A quality grade classification method for fresh tea leaves based on an improved YOLOv8x-SPPCSPC-CBAM model.

In light of the prevalent issues concerning the mechanical grading of fresh tea leaves, characterized by high damage rates and poor accuracy, as well as the limited grading precision through the integration of machine vision and machine learning (ML) algorithms, this study presents an innovative approach for classifying the quality grade of fresh tea leaves. This approach leverages an integration of image recognition and deep learning (DL) algorithm to accurately classify tea leaves' grades by identifying distinct bud and leaf combinations. The method begins by acquiring separate images of orderly scattered and randomly stacked fresh tea leaves. These images undergo data augmentation techniques, such as rotation, flipping, and contrast adjustment, to form the scattered and stacked tea leaves datasets. Subsequently, the YOLOv8x model was enhanced by Space pyramid pooling improvements (SPPCSPC) and the concentration-based attention module (CBAM). The established YOLOv8x-SPPCSPC-CBAM model is evaluated by comparing it with popular DL models, including Faster R-CNN, YOLOv5x, and YOLOv8x. The experimental findings reveal that the YOLOv8x-SPPCSPC-CBAM model delivers the most impressive results. For the scattered tea leaves, the mean average precision, precision, recall, and number of images processed per second rates of 98.2%, 95.8%, 96.7%, and 2.77, respectively, while for stacked tea leaves, they are 99.1%, 99.1%, 97.7% and 2.35, respectively. This study provides a robust framework for accurately classifying the quality grade of fresh tea leaves.

Chromium propionate supplementation to energy- and protein-reduced diets reduces feed consumption but improves feed conversion ratio of yellow-feathered male broilers in the early period and improves meat quality.

Growth performance and carcass traits may be retarded by low nutrient density diets. Organic chromium propionate (CrProp) can improve growth, carcass traits, and meat quality in farmed lambs, white broilers, and fish. Limited data regarding CrProp's impacts on yellow-feathered broilers are available. Eight hundred yellow-feathered male broilers (1-day old) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary groups and reared for 56 d. The trial was a 2 (dietary nutrient density) ×2 (CrProp) factorial arrangement with 4 diets: regular nutrient diet and low nutrient density (LND, reduction in metabolizable energy by 81 kcal and crude protein by 0.43%) diet supplemented with or without 200 mg/kg CrProp. Broilers were euthanized at d 56 after blood collection. The results indicated that the LND diet led to greater average daily feed intake (ADFI) from d 1 to 42 and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 22 to 42 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of CrProp improved body weight (BW) from d 1 to 56, average daily gain (ADG), and FCR during d 1 to 42 but reduced ADFI during d 1 to 21, as well as lowered abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.05). Supplementation with CrProp to regular and LND diets reduced ADFI but improved FCR from d 1 to 21 (P < 0.05). The LND diet lowered total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentration and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the jejunal mucosa. CrProp elevated T-AOC levels and glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px, P < 0.05). Dietary CrProp upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of fatty acid transporter (FABP1) gene and peptide transporter (Pept1) gene. CrProp administration increased jejunal FABP1 expression and lowered cooking loss of breast meat (P < 0.05) in the LND group while reducing shear force (P = 0.009) of broilers treated by regular diet. In summary, CrProp administration to the LND diet can improve growth performance in the starter period and meat quality on d 56, possibly through upregulated nutrient transporter gene expression in the jejunum and enhanced antioxidant capability.

