Effects of mind-body exercise Baduanjin on cognition in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a 6-month traditional Chinese mind-body Baduanjin exercise intervention on cognitive ability in older people with Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: A total of 135 community-dwelling seniors with MCI were randomized into either the Baduanjin group (BDJ), the brisk walking group (BWK) or the usual physical activity control group (UPA). Cognitive ability was assessed at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 months post-intervention, and 3 months after the intervention ended. RESULTS: After 6 months of intervention, the MoCA score of the BDJ group was significantly higher than that of the UPA group (P < 0.05), The Go/No-go correct numbers of the BDJ group and BWK group were significantly higher than those of the UPA group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in other outcomes, or there were only a tiny effect size. Three months after the intervention, there was no significant difference between the primary and secondary outcomes(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 6-month period of Baduanjin training has positive benefits on global cognitive function and attention function in community-dwelling elderly individuals with MCI. The effect seems to have been transient and needs to be confirmed by additional studies.

Quantitative analysis of TCE biodegradation pathway in landfill cover utilizing continuous monitoring, droplet digital PCR and multi-omics sequencing technology.

The remediation of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons in the quasi-vadose zone has become a significant challenge. We applied an integrated approach to assess the biodegradability of trichloroethylene to identify the biotransformation mechanism. The formation of the functional zone biochemical layer was assessed by analyzing the distribution of landfill gas, physical and chemical properties of cover soil, spatial-temporal variations of micro-ecology, biodegradability of landfill cover soil and distributional difference metabolic pathway. Real-time online monitoring showed that trichloroethylene continuously undergoes anaerobic dichlorination and simultaneous aerobic/anaerobic conversion-aerobic co-metabolic degradation on the vertical gradient of the landfill cover system and reduction in trans-1,2-dichloroethylene in the anoxic zone but not 1,1-dichloroethylene. PCR and diversity sequencing revealed the abundance and spatial distribution of known dichlorination-related genes within the landfill cover, with 6.61 ± 0.25 × 104-6.78 ± 0.09 × 106 and 1.17 ± 0.78 × 103-7.82 ± 0.07 × 105 copies per g/soil of pmoA and tceA, respectively. In addition, dominant bacteria and diversity were significantly linked with physicochemical factors, and Mesorhizobium, Pseudoxanthomonas and Gemmatimonas were responsible for biodegradation in the aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic zones. Metagenome sequencing identified 6 degradation pathways of trichloroethylene that may occur in the landfill cover; the main pathway was incomplete dechlorination accompanied by cometabolic degradation. These results indicate that the anoxic zone is important for trichloroethylene degradation.

Microecological health assessment of water environment and sediment based on metagenomics: a case study of Guixi River in Chongqing, China.

River sediment is vital in containing water pollution and strengthening water remediation. This paper has conducted a study on the microecological health assessment of the sediment and water body of Guixi River in Dianjiang, Chongqing, China, using metagenomics sequencing and microbial biological integrity index (M-IBI) technology. The analysis of physical and chemical characteristics shows that the concentration of TN varies from 2.62 to 9.76 mg/L in each sampling section, and the eutrophication of the water body is relatively severe. The proportion of Cyanobacteria in the sampling section at the sink entrance is higher than that of other sites, where there are outbreaks of water blooms and potential hazards to human health. The dominant functions of each site include carbon metabolism, TCA cycle, and pyruvate metabolism. In addition, the main virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in sediment are Type IV pili (VF0082), LOS (CVF494), MymA operon (CVF649), and macrolide resistance genes macB, tetracyclic tetA (58), and novA. Correlation analysis of environmental factors and microorganisms was also performed, and it was discovered that Thiothrix and Acidovorax had obvious gene expression in the nitrogen metabolism pathway, and the Guixi River Basin had a self-purification capacity. Finally, based on the microecological composition of sediment and physical and chemical characteristics of the water body, the health assessment was carried out, indicating that the main pollution area was Dianjiang Middle School and the watershed near the sewage treatment plant. The findings should theoretically support an in-depth assessment of the water environment's microecological health.

