Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation improves ischemic stroke outcomes in elderly patients: A retrospective study.

This retrospective study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation on elderly ischemic stroke patients. We retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records from 153 elderly ischemic stroke patients. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those receiving B bifidum supplementation (Intervention group, n = 73) and those receiving standard treatment without any additional supplementation (Control group, n = 80). Outcomes were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Inflammatory markers, immunological indicators, neurotrophic factor, and gut-brain axis (GBA)-related markers were also evaluated at baseline and during 4-week follow-up. Compared to the control group, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in the NIHSS, MoCA, SDS and SAS scores (P < .001). Enhanced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and reduced levels of NPY were observed in the intervention group. Additionally, inflammatory markers, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, and TNF-α, were significantly reduced in the intervention group, as well as significant increases in immunoglobulin levels (Ig A, Ig G, and Ig M) (P < .001). Besides, lower incidences of diarrhea and constipation were observed in the intervention group (P < .001), while the incidence of abdominal pain was no significant changed. B bifidum supplementation offers promising therapeutic benefits in improving neurological, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in elderly ischemic stroke patients, which may be achieved by regulating the GBA, reducing inflammation and promoting immune function. These findings highlight the importance of integrating gut health strategies in stroke management.

Effect of MVF Combined with FES on Limb Function Recovery and Fine Function Rehabilitation of Hemiplegic Patients after ACI.

Background: This study assesses the efficacy of mirror visual feedback (MVF) combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) in rehabilitating limb function and fine motor skills in hemiplegic patients after acute cerebral infarction (ACI). Given the limited research in this area, this study aims to provide insights into innovative rehabilitation techniques. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 106 post-ACI hemiplegic patients, split into two groups of 53 each. One group received conventional training plus FES, while the other group underwent MVF combined with FES. Key metrics like walking parameters, the modified Lindmark score, center of gravity movement speed, Fugl-Meyer Motor function (FMA) score, fall index, Berg score, and Time-Up-Go Time (TUGT) were measured to evaluate the effectiveness. Results: In the study, significant improvements were observed in the observation group compared to the control group. The Modified Lindmark Scores for sensory function, motor coordination, and total scores in the observation group improved to 6.85±0.72, 15.77±2.25, and 22.62±2.78 respectively post-treatment, surpassing the control group's scores of 5.77±0.68, 13.92±1.87, and 19.69±2.45. In terms of FMA score, fall index, Berg score, and TUGT time, the observation group showed remarkable improvement: the FMA score increased from 43.69±4.51 to 67.25±7.04, the fall index decreased from 55.74±8.76 to 42.08±5.97, the Berg score rose from 31.03±6.28 to 43.11±6.71, and the TUGT time was reduced from 30.78±6.59s to 18.57±3.26s. These changes were significantly better than those in the control group, with all P = .000, indicating statistically significant improvements. Conclusion: The results indicate that the combination of MVF and FES is more effective in improving limb function, hand fine movements, and balance in hemiplegic patients post-ACI compared to FES alone. This suggests that integrating MVF with FES may be a more beneficial approach in stroke rehabilitation. Future research is advised to explore larger sample sizes and long-term effects, offering guidance for developing more effective treatment and rehabilitation plans. This study suggests that integrating mirror visual feedback and functional electrical stimulation into stroke rehabilitation could significantly enhance recovery, potentially influencing clinical practices and rehabilitation policies. Future studies should explore the long-term effects, applicability to diverse patient groups, and cost-effectiveness of these combined therapies.

[Tiaoshen acupuncture for primary insomnia: a pilot randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Tiaoshen (regulating the spirit) acupuncture on cognitive function and sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia (PI). METHODS: Sixty patients with PI were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off, 1 case was excluded). The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Benshen (GB 13), Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The patients in the control group were treated with shallow needling at non-effective points. Each treatment was provided for 30 min, once every other day, 3 treatments per week for 4 weeks. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), digit span test (DST), trail making test (TMT)-A, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) were used to assess cognitive function and sleep quality before and after treatment, as well as in follow-up of 4-week after treatment completion. Correlation analysis was conducted between the differences in PSQI scores and differences in MoCA scores before and after treatment in the observation group. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the total score, visuospatial and executive function score and delayed memory score of MoCA as well as DST backward score were increased (P<0.01), while TMT-A time, PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly reduced (P<0.01) after treatment and in follow-up in the observation group. Compared with before treatment, the PSQI score in the control group was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and in follow-up, the observation group had significantly higher total score, visuospatial and executive function score, delayed memory score of MoCA, and DST backward score compared to the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the observation group, the TMT-A time was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). In the observation group, there was a negative correlation between the difference in PSQI scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.481, P<0.01). A similar negative correlation was found between the difference in PSQI scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.282, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tiaoshen acupuncture could improve cognitive function, enhance sleep quality, and alleviate daytime fatigue in patients with PI. The improvement in cognitive function in patients with PI is correlated with the improvement in sleep quality.