[Clinical effects of matrix acupuncture on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with nuchal ligament calcification].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of matrix acupuncture on the neck disability index (NDI) score, clinical efficacy, and the calcification size of the nuchal ligament in patients of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with nuchal ligament calcification. METHODS: A total of 120 cases were randomly divided into a matrix acupuncture group and a routine acupuncture group, with 60 cases in each group. In the matrix acupuncture group, Ashi-point, bilateral Tianzhu (BL10), bilateral Fengchi (GB20), bilateral Dazhu (BL11), bilateral Jianzhongshu (SI15), and Jianjing (GB21), Tianzong (SI11), Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Waiguan (TE5), and Hegu (LI4) at the affected side were selected. In the routine acupuncture group, C3-C7 Jiaji points at the neck and Jianjing (GB21), Tianzong (SI11), Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Waiguan (TE5), Hegu (LI4), and Ashi-point at the affected side were selected. The patients in the two groups were treated 30 min once, six days a week, for a total of four weeks. The NDI scores, clinical efficacies, and calcification sizes of nuchal ligament were compared between the two groups every wee-kend. RESULTS: After four weeks of treatment, the NDI scores and calcification volumes of nuchal ligament decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with the routine acupuncture group, the matrix acupuncture group showed decreased NDI scores and reduced calcification volumes of nuchal ligament at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The cure and marked effective rate in the matrix acupuncture group at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks of treatment were superior to those of the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The matrix acupuncture group and the routine acupuncture group are effective in reducing the NDI score and calcification size of nuchal ligament in patients of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with nuchal ligament calcification. However, matrix acupuncture has obvious advantages over routine acupuncture.

Dosimetry study of three-dimensional print template for 125I implantation therapy.

BACKGROUND: 125I seed implantation has been found to show good therapeutic effects on tumors. Recent studies showed that three-dimensional (3D) print template-assisted 125I seed implantation can optimize radiation dose distribution. This study aimed to compare the dose distribution differences in 125I seed implantation among 3D print noncoplanar template- (3DPNCT), 3D print coplanar template- (3DPCT) assisted implantation and traditional free-hand implantation. METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Wan Fang Med Online, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from the earliest to November 2020 without time or language restrictions. And the references of primary literature were also searched. The outcome measures were dosimetry and operation time. This meta-analysis was carried out using Stata 12.0. RESULTS: A total of 16 original articles were selected for inclusion. The differences of D90, D100, V90, and V100 values pre- and post-implantation with traditional free-hand implantation showed statistically significant (p < 0.05). The differences of D90, D100, V100, V150, V200, and D2cc of organs at risk (OAR) values pre- and post-implantation with 3D print template showed no statistically significant (p > 0.05). Compared with traditional free-hand implantation without any templates, 3D print template could improve postoperative D90 (Standard mean difference, SMD = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.35 to 0.98, p < 0.001), D100 (SMD = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.40 to 1.23, p < 0.001), V90 (SMD = 1.48, 95%CI = 0.95 to 2.00, p < 0.001), V100 (SMD = 1.41, 95%CI = 0.96 to 1.86, p < 0.001), and reduce operation time (SMD = - 0.93, 95%CI = - 1.34 to - 0.51, p < 0.001). In three studies, both 3DPNCT and 3DPCT plans were designed for all patients. The prescribed dose and seed activity were same. Pooled analysis of D90, D100, V100, D2cc of OAR, number of seeds and number of needles showed no significant differences between 3DPNCT and 3DPCT groups (p > 0.05). However, in 3DPNCT group, V150 and V200 were increased (SMD = 0.35, 0.49; 95%CI = 0.04 to 0.67, 0.02 to 0.96; p = 0.028, 0.043); the number of through bone needles was reduced (SMD = - 1.03, 95%CI = - 1.43 to - 0.64, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with traditional free-hand implantation, 3D print template-assisted 125I seeds implantation can optimize dose distribution and reduce the implantation time at the same time. Compared with 3D print coplanar template, 3D print noncoplanar template can increase the volume of high dose within tumor target and is more safer in the respect of puncture route.

