic history research of acupuncture-moxibustion; emphasizing moxibustion techniques and promoting new acupuncture techniques; maintaining the characteristics of acupuncture-moxibustion to improve clinical therapeutic effect; advocating the standardization of acupuncture-moxibustion to promote its internationalization; and insisting on inheritance and innovation to enhance the modernization of acupuncture-moxibusiton of TCM.

[Research status and thinking of auricular acupuncture theory].

In this paper, the articles of auricular acupuncture in recent 20 years are sorted out and analyzed, and the theory and mechanism of auricular acupuncture in different schools are summarized and compared. Eight theories are included totally, i.e. meridian-collateral theory and zangfu theory of classic TCM, as well as neurodoctrine, neurohumoral theory, embryology theory, holography theory, biological cybernetics and chronobiology theory in modern times. Each of them has its own rationality.Hereafter, through more rigour scientific deign and in accordance with clinical and experimental studies, auricular acupuncture theory should be explored more scientifically and universally so as to provide the theoretic guidance and evidences for clinical treatment with auricular acupuncture, and then to improve the clinical therapeutic effect and promote the application of auricular acupuncture.

[Discussion on prevention and treatment of infectious diseases by using moxibustion for warming yang and strengthening body resistance to eliminate pathogenic cold and qi in ancient and mo-dern literature].

Moxibustion therapy has a good therapeutic effect in warming yang, strengthening body resistance to dispel pathogenic cold and qi, thus being able to prevent and treat infectious diseases. There are many records about clinical application of moxibustion to infectious diseases in ancient and modern literature. In the present paper, we expound the specific methods of moxibustion for strengthening the body resistance and preventing infectious diseases and its application in the treatment of miasma, bone steaming disease, cholera, pestis, epidemic hemorrhagic fever and so on, in the records of ancient and modern times, and expound its effectiveness. On this basis, we also proposed the feasibility of moxibustion in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, a new type of infectious disease currently.