Fire Needling Therapy versus Manual Acupuncture in Post-Stroke Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of the Upper Limb: Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a devastating disease that causes severe physical and emotional consequences. Conventional therapies are limited due to the insufficient benefits and side effects, and fire needling therapy is considered an alternative for post-stroke CRPS of the upper limb. Methods and Analysis: This is a study protocol for a pilot randomised, two-arm, single-centre, clinical trial at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University. The trial started in March 2023 and is expected to end in December 2024. A total of 60 patients (aged 40-75 years, male or female) with post-stroke CRPS of the upper limb will be randomly assigned to treatment group (fire needling therapy, 5 sessions per week for 2 weeks) or control group (manual acupuncture, 5 sessions per week for 2 weeks) in a 1:1 ratio using block randomisation and opaque envelopes. Fire needling therapy or manual acupuncture will be performed in ten acupoints. Participants will complete the trial by visiting the research centre at Week 14 for a follow-up assessment. The primary outcome is the response rate. Secondary outcomes include FMA, Barthel Scale/Index (BI), pain threshold (PPT), and muscle elasticity modulus (using shear wave elastography [SWE]). A chi-squared test will be used for response rate. A mixed-effects linear model and a mixed-effects model will be used for FMA, BI, PPT, and SWE, respectively. Discussion: This is the first standardised protocol to compare the effectiveness of fire needling therapy and manual acupuncture. We will use a rigorous methodology to minimise bias and set up supervising committees to ensure the quality of our study, thus providing trustworthy evidence for better understanding of fire needling therapy in treating post-stroke CRPS of the upper limb.

Electroacupuncture Inhibits Ferroptosis Induced by Cerebral Ischemiareperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) for years on cerebral ischemia treatment, but the specific mechanism is still elusive. Studies have shown that EA can relieve brain damage after ischemic stroke by inhibiting programmed cell death (PCD), such as apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy. Ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death, has been highlighted recently and found to occur in I/R injury. We, therefore, investigated whether EA plays an essential role in relieving cerebral I/R injury via ferroptosis. METHODS: The modified MCAO/R rats model was established and then divided into four groups with or without EA treatment. Neurological deficit score and TTC staining were used to evaluate the neurological deficit and infarct volume of each group. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and immunofluorescence staining were applied for mitochondrial ultrastructure and ROS accumulation observation, respectively. The proteins and mRNA expression of ACSL4, TFR1, and GPX4 were assessed by western blot and qPCR to detect the progress of ferroptosis. RESULTS: EA treatment improved neurological deficits and reduced infarct volume. Moreover, EA significantly relieved the mitochondrial morphological changes and inhibited ROS Production in MCAO rats. In terms of its mechanism, EA obviously decreased the ACSL4 and TFR1 expressions and promoted GPX4 levels in MCAO/R model rats. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that EA might play an essential role in relieving cerebral I/R injury via ferroptosis.

Synthesis of aza-BODIPYs with barrier-free rotation of the -tBu group at 3-site and enhancement of photothermal therapy by triggering cancer cell apoptosis.

Breaking through the traditional 1,7,3,5-aryl substituted aza-BODIPY structure, asymmetric aza-BODIPYs, tBu-azaBDPs, containing non-aryl group at 3-site were prepared for the first time. tBu-azaBDP exhibited a severely twisted configuration. tBu-azaBDPs had a near-infrared fluorescence emission and high molar extinction coefficients. Although the barrier-free rotation of the distal -tBu group in tBu-azaBDP resulted in low fluorescence quantum yield, the photothermal conversion efficiency was markedly enhanced. tBu-azaBDP nanoparticles with laser irradiation were revealed to induce cell apoptosis in photothermal therapy. We consider that development of aza-BODIPYs with the barrier-free rotation of the -tBu group at 3-site provides a strong platform for design of phototherapy agents for cancer treatment in photothermal therapy by apoptosis.

