Community intervention study of viscera massage in overweight/obese type 2 diabetes high-risk population.

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes is an intermediate metabolic state between normoglycemia and diabetes. Without intervention, prediabetes often progresses to diabetes and prediabetes is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, renal disease, and dementia. Lifestyle modification play a major role in controlling prediabetes. But lifestyle interventions are often with poor compliance and side effects of drugs are often be dislike by people. As a non-invasive therapy with no side effects, abdominal massage (AM), also called viscera massage in China, has been used to treat prediabetes and obesity-associated diseases. The gut microbiota has been recognized as an important factor in the development of metabolic diseases. Individuals with prediabetes have aberrant intestinal microbiota character. Colonic transport time and stool consistency are strongly associated with gut microbiota. Viscera massage can ease constipation by reducing colonic transport time and promoting intestinal motility. We can infer that viscera massage can modulate composition of gut microbiota affects human metabolism. So, in this trial, we will explore the mechanism of viscera massage on prediabetes from the perspective of intestinal microbiota. METHODS AND DESIGN: Eighty prediabetes individuals will be recruited for this study. Eighty prediabetes individuals will be divided into lifestyle intervention group and viscera massage + lifestyle intervention group by a simple random method. Each group will have 40 individuals. The manipulation of the viscera massage + lifestyle intervention group will be mainly carried out through rubbing the abdomen, kneading abdomen, vibrating abdomen, and pressing the abdomen, 30 minutes per time, once a day, with 2 days off every 5 days. Lifestyle interventions will be performed by combining pushing healthy lifestyle guidance information through Wechat application and giving face-to-face advice together daily. The lifestyle intervention group will receive healthy lifestyle intervention only. All the intervention will be conducted for 4 weeks. Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio will be measured at the last day of every week. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood-glucose, 2-hour post-meal blood glucose (2hPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index will be tested at the first day and last day of the intervention course. The fecal samples of subjects will be gathered at the first day and last day of the intervention course and will be performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic detection. Finally, the effect and potential mechanism of viscera massage on prediabetes will be discussed in combination with all the results. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will be used to verify the effect of AM on prediabetes and explore the mechanism of AM on prediabetes from the perspective of gut microbiota.

[Preliminary observation on imbalance degree of impedance in extracellular fluid of cells in the twelve meridians in healthy subjects].

OBJECTIVE: To calculate the imbalance degree (IBD) of left-right meridian (IBD-LRM), IBD of exterior-interior meridian (IBD-EIM) and IBD of hand-foot meridians (IBD-HFM) of impedance in extracellular fluid of cells in twelve meridians of healthy subjects, so as to provide foundation for meridian diagnosis. METHODS: A total of 31 healthy volunteers were enrolled and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) was applied. The constant current (from 1 to 100 kHz, 200 µA) was connected into the bilateral twelve meridians through two excitation electrodes with a distance of 10 cm. Two measuring electrodes, with an interval of 5 cm, were set in between the two excitation electrodes to collect the voltage amplitude and phase. The Cole-Cole curve fitting was used to calculate the impedance of extracellular fluid of cells in the twelve meridians; the IBD-LRM, IBD-EIM and IBD-HFM as well as their absolute values were calculated. RESULTS: The impedance of extracellular fluid in the left side was higher than that in right side in the large intestine meridian, the small intestine meridian and the bladder meridian (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mean value of IBD-LRM of extracellular fluid was (4.0±1.4) %; the mean value of absolute value of IBD-LRM was (15.0±1.1) %; the maximum absolute value of IBD-LRM was the bladder meridian. The mean value of IBD-EIM was (3.3±1.0) %; the mean value of absolute value of IBD-EIM was (17.9±1.6) %; the maximum absolute value of IBD-EIM was the bladder meridian and the kidney meridian. The impedance of extracellular fluid of hand jueyin meridian, hand taiyin meridian and hand shaoyin meridian were lower than those of foot meridians. The mean value of IBD-HFM was (-2.6±1.1) %; the mean value of absolute value of IBD-HFM was (19.7±1.7) %; the maximum absolute value of IBD-HFM was shaoyang meridian; the imbalance of yin meridians was greater than yang meridians. There were significant differences in impedance of extracellular fluid between left and right and between hands and feet (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The extracellular fluid of left-right meridians of healthy subjects is different, but the absolute value of IBD is low; the mean value of exterior meridian and interior meridian is very close, and the absolute value of IBD is medium; the impedance of the foot meridians are greater than the hand meridians, and the absolute value of IBD is relatively high.

[Comparison of Extracellular and Intracellular Fluid Distribution Between Stomach Meridian or Gallbladder Meridian and Their Neighboring Tissues of Lower Leg in Healthy Volunteers].

