Neuroinflammation Mediates Faster Brachial Plexus Regeneration in Subjects with Cerebral Injury / 神经科学通报·英文版

Our previous investigation suggested that faster seventh cervical nerve (C7) regeneration occurs in patients with cerebral injury undergoing contralateral C7 transfer. This finding needed further verification, and the mechanism remained largely unknown. Here, Tinel’s test revealed faster C7 regeneration in patients with cerebral injury, which was further confirmed in mice by electrophysiological recordings and histological analysis. Furthermore, we identified an altered systemic inflammatory response that led to the transformation of macrophage polarization as a mechanism underlying the increased nerve regeneration in patients with cerebral injury. In mice, we showed that, as a contributing factor, serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1) promoted C7 regeneration and interfered with macrophage polarization in vivo. Our results indicate that altered inflammation promotes the regenerative capacity of the C7 nerve by altering macrophage behavior. SAA1 may be a therapeutic target to improve the recovery of injured peripheral nerves.

Effects of electroacupuncture frequency on nerve function and synaptic associated proteins PSD-95 and GAP-43 in rats with cerebral ischemia / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observed the effects of electroacupuncture frequency on the nerve function and postsynaptic destination-95 (PSD-95), growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in brain tissue of rats with cerebral ischemia were observed.Methods:Healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, sham operation group, model group and 2 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz electroacupuncture groups. MCAO models were prepared in each group, except blank group and sham operation group. After modeling, Qiansanli and Waiguan acupoints were given stimulation with 2 Hz, 50 Hz and 100 Hz respectively in 2 Hz electroacupuncture group, 50 Hz electroacupuncture group and 100 Hz electroacupuncture group, 1 time/d and 20 min/time for 21 consecutive days. All groups were scored by Bederson score on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21th day after operation. The ultrastructure of synapses was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the positive expression of PSD-95 and GAP-43 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results:After modeling 7, 14 and 21 days, compared with the model group, the Bederson behavioral score (1.70 ± 0.52 vs. 2.40 ± 0.56, 1.20 ± 0.65 vs. 2.30 ± 0.46, 0.70 ± 0.72 vs. 2.00 ± 0.86) in 50 Hz electroacupuncture group significantly decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). The expression of PSD-95 (58.67 ± 1.72, 55.22 ± 2.45, 60.10 ± 2.49 vs. 70.87 ± 2.34) intergral optical density of rats’ cortex in 2 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz electroacupuncture groups significantly decreased ( P<0.01), the expression of GAP-43 in 2 Hz and 50 Hz electroacupuncture groups (58.89 ± 1.28, 64.76 ± 3.94 vs. 53.24 ± 2.58) significantly increased ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Electroacupuncture with different frequency can improve motor nerve disfunction of cerebral ischemia rats, and 50 Hz electroacupuncture group showed the most obvious effect. It can regulate PSD-95 and GAP-43 expressions of ischemic area, lower neural excitatory toxicity, increase neuronal axon regeneration and exert the neural protect function.

Neuroinflammation Mediates Faster Brachial Plexus Regeneration in Subjects with Cerebral Injury / 神经科学通报·英文版

Our previous investigation suggested that faster seventh cervical nerve (C7) regeneration occurs in patients with cerebral injury undergoing contralateral C7 transfer. This finding needed further verification, and the mechanism remained largely unknown. Here, Tinel's test revealed faster C7 regeneration in patients with cerebral injury, which was further confirmed in mice by electrophysiological recordings and histological analysis. Furthermore, we identified an altered systemic inflammatory response that led to the transformation of macrophage polarization as a mechanism underlying the increased nerve regeneration in patients with cerebral injury. In mice, we showed that, as a contributing factor, serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1) promoted C7 regeneration and interfered with macrophage polarization in vivo. Our results indicate that altered inflammation promotes the regenerative capacity of the C7 nerve by altering macrophage behavior. SAA1 may be a therapeutic target to improve the recovery of injured peripheral nerves.

