Nursing Team Training and Standardized Management in Hybrid OR.

Objective: Analyzing the impact of nursing workforce development, training and standardization on hybrid operating theatres. Methods: Thirty nurses in the mixed operating room of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2021 to December 2021 were selected as the control group to receive routine nursing management and training methods and another thirty nurses were selected as the experimental group to receive nursing team construction, training and standardized management based on conventional methods. Nurses' theoretical and operational scores, nurses' satisfaction, surgeon satisfaction with nurses, and nursing service quality scores were compared between two groups at baseline and after intervention. Results: After the intervention, nurses in both groups had a significant improvement in theoretical and operational scores than those at baseline, and nurses in the experimental group had better scores than those in the control group, The difference was statistically significant (P = .002, P = .004). Nursing quality of surgical preparation, environmental management, surgical safety, and instrument management in the intervention group were significantly better than those at baseline and better than those in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P = .001, P = .001, P = .001, P = .001). Satisfaction of nurses and doctors in the intervention group was significantly better than those at baseline and better than those in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P = .002, P = .001). Conclusion: The effect of nursing team construction and training and standardized management of hybrid operating Room was ideal, which can improve nurses' theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and enhance the satisfaction of nurses and surgeons, providing patients with higher quality nursing services, which is worth adopting.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) non-specific lipid transfer protein StLTP6 promotes viral infection by inhibiting virus-induced RNA silencing.

MAIN CONCLUSION: For the first time it is reported that members of the nsLTP protein family could promote viral infection by inhibiting virus-induced RNA silencing. Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are a class of soluble proteins with low relative molecular weight and widely present in higher plants. The role of nsLTPs in biotic and abiotic stresses has been studied, but no report has shown that nsLTPs play a role in the process of viral infection. We report the function and mechanism of the classical nsLTP protein StLTP6 in viral infection. We found that StLTP6 expression was remarkably upregulated in potato infected with potato virus Y and potato virus S. The infection efficiency and virus content of StLTP6-overexpressed potato and Nicotiana benthamiana were remarkable increased. Further study found that the overexpression of StLTP6 inhibited the expression of multiple genes in the RNA silencing pathway, thereby inhibiting virus-induced RNA silencing. This result indicated that StLTP6 expression was induced during viral infection to inhibit the resistance of virus-induced RNA silencing and promote viral infection. In summary, we reported the role of StLTP6 in viral infection, broadening the biological function range of the nsLTP family and providing valuable information for the study of viral infection mechanism.

Genome-wide analysis of milk vetch dwarf virus and related alphasatellites from garlic and aphids in Shandong Province, China.

In 2019 and 2020, symptoms of dwarfing, yellowing, and reddening were observed in garlic in open fields in Shandong Province, China. Milk vetch dwarf virus (MDV) was detected in aphids and symptomatic garlic plants using polymerase chain reaction analysis. Furthermore, it was demonstrated using an aphid transmission test that garlic is a natural host of MDV. Rolling-circle amplification was combined with the use of specific primers to amplify the complete genomes of MDV and its related alphasatellites. This is the first report of complete genome sequences of MDV and related alphasatellites from garlic and aphid samples.

Dihydrotanshinone I Enhances Cell Adhesion and Inhibits Cell Migration in Osteosarcoma U-2 OS Cells through CD44 and Chemokine Signaling.