DP from Euphorbia fischeriana S. mediated apoptosis in leukemia cells via the PI3k/Akt signaling pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Euphorbia fischeriana S. (E. fischeriana) is a classic Chinese herb with toxicity that is mainly used for cancer treatment and in insect repellent, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema applications (Liu et al., 2001). 12-Deoxyphorbol13-palmitate (DP), a tetracyclic diterpene monomer compound, was extracted from the roots of E. fischeriana by our research groups. AIM: Previous studies found that DP could inhibit the proliferation of leukemia cells in vitro. However, the underlying mechanism of DP in leukemia is unknown. Hence, DP's pharmacological effect on leukemia cells was investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DP was obtained from the Natural Medicine Chemistry Laboratory of Qiqihaer Medical University. In vitro, K562 cells and HL60 cells were incubated with DP or DP combined with LY294002 at different concentrations. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by the relevant experimental methods. In vivo, nude mouse xenograft models were established by injecting K562 cells. DP was intraperitoneally administered to observe the influence on the growth of transplanted tumors. Gene detection and immunoblot analysis were performed to validate the mechanisms. RESULTS: The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay proved that DP inhibited the growth of K562 and HL60 cells in a time- or dose-dependent manner. At 12 h, DP could induce apoptosis by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) dual labeling, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation in K562 or HL60 cells. Furthermore, in an assay of gene and protein expression, we found that DP could downregulate the gene and protein expression levels of Bcl-2, upregulate the gene and protein expression levels of Bax and Bim, and downregulate the protein expression levels of PI3k, p-Akt, and p-FoxO3a. Moreover, the effects of DP on proliferation and apoptosis in K562 cells were enhanced by LY294002. Then, we tested the antitumor effects of DP in vivo. Nude mouse xenograft models were established by subcutaneously injecting K562 cells. We found that tumor volume was significantly decreased in DP-treated xenograft nude mice. Morphologic changes, apoptosis degree, and related gene and protein expression levels in transplanted tumor tissue of DP-treated nude mice were assessed by different experimental methods. CONCLUSIONS: The in vivo and in vitro experimental results indicated that DP might inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of leukemia cells, which might be a result of suppressing the PI3k/Akt signaling pathways.

[Acupuncture technique of Jingou Diaoyu combined with speech rehabilitation training for post-stroke motor aphasia].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of the acupuncture technique of Jingou Diaoyu combined with speech rehabilitation training and speech rehabilitation training alone for post-stroke motor aphasia. METHODS: A total of 70 patients with post-stroke motor aphasia were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with basic treatment and speech rehabilitation training; on the basis of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with the acupuncture technique of Jingou Diaoyu at Yamen (GV 15), Jinjin (EX-HN 12), Yuye (EX-HN 13), and Hegu (LI 4) etc., once a day, 6 days per week, for a total of 4 weeks. The speech function score, aphasia grade, daily life speech ability score of the two groups before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 94.3% (33/35) in the observation group, which was superior to 80.0% (28/35) in the control group (P<0.05). In addition to listening comprehension, each score of speech function in the two groups was significantly increased after treatment (P<0.05), and the increasing in the observation group was greater than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the aphasia grade of the two groups were improved (P<0.05), and the aphasia grade in the observation group was significantly better than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of daily life speech ability in the two groups were significantly improved (P<0.05), and the increasing in the observation group was greater than that in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The acupuncture technique of Jingou Diaoyu combined with speech rehabilitation training could improve the speech function of patients with post-stroke motor aphasia, and its curative effect is superior to the speech rehabilitation training alone.

Preparation and property of a biantenna macromolecule based on polysialic acid.

Polysialic acid (PSA), an acidic polysaccharide usually exists as a double-chain structure on cell adhesion molecules in vertebrates. The available PSA produced from Escherichia coli fermentation, however, is monochain PSA. In this work, a biomimetic biantenna type PSA (biPSA) was synthesized in vitro under mild conditions, and the terminal nonreducing ends of sialic acid residue were retained. The structure of biPSA was characterized through infrared spectroscopy, and NMR, and the double-chain structure of biPSA was confirmed by the doubled molecular weight and particle size of biPSA. Analysis through circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry, and thermostability experiments revealed that the obtained biPSA was more stable in aqueous solution than PSA, especially after complexation with Ca2+, which increased the variation in enthalpy and entropy. However, the addition of Cu2+ had a negligible effect on configuration of PSA and biPSA. The addition of Ca2+ promoted cell proliferation in a culture of microglia BV-2 cells with biPSA in medium. By contrast, the addition of Cu2+ had toxic effects. Supplementation with biPSA can maintain cell viability for a longer period than supplementation with monochain PSA. This work indicates that biPSA is a potential substitute for monochain PSA in practical applications.

