Rapid and equipment-free identification of papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus based on RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a.

BACKGROUND: Paracoccus marginatus has invaded many countries, spreading rapidly and causing significant economic losses to crops. Accurate detection during the monitoring process is critical to prevent its expansion into new areas, therefore it is necessary to develop efficient and reliable detection methods. Traditional detection methods are time-consuming and instrument-dependent owing to the morphological similarities and small sizes of P. marginatus and other mealybugs, therefore establishing an efficient, rapid, and sensitive method for field detection in resource-limited settings is critical. RESULTS: A sensitive and rapid detection system was developed to detect P. marginatus using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a. The RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay distinguished P. marginatus from 10 other mealybugs. The entire process can be completed in approximately an hour, and the identification results can be determined by the naked eye using lateral flow strips or a portable mini-UV torch. A method was developed to extract DNA from P. marginatus within 5 min. This method was combined with the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay to achieve rapid and simple detection. In addition, two portable thermos cups with temperature displays were used to maintain the reagents and assay reactions in the field. CONCLUSION: This assay represents the first application of portable and easily available items (mini-UV torch and thermos cup) based on the combination of RPA and CRISPR/Cas12a for rapid pest detection. This method is rapid, highly specific, and instrument-flexible, allowing for the early monitoring of P. marginatus in the field. This study provides guidance for the development of suitable management strategies. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Lysine acetyltransferase 6A maintains CD4+ T cell response via epigenetic reprogramming of glucose metabolism in autoimmunity.

Augmented CD4+ T cell response in autoimmunity is characterized by extensive metabolic reprogramming. However, the epigenetic molecule that drives the metabolic adaptation of CD4+ T cells remains largely unknown. Here, we show that lysine acetyltransferase 6A (KAT6A), an epigenetic modulator that is clinically associated with autoimmunity, orchestrates the metabolic reprogramming of glucose in CD4+ T cells. KAT6A is required for the proliferation and differentiation of proinflammatory CD4+ T cell subsets in vitro, and mice with KAT6A-deficient CD4+ T cells are less susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and colitis. Mechanistically, KAT6A orchestrates the abundance of histone acetylation at the chromatin where several glycolytic genes are located, thus affecting glucose metabolic reprogramming and subsequent CD4+ T cell responses. Treatment with KAT6A small-molecule inhibitors in mouse models shows high therapeutic value for targeting KAT6A in autoimmunity. Our study provides novel insights into the epigenetic programming of immunometabolism and suggests potential therapeutic targets for patients with autoimmunity.

Distinguishing Different Types of Mobile Phone Addiction: Development and Validation of the Mobile Phone Addiction Type Scale (MPATS) in Adolescents and Young Adults.

Researchers have developed various versions of scales to measure mobile phone addiction. Existing scales, however, focus primarily on the overall level of mobile phone addiction but do not distinguish the potential differences between different types of mobile phone addiction. There is a lack of established scales that can measure different types of mobile phone addiction. The present study aimed to uncover the specific types of mobile phone addiction and develop a Mobile Phone Addiction Type Scale (MPATS) for adolescents and young adults. Adolescents and young adults from two high schools and two universities in Central and South China participated in our study. A total of 108 mobile phone addicts (Mage = 17.60 years, SD = 3.568 years; 60.185% males) were interviewed to uncover the specific types of mobile phone addiction. Data from 876 adolescents and young adults (Mage = 16.750 years, SD = 3.159 years; 49.087% males) were tested for item discrimination and exploratory factor analysis. Data from 854 adolescents and young adults (Mage = 16.750 years, SD = 3.098 years; 50.820% males) were analyzed for construct validity, convergent validity, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency reliability. The 26-item Mobile Phone Addiction Type Scale (MPATS) was developed with four factors named mobile social networking addiction, mobile game addiction, mobile information acquisition addiction, and mobile short-form video addiction. The four-factor, 26-item MPATS revealed good construct validity, convergent validity, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency reliability. The new scale is suitable for measuring different types of mobile phone addiction in adolescents and young adults. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Mobile phone addiction and psychological distress among Chinese adolescents: The mediating role of rumination and moderating role of the capacity to be alone.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing incidence of mobile phone addiction, mobile phone addiction has been considered to be related to adolescents' psychological distress. However, the underlying mechanisms of this relation were still unclear. The present study tested the mediating role of rumination and the moderating role of the capacity to be alone in the relation between mobile phone addiction and psychological distress. METHODS: 754 middle school students were recruited to complete measures of mobile phone addiction, rumination, the capacity to be alone, psychological distress and demographic variables. RESULTS: Mobile phone addiction was significantly and positively associated with psychological distress, and this link could be mediated by rumination. Moreover, the direct effect of mobile phone addiction on psychological distress and the indirect effect of rumination in this link were moderated by the capacity to be alone. Both these two effects were stronger for adolescents with lower capacity to be alone. LIMITATIONS: The present study is limited in terms of its sample selection, cross-sectional design, and self-reported instruments. CONCLUSIONS: The present study advances our understanding of how and when or for whom mobile phone addiction is related to serious psychological distress. Education professionals and parents should pay special attention to the psychological distress of adolescents suffering from mobile phone addiction, particularly for those with lower capacity to be alone.