In the screening of novel natural products against cancer using an in vitro cancer cell model, we recently found that tanshinones from a traditional Chinese medicine, the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), had potent effects on cell proliferation and migration. Especially for human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells, tanshinones significantly enhanced the cell adherence, implying a possible role in cell adhesion and cell migration inhibition. In this work, therefore, we aimed to provide a new insight into the possible molecule mechanisms of dihydrotanshinone I, which had the strongest effects on cell adhesion among several candidate tanshinones. RNA-sequencing-based transcriptome analysis and several biochemical experiments indicated that there were comprehensive signals involved in dihydrotanshinone I-treated U-2 OS cells, such as cell cycle, DNA replication, thermogenesis, tight junction, oxidative phosphorylation, adherens junction, and focal adhesion. First, dihydrotanshinone I could potently inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase by downregulating the expression of CDK4, CDK2, cyclin D1, and cyclin E1 and upregulating the expression of p21. Second, it could significantly enhance cell adhesion on cell plates and inhibit cell migration, involving the hyaluronan CD44-mediated CXCL8-PI3K/AKT-FOXO1, IL6-STAT3-P53, and EMT signaling pathways. Thus, the increased expression of CD44 and lengthened protrusions around the cell yielded a significant increase in cell adhesion. In summary, these results suggest that dihydrotanshinone I might be an interesting molecular therapy for enhancing human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cell adhesion and inhibiting cell migration and proliferation.

Effects of Zinc Glycinate on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indexes, and Intestinal Morphology of Yellow Feather Broilers.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of zinc glycinate (Gly-Zn) on growth performance, serum biochemical index, intestinal morphology, and hepatic metallothionein (MT) mRNA expression in the liver of yellow feather broilers. A total of 540 18-day-old yellow feather broilers were randomly divided into three groups: control group (basal diet), ZnSO4 group (basal diet plus 60 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO4), and Gly-Zn group (basal diet plus 60 mg Zn/kg from zinc glycinate). Each treatment group had 6 replicates with 30 birds in each replicate. The experiment lasted for 42 days (18 to 59 days of age). The results showed that Gly-Zn supplementation significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers during 18 to 39 days of age compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05) but not different from the ZnSO4 group. The Gly-Zn group had higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (P < 0.05) and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations than the broilers in the control and ZnSO4 group. It was also observed that zinc content in the tibia of Gly-Zn group broilers was higher than the control and ZnSO4 group (P < 0.05). The results of intestinal morphology parameters showed that the Gly-Zn group significantly increased the villus height in duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05) and decreased crypt depth in duodenum and ileum compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences between the Gly-Zn group and ZnSO4 group in duodenum and ileum regarding intestinal morphology parameters. The Gly-Zn group significantly increased mRNA expression of MT in the liver than both control and ZnSO4 groups (P < 0.05). Collectively, the results indicated that supplementing 60 mg Zn/kg through zinc glycinate improved growth performance and serum indexes as well as intestinal morphology of yellow feather broilers. It also regulates MT gene expression more effectively than the ZnSO4 group at the transcriptional level.

Effect of Niacin on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Mucosal Immunity and Microbiota Composition in Weaned Piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of niacin on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal mucosal immunity, and colonic microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 96 weaned piglets (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), 21-d old, 6.65 ± 0.02 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups (8 replicate pens per treatment, each pen containing 4 males; n = 32/treatment) for 14 d. Piglets were fed a control diet (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with 20.4 mg/kg niacin (NA) or an antagonist for the niacin receptor GPR109A (MPN). The results showed that NA or MPN had no effect on ADG, ADFI, G/F or diarrhea incidence compared with the CON diet. However, compared with piglets in the NA group, piglets in the MPN group had lower ADG (p = 0.042) and G/F (p = 0.055). In comparison with the control and MPN group, niacin supplementation increased the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (p < 0.05), while decreasing the crypt depth in the duodenum (p < 0.05). Proteomics analysis of cytokines showed that niacin supplementation increased the expression of duodenal transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), jejunal interleukin-10 (IL-10) and ileal interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p < 0.05), and reduced the expression of ileal interleukin-8 (IL-8) (p < 0.05) compared with the control diet. Piglets in the MPN group had significantly increased expression of ileal IL-6, and jejunal IL-8 and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) (p < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. Piglets in the MPN group had lower jejunal IL-10 level and higher jejunal IL-8 level than those in the NA group (p < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of duodenal IL-8 and ileal granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) genes were increased (p < 0.05), and that of ileal IL-10 transcript was decreased (p < 0.05) in the MPN group compared with both the control and NA groups. Additionally, niacin increased the relative abundance of Dorea in the colon as compared with the control and MPN group (p < 0.05), while decreasing that of Peptococcus compared with the control group (p < 0.05) and increasing that of Lactobacillus compared with MPN supplementation (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results indicated that niacin supplementation efficiently ensured intestinal morphology and attenuated intestinal inflammation of weaned piglets. The protective effects of niacin on gut health may be associated with increased Lactobacillus and Dorea abundance and butyrate content and decreased abundances of Peptococcus.