Effect mechanism of individual and combined salinity on the nitrogen removal yield of heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacteria.

One of the biggest challenges of applying heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) bacteria to treat high salt organic wastewater lies in the inhibitory effect exerted by salinity. To study the inhibition effect and underlying mechanism induced by different ion types and ion composition, the individual and combined effects of NaCl, KCl and Na2SO4 on HN-AD bacteria Acinetobacter sp. TAC-1 were systematically investigated by batch experiments. Results indicated that the ammonia nitrogen removal yield and TAC-1 activity decreased with increased salt concentration. NaCl, KCl and Na2SO4 exerted different degrees of inhibition on TAC-1, with half concentration inhibition constant values of 0.205, 0.238 and 0.110 M, respectively. A synergistic effect on TAC-1 was found with the combinations of NaCl + KCl, NaCl + Na2SO4 and NaCl + KCl + Na2SO4. The whole RNA resequencing suggested that transcripts of denitrification genes (nirB and nasA) were significantly downregulated with increased Na2SO4 concentration. Simultaneously, Na2SO4 stress disrupted cell respiration, DNA replication, transcription, translation, and induced oxidative stress. Finally, we proposed a conceptual model to summarize the inhibition mechanisms and possible response strategies of TAC-1 bacteria under Na2SO4 stress.

The effects and mechanisms of transcranial ultrasound stimulation combined with cognitive rehabilitation on post-stroke cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) could improve post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and the potential mechanisms through which this can be achieved. METHOD: Sixty patients with PSCI were selected and randomly divided into a control and observation group, respectively, with 30 cases in each group. Conventional cognitive rehabilitation training combined with TUS intervention was conducted in the observation group, while conventional cognitive rehabilitation training and sham-TUS stimulation were given to patients in the control group. RESULTS: The Mini-Mental State Exam, Modified Barthel Index score, P300 latency, and wave amplitude, as well as the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, were significantly higher in both groups after treatment compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05), and were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the observation group had significantly higher scores in executive, nomination, attention, language, and delayed recall compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Transcranial ultrasound stimulation combined with conventional cognitive rehabilitation therapy improved the PSCI condition with better efficacy than conventional cognitive rehabilitation therapy only. The mechanism involved may be correlated with the upregulation of BDNF and P300 induced by TUS.

MicroRNA-32-5p attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injuries by modulating the phosphatase and tensin homologous protein.

Non-coding RNAs have recently attracted much attention with the potential in the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-32-5p in cerebral I/R injuries by using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) PC12 cells and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats. The expression of genes and proteins were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The function of OGD/R PC12 cells was detected using MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The influences of MCAO/R on rats was evaluated by measuring the infarct volume and brain water content. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase gene reporter assay were used to identify the relationship between miR-32-5p and PTEN. The results showed that miR-32-5p had neuroprotective effects on OGD/R induced PC12 cells and MCAO/R injured rats' brain. The level of miR-32-5p was significantly reduced after OGD/R. Overexpression of miR-32-5p significantly reduced MCAO/R-induced brain damages in rats. Moreover, PTEN was found to be a target of miR-32-5p, and overexpression of PTEN attenuated the effects of miR-32-5p overexpression on cerebral I/R injuries. In addition, miR-32-5p was able to activate PI3K/AKT signaling by inhibiting PTEN. In conclusion, miR-32-5p prevents brain I/R injuries through modulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The role of insula-cerebellum connection underlying aversive regulation with acupuncture.

