Baduanjin exercise intervention trial: research protocol of a randomised controlled trial for frail kidney transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is one of the most common comorbidities in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Physical, psychological and social frailty could be improved by exercise intervention. Baduanjin, also known as Eight-section Brocades, is a type of traditional Chinese medicine exercise characterised by the interplay between physical postures and movements, breathing and mind. It can help frail patients strengthen their upper and lower body muscles, improve their mood, quality of life and frailty. However, the effectiveness of Baduanjin on frail KTRs remains unknown. Therefore, we will conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin on frail KTRs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol describes an assessor and analyst blinded, parallel RCT for frail KTRs comparing Baduanjin group (n=72) with care-as-usual group (n=72). The primary outcomes are frailty assessed by Frailty Phenotype scale and Tilburg Frailty Indicator scale, and muscle strength assessed by a grip strength metre. The secondary outcomes are quality of life assessed by Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) and depression assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All these data will be collected at the baseline, after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. Two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used to test the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise. Qualitative interviews with participants in the intervention group will also be performed after 6 months. Themes will be extracted from interview transcripts using NVivo software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Ethics Committees of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2022BZYLL1018) and China-Japan Friendship Hospital (2022-KY-250) had approved the study. The organ donors were all from China-Japan Friendship Hospital. They provided informed consent and they were not executed prisoners. We have provided BMJ Open with documentation from the hospital that indicates that the organs will be harvested ethically. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, media reports and briefings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100041730.

A bibliometric and thematic analysis of the trends in the research on ginkgo biloba extract from 1985 to 2022.

Background: Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), a complementary and alternative medicine, has been widely used for disorders such as brain infarction, dementia, and coronary heart disease, in recent decades. Given its widespread clinical use, GBE has always been a vital research topic. However, there are no bibliometric analyses on this topic; furthermore, published reviews of GBE focus only on a specific research field or lack scientific and systematic evaluation. This study combined bibliometrics with thematic reviews by visual analysis to identify the current status of GBE research and to better identify research hotspots and trends in the past 40 years to understand future developments in basic and clinical research. Methods: Articles and reviews on GBE were retrieved by topic from the Web of Science Core Collection from inception to 2022.12.01. Countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords in the field were visually analyzed using CiteSpace, Scimago Graphica, and VOSviewer software; then, these visualization results for references and keywords were clarified in detail by thematic reviews in subdivisions of the fields. Results: In total, 2015 publications were included. The GBE-related literature has high volumes of publications and citations. The majority of literature is from China, and the USA cooperates most closely with other countries. In GBE research, Christen Yves is the most cited author, Phytotherapy Research is the most prolific journal, and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology is the most co-cited journal. Through a comprehensive analysis of keywords, references, and reviews, the quality of the meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials of GBE in treating dementia was evaluated by the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews scale (ROBIS). Current research on GBE focuses on its pharmacological mechanisms, and neuroprotective application in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and glaucoma. Randomized controlled trials are the current research hotspot. Conclusion: Research on GBE is flourishing; using bibliometric and thematic analysis, we identified its hotspots and trends. The pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications of GBE are the focus of present and likely future research.

Effects of Glutathione Tablets on Ferroptosis Pathway and Oxidative Stress-Related Indexes in Serum of Patients Undergoing Sevoflurane Inhalation General Anesthesia and Its Clinical Significance.