Professor 's experience of four elements of acupuncture manipulation practice / 中国针灸

Through collecting the 30-year medical experience of professor , the methods of acupuncture manipulation practice were summarized so as to provide the reference for the medical staffs in acupuncture teaching and clinical work. Professor proposes four key elements of acupuncture manipulation practice, i.e. the style of needling practice, the consciousness of needling practice, the strength of needling practice and of needling practice. Acupuncture manipulation is a highly operational clinical skill. The knowledge learning from the experience of the instructors is the important way to improve acupuncture techniques. Besides, beginners need to improve their techniques through learning the theories, a large amount of exercises as well as the self-perception.

Coagulation and immune function indicators for monitoring of coronavirus disease 2019 and the clinical significance / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the significance of coagulation and immune function indicators in clinical diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).@*METHODS@#All patients with COVID-19 diagnosed and treated in First People's Hospital of Yueyang from January to March 2020 were enrolled. The general data of patients were collected. The patients were assigned into a light group (=20), an ordinary group (=33), a severe group (=23), and a critically severe group (=7) according to the severity of the disease. Coagulation and immune function indicators of each group were compared, and the relevance of coagulation and immune function indicators was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The age of COVID-19 patients in Yueyang City was mainly between 45 and 65 years old. There was a significant difference in the coagulation function and immune-related indicators in each group of patients (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#There are some abnormalities in coagulation and immune function in patients with COVID-19, which possess significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Report on the disciplinary development of acupuncture-moxibustion and in 24 colleges and universities of TCM in China from 2013 to 2017 / 中国针灸

The questionnaire of was issued to 24 colleges and universities of TCM in China. The questionnaire systematically investigated the recent disciplinary development of acupuncture-moxibustion and from the aspects of specialty construction, student enrollment, faculty construction, personnel training quality, teaching quality and scientific research results. As a result, from 2013 to October of 2017, the above aspects in 24 colleges and universities of TCM in China showed an increasing trend year by year. Based on this survey, this report aimed to fully reflect the disciplinary development of acupuncture-moxibustion and in China, which could analyze the current situation for education departments and training units, and provide data reference and support for acupuncture and discipline to become a first-class discipline.

Analysis on Death Cases of Oncology Department of the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine During 2007-2016 / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To analyze the death cases of the oncology inpatients of the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (hereinafter referred to as "this hospital") during 2007-2016; To provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of cancer, prognosis improvement and rational allocation of TCM health resources. Methods The death cases of the oncology inpatients from 2007 to 2016 were analyzed by retrospective medical history method from the aspects of causes of death, hospitalization costs and survival time. Results There were 830 death cases of the oncology inpatients in the hospital during 2007-2016, with 548 males and 282 females, and the mortality rate decreased year by year. The average hospitalization costs for patients was 39 630.86 yuan, of which TCM treatment cost 6206.98 yuan (15.66%). Patients with colon cancer had the highest proportion of TCM treatment costs (20.10%), followed by lung cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer. The top five causes of death were lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer. The sex ratio of patients who died of lung cancer was 1.61:1. The average survival time of male patients was 446.3 days, which was far lower than the 738.3 days of female patients. The cancers with long-term survival periods were cervical cancer, breast cancer, and rectal cancer. The cancers with shorter survival periods were pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer. Conclusion The structure of death causes of the oncology inpatients in the hospital has a certain degree of representation. The prevention and control of lung cancer, especially male lung cancer should be strengthened; TCM health resources and prevention should be utilized rationally; the prognosis of patients with liver cancer should be improved, to improve the overall survival and quality of life of patients with breast cancer or cervical cancer, which is important for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumor.