Acupuncture at pericardium 6 (PC6) shows a consistently positive efficacy in nausea response suggested by consensus expert guidelines. Nausea encompasses aversive symptom as well as strong emotional components. Disgust is a subjective emotion of uneasy commonly accompanying with a physiological response that is accompanied by strong visceral sensations (e.g., nausea). Understanding the brain circuitry by which acupuncture influences the disgust emotion may further elucidate the modulation effect of acupuncture on aversive experience. In the present study, a well-established aversive conditioning model on healthy subjects was combined with acupuncture intervention at PC6, as well as different acupoints (both local PC7 and distant GB37) as separate controls, to investigate the brain network involved aversive regulation with acupuncture; 48 healthy subjects were enrolled and randomized into four parallel groups: group 1 received disgust-induced (DI) stimuli only; groups 2, 3, and 4 received acupuncture at three single acupoints separately prior to the DI. Disgust sensations were rated at baseline and following disgust stimuli. Acupuncture PC6 can induce significant attenuations in disgust sensations than that of no intervention and acupuncture at other acupoints. Neuroimaging further showed that increased causal interaction strength between the cerebellum (nodulus) and insula can predict greater attenuations in aversive experiences. We also found evidence for radical reorganizations of local stronger casual interaction patterns to disgust-induced brain responses targeted by acupuncture at different acupoints. This study provided the brain substrate for acupuncture on aversion modulation. The coupling between the cerebellum (nodulus) and insula supported interoception system and vestibular control which provided the specific neural basis.

Electroacupuncture ameliorate learning and memory by improving N-acetylaspartate and glutamate metabolism in APP/PS1 mice.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the precise mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) to delay cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease. METHODS: N-Acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate (Glu) and myoinositol (mI) metabolism were measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, learning and memory of APP/PS1 mouse was evaluated by the Morris water maze test and the step-down avoidance test, neuron survival number and neuronal structure in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl staining, and BDNF and phosphorylated TrkB detected by Western blot. RESULTS: EA at DU20 acupuncture significantly improve learning and memory in behavioral tests, up-regulate NAA, Glu and mI metabolism, increase the surviving neurons in hippocampus, and promote the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that EA is a potential therapeutic for ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, and it might be due to EA could improve NAA and Glu metabolism by upregulation of BDNF in APP/PS1 mice.

Trends in ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole and miscarriage in the largest obstetrics and gynaecology hospital in China from 2003 to 2013.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages and hydatidiform moles are the major types of pathological pregnancies in the early gestations of pregnancy and constitute an important public health problem. The trends and incidences of these pathological pregnancies may vary by ethnicity and geographical regions. This has not been fully investigated in the Chinese population. In this study we retrospectively report the trends of pathological pregnancies in Chinese population. METHODS: Data on 22,511 women with ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole and miscarriage were collected from the largest obstetrics and gynaecology hospital in China from 2003 to 2013. Data included age at diagnosis and the annual number of women with diagnosed ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole and miscarriage. RESULTS: The total number of ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole and miscarriage was increased 3.5folds in 2013 compared to 2003. Ectopic pregnancy is the leading pathological pregnancy and miscarriage is increasing at a greater rate among the pathological pregnancies. The median age of women with hydatidiform mole at diagnosis significantly increased from 25.5 years to 29 years (p = 0.002), however the median age for other pathological pregnancies was not different between 2003 and 2013. The number of women with hydatidiform mole at diagnosis who were over 40 years old has increased. The mean maternal age is increased from 28.1 years old in 2003 to 29.4 years old in 2013 in this hospital. CONCLUSION: We speculate that the increased maternal age may contribute to the increase in these pathological pregnancies between 2003 and 2013 in China.

Trends in gynaecological cancers in the largest obstetrics and gynaecology hospital in China from 2003 to 2013.

The incidence and the trend of gynaecological cancers have been suggested to vary by ethnicity and geographical regions. Whether the incidence and type of gynaecological cancers in China is different have not been fully investigated. In this study, we reported the trend of gynaecological cancers in China. Data on 13,518 women with gynaecological cancers were collected from the largest obstetrics and gynaecology hospital in China from 2003 to 2013. Data included age at diagnosis and the annual number of women with diagnosed endometrial, ovarian, cervical cancer and other gynaecological cancers. The number of women with diagnosed gynaecological cancers increased by almost sixfold in 2013 compared to that in 2003. It was largely due to the increase of women with newly diagnosed cervical cancer. The percentage of women with endometrial and ovarian cancer within total gynaecological cancers was decreased, whilst the percentage of cervical cancer significantly increased between 2003 and 2013. The mean age of women with endometrial or ovarian cancer at diagnosis was 53 or 48 years, respectively, which was no difference over 11 years. However, the mean age of women with cervical cancer at diagnosis was significantly delayed from 42 years in 2003 to 46 years since 2011. This was also confirmed by the age-specific distribution of gynaecological cancers over 11 years. Our study found that the age onset of endometrial and ovarian cancer has not changed over 11 years. But the age onset of cervical cancer is delayed since 2011 in China.