Objective: To explore the effect of glutathione on serum oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, and brain injury in patients with Sevoflurane inhalation general anesthesia based on iron metabolism pathway. Methods: From January 2018 to January 2023, 120 patients undergoing Sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia in Xingtai Third Hospital were divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group was given routine treatment, and the observation group patients were given oral glutathione tablets 2 weeks before anesthesia based on the control group. Relevant basic data of patients were collected 3 days before operation (T0), 1 day after the operation (T1), 3 days (T2), and 7 days (T3) respectively, and the serum oxidative stress indicators of patients in each group were measured by ELISA: SOD, MDA, GSH, Hif-1α, ferroptosis related indicators: SIRT3, GPX4; related inflammatory indicators: IL-1ß, TGF-ß, IL-33; neuronal injury related proteins: MBP, NGF, and statistical analysis of the data. Results: There was no significant difference in general conditions and operation time between the two groups (P > .05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significant differences in oxidative stress indicators: SOD in the observation group at T1, SOD, and Hif-1α in the observation group at T2, and SOD, MDA, GSH and Hif-1α in the observation group at T3. 1α, there were significant differences compared with the indicators of the control group at the same time (P < .001). In terms of inflammatory factor indicators, compared with the control group, there were significant differences in IL-1ß at T1, TGF-ß, and IL-33 at T2, and IL-1ß, TGF-ß and IL-33 at T3. (P < .001). In terms of ferroptosis indicators, compared with the control group, there were significant differences in SIRT3 at T1, SIRT3, and GPX4 at T2, and SIRT3 and GPX4 at T3 (P < .001). In terms of nerve injury-related proteins, in patients, MBP levels were negatively correlated with SIRT3 (r=-0.8979, P < .0001), MBP levels were positively correlated with GPX4 (r=0.528, P < .0001), and NGF levels were positively correlated with SIRT3 (r=0.8979, P < .0001), NGF level was negatively correlated with GPX4 (r=0.528, P < .0001). Conclusion: Glutathione tablets can alleviate sevoflurane-induced ferroptosis and oxidative stress by elevating GPX4 protein levels, and glutathione tablets have an ameliorative effect on brain injury in patients with sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia.

Comparative efficacy of mind-body exercise for depression in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: As pharmacotherapy often leads to adverse reactions, mind-body exercise (MBE) treatments have become a more popular option for treating depression in people living with breast cancer (BC). However, the most effective type of MBE treatment for this population remains unclear. AIMS: The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy of the different MBE modes for depression in people with BC. METHODS: A systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to March 25, 2023, was conducted in the following database: EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine, OpenGrey, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A traditional meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model to directly assess the effectiveness of various MBE interventions. Stata 16.0 software was used for performing the NMA. RESULTS: The NMA was performed in 32 eligible RCTs including 2361 participants. The efficacy of MBE treatments on depression was ranked as the following: Liuzijue (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA] = 95.4%) > Tai chi (SUCRA = 76.9%) > yoga (SUCRA = 55.0%) > Baduanjin (SUCRA = 53.9%) > Pilates (SUCRA = 38.6%) > dance (SUCRA = 30.2%) > Qigong (SUCRA = 28.1%) > control (SUCRA = 21.9%). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Our research showed that Liuzijue and Tai chi might be the most significantly effective MBE intervention for mitigating depression among BC survivors. Healthcare professionals could consider recommending Liuzijue and Tai Chi as a complementary therapy for BC survivors who experience depression.

Identification and characterization of phenolamides in tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/Q-Exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry.

Phenolamides (PAs) are important secondary metabolites present in plants with multiple bioactivities. This study aims to comprehensively identify and characterize PAs in tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/Q-Exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry based on a lab-developed in-silico accurate-mass database. The PAs found in tea flowers were conjugates of Z/E-hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acids) with polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and agmatine). The positional and Z/E isomers were distinguished through characteristic MS2 fragmentation rules and chromatographic retention behavior summarized from some synthetic PAs. 21 types of PAs consisting of over 80 isomers were identified, and the majority of them were found in tea flowers for the first time. Among 12 tea flower varieties studied, they all possessed tris-(p-coumaroyl)-spermidine with the highest relative content, and C. sinensis 'Huangjinya' had the highest total relative contents of PAs. This study shows the richness and structural diversity of PAs in tea flowers.

Polyphenols from Prunus mume: extraction, purification, and anticancer activity.