Correlation between small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis / 临床检验杂志

Objective To evaluate the association between small,dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C)and severity of coronary atherosclerosis disease (CAD).Methods A total of 436 outpatients with suspected coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) and underwent coronary computed tomography (CT) were consecutively enrolled from July 2015 to March 2016 in Fuwai Hospital.Correlations between serum sdLDL-C and the severity of CAD including characteristics of plaque,the number of stenosed coronary vessels,the degree of stenosis were analyzed.Results sdLDL-C was positively correlated with apolipoprotein B (apoB),triglyceride (TG),total cholesterol (TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),blood glucose (Glu)with the coefficient correlation 0.644,0.631,0.558,0.434 and 0.145 successively(P ＜ 0.01),and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r =-0.241,P ＜ 0.01).sdLDL-C and apoB were the risk factors for severe CAD (triple-vessel disease and severe stenosis),independent of traditional risk factors (age,gender,hypertension,diabetes,smoking,alcohol consumption)and the use of lipidlowering agents.For the patients with triple-vessel disease,odds ratio of LDL-C,sdLDL-C and apoB were 1.936,2.673 and 31.707 respectively.For the patients with severe stenosis,LDL-C was not an independent factor,while sdLDL-C and apoB still had predictive value (odds ratio were 2.000 and 9.457 respectively).Conclusion sdLDL-C should be a predictor of severe CAD independent of traditional risk factors that may be useful for further risk stratification in the patients with CAD.

Application and analysis of abdominal aortic branch malperfusion pattern in thoracic endovascular aortic repair for Stanford B aortic dissection / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To evaluate the efficiency of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in dealing with abdominal aortic branch malperfusion based on the analysis of aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) images in pre-and post-TEVAR.Methods:Retrospective analysis from September 2015 to March 2016 in single institution to 32 patients,diagnosed as Stanford B aortic dissection with abdominal aortic branch malperfusion,CTA images in pre-and post-TEVAR were collected.Based on the aortic branch malperfusion pattern redefined by Nagamine,we identified and characterized branch malperfusion pattern for four abdominal aortic branches (celiac trunk,superior mesenteric artery,bilateral renal artery) in statistical analysis.Results:In the four abdominal aortic branches (total 128 branches),86 branches (67.2％) expressed with Class Ⅰ patterns,in which subtype Ⅰ-b presented with 0.8％,subtype Ⅰ-c with 5.5％;14 branches (10.9％) expressed with Class Ⅱ patterns,in which subtype Ⅱ-b-1 with 3.9％,subtype Ⅱ-b-2 with 3.1％;16 branches (12.5％) expressed with Class Ⅲ patterns,all with subtype Ⅲ-a,no subtype Ⅲ-b and Ⅲ-c presented.The remaining 12 branches were normal.The 100％ successful rate of TEVAR obtained in 32 patients performed.The mean following-up was 4 months.Aortic CTA showed that among the 14 "high-risk" abdominal aortic branch malperfusion,13 (92.9％) with obvious branch malperfusion in post-TEVAR were observed to improve,and the remaining one branch malperfusion (7.1％) was observed to change from subtype Ⅰ-b to Ⅰ-c.Conclusion:Few ratios in abdominal aortic branches suffered with obvious malperfusion complicated by Stanford B aortic dissection.For branches with "high-risk" malperfusion pattern,optimal changes were observed in abdominal aortic branch without revascularization in post-TEVAR,as well other branches with non-" high-risk" pattern perfusion were mostly stable in post-TEVAR.It could be of profound benefit to extend branch malperfusion patterns redefined by Nagamine in clinical practice to assess aortic dissection and in further guide for revascularization or not.

Acupoint Thread Embedding plus Western Medication for Bronchial Asthma in Remission Stage: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the efficacy of acupoint thread embedding in treating bronchial asthma in remission stage and how it controls the acute attack, the length of interval, and severity of symptoms during the attack. Method Thirty subjects were selected as the treatment group by using the random number table following the visiting sequence, to receive acupoint thread embedding plus Western medication; thirty cases in the control group were given Western medication alone, both for 3 months. The pulmonary function and eosinophil count were compared before and after the intervention, as well as the symptoms scores during the acute attack. Result There were significant differences in most parameters between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupoint thread embedding can produce a positive effect in preventing and treating bronchial asthma in remission stage.