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences of extracellular fluid impedance (Re) and intracellular fluid impedance (Ri) between the Stomach(ST) Meridian or Gallbladder(GB) Meridian and their neighboring non-meridian sites of the left lower leg at the same level, so as to explore the distribution characteristics of body fluid in the meridian. METHODS: Sixteen healthy volunteers were enrolled in the present study. The Re and Ri were detected by using Ag/AgCl electrodes and a digital lock-in amplifier. The measuring electrodes (at an interval of about 3 cm) were separately fixed to the skin sites covering the running courses of the ST Meridian (in the lateral interspace of the anterior tibial muscle)and the GB Meridian (in the interspace of the anterior edge of the fibula), and the excitation electrodes (at an interval of about 9 cm) respectively fixed to the skin sites covering the anterior tibial muscle and the interspace between the anterior tibial muscle and the tibia (about 2 cm and 5 cm lateral to the ST and GB meridians, and about 3－4 cm and 6－8 cm lateral to the ST and GB meridians, respectively). A 100 µA constant current with frequencies from 1 kHz to 100 kHz delivered via an excitation electrode was applied to the site (control spots of the ST Meridian), and signals of the voltage amplitude and phase difference of the tissues fed to the lock-in amplifier via the measuring electrode were collected, followed by measuring those of the GB Meridian and control sites. The circumference of the lower leg around the two excitation and measuring electrodes was measured. Then the cole-cole curve fitting was performed to calculate the Ri and Re, as well as the intracellular fluid resistivity (ρi) and extracellular fluid resistivity (ρe) of the ST and GB meridians, the related muscles and interspace lateral to ST or GB (ST/GB) meridians at the same level. RESULTS: The Ri and Re (Ω) values of the ST, GB, the muscle lateral to ST/GB and the interspace lateral to ST/GB were 19.1±1.3 and 28.3±1.4, 15.8±1.9 and 25.7±2.0, 19.6±1.3 and 31.3±1.6, and 19.4±1.2 and 32.4±1.6, respectively. The Re values were significantly lower at the ST and GB meridians than at the muscle lateral to and the interspace lateral to both meridians (P<0.05). The ρi and ρe values (Ω•cm) of the ST, GB, the muscle lateral to and the interspace lateral to ST/GB were 658.9±78.5 and 953.8±75.3, 528.0±90.1 and 833.9±101.7, 669.9±71.8 and 1 059.8±86.0, 655.9±64.8 and 1 099.3±93.3, respectively. The ρi and ρe values were significantly lower at the GB Meridian Than at the other three locntions, and the ρe value of ST Meridian was significantly lower than those of the muscle lateral to and the interspace lateral to ST/GB meridians (P<0.01)．. CONCLUSION: The Ri, Re, ρi and ρe values of the ST and GB meridians are significantly lower than those of their neighboring tissues at the same levels of the lower leg, suggesting a more extracellular fluid in the meridian running course and providing evidence for our speculation that the meridian is a hydraulic resistance channel.

[Comparison of the effects of the intervention with electric thermal bian stone and air suction cup on blood perfusion at meridian points].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the impacts of the intervention with electric thermal bian stone and air suction cup on blood perfusion (BP) at meridian points and explore the approach of accurate measurement and regulation of meridian qi and blood balance in "precise acupuncture". METHODS: The laser Doppler line scanner (LDLS) was used to measure BP at bilateral yuan-primary points at the pericardium meridian, the triple energizer meridian, the gallbladder meridian and the liver meridian (small cycle of jueyin to shaoyang meridians) at 31 healthy receptors. The bias ratio of blood perfusion (BPBR) deviated to the reference value was calculated. The electric thermal bian stone and air suction cup were used in the intervention at the he-sea points of the affected meridians in which BPBR was relatively higher at the yuan-primary points. The electric thermal bian stone therapy was used when BPBR was less than -30% and the air suction cupping therapy was used when BPBR was higher than 30%. BP was measured twice before intervention and it was measured separately at the moment after intervention and in 20 min after intervention. The means of BP before and after intervention and the change ratio of blood perfusion (BPCR) before intervention, at the moment after intervention and 20 min after intervention were calculated. RESULTS: 1. After the intervention of electric thermal bian stone, BP mean was increased from (103.51±41.21) PU to (121.97±56.22) PU (P<0.05). Before intervention, at the moment after intervention and 20 min after intervention, separately, BRCR were (-0.58±16.18)%, (23.58±48.85) % and (25.62±65.89) %. BPCR at the moment after treatment was increased significantly as compared with that before intervention (P<0.01). The difference was not significant in 20 min after intervention and before intervention (P>0.05), but the change ratio was highly remained. 2. After intervention with air suction cup, BP mean was reduced from (194.83±81.14) PU to (173.88±88.26) PU. Before intervention, at the moment after intervention and 20 min after intervention, separately, BPCR were (7.62±30.49)%, (-12.12±18.20)% and (-14.35±21.25)%. BPCR at the moment after intervention and in 20 min after intervention were significantly different from that before intervention (both P<0.01). . CONCLUSION: The electric thermal bian stone increases the blood flow at the yuan-primary point when acting on the he-sea point of the same meridian. The influence of the air suction cup is opposite.