[Small splint external fixation combined with 3D printing brace for the treatment of Colles fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the short-term clinical efficacy of manipulation reduction-combined with small splint and 3D printing wrist brace external fixation of wrist brace for Colles fracture and the advantages of using the brace. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with Colles fractures who were treated in Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February to December 2017 were selected. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the order of treatment, with 30 patients in the control group, including 13 males and 17 females, aged from 16 to 66 years, with a mean of (49.46±12.63) years; the time from injury to consultation ranged from 3 to 18 h, averaged (6.86±3.15) h. In the experimental group, there were 30 cases, 12 males and 18 females, ranging in age from 14 to 68 years old, with a mean of (46.73±14.40) years old; the time from injury to consultation ranged from 3 to 19 h, averaged(7.06±3.45)h. All the patients in the experimental group and the control group were treated with the same doctor's manipulation to reduce the fracture. The small splints were applied for external fixation after the satisfactory reduction shown in the X-ray. After 1 week of fracture treatment, the small splints were removed from the patients in the experimental group and the 3D printing braces were replaced to maintain fixation until the fracture healed. In the control group, small splints were maintained until the fracture healed. Wrist joint X-ray films were taken before and after reduction and 4 weeks after reduction to observe the palmar inclination angle, ulnar deviation angle, radius height and compare; VAS score and swelling degree score were recorded before and after reduction for 1 and 2 weeks; Cooney and PRWE score of wrist joint were compared after 6 to 8 weeks of reduction. RESULTS: The VAS score of 2 weeks after reduction was 2.40±0.49 in the experimental group and 2.43±0.50 in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the VAS score between the two groups before and after reduction(P=0.364). The swelling degree of 2 weeks after reduction was 0.50±0.50 in the experimental group and 0.53±0.50 in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the swelling degree between the two groups before and after reduction(P=0.746). The Cooney and PRWE scores of the experimental group were better than those of the control group 6 to 8 weeks after reduction (P<0.05), and the anatomical characteristics of palmar inclination, ulnar deviation and radial shortening of the experimental group were better than those of the control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 3D printing braces are light and breathable, comfortable and beautiful, and convenient for dressing. The combination of small splint sequentially applied to Colles fracture has a definite clinical effect, which enriches the means of external fixation treatment. It is believed that with the deepening of clinical research, the design and materials of 3D printing braces as well as their application in future medical treatment will be further developed.

Recycling of cooking oil fume condensate for the production of rhamnolipids by Pseudomonas aeruginosa WB505.

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are anionic biosurfactants with great application potential. This study explored the possibility of producing RLs from cooking oil fume condensates (COFCs) collected from range hoods. A mutant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa AB93066 was obtained and used to produce RLs from COFCs as a substrate. RL yields in a 7-L fermenter reached 12.3 g/L, and MALDI-TOF MS showed that Rha2-C10-C10 and Rha-C10-C10 are the most abundant (39.6% and 26.4%, respectively) RL components. The critical micellar concentration (CMC) of the RLs was 45.0 mg/L and the surface tension of water decreased from 60.5 to 25.3 mN/m. Using six kinds of common hydrocarbons as indices, the emulsification coefficients of the RLs obtained were found to exceed 60%; in particular, the emulsification coefficient for benzene was 80.3%. COFCs provide an inexpensive alternative as a substrate for RL production, and the synthetic process is relatively harmless and economical.