Optimized acupuncture treatment (acupuncture and intradermal needling) for cervical spondylosis-related neck pain: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: Cervical spondylosis (CS)-related neck pain is difficult to treat because of its degenerative nature. The aim of this 9-center, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of optimized acupuncture for CS-related neck pain. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to optimized, shallow, and sham acupuncture groups (1:1:1). The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire score at week 4. Participants were followed up until week 16. Of the 896 randomized participants, 857 received ≥1 intervention session; 280, 286, and 291 received optimized, shallow, and sham acupuncture, respectively. A total of 835 (93.2%) participants completed the study. At week 4, significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed in the changes in Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire scores between the optimized acupuncture group and both the shallow {7.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.57-9.86)} and sham acupuncture (10.38 [95% CI, 8.25-12.52]) groups. The difference in the scores at week 16 between the optimized acupuncture group and the shallow (8.84 [95% CI, 6.34-11.34]) and sham acupuncture (10.81 [95% CI, 8.32-13.30]) groups were significant. The center effect indicated wide variability in the treatment effects (Cohen's d = 0.01-2.19). Most SF-36 scores were higher in the optimized acupuncture group than those in the other groups. These results suggest that 4-week optimized acupuncture treatment alleviates CS-related neck pain and improves the quality of life, with the effects persisting for minimum 3 months. Therefore, acupuncture can have positive effects on CS-related neck pain, although the effect size may vary widely.

YY1 mediates TGF-ß1-induced EMT and pro-fibrogenesis in alveolar epithelial cells.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease associated with lung damage and scarring. The pathological mechanism causing pulmonary fibrosis remains unknown. Emerging evidence suggests prominent roles of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) in myofibroblast formation and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Our previous work has demonstrated the regulation of YY1 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pathogenesis of fibroid lung. However, the specific function of YY1 in AECs during the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is yet to be determined. Herein, we found the higher level of YY1 in primary fibroblasts than that in primary epithelial cells from the lung of mouse. A549 and BEAS-2B cells, serving as models for type II alveolar pulmonary epithelium in vitro, were used to determine the function of YY1 during EMT of AECs. TGF-ß-induced activation of the pro-fibrotic program was applied to determine the role YY1 may play in pro-fibrogenesis of type II alveolar epithelial cells. Upregulation of YY1 was associated with EMT and pro-fibrotic phenotype induced by TGF-ß treatment. Targeted knockdown of YY1 abrogated the EMT induction by TGF-ß treatment. Enforced expression of YY1 can partly mimic the TGF-ß-induced pro-fibrotic change in either A549 cell line or primary alveolar epithelial cells, indicating the induction of YY1 expression may mediate the TGF-ß-induced EMT and pro-fibrosis. In addition, the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was demonstrated in A549 cells after TGF-ß treatment and/or YY1 overexpression, suggesting that NF-κB-YY1 signaling pathway regulates pulmonary fibrotic progression in lung epithelial cells. These findings will shed light on the better understanding of mechanisms regulating pro-fibrogenesis in AECs and pathogenesis of lung fibrosis.

The NHLBI-sponsored Consortium for preclinicAl assESsment of cARdioprotective therapies (CAESAR): a new paradigm for rigorous, accurate, and reproducible evaluation of putative infarct-sparing interventions in mice, rabbits, and pigs.