Effect of 'hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles' on hemiplegia patients with 'qi deficiency and blood stasis' syndrome in the convalescent stage of Ischaemic stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemiplegia is a common sequela after stroke, and acupuncture is one of the most common physical therapies used to treat hemiplegia during the recovery stage after ischaemic stroke. 'Hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles' is an acupuncture treatment performed after stroke. The principal objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of 'hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles' for hemiplegia in the convalescent stage of ischaemic stroke. METHODS: This is the protocol for a randomised, controlled clinical trial with two groups: a 'hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles' group and a routine acupuncture group. A total of 208 participants will be randomly assigned to two different groups in a 1:1 ratio and will undergo conventional rehabilitation. Limb function will be evaluated by the simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, Barthel Index, modified Ashworth scale and National Institute of Health stroke scale. The participants will be evaluated at baseline (on the day of enrolment) and followed up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after enrolment. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of 'hand and foot acupuncture with twelve needles' in the treatment of limb dysfunction that can be used for future evaluations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR1900021774 . Registered on 8 March 2019.

Effect of fire needle therapy on mild-moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia: Protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common non-cancerous disease of the prostate and leads to lower urinary tract symptoms in middle-aged and elderly males. Fire needle therapy could improve the lower urinary tract symptoms associated with mild-moderate BPH in clinical practice. The aim of the present pilot study is to assess the preliminary effects of fire needle therapy on mild-moderate BPH. METHODS: The present study is a prospective parallel randomized controlled pilot trial. A total of 60 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a treatment or control group at a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group will receive fire needle therapy and the control group will receive watchful waiting with lifestyle advice and education regarding BPH. Participants will receive intervention for 4 weeks, with a follow-up period of 4 additional weeks. Adverse events will be recorded to assess the safety and tolerability of fire needle therapy for mild-moderate BPH. The primary outcome will be the change in the International Prostate Symptom Score. The secondary outcomes will include the change in the mean number of nightly urinations, the maximum urinary flow rate, the average flow rate, and the prostate volume as measured by a B-mode ultrasound device. All outcome measures will be observed at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks following the beginning of treatment. DISCUSSION: The present study will provide evidence of the preliminary effects of fire needle therapy on mild-moderate BPH and indicate an optimal sample size for future studies.

Effects of moxibustion on symptoms of mild cognitive impairment: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered the intermediate phase between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Moxibustion has gained increased popularity for the management of MCI in China.This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of moxibustion on symptoms of MCI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Four English databases and six Chinese databases will be searched from their inception to October 2019: Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, SinoMed, China Doctoral Dissertations Full-text Database and the China Master's Theses Full-text Database. Only clinical randomised controlled trials and the first period in randomised cross-over trial related to moxibustion for MCI will be included. The primary outcomes include the improvement of cognitive function, as measured by validated assessment tools. The secondary outcomes include changes in the activity of daily living scale, effective rate and the incidences of adverse events. The selection of studies, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be carried out by two independent reviewers. Review Manager V.5.3 software will be used for statistical analyses. Heterogeneity test, data synthesis and subgroup analysis will be performed if necessary. The risk of bias of included studies will be assessed by the Cochrane Handbook risk of bias tool. Evidence quality will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required as no private information from individuals are collected. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018112657.

Acupuncture for patients with insomnia disorder using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is among the most prevalent of the sleep-related disorders. Insomnia disorder is associated with a brain hyperarousal state manifested by abnormal regional brain activity and resting state functional connectivity. Acupuncture improves sleep quality and modulates the hyperarousal state; however, the underlying neurobiological basis for improved sleep quality is poorly understood. The purpose of this clinical trial is to study the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia disorder. In addition, the neural mechanism by which acupuncture affects insomnia disorder will be explored using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and neuropsychological parameters. METHODS AND DESIGN: A randomized, patient- and assessor-blinded trial will be conducted. We will randomize (in a 1:1 ratio) 60 eligible patients with insomnia disorder into a real acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group. Interventions will be administered three times per week over a 4-week period, with an 8-week follow-up period. The healthy control group will consist of 30 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals who sleep well without any treatment intervention. All participants will undergo neuropsychological and rs-fMRI evaluations. The change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores is the primary outcome parameter. The secondary outcome parameters include the Hyperarousal scale (HAS), rs-fMRI measurements, the Fatigue scale-14 (FS-14), the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), a sleep diary, and an actigraph. Assessment of all parameters will be performed at baseline, post-treatment, and during follow-up. Analyses will be implemented based on intention-to-treat. DISCUSSION: The study results will be used to clarify the effectiveness and elucidate the mechanism by which acupuncture improves sleep quality in patients with insomnia disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trials Register, ChiCTR1800015282. Registered on 20 March 2018.