Effect of electroacupuncture on expressions of VEGF and CD31 in MCAO model rats / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1)/CD31 around the cerebral infarction focus in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats and the possible mechanism, thus to provide a new strategy for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke by acupuncture. Methods:A total of 180 healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an acupoint group and a non-acupoint group, 45 rats in each group. MCAO model was established using the modified line-embolus method in all rats except for those in the sham operation group; rats in the acupoint group were treated with EA at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23); rats in the non-acupoint group were treated with EA at the control points; rats in other 2 groups were only subjected to bundling without treatment. Ten rats in each group were randomly selected on the 3rd day, the 14th day and the 21st day after acupuncture stimulation to test the neurological function impairment. The expression levels of CD31 and VEGF were also detected. Results:Compared with the model group and non-acupoint group, the neurological function score of the acupoint group was decreased at each time point, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expressions of VEGF and CD31 in each group were the lowest on the 3rd day, reached the peak on the 14th day and still remained at high level on the 21st day. And the differences among groups were statistically significant both on the 14th day and the 21st day (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group, the expressions of VEGF and CD31 in the acupoint group were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (allP<0.05). Conclusion: EA at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) can significantly improve the neurological function score of MCAO model rats, and shows protective effect on cerebral ischemia. The protective mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of CD31 and VEGF expression around the cerebral infarction focus in the MCAO model rats and induction of angiogenesis.

Effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 in rats with knee osteoarthritis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group and an acupuncture-moxibustion group by random digits table, 10 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the acupuncture-moxibustion group were injected with papain in the right posterior knee joint to prepare the models. The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in rat synovium of each group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 2 weeks of treatment. The level of TGF-β1 was determined by Motic B5 Micro-camera system. Results:The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the cartilage of the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (allP<0.01); the levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were higher than those in the blank control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The level of TGF-β1 in cartilage tissues of the model group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group (P<0.01); the level of TGF-β1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05), but it was lower than that in the blank control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively recover the abnormal expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in KOA model rats and somewhat up-regulate TGF-β1, which may be one of its mechanisms of acupuncture plus thunder-fire for KOA.

The relationship between the level of serum lipid and homocysteine with cerebral infarction / 预防医学

Objective To investigate the correlation between cerebral infarction and homocysteine (Hcy) level and atherosclerosis index (ASI) , and to provide reference for prevention and treatment of cerebral infarction. Methods 2525 patients hospitalized with cerebral infarction and 8151 healthy subjects were included in the study, the blood serum homocysteine and blood lipid levels were detected by enzymatic cycling and enzymatic method, and the ASI was calculated according to the results of blood lipid test. The risk factors of cerebral infarction were analyzed by logistic regression analysis model. Results The Physical examination Health Group male 4952, female 3199, average (45.65±10.77) years old, in the cerebral infarction Group male 1590 cases, female 935, average (65.47±12.16) years old. A total of 360 patients with high homocysteine were detected in the Health examination group, the detection rate was 4.42%, the cerebral infarction group detected 268 patients with high homocysteine, the detection rate was 10.61%, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01) . Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.147, 95%CI: 1.140~1.154), homocysteine (OR=1.022, 95% CI: 1.010 ~1.035) and total cholesterol (OR=2.815, 95% CI: 2.603 ~3.045) level, ASI (OR=1.914, 95%CI: 1.794~2.042) are the risk factors of cerebral infarction, women (OR=0.694, 95%CI: 0.606~0.697) are the protective factors for the occurrence of cerebral infarction. Conclusion Serum homocysteine and total cholesterol levels, ASI elevated can increase the risk of cerebral infarction, regular detection of serum homocysteine and lipid levels can help early detection and prevention of cerebral infarction.