Prunus mume is an ancient medicinal herb and food that are commonly used in Asian countries with high nutritional ingredients and biological activities. Polyphenols are important functional components in Prunus mume. To obtain a more efficient extraction process of Prunus mume polyphenols, a single-factor test and response surface method were used. After extraction and purification, the final polyphenol content of Prunus mume (L1) was up to 90%. Biological experiments showed that L1 had high anticancer activity against HeLa (125.28 µg mL-1), HepG2 (117.24 µg mL-1), MCF-7 (170.19 µg mL-1), and A549 (121.78 µg mL-1) in vitro by MTT assay. The combination of DDP and DOX significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of the four cell lines, especially L1-DOX had the smallest IC50 value of 0.04 µg mL-1 against HepG2 cells, indicating the combination of drugs had synergistic effects. It is further demonstrated that L1 could inhibit cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis with ROS detection and confocal fluorescence images. The relative tumor proliferation rate (T/C) was 40.6%, and the tumor inhibition rate was 57.9%, indicating L1 to have no significant toxicity but high anti-HepG2 activity in vivo. Although the study is very limited, it is anticipated to provide a reference for further exploration of the functionality of the plant.

The combination of Chinese and Western Medicine in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: A real-world cohort study across China.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Integrative medicine (IM), compare with Western medicine (WM), in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a cohort study. Methods: This is a cohort study with recruitment of RA patients from 10 hospitals in China. The primary outcome was change in disease activity score 28 (DAS28) during 4 follow-up visits. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models that controlled for variables were used to investigate a time trend and assess group differences in the primary outcome and secondary outcomes after propensity score matching (PSM). Results: A total of 3195 patients with RA received IM (n = 1379, 43.2%) or WM (n = 1816, 56.8%). Following 1:1 propensity score matching, 1,331 eligible patients prescribed IM were compared to 1,331 matched patients prescribed WM. The GEE analysis with PSM showed that the IM was more beneficial to significantly decrease the levels of VAS, PGA and PhGA (VAS: odds ratio (OR), 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63-0.92; p = 0.004; PGA: OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.92; p = 0.007; and PhGA: OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64, 0.93; p = 0.004), and reduce DAS28 (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.98; p = 0.030) in the per-protocol population. Conclusion: This study suggests that compare to WM, IM has advantages in improving RA-related outcomes. However, the statistical significance might not reveal significant clinical difference. Further studies should be focused on specific treatment strategies and/or disease stages.

Quantitative comparison of the efficacies and safety profiles of three first-line non-platinum chemotherapy regimens for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the efficacies and safety profiles of the three first-line non-platinum chemotherapy regimens recommended in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Materials and Methods: The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched comprehensively, and clinical trials involving patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with one of three first-line non-platinum regimens (gemcitabine combined with vinorelbine, gemcitabine combined with docetaxel, or gemcitabine alone) were included in the analysis. A parametric proportional hazard survival model was established to analyze the time course of overall survival (OS). The objective response rate (ORR) and incidence rates of grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) were summarized using a single-arm meta-analysis with a random-effects model. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Age and performance status (PS) scores were significant predictors of OS. For each 10-years increase in age, mortality risk increased by 18.5%, and the mortality risk increased by 4% for every 10% increase in the proportion of patients with a PS score of 2. After correcting for the above factors, we found that the three first-line non-platinum chemotherapy regimens did not differ based on OS or toxicity. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in OS or toxicity among the three first-line non-platinum chemotherapy regimens. Age and PS scores were significant predictors of OS, and their heterogeneity across different studies should be considered in cross-study comparisons and sample size estimations when designing clinical trials.