Caudatin potentiates the anti-tumor effects of TRAIL against human breast cancer by upregulating DR5.

BACKGROUND: The ability of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to preferentially induce apoptosis in transformed cells while sparing most normal cells is well established. However, the intrinsic and acquired resistance of tumors to TRAIL-induced apoptosis limits its therapeutic applicability. PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of caudatin, a species of C-21 steroidal glycosides isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum, on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. METHODS: Cell growth inhibition was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay. The cell cycle distribution was assessed by propidium iodide flow cytometry. Apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining. Protein expression was detected by western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Caudatin enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. This sensitization was achieved by upregulating death receptor 5 (DR5). Knockdown of DR5 abolished the enhancing effect of caudatin on TRAIL responses. The caudatin-induced upregulation of DR5 was accompanied by increased expression of CHOP and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK. CHOP knockdown blocked caudatin-upregulated DR5 expression. Moreover, cotreatment of breast cancer cells with p38 MAPK and JNK inhibitors significantly counteracted the caudatin-induced expression of DR5. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that caudatin sensitized breast cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through activation of CHOP, p38 MAPK and JNK-mediated upregulation of DR5 expression. The combination of TRAIL and caudatin may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer.

Effect of acupuncture for constipation after ischemic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common complication after stroke that can severely influence a patient's quality of life and rehabilitation. Treatments for constipation after stroke vary. Acupuncture may improve spontaneous bowel movements, quality of life, and clinical symptoms. The study seeks to assess the preliminary effects of acupuncture on constipation after an ischemic stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a prospective randomized controlled pilot trial design in which 120 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to one of three groups. The acupuncture group (n = 40) will receive acupuncture and routine care, the medication group (n = 40) will receive mosapride citrate and routine care, and the control group (n = 40) will receive only routine care for ischemic stroke. Patients will be recruited 2 weeks to 6 months after stroke onset and will receive the intervention continuously over 4 weeks, with a follow-up period of 4 additional weeks. Adverse events will be recorded to assess the safety and tolerability of acupuncture for constipation after an ischemic stroke. The primary outcome will be the change in the weekly mean number of complete spontaneous bowel movements. Secondary outcomes will include any change in the weekly mean number of spontaneous bowel movements, mean stool consistency scores, mean straining scores during defecation, and frequency of laxative use. All outcome measures will be assessed at inception, after the intervention (4 weeks), and at the follow-up (8 weeks). DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence of the preliminary effects and inform future sample size calculations for studies of acupuncture for constipation following an ischemic stroke. These findings will inform subsequent large-scale randomized controlled trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, 22214747 . Registered on 17 August 2015.

Interactive Effects of Snps Located Within CD28/B7Pathway and Environment on Susceptibility to Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion.

AIMS: This study was aimed to explore the interaction between environment and CD28/B7 pathway to provide the potential epidemiology for prevention and treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). METHODS: The retrospective study included 630 RSA cases and 1320 healthy women during their middle and late prenatal care. Their living environment was investigated, and the influence of environmental factors on pregnancy abortion was analyzed. The genomic DNAs were extracted from the study subjects, and the polymorphisms of CD28 and B7 were analyzed. Finally, the interaction of gene and environment on RSA was analyzed with the logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The multi-variate regression analysis indicated that vitamin supplement, intake of fresh fruits or vegetables, night shift, staying up late, history miscarriage, as well as history induced abortion were, independently, risk factors for RSA (all P< 0.05). Moreover, rs3116496 (T>C), rs3181098 (G>A) and rs3181100 (G>C) of CD28, rs1915087 (C>T) of B7-2, as well as rs6804441 (A>G) and rs41271391 (G>T) of B7-1 were correlated with modified RSA risk (all P< 0.05). The haplotypes TGT and TAG could also regulate the risk of RSA (both P< 0.05). The synthetic influences of the aforementioned SNPs and environmental factors could also significantly affect the susceptibility to RSA (all P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The interaction of environment and SNPs of CD28/B7 pathway on RSA risk was distinct from CD28/B7 pathway or environment alone.