[Eletroacupuncture improves lipid metabolic disorder by regulating hepatic AMPK/p38 MAPK/RRARγ signaling in rats with high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of eletroacupuncture (EA) intervention on lipid metabolism and expression of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) protein in the liver in rats with insulin resistance (IR), so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of IR. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, medication, and EA groups (n＝8 in each). The IR model was established by feeding the rats with high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After successful establishment of model, the rats in the blank control group and model group were fixed in the self-made rat bag without receiving any treatment. The rats in the medication group were treated by gavage of pioglitazone (10 mL/kg). EA (2 Hz /100 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Fenglong"(ST40) and "Sanyinjiao"(SP6) for 20 min, once a day, for continuous 14 days for rats in the EA group. The ultrastructure of the liver tissue was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Blood samples were taken from the abdominal aorta for detecting serum C-peptide (C-P), adiponectin (ADP), leptin (LEP) and resistin (RES) contents using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of AMPK, p38 MAPK and PPARγ proteins in the liver tissue were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: After modeling, the contents of serum C-P, LEP and RES, and the expression of liver p38 MAPK protein were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the content of ADP and expression of AMPK and PPARγ significantly down-regulated in the model group compared with the blank control group (P<0.01). The increased contents of C-P, LEP and RES, and p38 MAPK protein expression and the decreased serum ADP and hepatic AMPK and PPARγ expression levels were completely reversed in both the EA and medication groups relevant to the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the EA and medication groups in up-regulating the levels of ADP, AMPK and PPARγ and in down-regulating the levels of C-P, LEP, RES and p38 MAPK(P>0.05). Outcomes of TEM showed that morphological structure of liver mitochondria was damaged, including a large number of lipid droplets, being blur in appearance, rupture of partial membrane, dissapearance of partial mitochondrial crests with vacuolus-like appearance and decrease of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the model group, which was relatively milder in both EA and medication groups. CONCLUSION: EA intervention is able to improve the disorder of lipid metabolism of IR rats, which may be associated with its effects in lowering the activity of fatty acid synthesis-related enzymes and regulating AMPK/p38 MAPK/PPARγ signaling to improve IR in the liver tissue.

Electroacupuncture Mitigates Skeletal Muscular Lipid Metabolism Disorder Related to High-Fat-Diet Induced Insulin Resistance through the AMPK/ACC Signaling Pathway.

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet (HFD) induced insulin resistance (IR) rats and to evaluate expression of AMPK/ACC signaling components. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control group, HFD group, HFD+Pi (oral gavage of pioglitazone) group, and HFD+EA group. Acupuncture was subcutaneously applied to Zusanli (ST40) and Sanyinjiao (SP6). For Zusanli (ST40) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), needles were connected to an electroacupuncture (EA) apparatus. Fasting plasma glucose was measured by glucose oxidase method. Plasma fasting insulin (FINS) and adiponectin (ADP) were determined by ELISA. Triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) were determined by Gpo-pap. Proteins of adiponectin receptor 1 (adipoR1), AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were determined by Western blot, respectively. Compared with the control group, HFD group exhibits increased levels of FPG, FINS, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and decreased level of ADP and insulin sensitivity index (ISI). These changes were reversed by both EA and pioglitazone. Proteins of adipoR1 and AMPK were decreased, while ACC were increased in HFD group compared to control group. Proteins of these molecules were restored back to normal levels upon EA and pioglitazone. EA can improve the insulin sensitivity of insulin resistance rats; the positive regulation of the AMPK/ACC pathway in the skeletal muscle may be a possible mechanism of EA in the treatment of IR.

Electroacupuncture mitigates endothelial dysfunction via effects on the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in high fat diet-induced insulin-resistant rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on endothelial dysfunction related to high fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway. METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a regular diet (Control group, n=8) or a HFD (n=16) for 12 weeks to induce an insulin resistance model. HFD-fed rats were divided into two groups that remained untreated (HFD group, n=8) or received electroacupuncture (HFD+EA group, n=8). EA was applied at PC6, ST36, SP6 and BL23. At the end of the experiment, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin (FINS), serum C-peptide (C-P) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were determined. Pancreatic islet samples were subjected to histopathological examination. The thoracic aorta was immunostained with anti-rat insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) antibodies. mRNA and protein expression of IRS-1, PI3K, Akt2 and eNOS in the vascular endothelium were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The bodyweight increase of the HFD+EA group was smaller than that of the untreated HFD group. Compared with the HFD group, the levels of FBG, FINS, C-P and HOMA-IR in the HFD+EA group decreased significantly (P<0.01). Histopathological evaluation indicated that EA improved pancreatic islet inflammation. The expression of endothelial markers, such as IRS-1, PI3K, Akt2 and eNOS, decreased in the HFD group, while EA treatment appeared to ameliorate the negative impact of diet. CONCLUSION: EA may improve insulin resistance and attenuate endothelial dysfunction, and therefore could play a potential role in the prevention or treatment of diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.