Quantitative analysis of efficacy and safety of LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations in the treatment of stable COPD.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantitatively compare the efficacy and safety of long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA)/long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) for the treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in terms of their loss of efficacy in lung function. METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trials of LABA/LAMA FDCs for the treatment of stable COPD were comprehensively searched for in public databases. Pharmacodynamic models were established to describe the time course of the primary outcome [trough forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)]. Secondary outcomes [COPD exacerbations, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Transition Dyspnoea Index (TDI), and rescue medication use] and safety outcomes [mortality, serious adverse events (SAEs), and withdrawals due to adverse events (AEs)] were also compared via a meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies involving 16,486 participants were included in this study. The results showed that in terms of primary outcome (change from baseline in trough FEV1), the efficacy of vilanterol/umeclidinium was the highest, while the efficacy of formoterol/aclidinium was the lowest, with a maximum effect value (Emax) of 0.185 L [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.173-0.197 L] and 0.119 L (95% CI: 0.103-0.135 L), respectively. The efficacy of other drugs, such as formoterol/glycopyrronium, indacaterol/glycopyrronium, and olodaterol/tiotropium, were comparable, and their Emax values were 0.150-0.177 L. Except for vilanterol/umeclidinium, the other four LABA/LAMA FDCs showed a certain degree of loss of efficacy. Compared with the efficacy at 2 days, the trough FEV1 (L) relative to baseline at 24 weeks decreased by 0.029-0.041 L. In terms of secondary outcomes, the efficacy of different LABA/LAMA FDCs was similar in TDI and rescue medication use. However, formoterol/aclidinium was better in preventing the COPD exacerbations, while vilanterol/umeclidinium was the best in terms of SGRQ. In addition, different LABA/LAMA FDCs and placebo had similar safety outcomes. CONCLUSION: The present findings may provide necessary quantitative information for COPD medication guidelines.

Whether Immunostimulants Are Effective in Susceptible Children Suffering From Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections: A Modeling Analysis Based on Literature Aggregate Data.

Immunostimulants are gradually being used in the prevention and treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections in susceptible children, but their drug effects have not been quantified. The purpose of this study was to confirm the efficacy of immunostimulants in the prevention and treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections in susceptible children. A model-based meta-analysis was used to describe the time course of placebo and immunostimulants in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children. The cumulative number of respiratory tract infections was used as an indicator of efficacy. A meta-analysis was used to analyze the incidence of drug-related adverse events. Fourteen articles with 2400 pediatric subjects were finally included in the analysis. The results showed that the cumulative number of respiratory tract infections increased linearly with time, with the incidence of respiratory tract infections in the placebo group being 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.75) per month. OM-85 BV and pidotimod reduced the incidence of respiratory tract infections by 0.21 (95%CI, 0.16-0.26) and 0.19 (95%CI, 0.17-0.21) compared to placebo per month, respectively. Pidotimod and OM-85 BV can effectively reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections in susceptible children, with no significant increase in the incidence of drug-related adverse events when compared with placebo (risk ratio values were 1.07 [95%CI, 0.66-1.71] and 1.31 [95%CI, 0.54-3.19], respectively). This study provides quantitative support for the application of immunostimulants for the prevention of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children.

A critical review on sulfur reduction of aqueous selenite: Mechanisms and applications.

Selenite, which is extremely toxic at high concentrations, can easily be enriched in natural aquatic environments due to human activities, which causes great harm to ecosystems. Sulfur reduction can effectively reduce soluble selenite in large quantities to nontoxic solid elemental selenium, which plays a significant role in controlling the toxicity and cycle of selenium. In view of the bright prospects of the sulfur reduction reaction of selenite, this review comprehensively summarizes the continuous development in the sulfidation of selenite. First, the geochemical characteristics of aqueous selenium in different sulfur systems involving species distribution and various phase types at Eh-pH conditions were summarized. Second, sulfur reductions of selenite with chemical sulfide in natural water environments, sulfur reductase and extracellular polymer substances containing thiol groups in sulfate-reducing bacteria have been reviewed to further understand the corresponding mechanisms, rates and influencing factors. Furthermore, applications of sulfur reduction of selenium, including removal of selenium, enrichment of selenium, synthesis of selenoproteins and prevention of leakage of selenium, were also summarized. Finally, this review identified future research needs for the sulfidation of selenite for environmental applications.