[Preliminary Observation on Imbalance Degree of Blood Perfusion on the Twelve Yuan-source Points in Healthy Subjects].

OBJECTIVE: To lay a foundation for meridian diagnosis by measuring the blood perfusion (BP) on yuan-source points of twelve meridians and calculating the normal range of imbalance degree (IBD) of left and right meridian (IBD-LRM), IBD of exterior-interior meridian (IBD-EIM) and IBD of hand-foot of the same name meridians (IBD-HFM) in healthy subjects. METHODS: BP at yuan-source points of twelve meridians was measured on 31 healthy volunteers by a Laser Doppler Line Scanner (LDLS). BP distribution and IBD-LRM, IBD-EIM, IBD-HFM were calculated. RESULTS: (1) Of the twelve meridians, BP was almost equal between the left and right of the same meridian. The mean value of IBD-LRM was (0.8±7.0)%. The absolute value of IBD-LRM ranged from (13.2±12.0)% to (22.9±15.6)%, with the mean value of (16.2±4.1)%, the IBD of gallbladder meridian of foot-shaoyang was the highest. (2) Of the six pairs of exterior-interior meridians, five pairs manifested as the interior (yin) meridians being larger than the exterior (yang) meridians in BP. The mean value of IBD-EIM was (-11.4±10.4)%. The absolute value of IBD-EIM ranged from (16.6±12.1)% to (36.6±15.6)%,with the mean value of (25.2±8.0)%, the IBD between pericardium meridian of hand-jueyin and triple energizer meridian of hand-shaoyang was the highest. (3)All of the hand-foot of the same name meridians were found hand meridians being larger than foot in BP. The mean value of IBD-HFM was (38.8±18.2)%.The absolute value of IBD-HFM ranged from (34.4±20.9)% to (59.6±12.0)%, with the mean value of (43.8±13.3)%, and IBD between heart meridian of hand-shaoyin and kidney meridian of foot-shaoyin was the highest. (4) The order of IBD absolute value in BP was the same as transcutaneous CO2 emission (TCE) measured before, and their IBD-LRM absolute values were close to each other. However, the absolute values of IBD-EIM and IBD-HFM existed some differences. CONCLUSIONS: The IBD-LRM of the twelve yuan-source points in BP of healthy subjects is small and in a balance state, but IBD-EIM and IBD-HFM are relatively high.

Identification and characterization of a laccase from Litopenaeus vannamei involved in anti-bacterial host defense.

Phenoloxidases (POs) are a family of enzymes including tyrosinases, catecholases and laccases, which play an important role in immune defences of various invertebrates. Whether or not laccase exists in shrimp and its function is still poorly understood. In this study, a laccase (LvLac) was cloned and identified from Litopenaeus vannamei for the first time. The full length of LvLac is 3406 bp, including a 2034 bp open reading frame (ORF) coding for a putative protein of 677 amino acids with a signal peptide of 33 aa. LvLac contains three Cu-oxidase domains with copper binding centers formed by 10 histidines, one cysteine and one methionine, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LvLac was close to insects laccase 1 family. LvLac expression was most abundant in heart and the crude LvLac protein could catalyze the oxidation of hydroquinone. Real-time PCR showed that LvLac expression was responsive to Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Micrococcus lysodeikticus and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. Knockdown of LvLac enhanced the sensitivity of shrimps to V. parahaemolyticus and M. lysodeikticus challenge, suggesting that LvLac may play a positive role against bacterial pathogens.

Pore structure characterization of Chang-7 tight sandstone using MICP combined with N2GA techniques and its geological control factors.

Understanding the pore networks of unconventional tight reservoirs such as tight sandstones and shales is crucial for extracting oil/gas from such reservoirs. Mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) and N2 gas adsorption (N2GA) are performed to evaluate pore structure of Chang-7 tight sandstone. Thin section observation, scanning electron microscope, grain size analysis, mineral composition analysis, and porosity measurement are applied to investigate geological control factors of pore structure. Grain size is positively correlated with detrital mineral content and grain size standard deviation while negatively related to clay content. Detrital mineral content and grain size are positively correlated with porosity, pore throat radius and withdrawal efficiency and negatively related to capillary pressure and pore-to-throat size ratio; while interstitial material is negatively correlated with above mentioned factors. Well sorted sediments with high debris usually possess strong compaction resistance to preserve original pores. Although many inter-crystalline pores are produced in clay minerals, this type of pores is not the most important contributor to porosity. Besides this, pore shape determined by N2GA hysteresis loop is consistent with SEM observation on clay inter-crystalline pores while BJH pore volume is positively related with clay content, suggesting N2GA is suitable for describing clay inter-crystalline pores in tight sandstones.