[Biological effects of root exudates from resistant and susceptible banana varieties on Fusaiurm oxysporum f. sp. cubense and Bacillus subtilis]. / 香蕉抗(感)ç— å“ç§æ ¹ç³»åˆ†æ³Œç‰©å¯¹æž¯èŽç— èŒå’Œæž¯è‰èŠ½å­¢æ†èŒçš„ç”Ÿç‰©æ•ˆåº”.

Root exudates of banana resistant variety ('Nantianhuang') and susceptible variety ('Guijiao No. 6') to Fusarium wilt were collected in vitro by bathing root system to examine the biological effects of root exudates from banana varieties on Fusaiurm oxysporum f. sp. cubense and Bacillus subtilis. We explored the effects of root exudates of different banana varieties on the abundance of soil microorganisms and the growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense and B. subtilis. The results showed that root exudates from resistant variety could significantly reduce the abundance of soil fungi and inhibit the spore germination of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. Root exudates from susceptible variety could significantly stimulate mycelia growth and spores germination, whereas root exudates from the tested banana varieties could significantly increase the growth and biofilm formation of B. subtilis. By dealing with the root exudates of resistant and susceptible varieties, the growth rate of mycelia were 11.28 and 12.28 mm·d-1, and the germination rate of spores were 34.6% and 79.5%, respectively. After culturing for 12 h, the growth rates of B. subtilis (OD600) were 1.27 and 1.14, and the biofilm formation (OD570) were 1.11 and 1.30 after static culturing 72 h, respectively. There were significant differences between the values of resistant and susceptible varieties. The colonization amount of B. subtilis in the rhizosphere of susceptible variety was significantly higher than that of resistant variety. The contents of free amino acids and organic acid in root exudates of the resistant variety were higher than that of susceptible variety. The content ratio of acetic acid and proline in the root exudates of resistant variety were 3.7 times and 2.4 times of that of susceptible variety. In conclusion, root exudates of banana resistant variety could inhibit the growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. Root exudates from susceptible variety could promote the growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense,while that from the tested banana varieties could all significantly enhance growth, biofilm formation and colonization ability of B. subtilis.

Effects of compound K, a metabolite of ginsenosides, on memory and cognitive dysfunction in db/db mice involve the inhibition of ER stress and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Accumulating clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates a close relationship between diabetes mellitus and dementia. The ginsenoside compound K (CK) has been reported to ameliorate diabetes mellitus and confer protection to the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated whether CK could improve memory impairment and cognitive dysfunction in diabetic db/db mice. Firstly, we found that CK treatments significantly improved behavioral impairment and cognitive dysfunction based on Morris water maze, Y-maze, and fear conditioning tests. Besides, CK decreased the fasting glucose level, increased lipid metabolism, and ameliorated glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and dyslipidemia in diabetic db/db mice. In addition, CK treatments alleviated oxidative stress and inhibited the inflammatory response in hippocampal tissue. Further investigations showed that CK treatments inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, as evidenced by the declined expression of TXNIP, NLRP3 inflammasomes, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, and mature IL-1ß in hippocampal tissues. Moreover, CK treatments alleviated ER stress via down-regulating the level of BiP, CHOP, p-PERK, p-IRE1α and ATF6 in the hippocampus of db/db mice. These results suggest that CK improves memory and cognitive dysfunction, possibly by ameliorating glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and dyslipidemia, suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory response and modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and ER stress.

Are bored minds more likely to be addicted? The relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use.