Effect of acupuncture on sleep quality and hyperarousal state in patients with primary insomnia: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Primary insomnia (PI) is commonly defined as a state of having disturbed daytime activities due to poor night-time sleep quality. Studies have demonstrated that it is a disorder of 24 h hyperarousal, expressed in terms of physiological, cognitive and cortical activation. Acupuncture is considered to be beneficial to restore the normal sleep-wake cycle. The aim of the trial is to assess the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on sleep quality and hyperarousal state in patients with PI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a randomised, patient-assessor-blinded, sham controlled trial. -88 eligible patients with PI will be randomised in a ratio of 1:1 to the intervention group (real acupuncture) and control group (sham acupuncture, superficial insertion at irrelevant acupuncture points). Acupuncture intervention will be given to all participants three times a week for 4 weeks, followed up for 8 weeks.The primary outcome measures are the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hyperarousal scale (HAS). The secondary outcomes are Fatigue scale-14 (FS-14), polysomnography (PSG), heart rate variability (HRV) and Morning Salivary Cortisol Level (MSCL). Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, post-treatment period and 8 weeks follow-up. All main analyses will be carried out on the basis of the intention-to-treat principle. ETHICS/DISSEMINATION: This protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Beijing TCM Hospital) on 5 January 2015. The permission number is 2014BL-056-02. The study will present data concerning the clinical effects of treating primary insomnia with acupuncture. The results will help to demonstrate if acupuncture is an effective therapy for improving sleep quality in association with a decreased hyperarousal level as a possible underlying mechanism. The findings from this study will be shared with the healthcare professionals, general public and relevant organisations through publication of manuscripts and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN16079489; Pre-results.

Effect of "Deqi" during the Study of Needling "Wang's Jiaji" Acupoints Treating Spasticity after Stroke.

Background. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce spasticity and prevent the onset of spasticity after stroke. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of "Deqi" during needling "Wang's Jiaji" acupoints treating spasticity in the early stage of stroke. Methods. This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. 238 patients with stroke (<21 days) participated and were randomly allocated to the verum-acupuncture (n = 121) group or sham-acupuncture group (n = 117). The verum-acupuncture group received verum acupuncture required to produce the sense of "Deqi" while the sham-acupuncture group received sham acupuncture without "Deqi." Patients in both groups followed the same 30 min acupuncture regimen 5 times per week for a period of 4 weeks. Scales of MAS, FMA, ADL, MBI, NIHSS, SS-QOL, and MRS were measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after intervention. Results. Significant differences were observed between two groups. The MRS rating composition has the statistical difference after 4 weeks (P = 0.017). The score of MAS, FMA, Barthel, and SSQOL in verum-acupuncture group has increased significantly compared with the sham-acupuncture group after 12 weeks. There was 14% reduction of higher muscle tension in the verum-acupuncture group. Conclusion. Acupuncture "Wang's Jiaji" points with sensation of "Deqi" in the early stage may reduce the occurrence and decrease the severity of spasticity after stroke.

Identification of housekeeping genes suitable for gene expression analysis in the pearl mussel, Hyriopsis cumingii, during biomineralization.

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction is a sensitive technique for quantifying gene expression levels. One or more appropriate reference genes must be selected to accurately compare mRNA transcript levels across different samples and tissues. The freshwater pearl, Hyriopsis cumingii (Lea), is an important economic species cultured in China. To date, no reference genes for gene expression analysis in this species have been validated. This study aimed to compare the relative expression of seven housekeeping genes across different tissue types and in the mantle or pearl sac during three biomineralization processes: seasonal shell growth, shell healing and pearl-sac formation in H. cumingii. Three programs evaluated the expression stabilities of the seven genes: BestKeeper, geNorm and NormFinder. The beta actin gene (ACTB), commonly used as a housekeeping gene in many studies, was the least stable. The expressions of Ubiquitin (Ubi) and Ribosomal protein L18 (Rpl18) and Elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1α) were more stable than the remaining four genes. Therefore, we suggest that Ubi, Rpl18 and EF1α are suitable reference genes. The three selected reference genes are expected to facilitate analysis of gene expressions during shell or pearl formation in H. cumingii.

Cloning, differential tissue expression of a novel hcApo gene, and its correlation with total carotenoid content in purple and white inner-shell color pearl mussel Hyriopsis cumingii.