RATIONALE: Despite 4 decades of intense effort and substantial financial investment, the cardioprotection field has failed to deliver a single drug that effectively reduces myocardial infarct size in patients. A major reason is insufficient rigor and reproducibility in preclinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To develop a multicenter, randomized, controlled, clinical trial-like infrastructure to conduct rigorous and reproducible preclinical evaluation of cardioprotective therapies. METHODS AND RESULTS: With support from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, we established the Consortium for preclinicAl assESsment of cARdioprotective therapies (CAESAR), based on the principles of randomization, investigator blinding, a priori sample size determination and exclusion criteria, appropriate statistical analyses, and assessment of reproducibility. To validate CAESAR, we tested the ability of ischemic preconditioning to reduce infarct size in 3 species (at 2 sites/species): mice (n=22-25 per group), rabbits (n=11-12 per group), and pigs (n=13 per group). During this validation phase, (1) we established protocols that gave similar results between centers and confirmed that ischemic preconditioning significantly reduced infarct size in all species and (2) we successfully established a multicenter structure to support CAESAR's operations, including 2 surgical centers for each species, a Pathology Core (to assess infarct size), a Biomarker Core (to measure plasma cardiac troponin levels), and a Data Coordinating Center-all with the oversight of an external Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee. CONCLUSIONS: CAESAR is operational, generates reproducible results, can detect cardioprotection, and provides a mechanism for assessing potential infarct-sparing therapies with a level of rigor analogous to multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trials. This is a revolutionary new approach to cardioprotection. Importantly, we provide state-of-the-art, detailed protocols ("CAESAR protocols") for measuring infarct size in mice, rabbits, and pigs in a manner that is rigorous, accurate, and reproducible.

Deqi sensation in placebo acupuncture: a crossover study on chinese medicine students.

Objective. To evaluate the similarity of deqi sensation of real and noninvasive placebo acupuncture in healthy people with knowledge of Chinese medicine. Methods. In a crossover design, volunteers recruited from Chinese medicine college students were randomized to two groups to receive two phases of intervention with a one-week washout interval. In Group A, the participants were firstly treated by real acupuncture and then by sham needle, and the treatment sequence was reversed in Group B. VAS for pain intensity and deqi sensation was evaluated as outcomes. Results. Sixty-three volunteers were recruited and 60 were included and finished the study. In Group A, VAS was higher in Phase I than in Phase II (P = 0.017). Only treatment methods were selected as factor to VAS difference (P = 0.046) in ANOVA test. More positive deqi was reported in Group A in Phase I when treated by real acupuncture (P = 0.039), but the difference was not significant in Phase II (P = 0.301). Conclusion. The noninvasive placebo acupuncture device can effetely simulate the deqi sensation as real acupuncture, but it is less likely to evoke the active effect of deqi in real practice. This trial is registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-ORC-09000505.

Dietary iodine and selenium affected the mRNA expression levels of skin monodeiodinase (II, III) in Liaoning Cashmere goats.

Livestock are frequently provided nutrient-depleted diets, which can negatively impact animal health and productivity. In our previous trial, we found that iodine (I) supplementation (not selenium (Se)) could increase cashmere production. In order to explore the role of I and Se in cashmere growth, we investigated the effects of dietary I and Se supplementation in Liaoning cashmere goats. Serum thyroid hormone status and the mRNA expression levels of skin monodeiodinase (MDII, MDIII) were measured during the cashmere fiber growth period. Forty-eight 2.5-year-old Liaoning cashmere goats (38.6 ± 2.65 kg BW) were divided into six equal groups, and their diets were supplemented with I (0, 2, or 4 mg/kg DM) and Se (0 or 1 mg/kg DM) in a 2 × 3 factorial treatment design. The six treatment groups were: I(0)Se(0), I(2)Se(0), I(4)Se(0), I(0)Se(1), I(2)Se(1), and I(4)Se(1). Concentrations of I and Se in the basal diet (group I(0)Se(0)) were 0.67 and 0.09 mg/kg DM, respectively. The trial started in September of 2009 and lasted 70 days. For every measured parameter, supplemental Se had no significant effect on thyroid hormones, but improved the mRNA expression levels of skin MDIII (P < 0.01). However, supplemental I increased levels of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) and improved the mRNA expression levels of skin MDII (P < 0.05). These results show that the addition of I to cashmere goat feedstock may be an effective means of increasing cashmere production through thyroid hormones regulating the mRNA expression of skin MDII.