The role of vitamin A and zinc supplementation in pediatric pneumonia: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is still controversy regarding the role of zinc and vitamin A supplementation in pediatric pneumonia. Therefore, we designed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to incorporate the available evidence to determine the role of vitamin A and zinc in pediatric pneumonia. METHODS: From the inception to December 31, 2022, the Web of Science, EMBASE, Medicine, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched using the key phrases "pneumonia," "pediatric," "zinc," "vitamin A," and "cohort" for all relevant studies. Cohort studies assessing the efficacy and safety of zinc and/or vitamin A supplementation in children with pneumonia will be included for quantitative or qualitative analysis. Non-cohort studies and studies that do not meet the inclusion criteria will be excluded. Outcome measures include reduction in duration of pneumonia, adverse drug events, length of hospital stay, amount of antibiotics used, and radiological parameters. The primary outcome is the degree of reduction in the duration of pneumonia. RESULTS: This Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA extension statement, which is used to report systematic reviews that incorporated a meta-analysis of medical intervention networks.

Enhancement of biotransformation of ginsenosides in white ginseng roots by aerobic co-cultivation of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma reesei.

In the present work, the biotransformation of ginsenosides in white ginseng roots was innovatively investigated using the aerobic fermentation by the co-cultivation of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma reesei. It is found that in the co-cultivation mode, the optimal nitrogen source was corn steep liquor, and the loading of ginseng powder and inoculation proportion of B. subtilis and T. reesei were 15 g/L and 1:4, respectively. The total ginsenoside yield and production of minor ginsenosides in the co-cultivation mode obviously enhanced in comparison to the monoculture mode. Meanwhile, the maximal total ginsenoside yield of 21.79% and high hydrolase activities were achieved using the staged inoculation at the inoculation proportion of 1:4 in the co-cultivation mode, the production of minor ginsenosides such as Rg3 and Rh1, Rh2 was significantly strengthened, and the pharmacological activities of the fermented solution obviously improved. The enhancement of ginsenoside transformation can be mainly attributed to hydrolysis of the produced hydrolases and metabolism of two probiotics. This result clearly reveals that using the staged inoculation in co-cultivation fermentation mode was favor of the ginsenoside biotransformation in ginseng due to non-synchronous cell growth and different metabolic pathways of both probiotics. This work can provide a novel method for enhancing ginsenoside transformation of ginseng.Key points• Co-cultivation fermentation significantly promoted ginsenoside biotransformation.• The staged inoculation in co-culture mode was an optimal operation method.• The pharmacological activity of the co-cultured solution was significantly enhanced.

Circulating Cell-Free mtDNA Content as a Non-invasive Prognostic Biomarker in HCC Patients Receiving TACE and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 70-85% of liver cancer, and about 85% of HCC are hepatitis B virus-related (HBV-HCC) in China. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been reported as an effective treatment. Potential biomarkers to stratify patients who may benefit from this treatment are needed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) content was associated with the outcome of HCC patients, especially of those who received the combination treatment of TACE and TCM. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between ccf-mtDNA content and the overall survival of HBV-HCC patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the survival differences between patients with low and high ccf-mtDNA content. In a hospital-based cohort with 141 HBV-HCC patients, there was no statistically significant association between the ccf-mtDNA content and the overall survival of HBV-HCC patients in the univariate analysis, but a borderline significant association was found in the multivariate analyses. In a subcohort of 50 HBV-HCC patients who received TACE and TCM treatment, high ccfDNA content conferred an increased death risk with a hazard ratio of 4.01 (95% confidence interval: 1.25-12.84, p = 0.019) in the multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis also showed that patients with high ccf-mtDNA content had unfavorable survival (log rank p = 0.097). Our findings suggest that ccf-mtDNA content is a potential non-invasive prognostic biomarker in HCC patients receiving TACE and TCM treatment.