As a molecular carrier and storage protein, apolipoprotein (Apo) mediates the intracellular uptake of lipids, proteins, vitamins and carotenoids. In this study, we identified a novel Apo gene, designated hcApo, from the freshwater pearl mussel Hyriopsis cumingii. The complete hcApo cDNA consists of 4104 nucleotides with an open reading frame encoding 1155 amino acid residues. The hcApo protein contains a conserved lipoprotein N-terminal domain (LPD-N) that is a characteristic of the large lipid transfer protein (LLTP) superfamily. The hcApo mRNA is constitutively expressed in a wide range of tissues with the highest expression level in the liver. Moreover, differential expression analysis revealed that the hcApo gene is more highly expressed in the liver, kidney, mantle and gill of purple line mussels compared to white line mussels. In situ hybridization investigations of the precise expression site of hcApo mRNA in the mantle showed that hcApo mRNA is specifically expressed in the outer epithelial cells of the middle fold and the inner epithelial cells of the outer fold of the mantle, as well as throughout the outer epithelium of the outer fold and ventral mantle. Another very important finding is that significantly positive correlation existed between the hcApo gene expression level and the total carotenoid content in purple line mussels. These findings may provide a better understanding of the roles of hcApo in the molecular mechanisms of shell formation and coloring of H. cumingii.

Efficacy of acupuncture for primary insomnia: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objectives. To investigate the six-week influence of acupuncture on sleep quality and daytime functioning in primary insomnia. Methods. The study was a double-dummy, single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 180 patients with primary insomnia were randomly assigned to 3 groups: verum group underwent verum acupuncture plus placebo; estazolam group underwent estazolam plus sham acupuncture; sham group underwent sham acupuncture plus placebo. The outcome was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). Results. The three groups showed significant improvement compared with the pretreatment baseline. Compared with the other two groups, the verum group reported improved sleep quality (SQ) and vitality (VT), decreased daytime dysfunction (DD) and sleepiness (ESS score). The differences were kept from the treatment period to the end of the trial. Discussion. Verum acupuncture appeared to be more effective in increasing sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture and estazolam. Trial Registration. The trial is registeded with ClinicalTrials.gov ISRCTN12585433.

The effect of acupuncture on stroke recovery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in China. Current treatments for stroke are limited and achieve no optimal effect. Acupuncture is widely used in the treatment of stroke and in improving the quality of life for patients in China. In most previous clinical studies, the effects of acupuncture have been diverse, and few well-designed randomized controlled trials have been conducted to investigate the long-term effect of acupuncture on acute stroke recovery. METHOD: Three hundred and twenty eight subjects with acute cerebral apoplexy will be recruited. The patients will be randomized into two different groups: the intervention group will receive acupuncture treatment together with Western standard treatment for 2 weeks plus the secondary prevention treatment for 22 weeks; the control group will receive only the Western standard treatment for 2 weeks and the secondary prevention treatment for 22 weeks. The primary outcome measures are Barthel Index and the Stroke-Specific Quality Of Life. The secondary outcome measures are the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Modified Rankin Scale. All assessments will be conducted at the baseline and at weeks 4, 12 and 24 of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This study will evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the long-term recovery of acute stroke and on improving the quality of life of the patients. The results of this study will help establish optimal integrated therapeutic strategies for patients with stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN29932220.

[Randomized controlled study on proximal needling for sciatica].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of proximal needling and routine acupuncture for sciatica. METHODS: Sixty patients with sciatica were randomly divided into a proximal needling group and a routine acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. The proximal needling group was treated by proximal needling at Huantiao (GB 30). The routine acupuncture group was treated by acupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30), Yinmen (BL 37), Weizhong (BL 40), Yanglingquan (GB 34) etc. with routine acupuncture method. The Numerical Pain Rating Scales (NPRS) the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (JOA) were all observed before, after treatment and in following up. RESULTS: The total effective rates were 100.0% (30/30) in both groups, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05) in 3 month follow up. After 5 treatments, the total improvement rate of 100.0% (30/30) in the proximal needling group was super to that of 80.0% (24/30) in the routine acupuncture group. The NPRS and JOA scores were all improved significantly after 5 treatment and in following up compared with those before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.01). After treatments, the improvement of the NPRS and JOA scores in the proximal needling group was greater than those in the routine acupuncture group (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The proximal needling treatment has rapid and obvious therapeutic effect and analgesia on sciatica.