Knowledge Structure and Emerging Trends of Mild Cognitive Impairment with Dyssomnias in Recent 20 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis via CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia, has emerged as a prominent research area in geriatric care due to its heightened propensity for progressing toward dementia. Sleep plays a pivotal role in cognitive function, with dyssomnias not only exacerbating cognitive and affective symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases but also contributing to disease progression. Aim: This bibliometric analysis investigates the global research on MCI with dyssomnias over the past two decades, aiming to discern key findings, research domains, and emerging trends in this field. Methods: In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using the search terms "MCI" and "sleep". Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database, and visualization and collaborative analysis were performed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Results: This study encompassed 546 publications from 2003 to 2023. The publication volume and citation rate consistently increased over time. Neurosciences, Clinical Neurology, and Geriatrics Gerontology emerged as the top three research fields. The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease had the highest publication count, while Sleep Medicine received the most citations. USA, China, and Italy led in publication output. Collaborative clusters among authors and institutions were identified, but cooperation between clusters was limited. Active cocited reference clusters included "obstructive sleep apnea", "possible mediating pathways", and "isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder". The top frequently mentioned keywords, besides "MCI", were "Alzheimer's disease", "dementia", "risk factor", and "Parkinson's Disease". Notable keyword clusters spanned circadian rhythm, Parkinson's disease, MCI, dementia with Lewy body, subjective cognitive impairment, Lewy body disease, Alzheimer's disease, and dietary patterns. Conclusion: The field of MCI with dyssomnias is rapidly expanding, encompassing a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders and sleep disturbances. Current research endeavors are primarily focused on elucidating the underlying pathogenesis, predicting disease progression, and developing innovative treatment strategies for individuals affected by MCI with dyssomnias.

Utilizing fNIRS to investigate the impact of Baduanjin training on attentional function in post-stroke cognitive impairment patients: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a prevalent complication among stroke survivors. It not only directly impacts patients' cognitive abilities but also hampers their capacity to regain independence in daily activities, consequently diminishing their quality of life. Among the various cognitive deficits following stroke, impaired attention is the most frequently observed, influencing not only daily functioning but also higher cognitive functions like working memory, executive functioning, and language.Emerging evidence indicates that Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise, may have a positive impact on enhancing attention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and stroke survivors. However, the precise mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear. In this study, we employed Baduanjin training as an intervention to address attention decline in post-stroke cognitive impairment patients and to delve into the potential mechanisms through which Baduanjin training may enhance attention in individuals with PSCI. METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, we plan to recruit 72 participants diagnosed with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). These participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: Baduanjin training(left hemisphere stroke and right hemisphere stroke) and conventional treatment.The conventional treatment group will receive standard rehabilitation sessions. In addition to conventional treatment, participants in the octogenarian training groups will undergo octogenarian training sessions lasting 40 min, five times a week, over a total period of 12 weeks.The primary outcome measures will include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale and the Attentional Lateralization Index. These assessments will be conducted by a trained evaluator before the start of the intervention and at weeks 6 and 12 after the intervention begins.Secondary outcome measures will be assessed using the baseline Mandarin version of the Oxford Cognitive Screening (OCS-P) scale, the simplified Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Assessment (FMA) scale, the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation (PRPS) scale, and the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale before and after the intervention, respectively. DISCUSSION: This trial aims to examine the impact of Baduanjin training on attentional lateralization among patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Functional brain imaging utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy will be employed to investigate how Baduanjin exercise influences the structural and functional connectivity of distinct brain regions or brain networks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org.cn, ID: ChiCTR2300076533 . Registered on 11 October 2023.