Balasubramide derivative 3C attenuates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice: role of AMPK-STAT1-STING signaling pathway.

We previously reported the neuroprotective effects of (+)-balasubramide derived compound 3C, but its action on atherosclerosis in vivo remains unknown. The study was designed to investigate the potential effects of 3C on atherogenesis and explore the possible underlying mechanisms. 3C ameliorated high-fat diet-induced body weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerotic plaque burden in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice after 10 weeks of treatment. 3C suppressed the expression of genes involved in triglyceride synthesis in liver. 3C prevented aortic inflammation as evidenced by reduction of adhesive molecule levels and macrophage infiltration. Mechanistic studies revealed that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is central to the athero-protective effects of 3C. Increased AMPK activity by 3C resulted in suppressing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) induced activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathways and downstream pro-inflammatory markers. Moreover, 3C inhibited ox-LDL triggered lipid accumulation and IFN-γ induced phenotypic switch toward M1 macrophage in RAW 264.7 cells. Our present data suggest that 3C prevents atherosclerosis via pleiotropic effects, including amelioration of lipid profiles, vascular inflammation and macrophage pro-inflammatory phenotype. 3C has the potential to be developed as a promising drug for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disease.

A simple, rapid and efficient method for essential element supplementation based on seed germination.

Fertilizer application is typically used to increase the availability of essential elements. In this study, an improved method for essential element supplementation based on seed germination was established. Solutions of essential elements (Fe2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, SeO32+, or I- or their combination) were applied to germinating soybean seeds, and the contents of the essential elements in the soybean sprouts were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Compared with the control (seeds treated with water), the contents of iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and iodine in soybean sprouts produced by germinating seeds treated with solutions containing 10 mM essential elements were approximately 10-2000 times higher. Moreover, treatment with essential element solution increased the total antioxidant capacity and content of total thiols in the soybean sprouts. This rapid and simple technique can be used to improve nutrition for humans and livestock in regions deficient in essential elements.

Effects of Electroacupuncture Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chronic Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of spirit-regulating electroacupuncture (EA), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and combined EA/CBT to treat insomnia. METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, patients were randomly assigned to receive EA, CBT, or EA/CBT. Outcomes were assessed using PSQI, ISI, ESS, DBAS-16, HAM-A, and HAM-D at two- and four-week follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, the PSQI and ISI scores decreased after treatment in all three groups. At two-week follow-up, the EA/CBT group obtained lower PSQI and ISI scores than the EA group. The daytime functional factor score in the EA group was lower than that of the CBT group after the second week of treatment, and the EA/CBT PSQI score was lower than that of the CBT group on the second week of follow-up. In comparison with baseline, the EA group had a decreased ESS score after the second and fourth weeks of treatment, while the ESS score increased in the CBT group after the fourth week of treatment. ESS scores were unchanged following treatment in the EA/CBT group. After the second and fourth weeks of treatment, the ESS scores from the CBT group were higher than the EA group. The DBAS-16 decreased in the CBT and EA/CTB groups, while the EA group had a higher DBAS-16 score. In all three groups, HAM-A and HAM-D scores decreased after treatment; the EA/CBT HAM-A and HAM-D scores were lower than the other two groups. CONCLUSION: 1. Spirit-regulating EA therapy is effective. In terms of improving sleep quality and mood, EA has the same effect as CBT and can improve daytime function earlier. 2. The curative effect of the EA/CBT group lasts longer than that of the EA group, and EA/CBT is better at improving daytime function compared to CBT alone and better at improving mood compared to CBT or EA alone.