[Effect of Eletroacupuncture Intervention on Insulin Resistance, Lipid Metabolic Disorder and Expression of Hepatic SREBP-1 c and Fatty Acid Synthase Proteins in Rats with Hyperlipidemia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) of "Fenglong" (ST 40) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on lipid metabolic disorder, insulin resistance (IR) and expression of sterol regulatory element blinding protein-1 (SREBP-1) c and fatty acid synthase (FAS) proteins in the liver tissue in hyperlipidemia rats with IR, so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of IR. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, medication and EA groups (n＝8 in each group). The IR model was established by feeding the rat with high-fat diet. Rats of the medication group were treated by intragastric administration of pioglitazone (10 mL/kg). For rats of the EA group, EA (2 Hz/100 Hz，1 mA) was applied to bilateral ST 40 and SP 6, once daily for 14 days. The insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was assessed by calculating 60－120 min glucose infusion rate (GIR 60－120) with euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp in reference to Kraegen's and colleagues' methods. Fasting blood samples (10 mL) were collected and analyzed for fasting blood glucose (FBG) using enzyme method, serum fasting insulin(FINS) using ELISA, free fatty acid(FFA) using spectrophotometry, and total triglyceride(TG) and total cholesterol(TC) employing glycerine phosphate oxidase peroxidase (GPO-PAP) assay, low density lipoprotein(LDL), high density lipoprotein(HDL) levels using combined filiter paper activity and lipase activity methods, respectively. The IR level was assessed by calculating homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) using the formula (FBG×FINS)/22.5. The expression levels of SREBP-1 c and FAS proteins in the liver tissue were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Following modeling, the GIR 60－120 and serum HDL were significantly decreased(P<0.01), and the HOMA-IR, serum FBG, FINS, FFA, TG, TC and LDL, and the expression levels of hepatic SREBP-1 c and FAS proteins were significantly increased in comparison with the blank control group(P<0.01). After the intervention, the decreased GIR 60－120 and serum HDL levels were considerably up-regulated (P<0.01), and the increased FBG, FINS, FFA, TG, TC and LDL, and hepatic SREBP-1 c and FAS protein levels were notably down-regulated in both EA and medication groups relevant to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant differences were found between the EA and medication groups in all the indexes mentioned above (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention is able to improve the disorder of lipid metabolism of IR rats, which may be associated with its effects in reducing the expression of SREBP-1 c and FAS proteins and in lowering the synthesis of fatty acid.

Predicting Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Nonconcentric Shrinkage Pattern of Breast Cancer Using 1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in nonconcentric shrinkage pattern of breast cancer (BC) patients using H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. METHODS: Twenty-five BC patients were the study cohort. All patients received AT-based regimen as first-line treatment. Tumor response to chemotherapy was evaluated after the second and fourth cycles using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Final histopathology following surgery after 4 to 8 cycles of NAC served as a reference. Changes in total choline integral* (tCho) and tumor size in response versus nonresponse groups were compared using the 2-way Mann-Whitney nonparametric test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were undertaken, and the area under the ROC curve compared among them. RESULTS: H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed a negative tCho integral* in 6 cases at the first follow-up and 14 cases at the second follow-up. Based on pathology (Miller-Payne system), there were 16 cases of response, and 9 cases of nonresponse. The tCho integral* was significantly different between the response and nonresponse groups at the second follow-up (P = 0.027). The tumor size changes were not significantly different in the response and nonresponse groups at the second follow-up study (P > 0.05). The comparison of ROC curves among the change in tCho integral* and tumor size at baseline and both follow-ups revealed the maximum area under the ROC curve of the change in tCho integral* to be 0.747 at the second follow-up, sensitivity to be 93.75%, and positive predictive value to be 78.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In nonconcentric shrinkage pattern after NAC of BC, when tumor size is difficult to reflect the response, tCho integral* reduction may be a predictive marker.