Effect of acupuncture on brain functional networks in patients with mild cognitive impairment: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prior research has shown that acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical therapy, may have a certain therapeutic effect in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Furthermore, some studies have explored the effects of acupuncture on the brain functional networks of MCI patients to investigate the mechanism of action. Different studies have analysed the brain regions involved in acupuncture-induced changes, but (to our knowledge) these have not been summarized by a systematic review. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI and other databases in Chinese and English to identify neuroimaging studies of acupuncture interventions in MCI patients. After two stages of literature screening, bias risk assessment and data extraction, brain regions with significant differences were input into GingerALE software. Based on the activation likelihood estimation algorithm, coordinate-based meta-analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The changes in functional activation of 95 different areas in 8 trials, including 212 MCI patients, were analysed. The three most commonly used traditional acupuncture point locations in acupuncture interventions for MCI were KI3 (Taixi), LR3 (Taichong) and LI4 (Hegu). The results of the ALE data analysis showed that, after acupuncture intervention, the degree of activation in the anterior cingulate, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus and cerebellar tonsil of MCI patients increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture intervention for MCI appears to change the plasticity of brain function and improve the cognitive function of patients. Due to the small number and low quality of the included studies, the conclusion of this meta-analysis should be treated with caution. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO reference CRD42022301056 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).

Metabolic diversity shapes vegetation-enhanced methane oxidation in landfill covers: Multi-omics study of rhizosphere microorganisms.

Vegetation root exudates have the ability to shape soil microbial community structures, thereby enhancing CH4 bio-oxidation capacity in landfill cover systems. In this study, the CH4 oxidation capacity of indigenous vegetation rhizosphere microorganisms within operational landfill covers in Chongqing, China, was investigated for the first time, with the objective of identifying suitable plant candidates for CH4 mitigation initiatives within landfill cover systems. Furthermore, a multi-omics methodology was employed to explore microbial community structures and metabolic variances within the rhizospheric environment of diverse vegetation types. The primary aim was to elucidate the fundamental factors contributing to divergent CH4 oxidation capacities observed in rhizosphere soils. The findings demonstrated that herbaceous vegetation predominated in landfill covers. Notably, Rumex acetosa exhibited the highest CH4 oxidation capacity in the rhizosphere soil, approximately 20 times greater than that in non-rhizosphere soil. Root exudates played a crucial role in inducing the colonization of CH4-oxidizing functional microorganisms in the rhizosphere, subsequently prompting the development of specific metabolic pathways. This process, in turn, enhanced the functional activity of the microorganisms while concurrently bolstering their tolerance to microbial pollutants. Consequently, the addition of substances like Limonexic acid strengthened the CH4 bio-oxidation process, thereby underscoring the suitability of Rumex acetosa and similar vegetation species as preferred choices for landfill cover vegetation restoration.

Effect of a Baduanjin intervention on the risk of falls in the elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Falls are a global public problem and may be an important cause of death in older adults. However, older adults with mild cognitive impairment(MCI) are more likely to fall and suffer more damage than older adults with normal cognitive function, which shows the importance of preventing falls. More and more evidence shows that Baduanjin can improve the balance function of the elderly and reduce the risk of falls in the elderly with MCI, but the mechanism is still unclear. The main purpose of this study is to verify the intervention effect of Baduanjin training on the risk of falls in elderly people with MCI and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of Baduanjin training in reducing the risk of falls in MCI patients. METHODS: In this prospective study, outcome assessor-blind, three-arm randomized controlled trial, a total of 72 eligible participants will be randomly allocated (1:1:1) into the 12-week Baduanjin exercise intervention (60 min per session, three sessions per week), the 12-week brisk walking group(60 min per session, three sessions per week) or the 12-week health education group. Primary outcome is the Fall-Risk Self-Assessment Questionnaire(FRQ), and secondary outcomes are fall efficacy index, gait assessment, balance function, lower limb muscle strength, cognitive function, activities of daily living(ADL) and MRI scans. In addition to the MRI scans, which will be measured before and after the intervention,other primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks (at the end of the intervention) and after an additional 12-week follow-up period. The mixed linear model will be conducted to observe the intervention effects. DISCUSSION: This trial will investigate the effect of Baduanjin exercise on the prevention of falls in elderly individuals with MCI, explore the imaging mechanism of Baduanjin exercise to reduce the risk of falls in elderly individuals with MCI from the perspective of vestibular neural network, and provide strong evidence for Baduanjin exercise to reduce the risk of falls in elderly individuals with MCI, as well as provide new ideas and approaches for the central mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TRC) rehabilitation methods to intervene in falls in elderly. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org.cn, ID: ChiCTR2200057520. Registered on 14 March 2022, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=146592 .

Effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation under different intensities upon rehabilitation of chronic pelvic pain syndrome: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Nearly one in seven women worldwide suffers from chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) each year. Often, CPPS necessitates a combination of treatments. Studies have shown the good therapeutic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) upon CPPS. We wish to undertake a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to observe the effect of high-frequency rTMS at different intensities upon CPPS. METHODS AND ANALYSES: In this prospective, double-blinded RCT, 63 female CPPS participants will be recruited and randomized (1:1:1) to high-intensity rTMS, low-intensity rTMS, or sham rTMS. The control group will receive a 10-day course of conventional pelvic floor (PF) rehabilitation (neuromuscular stimulation, magnetic therapy, or light therapy of the PF). On the basis of conventional treatment, participants in the high-intensity rTMS group will receive pulses of 10 Hz with a resting motor threshold (RMT) of 110% for a total of 15,000 pulses. Participants in the low-intensity rTMS group will receive pulses of 10 Hz with an RMT of 80% with 15,000 pulses. The sham rTMS group will be subjected to sham stimulation with the same sound as produced by the real magnetic stimulation coil. The primary outcome will be determined using a visual analog scale, the Genitourinary Pain Index, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. The secondary outcome will be determined by electromyography of the surface of PF muscles at baseline and after treatment completion. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is approved by the Ethics Committee of Bao'an People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province (approval number: BYL20211203). The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at scientific conferences (Protocol version 1.0-20220709). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org.cn, ID: ChiCTR2200055615. Registered on 14 January 2022, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=146720 . Protocol version 1.0-20220709.

Effect of acupuncture on episodic memory for amnesia-type mild cognitive impairment: study protocol of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is the main subtype of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and has the highest risk of conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD) among all MCI subtypes. Episodic memory impairment is the early cognitive impairment of aMCI, which has become an important target for AD prevention. Previous clinical evidence has shown that acupuncture can improve the cognitive ability of MCI patients. This experiment aimed to observe the efficacy and neural mechanism of TiaoshenYizhi acupuncture on the episodic memory of patients with aMCI. METHODS: In this multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 360 aMCI participants will be recruited from six subcenters and randomly assigned to the acupuncture group, sham acupuncture group, and control group. The acupuncture group will receive TiaoshenYizhi (TSYZ) acupuncture, the sham acupuncture group will use streitberger sham acupuncture, and the control group will only receive free health education. Participants in the two acupuncture groups will receive real acupuncture treatment or placebo acupuncture three times per week, 24 sessions over 8 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome will be global cognitive ability. Secondary outcomes will be a specific cognitive domain, including episodic memory and execution ability, electroencephalogram, and functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and the fourth and eighth weeks after randomization. Repeated measurement analysis of variance and a mixed linear model will be used to observe the intervention effect. DISCUSSION: The protocol will give a detailed procedure to the multicenter clinical trial to further evaluate the efficacy and neural mechanism of TiaoshenYizhi acupuncture on episodic memory in patients with aMCI. From this research, we expect to provide clinical evidence for early aMCI management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=142612&htm=4 , identifier: ChiCTR2100054009.