Effects of moving cupping therapy for plaque psoriasis: study protocol for a randomized multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to achieve a balance among safety, efficacy, and cost for the clinical treatment of plaque psoriasis. The current treatment of psoriasis often involves comprehensive therapy such as topical plasters, internal medicine, and phototherapy, which are expensive, and some of the drugs have serious side effects. Moving cupping is a type of cupping that has been used clinically for thousands of years in China. It has the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to perform. Therefore, it is widely used in public hospitals in China for psoriasis treatment. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the current clinical evidence of its efficacy is lacking. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moving cupping to treat plaque psoriasis. METHODS: A multicenter, two-arm parallel group, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial will be conducted at six hospitals in China between August 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021. A total of 122 adult patients (aged 18-65 years) who meet the inclusion criteria are being recruited. Participants will receive either basic treatment combined with moving cupping therapy or basic treatment combined with moving cupping placebo. The treatment cycle will be 4 weeks, and the efficacy of treatment will be assessed weekly by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index during the treatment period and follow-up visits at weeks 6 and 8. The body surface area, physician's global assessment, Dermatology Life Quality Index, patient-reported quality of life, visual analog scale, Traditional Chinese Medication syndrome scoring scale, combined medication, and adverse events will also be recorded and compared to the relative baseline values. DISCUSSION: The findings of this trial may lead to better decisions regarding the treatment of plaque psoriasis. If the trial outcomes are considered favorable, this ancient Chinese medical therapy may be worthy of widespread use because of its convenience and low cost. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on May 15,2019 at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier number NCT03952676.

Chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of adlay seed (Coixlachryma-jobi L.) oil extracted from four main producing areas in China.

Adlay oil (AO) is an important component of adlay seeds that has many beneficial functions to human health. In this study, the variations in the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of AOs extracted from adlay samples obtained from four main producing areas of China were first investigated. Results revealed that the AO of the adlay samples varied from 7.398 ± 0.486% to 8.464 ± 0.725%. The highest contents of total fatty acid, triolein, total phenolic, and total flavonoid were observed in Xingren AO, whereas coixol content was found to be highest in Pucheng AO. The AO samples were grouped successfully in accordance with the origins by partial least squares-discriminant analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis based on the contents of the chemical components. Furthermore, AOs exhibited considerable levels of 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity (IC50 , 0.924 ± 0.113 to 1.116 ± 0.109 mg/mL) radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity (EC50 , 0.019 ± 0.002 to 0.028 ± 0.002 mg/mL) activity, and ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching activity (IC50, 0.233 ± 0.008 to 0.414 ± 0.012 mg/mL) activity. Total phenolic and total flavonoid both demonstrated highest correlation with ABTS values (r = -0.952 and r = -0.960, respectively). The results derived from above studies suggest that geographic origin has a certain influence on the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of the AOs. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of adlay oils extracted from the adlay samples obtained from four main producing areas of China were evaluated, including total fatty acid, triolein, total phenolic, and total flavonoid, and ABTS radical scavenging activity, FRAP activity, and ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching activity.

Probing the Optical Properties of MoS2 on SiO2/Si and Sapphire Substrates.

As an important supplementary material to graphene in the optoelectronics field, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted attention from researchers due to its good light absorption capacity and adjustable bandgap. In this paper, MoS2 layers are respectively grown on SiO2/Si and sapphire substrates by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). Atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy, and Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy are used to probe the optical properties of MoS2 on SiO2/Si and sapphire substrates systematically. The peak shift between the characteristic A1g and E12g peaks increases, and the I peak of the PL spectrum on the SiO2/Si substrate redshifts slightly when the layer numbers were increased, which can help in obtaining the layer number and peak position of MoS2. Moreover, the difference from monolayer MoS2 on the SiO2/Si substrate is that the B peak of the PL spectrum has a blueshift of 56 meV and the characteristic E12g peak of the Raman spectrum has no blueshift. The 1- and 2-layer MoS2 on a sapphire substrate had a higher PL peak intensity than that of the SiO2/Si substrate. When the laser wavelength is transformed from 532 to 633 nm, the position of I exciton peak has a blueshift of 16 meV, and the PL intensity of monolayer MoS2 on the SiO2/Si substrate increases. The optical properties of MoS2 can be obtained, which is helpful for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.