BACKGROUND: Boredom proneness has been demonstrated as a salient vulnerability factor for problematic mobile phone use. However, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship are less investigated. In the current study, we constructed an integrative moderated mediation model to test the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of attentional control in the relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use. METHOD: A total of 1099 college students (Mage = 20.04; SD = 1.25) were recruited to fill out the questionnaires measuring boredom proneness, depression, problematic mobile phone use, and attentional control. RESULTS: Depression partially mediated the relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use. Attentional control moderated the indirect relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use through depression, with the indirect relationship being weaker for college students with higher levels of attentional control. Moreover, attentional control moderated the direct relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use, in that this relationship was stronger for college students with higher levels of attentional control. CONCLUSIONS: These findings illuminate the pathway through which boredom proneness is linked to problematic mobile phone use (i.e., mediation) and the condition on which the relationship between boredom proneness and problematic mobile phone use depends (i.e., moderation). More importantly, this study revealed the potential "double-edged sword" effect of attentional control. These findings have implications for early intervention and prevention of problematic mobile phone use in college students.

Improving Species Identification of Ancient Mammals Based on Next-Generation Sequencing Data.

The taxonomical identification merely based on morphology is often difficult for ancient remains. Therefore, universal or specific PCR amplification followed by sequencing and BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) search has become the most frequently used genetic-based method for the species identification of biological samples, including ancient remains. However, it is challenging for these methods to process extremely ancient samples with severe DNA fragmentation and contamination. Here, we applied whole-genome sequencing data from 12 ancient samples with ages ranging from 2.7 to 700 kya to compare different mapping algorithms, and tested different reference databases, mapping similarities and query coverage to explore the best method and mapping parameters that can improve the accuracy of ancient mammal species identification. The selected method and parameters were tested using 152 ancient samples, and 150 of the samples were successfully identified. We further screened the BLAST-based mapping results according to the deamination characteristics of ancient DNA to improve the ability of ancient species identification. Our findings demonstrate a marked improvement to the normal procedures used for ancient species identification, which was achieved through defining the mapping and filtering guidelines to identify true ancient DNA sequences. The guidelines summarized in this study could be valuable in archaeology, paleontology, evolution, and forensic science. For the convenience of the scientific community, we wrote a software script with Perl, called AncSid, which is made available on GitHub.

Nobiletin induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma C666-1 cells through regulating PARP-2/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Nobiletin, a major polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) from citri reticulatae pericarpium (CRP), can inhibit several forms of cancer proliferation. However, the effects of nobiletin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) C666-1 cells remain largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay was used to measure cell vitality. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the apoptosis rate. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were applied to determine the expression of mRNA and protein, respectively. RESULTS: We showed that the proliferation rate of C666-1 cells was inhibited and the apoptosis rate was raised after treating with nobiletin. Moreover, nobiletin inhibited the expression of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-2 (PARP-2), and the tumor suppression effect of nobiletin on C666-1 is associated with PARP-2-dependent pathway. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated for the first time that nobiletin inhibited the growth of C666-1 cells, which may be relative to its regulation on PARP-2/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway. Our result implied that nobiletin may serve as a strategy to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[Effects of Radix Hedysari, Radix Astragalus and compatibility of Angelica Sinensis on blood deficiency model mice induced by cyclophosphamide].

OBJECTIVE: To study the intervention effects of Radix Hedysari, Radix Astragalus and compatibility of Angelica Sinensis on blood deficiency model mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). METHODS: The mice were randomly divided into 7 groups, 10 mice each group. The blood deficiency model was established by CTX. The blank group and model group were treated with saline by gavage, while mice in positive group were administered with Lvjiaobuxue granule. Four dosage group were administered with Radix Hedysari, Radix Hedysari-Radix Angelica Sinensis(5:1), Radix Astragalus and Radix Astragalus-Radix Angelica Sinensis(5:1) water decoction. All the drugs were administered to mice for consecutive 7 d. The contents of red blood cell (RBC), lymphocyte(LYM), hematocrit (HCT), white blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT) were detected by hematology analyzer, while thymus index(TI), spleen index(SI), reticulocyte (RC), marrow karyocyte (MK) were calculated, and the femur by pathological section were observed by microscope. RESULTS: Compared with blank group, the contents of RBC, WBC, HCT, PLT, LYM were decreased in model group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the contents of RBC, WBC, HCT, PLT, LYM, RC and marrow karyocyte were increased in Hedysari-Angelica Sinensis(5:1) and Astragalus Angelica Sinensis(5:1) (P<0.05), at the same time, the pathological damage of femur could be improved. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of enrichment blood on blood deficiency model mice in Hedysari-Angelica Sinensis (5:1) and Astragalus-Angelica Sinensis(5:1) were superior to Hedysari and Astragalus.