Water microecology is affected by seasons but not sediments: A spatiotemporal dynamics survey of bacterial community composition in Lake Changshou-The largest artificial lake in southwest China.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between microecology of sediments and water as well as their spatial-temporal variations in Changshou Lake. The results demonstrated that microecology in the lake exhibits spatiotemporal heterogeneity, and microbial diversity of sediments was significantly higher than that of water body. Further, it was found that there was statistically insignificant positive correlation between microecology of sediments and that of water body. PCoA and community structure analysis revealed that the predominant phyla which exhibited significant spatial differences in sediments were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Planctomycetes. While, the distribution of dominant bacteria Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia in water body showed significant seasonal differences. Microbial networks analysis indicated that there was a cooperative symbiotic relationship between lake microbial communities. Notably, the same bacterial genus had no significant positive correlation in sediment and water, which suggested that bacteria transport between sediment-water interface does not influence the microecological functions of lake water.

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Cognitive Function in Adults 60 Years or Older With Type 2 Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with the progression of cognitive dysfunction. Physical activity benefits cognition, but no evidence from randomized clinical trials has shown whether tai chi chuan has better long-term benefits than fitness walking in cognitive function for patients with T2D and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Objective: To compare the effectiveness of tai chi chuan, a mind-body exercise, for improving cognitive function in older adults with T2D and MCI, with fitness walking. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted between June 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022, at 4 sites in China. Participants included 328 adults (aged ≥60 years) with a clinical diagnosis of T2D and MCI. Interventions: Participants were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to a tai chi chuan group, a fitness walking group, or a control group. The tai chi chuan group received 24-form simplified tai chi chuan. The fitness walking group received fitness walking training. Both exercise groups took the training for 60 min/session, 3 times/wk, for 24 weeks in a supervised setting. All 3 groups were provided with a 30-minute diabetes self-management education session, once every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. The participants were followed up for 36 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the global cognitive function measured at 36 weeks by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Secondary outcomes included MoCA at 24 weeks and other cognitive subdomain measures and blood metabolic indices at 24 and 36 weeks. Results: A total of 328 participants (mean [SD] age, 67.55 [5.02] years; mean [SD] T2D duration, 10.48 [6.81] years; 167 [50.9%] women) were randomized to the tai chi chuan group (n = 107), fitness walking group (n = 110), or control group (n = 111) and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. At 36 weeks, the tai chi chuan group showed improved MoCA scores compared with the fitness walking group (mean [SD], 24.67 [2.72] vs 23.84 [3.17]; between-group mean difference, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.02-1.66]; P = .046) in the intention-to-treat analysis. The per-protocol analysis data set and subgroup analysis at 36 weeks showed similar results. Based on the generalized linear models, the treatment effects were similar in each group after adjusting for self-reported dietary calories and physical activity. There were 37 nonserious adverse events (tai chi chuan group, 8; fitness walking group, 13; control group, 16) unrelated to the study with no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups (P = .26). Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial including older adults with T2D and MCI, tai chi chuan was more effective than fitness walking in improving global cognitive function. The findings support a long-term benefit, suggesting the potential clinical use of tai chi chuan as an exercise intervention to improve cognitive function for older adults with T2D and MCI. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04416841.

Modulatory effects of acupuncture on resting-state networks: a functional MRI study combining independent component analysis and multivariate Granger causality analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate acupuncture specificity by exploring causal relationships of brain networks following acupuncture at GB40 (Qiuxu), with the acupoint KI3 (Taixi) as a control (belonging to the same nerve segment but different meridians). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Needling at acupoints GB40 and KI3 was performed in 12 subjects separately. The specific coherent patterns, resting-state networks (RSNs), were retrieved by independent component analysis (ICA) from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of resting state and post-acupuncture resting states, respectively. Then multivariate Granger causality analysis (mGCA) was applied to evaluate the effective connectivity within and among the detected RSNs-default model, memory, executive, auditory, and motor brain networks. RESULTS: Following acupuncture at GB40, the strength of causal connectivity between the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and anterior insula was enhanced, while the connection strength between the STG and postcentral gyrus increased following acupuncture at KI3. Additionally, the causal influences within the auditory network increased following acupuncture at GB40, in comparison with the executive network following acupuncture at KI3. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that acupuncture at different acupoints could exert different modulatory effects on RSNs. Our findings may help to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying acupuncture specificity.