The optimized acupuncture treatment for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis: a study protocol of a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is one of the chief symptoms of cervical spondylosis (CS). Acupuncture is a well-accepted and widely used complementary therapy for the management of neck pain caused by CS. In this paper, we present a randomized controlled trial protocol evaluating the use of acupuncture for CS neck pain, comparing the effects of the optimized acupuncture therapy in real practice compared with sham and shallow acupuncture. METHODS/DESIGN: This trial uses a multicentre, parallel-group, randomized, sham acupuncture and shallow acupuncture, controlled single-blind design. Nine hospitals are involved as trial centres. 945 patients who meet inclusion criteria are randomly assigned to receive optimized acupuncture therapy, sham acupuncture or shallow acupuncture by a computerized central randomization system. The interventions past for 4 weeks with eight to ten treatments in total. The group allocations and interventions are concealed to patients and statisticians. The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) is used as the primary outcome measure, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and The Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) are applied as secondary outcome measures. The evaluation is performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at the end of the first month and the third month during follow-up. The statistical analyses will include baseline data comparison and repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) for primary and secondary outcomes of group and time differences. Adverse events (AEs) will be reported if they occur. DISCUSSION: This trial is a multicentre randomized control trial (RCT) on the efficacy of acupuncture for CS neck pain and has a large sample size and central randomization in China. It will strictly follow the CONSORT statement and STRICTA extension guideline to report high-quality study results. By setting the control groups as sham and shallow acupuncture, this study attempts to reveal the effects of real acupuncture versus placebo or non-classic acupuncture treatment and evaluate whether classic Chinese medical acupuncture is effective on CS neck pain. This study will provide evidence for the effects of acupuncture on CS neck pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-00000184.

Meta analysis of the curative effect of acupuncture on post-stroke depression.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the curative effect of acupuncture on post-stroke depression (PSD). METHODS: The internet was used to retrieve the Wanfang Medical Data System, Chinese Periodical Net, the Weipu Information Resources System, PubMed and the Cochrane Library Database. Relevant articles, up to September 2010, were manually retrieved. These papers included studies that had performed random and semi-random control trials for the use of acupuncture to treat PSD. Fifteen random control tests involving 1096 patients were included in this study and individual cases, interventional measures and curative effects were extracted from this research. Grade methodological quality evaluation and meta-analysis were performed on these studies. RESULTS: Comparison between the acupuncture group and the Western medicine group for the curative rate on PSD revealed an OR of 1.48, 95% CI = [1.11 1.97] and P = 0.008. Comparison of obviously effective rate shows that OR = 1.39, 95% CI = [1.08 1.80] and P = 0.01. Comparison of effective rate shows that OR = 0.83, 95% CI = [0.631.09] and P = 0.18. CONCLUSION: Comparison between the acupuncture group and Western medicine group in treating PSD revealed that there is a statistical difference in curative rate and remarkably effective rate, but no difference in effective rate.

[Randomized controlled study on rehabilitation of hemiplegia in cerebral infarction at the early stage with acupuncture and moxibustion based on meridian harmonization and zang-organ regulation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the better therapeutic method for the treatment of hemiplegia in cerebral infarction. METHODS: One hundred and fifty cases were randomized into a meridian-harmonization group (group A), a zang-organ regulation group (group B) and a meridian-harmonization and zang-organ regulation group (group C), 50 cases in each one. On the basis of conventional treatment, in group A, the acupoints were selected along meridians, such as Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Jianyu (LI 15), Waiguan (TE 5), Huantiao (GB 30) and Yanglingquan (GB 34)ect. In group B, the acupoints were selected in light of abdominal acupuncture such as Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Shangqu (KI 17, healthy side) and Daheng (SP 15)etc. In group C, the acupoints in group A and group B were selected in combination. Before and after treatment, all the patients received the test of Barthel Index (BI) to assess the disability level and the simple Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale (FMMS) for the evaluation of motor function. RESULTS: After treatment, all the three groups presented the significant improvement of BI, the down-regulation of disability rate and up-regulation of FMMS score, indicating significant differences in statistics as compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In group C, the results of BI improvement, the down-regulation of disability rate and the improvement of limb motor function were all superior to those in either group A or group B (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture in light of meridian-harmonization and zang-organ regulation is the better approach for the early-stage rehabilitation of hemiplegia in cerebral infarction and its efficacy is superior to that of either simple meridian harmonization therapy or zang-organ regulation therapy.