Safflower Injection combined with alprostadil and sildenafil treats the chronic pulmonary heart disease complicated with pulmonary hypertension / 中成药

AIM To observe the effect of Safflower Injection (safflower yellow) combined with alprostadil and sildenafil in the treatment of chronic pulmonary heart disease (chronic cor pulmonale) complicated with pulmonary hypertension.METHODS Two hundred and twenty-three cases of chronic pulmonary heart disease complicated with pulmonary hypertension patients were randomly divided into two groups,the control group of one hundred and eleven cases in conventional therapy plus alprostadil and sildenafil,one hundred and twelve cases in the treatment group were treated with Safflower Injection on the basis of the control group.The efficacy and side effects in two groups were observed.RESULTS The total effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group.Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (SPAP),pulmonary arterial mean pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary artery diastolic blood pressure (DPAP) in two groups,compared with those before the treatment,were significantly decreased,left ventricular shoot ejection fraction (LVEF),compared with those before treatment,was significantly increased;SPAP,mPAP and DPAP of treatment group after the treatment were decreased significantly as compared with the control group,LVEF was significantly increased.Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) in two groups,compared with those before the treatment,were significantly increased,carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2),compared with those before the treatment,was significantly decreased;after treatment in the treatment group,PaO2 was significantly increased as compared with the control group.Blood high shear viscosity,whole blood viscosity at low shear,plasma viscosity,red blood cell pressure volume and platelet aggregation rate in two groups were significantly lower than those before the treatment;whole blood high shear viscosity,whole blood viscosity of low shear,plasma viscosity and platelet aggregation rate in the treatment group,compared with the control group,were decreased significantly.High sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP),creatine kinase (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin Ⅰ (TnⅠ) in two groups,compared with those before the treatment,were significantly reduced;after the treatment,hs-CRP,CK-MB and TnⅠ in the treatment group,compared with the control group,were decreased significantly.There was no difference in incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.There were no significant changes in liver and renal functions before and after the treatment in two groups.CONCLUSION Safflower Injection combined with alprostadil and sildenafil in the treatment of chronic pulmonary heart disease complicated with pulmonary hypertension has a good curative effect.

Professor's experience in the acupoint selection of clinical treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

Professor's experience in the acupoint selection of clinical treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion was summarized. The main acupoints are selected by focusing on the chief symptoms of disease, the supplementary points are selected by differentiating the disorders. The acupoints are modified in terms of the changes of sickness. The effective acupoints are selected flexibly in accordance with the specific effects of points. The summary on the acupoint selection reflects professor's academic thoughts and clinical experience and effectively instructs the clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Analysis on the Correlation between TCM Syndromes and Inflammatory Reaction and Body Temperature Changes of Acute and Subacute Deep Vein Thrombosis / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between inflammatory cells, body temperature changes, and TCM syndromes of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) patients in acute and subacute phases. Methods The data of age, gender, body temperature, blood routine, venous ultrasonography, and four diagnostic information of 130 DVT patients in acute and subcute phases were collected and analyzed in a cross-sectional study. The correlation between inflammatory cells and the changes of body temperature and TCM syndromes were analyzed. Results Among 130 DVT patients, 37 patients had damp-heat syndrome, 64 patients had blood stasis and dampness syndrome, and 29 patients had qi stagnation syndrome. Neutrophils increased most obviously in blood stasis and dampness syndrome (P<0.05), which had close correlation with the skin redness (OR=1.287, 95%CI: 9.412-21.247). The mononuclear cells increased most obviously in the damp-heat syndrome, which has close correlation with nouhof (OR=7.364, 95%CI:1.189–45.603), high skin temperature (OR=6.683, 95%CI:1.791–24.938), skin tightness (OR=6.107, 95%CI:1.423–26.203) and weakness (OR=3.302, 95%CI: 1.002–9.169). The temperature rising was the most common in the damp-heat syndrome, and the increase of mononuclear cells was the most common one. Conclusion DVT is often accompanied with elevated levels of inflammatory cells and body temperature. Damp-heat syndrome has close correlation with body temperature and mononuclear cells increasing. Dampness and blood stasis syndrome and neutrophils are closely related.