[Effects of the fermentation products of endophytes from Glycyrrhiza uralensis on inflammation-associated factors and Aquaporin in rat models with phlegm blocking in lung].

OBJECTIVE: To filtrate the effective fermentation products of endophytes from Glycyrrhiza uralensis by comparing expectorant effects. METHODS: Ninety Wistar rats with half males and half females were randomly divided into 9 groups(n=10):including normal control group, model group, positive control group, Glycyrrhiza decoction group, 5 groups of the fermentation products of endophytes(JTZB005,JTZB006,JTZB043,JTZB060,JTZB063). The model of phlegm blocking in lung was induced by inhaling SO2 for 30 minutes and cold wind for 10 minutes twice per day for ten days. Ten days later, 10 ml/kg normal saline was administrated in normal control group and model group, 0.08 mg/kg Fufang Beimu Lvhuaan tablets was administrated in positive control group, 0.95 g/kg Glycyrrhiza water decoction and the fermentation products of endophytes were respectively administrated in Glycyrrhiza decoction group and 5 groups of the fermentation products of endophytes. All groups were given the corresponding dose by intragastric administration once a day for seven days. The changes of rats' general activities were observed during the experimental time. Two hours after the last gavage, rats were sacrificed. The upper lobe of the right lung was removed for HE and immunohistochemical staining. Pathological of lung tissues and the expressions of aquaporin-1(AQP1)and aquaporin-5(AQP5) in lung tissue were measured. In addition, the lung tissue of middle lobe of right lung were accurately weighed, and 10% homogenate were made. The supernatant was removed by centrifugation at 3 000 r/min for ten minutes. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by nitric acid reductase method. The content of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1) and the concentration of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) in lung tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent(ELISA) method. RESULTS: After modeling,the levels of NO, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and the concentration of COX-2 in lung tissue were increased significantly, the expressions of AQP1 and AQP5 were decreased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of NO,TNF-α,ICAM-1 and the concentration of COX-2 in lung tissue were decreased significantly, and the expressions of AQP1 and AQP5 were increased significantly in Glycyrrhiza decoction group, JTZB005,JTZB006 and JTZB063 group(P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: By filtrating, JTZB005、JTZB006、JTZB063 have expectorant effects.

Ketamine Protects Gamma Oscillations by Inhibiting Hippocampal LTD.

NMDA receptors have been widely reported to be involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity through effects on long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). LTP and LTD have been implicated in learning and memory processes. Besides synaptic plasticity, it is known that the phenomenon of gamma oscillations is critical in cognitive functions. Synaptic plasticity has been widely studied, however it is still not clear, to what degree synaptic plasticity regulates the oscillations of neuronal networks. Two NMDA receptor antagonists, ketamine and memantine, have been shown to regulate LTP and LTD, to promote cognitive functions, and have even been reported to bring therapeutic effects in major depression and Alzheimer's disease respectively. These compounds allow us to investigate the putative interrelationship between network oscillations and synaptic plasticity and to learn more about the mechanisms of their therapeutic effects. In the present study, we have identified that ketamine and memantine could inhibit LTD, without impairing LTP in the CA1 region of mouse hippocampus, which may underlie the mechanism of these drugs' therapeutic effects. Our results suggest that NMDA-induced LTD caused a marked loss in the gamma power, and pretreatment with 10 µM ketamine prevented the oscillatory loss via its inhibitory effect on LTD. Our study provides a new understanding of the role of NMDA receptors on hippocampal plasticity and oscillations.

The influence of intensive lifestyle intervention on patients with isolated impaired fasting glucose: a meta-analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of intensive lifestyle intervention on patients with isolated impaired fasting glucose. BACKGROUND: The application of lifestyle intervention to clinical nursing can help improve outcomes of patients with impaired fasting glucose. DESIGN: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials using methods outlined in the Cochrane Handbook. METHODS: We performed keyword searches of the literature databases up to September 2014 and performed manual searches of selected article reference lists. Data were extracted by the lead reviewer, cross-checked by the second reviewer, entered into RevMan5·3, and pooled and analysed using the fixed effect inverse-variance model or random effects model to determine the mean difference and calculate the weighted mean difference. The heterogeneity statistic (I2 ), overall effect (Z) and P-value were calculated. RESULTS: A total of five studies were included in our analysis. Following the heterogeneity test statistic, overall effect Z score with P-value was calculated. The targets of fasting plasma glucose, weight, body mass index, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol all showed significant differences between the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle intervention can improve glycaemic control in patients with isolated impaired fasting glucose. It also reduces blood-lipid levels and promotes weight loss. Larger patient cohorts and adequate follow-up should be included in future trials.