AUTOLOGOUS LENS CAPSULAR FLAP TRANSPLANTATION COMBINED WITH AUTOLOGOUS BLOOD APPLICATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REFRACTORY MACULAR HOLE.

PURPOSE: To report results of lens capsular flap transplantation (LCFT) and autologous whole blood application in refractory macular hole (MH) treatment. METHODS: Seven phakic and three aphakic eyes with persistent MH after standard surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling were studied. Lens capsule flap was acquired from the same eye in eight cases (seven phakic and one aphakic). The fellow eye was used in two aphakic eyes without sufficient lens capsule. The fellow eye underwent simultaneous phacoemulsification. All eyes underwent complete vitrectomy, LCFT into the MH, whole blood application, and 15% perfluoropropane (C3F8) tamponade. The patients were instructed to maintain a face-down or prone position for two weeks postoperatively. Structural and functional changes were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean preoperative MH diameter was 1,472.78 ± 736.88 µm. The MH was completely closed in nine eyes: eight eyes receiving same-eye LCFT and one receiving fellow-eye LCFT. In the other fellow-eye LCFT recipient, the MH was partially closed. Visual acuity improved from 1.84 ± 0.49 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (median Snellen acuity: 20/1,750, range: 20/4,000-20/125) preoperatively to 1.34 ± 0.59 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (median Snellen acuity: 20/450, range: 20/4,000-20/63) postoperatively (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Lens capsular flap transplantation and autologous whole blood application may improve anatomical and visual outcomes in refractory MH cases. The lens equator and fellow eye may be promising sources of LCF.

Curcumin is a promising inhibitor of genotype 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection.

BACKGROUND: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) could lead to pandemic diseases and huge financial losses to the swine industry worldwide. Curcumin, a natural compound, has been reported to serve as an entry inhibitor of hepatitis C virus, chikungunya virus and vesicular stomatitis virus. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of curcumin on early stages of PRRSV infection. RESULTS: Curcumin inhibited infection of Marc-145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) by four different genotype 2 PRRSV strains, but had no effect on the levels of major PRRSV receptor proteins on Marc-145 cells and PAMs or on PRRSV binding to Marc-145 cells. However, curcumin did block two steps of the PRRSV infection process: virus internalization and virus-mediated cell fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that an inhibition of genotype 2 PRRSV infection by curcumin is virus strain-independent, and mainly inhibited by virus internalization and cell fusion mediated by virus. Collectively, these results demonstrate that curcumin holds promise as a new anti-PRRSV drug.

Ginsenoside Rh2 enhances the antitumor immunological response of a melanoma mice model.

The treatment of malignant tumors following surgery is important in preventing relapse. Among all the post-surgery treatments, immunomodulators have demonstrated satisfactory effects on preventing recurrence according to recent studies. Ginsenoside is a compound isolated from panax ginseng, which is a famous traditional Chinese medicine. Ginsenoside aids in killing tumor cells through numerous processes, including the antitumor processes of ginsenoside Rh2 and Rg1, and also affects the inflammatory processes of the immune system. However, the role that ginsenoside serves in antitumor immunological activity remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on the antitumor immunological response. With a melanoma mice model, ginsenoside Rh2 was demonstrated to inhibit tumor growth and improved the survival time of the mice. Ginsenoside Rh2 enhanced T-lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor and triggered cytotoxicity in spleen lymphocytes. In addition, the immunological response triggered by ginsenoside Rh2 could be transferred to other mice. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that ginsenoside Rh2 treatment enhanced the antitumor immunological response, which may be a potential therapy for melanoma.