Effect of electroacupuncture on expressions of VEGF and CD31 in MCAO model rats / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1)/CD31 around the cerebral infarction focus in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats and the possible mechanism, thus to provide a new strategy for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke by acupuncture. Methods:A total of 180 healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an acupoint group and a non-acupoint group, 45 rats in each group. MCAO model was established using the modified line-embolus method in all rats except for those in the sham operation group; rats in the acupoint group were treated with EA at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23); rats in the non-acupoint group were treated with EA at the control points; rats in other 2 groups were only subjected to bundling without treatment. Ten rats in each group were randomly selected on the 3rd day, the 14th day and the 21st day after acupuncture stimulation to test the neurological function impairment. The expression levels of CD31 and VEGF were also detected. Results:Compared with the model group and non-acupoint group, the neurological function score of the acupoint group was decreased at each time point, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expressions of VEGF and CD31 in each group were the lowest on the 3rd day, reached the peak on the 14th day and still remained at high level on the 21st day. And the differences among groups were statistically significant both on the 14th day and the 21st day (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group, the expressions of VEGF and CD31 in the acupoint group were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (allP<0.05). Conclusion: EA at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) can significantly improve the neurological function score of MCAO model rats, and shows protective effect on cerebral ischemia. The protective mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of CD31 and VEGF expression around the cerebral infarction focus in the MCAO model rats and induction of angiogenesis.

Effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 in rats with knee osteoarthritis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group and an acupuncture-moxibustion group by random digits table, 10 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the acupuncture-moxibustion group were injected with papain in the right posterior knee joint to prepare the models. The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in rat synovium of each group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 2 weeks of treatment. The level of TGF-β1 was determined by Motic B5 Micro-camera system. Results:The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the cartilage of the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (allP<0.01); the levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were higher than those in the blank control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The level of TGF-β1 in cartilage tissues of the model group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group (P<0.01); the level of TGF-β1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05), but it was lower than that in the blank control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively recover the abnormal expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in KOA model rats and somewhat up-regulate TGF-β1, which may be one of its mechanisms of acupuncture plus thunder-fire for KOA.

Research Status of Acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) for Insomnia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To summarize the theoretic evidence of Shenmen (HT7) Point in the treatment of insomnia and its action mechanism, for guiding clinical application. Method The reasons and evidences for using acupuncture at Shenmen to treat insomnia were summarized from the following 3 aspects: records in the ancient literatures, clinical application, and modern medical studies. Result Acupuncture at Shenmen can produce a calming and sedative effect, and it should be one of the optimal choices for treating insomnia due to its significant efficacy; it calms the mind and improves sleep quality via activating the nervous center for regulating sleep and promoting the secretion of neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in brain. Conclusion Acupuncture at Shenmen is an effective method is treating insomnia.

Analysis of Compatibility Laws for Acupoint Selection of Acupuncture in Treating Diabetic Gastroparasis / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize and analyze the compatibility laws for acupoint selection of acupuncture in treating diabetic gastroparasis (DGP) in modern literatures of clinical researches.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrieved were literatures related to treating DGP by acupuncture or acupuncture combined other therapies from PubMed, CNKI, and WF from 1982 to 2014. Analyzed were frequency of acupoint use, meridians selected acupoints belonged to, regions selected, association laws of selected compatible acupoints.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Retrieved were 35 with compatibility frequencies more than 15 listed as follows: compatibility frequency of Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12) was 33 (94.29%); compatibility frequency of Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) was 23 (65.71%), compatibility frequency of Zhongwan (CV12) and Neiguan (PC6) was 22 (62.86%), compatibility frequency of Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), and Neiguan (PC6) was 22 (62.86%); compatibility frequency of Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) was 16 (45.71%); compatibility frequency of Zhongwan (CV12) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) was 16 (45.71%); compatibility frequency of Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) was 15 (42.86%). Meridians selected acupoints belonged to were sequenced as Foot Yangming Stomach channel, Ren channel, Foot Taiyang Bladder channel, and so on. Acupoints selected were mainly in lower limbs, chest and abdomen, waist and back. The compatibility of Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12) was the most often used with the highest frequency.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The compatibility laws for acupoint selection of acupuncture in treating DGP were mainly dominated as upper-lower selection, three regions selection, local selection, anterior-posterior selection. The compatibility laws for acupoint selection of acupuncture along meridians were mainly dominated as the convergence points and exterior-interior meridian points.</p>