[Correlations Between Near Infrared Spectra and Molecular Structures of 20 Standard Amino Acids].

The objective of the research was to study the correlations between near infrared spectra and molecular structures of 20 standard amino acids. It was to establish the theoretical foundation for widely use of the amino acids near infrared spectra in animal science, food and medicine. Measurement of the near infrared spectra was performed using a Shimadzu Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer IRPrestige-21, with FlexIRTM Near-Infrared Fiber Optics module. The spectrometric data acquisitions were performed by Shimadzu IRsolution 1.50 system. The spectrometric room temperature was 25 ℃ and humidity was 38%. Spectra of 20 amino acid standard substances were collected by reflectance mode from 1 000 to 2 502 nm in 8 cm-1 increment. Each sample was scanned in three times, each scan was 50 cycles, and the average value of three times scan result was used for each sample. Based on the differences of amino acids side chains, the correlations between near infrared spectra and molecular structures were compared in the fat family amino acids, aromatic amino acids and heterocycle amino acids. The result shows that all 20 standard amino acids have very specific absorption line patterns. It is distinctly different in these absorption line patterns. Near-infrared spectra of high molecular weight fat family amino acids are affected by side chains. Near-infrared spectra of glycine are affected by carboxyl and amino. The differences of near-infrared spectra between two aromatic amino acids are in benzene ring. ­OH groups on benzene ring of tyrosine lower the symmetry of benzene molecule. It leads to the emergence of more vibration absorption. Near-infrared spectra of heterocycle amino acids are distinctly different in 1 000～2 502 nm because of side chains. In conclusion, there are four different characteristic spectral regions. The first one is 1 050～1 200 nm spectral region which is composed mainly of second-order frequency doubling of C­H group. The second is 1 300～1 500 nm spectral region which is composed mainly of combination tune of C­H group. Due to side chains of amino acid have different molecular structure, they yield a complete set of near infrared fingerprint spectra between 1 600～1 850 and 2 000～2 502 nm. In another words, these four characteristic regions of near infrared spectra can be used to build the model of qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis for amino acid, and improves the accuracy and reliability of model.

[Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial for Analyzing Effect of "Spleen-Stomach Regulation Nee- dling" on Oxidative Stress Level in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "spleen-stomach needling" on changes of plasma malondialdehyde. (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO, an oxidative stress damage biomaker), 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHdG, an indicator of oxidative DNA damage) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improving diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Diabetic nephropathy patients were randomized into routine acupuncture (control) group (n = 72) and spleen-stomach needling (observation) group (n = 70) according to a random digits table and by using multi-centers, randomized and blind methods in the present study. All the patients were received routine medication. In addition, patients of the control group were treated by acupuncture stimulation of Shenshu (BL 23), Taixi (KI 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Guanyuan (CV 4), Shousanli (LI 10), Waiguan (TE 5), Yangxi (LI 5), Liangqiu (ST 34), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Neiting (ST.44), Huaroumen (ST 24), and Dachangshu (BL 25), and those of the observation group treated by acupuncture stimulation of Zhongwan (CV 12), Quchi (LI 11), HQgu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Fenglong (ST 40), Diji (SP 8), Sanyinjiao (SP 6),Taichong (LR 3), Gaohuang (BL 43), Shenshu (BL 23), Baihuanshu (BL 30) and Zhongji (CV 3) with spleen-stomach needling method. The treatment of both groups was conducted twice a day for six weeks except Sundays. Plasma MDA, PCO and 8-OHdG contents were detected by using ELISA, and SOD detected using xanthine oxidase method. RESULTS: After 3 weeks' treatment, plasma MDA, PCO and 8-OHdG contents were significantly increased in both control and observation groups, and plasma SOD was obviously reduced in both groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the plasma MDA, PCO and 8-OHdG contents (P > 0.05). While after 6 weeks' treatment, plasma MDA, PO and 8-OHdG contents were significantly decreased (turning to the normal levels) and plasma SOD level in the observation group was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01). Following 3 weeks' treatment, of the 72 and 70 patients in the control and observation groups, 10 and 20 cases experienced marked improvement, 22 and 15 were improved, and 40 and 35 invalid, respectively. After 6 weeks' treatment, of the 72 and 70 patients in the control and observation groups, 12 and 39 experienced marked improvement, 28 and 20 cases were improved, 32 and 11 invalid, respectively. The therapeutic effect of the observation group was obviously superior to that of the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture treatment with spleen-stomach regulation needling can down-regulate plasma MDA, PCO, 8-OHdG contents and up-regulate SOD activity in diabetic nephropathy patients, which may contribute to its effect in improving the patients' symptoms probably by resisting the oxidative stress damage.