Effect of Broccoli Sprouts and Live Attenuated Influenza Virus on Peripheral Blood Natural Killer Cells: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

UNLABELLED: Enhancing antiviral host defense responses through nutritional supplementation would be an attractive strategy in the fight against influenza. Using inoculation with live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) as an infection model, we have recently shown that ingestion of sulforaphane-containing broccoli sprout homogenates (BSH) reduces markers of viral load in the nose. To investigate the systemic effects of short-term BSH supplementation in the context of LAIV-inoculation, we examined peripheral blood immune cell populations in non-smoking subjects from this study, with a particular focus on NK cells. We carried out a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study measuring the effects of BSH (N = 13) or placebo (alfalfa sprout homogenate, ASH; N = 16) on peripheral blood mononuclear cell responses to a standard nasal vaccine dose of LAIV in healthy volunteers. Blood was drawn prior to (day-1) and post (day2, day21) LAIV inoculation and analyzed for neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, T cells, NKT cells, and NK cells. In addition, NK cells were enriched, stimulated, and assessed for surface markers, intracellular markers, and cytotoxic potential by flow cytometry. Overall, LAIV significantly reduced NKT (day2 and day21) and T cell (day2) populations. LAIV decreased NK cell CD56 and CD158b expression, while significantly increasing CD16 expression and cytotoxic potential (on day2). BSH supplementation further increased LAIV-induced granzyme B production (day2) in NK cells compared to ASH and in the BSH group granzyme B levels appeared to be negatively associated with influenza RNA levels in nasal lavage fluid cells. We conclude that nasal influenza infection may induce complex changes in peripheral blood NK cell activation, and that BSH increases virus-induced peripheral blood NK cell granzyme B production, an effect that may be important for enhanced antiviral defense responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01269723.

["Santong Needling" by Stages for Moderate and Severe Peripheral Facial Paralysis in the Acute Period].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical effects of "Santong needling" by stages for patients with moderate and severe peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) in the acute period. METHODS: Sixty patients with moderate and severe PFP were equally and randomly divided into Santong needling group and control group. The patients of the Santong needling group were treated by shallow puncture of Yifeng (TE 17, on the affected side) and Hegu (LI 4, on the healthy side) without needle manipulation in the acute stage ("Qing-tong", mild dredging) , by oblique-penetrative puncture of Dicang (ST 4) to Jiache (ST 6), etc. , and moderate manipulation of needles in the resting stage ("Qiang-tong", stronger dredging) , and by oblique-penetrative puncture of Dicang (ST 4) to Jiache (ST 6), etc., and reinforcing needling manipulation in the recovery stage("Bu-tong", tonifying dredging). The patients of the control group were treated by "Jingjin" (musculotendon) puncture of the same acupoints. The treatment was conducted once daily, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. The 0-3-grade scores of therapeutic effects were evaluated according to the severity of the patients' symptoms and signs (including forehead stripes, palpebral fissure, nasolabial groove, drooping of the mouth angle, bulging cheek-air leak, food residue, dysgeusis, hyperacusi, lacrimation, and orbicularis oculi reflex). The therapeutic effect index = (score of pre-treatment--score of post-treatment)/score of pre-treatment x100% . The patients' life quality scores were assessed by using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF questionnaire. RESULTS: After the treatment, the scores of clinical symptoms and signs were significantly decreased in both control and Santong needling groups in comparison with pre-treatment in the same one group (P < 0.05), suggesting an improvement of facial nerve function after 6 weeks' treatment. Of the two 30 patients in the control group and Santong needling group, 11 (36.7%) and 15 (50.0%) were cured, 8 (26.7%) and 9 (30.0%) experienced marked improvement, 5 (16.6%) and 4 (13.3%) were effective, and 6 (20.0%) and 2 (6.7%) invalid, with the effective rates being 80.0% and 93.3%, respectively. The therapeutic effect of Santong needling group was evidently superior to that of the control group (P < 0.05). Three-months' follow up showed that the WHOQOL-BREF scores were comparable between pre- and post-treatment in the same one group and between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Santong needling by stages is effective in improving clinical symptoms and signs of patients with moderate and severe peripheral facial paralysis.