[Efficacy comparison between acupuncture smoothing-liver and regulating-spleen method and regulating Governor Vessel method for menopausal insomnia].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy difference among acupuncture smoothing-liver and regulating-spleen method, regulating Governor Vessel method and oral administration of western medicine for menopausal insomnia. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six cases of menopausal insomnia were randomized into a smoothing-liver and regulating-spleen group (group A), a regulating Governor Vessel group (group B) and a medication group (group C), 52 cases in each one. Acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Daheng (SP 15), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. was applied in the group A; acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Shenting (GV 24) and Yintang (GV 29), etc. was used in the group B; oral administration of estazolam tablets (1 mg each-day) was adapted in the group C, all once a day for totally 30 days. The each item score and total score in Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were evaluated before and after treatment in each group, also the efficacy in each group was assessed. RESULTS: After the treatment, the sleeping rate in the group A and B was significantly higher than that in the group C (both P < 0.05); the total effective rate in the Group A and B was also significantly higher than that in the group C [86.5% (45/52) and 82.7% (43/52) vs 63.5% (33/52), both P < 0.05; the total cured rate in the group A was significantly higher than those in the group B and C [48.1% (25/52) vs 23.1% (12/52) and 25.0% (13/52), both P < 0.05]. Each item score and total score of PSQI were all improved after treatment in the group A and B (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), while only sleeping time, sleeping efficiency and total score were improved in the group C (all P < 0.05). The sleeping quality, sleeping time, sleeping difficulty and daytime dysfunction in the group A were all lower than those in the group C (all P < 0.05). The sleeping quality, sleeping time and daytime dysfunction in the goup B were all lower than those in the group C (all P < 0.05). The total score in the group A was significantly lower than that in the group B and C (both P < 05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture has better effect for menopausal insomnia than estazolam. Between the two acupuncture methods, the acupuncture method of smoothing-liver and regulating-spleen has a better effect.

[Randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion interventions in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: A total of 133 CFS patients were randomized into acupuncture group (47 cases), warm-needling group (44 cases) and non-acupoint group (42 cases). Manual acupuncture (MA) stimulation was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Danzhong (CV 17), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for patients in the acupuncture group. For patients in the warm-needling group, moxa-heated needle was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36). Non-acupoints were located about 1-2 cm beside the Baihui (GV 20), Danzhong (CV 17), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Taichong (LR 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Hegu (LI 4). The treatment was given once daily for 20 days. The Chalder Fatigue Scale (14-item fatigue scale) was adopted to evaluate the changes of CFS before and after the treatment. RESULTS: In comparison with pre-treatment, the scores of Chalder Fatigue Scale including physical and mental fatigue and total score were significantly decreased in both acupuncture and warm-needling groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), but not in the non-acupoint group (P > 0.05) except physical score (P < 0.05). The physical, mental and total scores of the acupuncture and warm-needling groups were significantly lower than those of the non-acupoint group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while the physical and total scores of the warm-needling group were markedly lower than those of the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). After the treatment, the CFS patients' satisfactory rates of the acupuncture, warm-needling and non-acupoint groups were 36.2% (17/47), 72.7% (32/44) and 35.7% (15/42), respectively. CONCLUSION: Both MA and warm-needling interventions have a good therapeutic effect in the treatment of CFS patients, while the latter is obviously better.

A review of experimental research on herbal compounds in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of motor neuron disease worldwide, leading to progressive muscle atrophy and paralysis. The limited success of conventional treatment for ALS has prompted investigations into complementary and alternative therapies. Herbal remedies provide good prospects of ALS prevention and treatment, with advantages such as multiple targets, multiple links, and few side effects. Studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that herbs have a great potential for treatment of ALS, with therapeutic effects against oxidative stress, excitatory amino acid toxicity, neuroinflammation, and calcium cytotoxicity. Active monomers or ingredients extracted from herbs are considered promising candidates for ALS. Therefore, we review recent experimental research on monomers and compounds isolated from herbal remedies for preventing and treating ALS.