Effects of different copper sources and levels on plasma superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation, and copper status of lambs.

This study was performed to determine the effects of different copper (Cu) sources and levels on plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation, and Cu status of lambs. Fifty Dorper × Mongolia wether lambs (approximately 3 month of age; average BW = 23.8 ± 0.6 kg) were divided into five equal groups each with ten animals according to their weight. Treatments consisted of (1) control (no supplemental Cu), (2) 10 mg Cu/kg DM from Cu-lysine, (3) 20 mg Cu/kg DM from Cu-lysine, (4) 10 mg Cu/kg DM from tribasic copper chloride (Cu(2)(OH)(3)Cl; TBCC), and (5) 20 mg Cu/kg DM from TBCC. The Cu concentration was 6.74 mg/kg DM in the basal diet. Plasma copper concentrations and ceruloplasmin activities were not affected on day 30 by Cu supplementation. Copper supplementation increased plasma and liver copper concentrations and ceruloplasmin activities on day 60. Muscle Cu concentrations were not affected by Cu supplementation. There were no differences in plasma, liver, and muscle Cu concentrations and ceruloplasmin activities between Cu-lysine and TBCC. Liver copper concentrations and plasma ceruloplasmin activities were increased in lambs supplemented with 20 mg Cu/kg DM than in those supplemented with 10 mg Cu/kg DM on day 60. However, copper levels had no effects on Cu concentrations in plasma and muscle. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were decreased in plasma and liver tissues, but not affected in muscle by Cu supplementation. Plasma SOD activities were increased by Cu supplementation. There were no differences in plasma, liver, and muscle MDA concentrations and plasma SOD activities between Cu sources and levels. These results indicated that Cu supplementation increased plasma SOD activity, lipid oxidative stability, and copper status of lambs, but did not influence lipid oxidative stability in sheep muscle. Cu-lysine and TBCC were of similar availability when offered to finishing sheep.

Effects of dietary iodine and selenium on nutrient digestibility, serum thyroid hormones, and antioxidant status of Liaoning cashmere goats.

Forty-eight 2-year-old Liaoning Cashmere goats (body weight = 38.0 ± 2.94 kg) were used to investigate the effects of dietary iodine (I) and selenium (Se) supplementation on nutrient digestibility, serum thyroid hormones, and antioxidant status during the cashmere telogen period to learn more about the effects of dietary I and Se on nutrition or health status of Cashmere goats. The goats were equally divided into six groups of eight animals each that were treated with 0, 2, or 4 mg of supplemental I/kg dry matter (DM) and 0 or 1 mg of supplemental Se/kg DM in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The six treatments were I(0)Se(0), I(2)Se(0), I(4)Se(0), I(0)Se(1), I(2)Se(1), and I(4)Se(1). The concentrations of I and Se in the basal diet were 0.67 and 0.09 mg/kg DM, respectively. The study started in March and proceeded for 45 days. Supplemental I or Se alone had no effect on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen metabolism. However, the interaction between I and Se was significant regarding the digestibility of acid detergent fiber (ADF; P < 0.05), and compared with group I(4)Se(1), the digestibility of ADF was significantly increased in group I(4)Se(0) (P < 0.05). Selenium supplementation did not affect serum triiodothyronine (T(3)) or thyroxine (T(4)) concentrations. However, the concentration of serum T(4) but not that of T(3) was significantly increased with I supplementation (P < 0.05). In addition, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was not affected (P > 0.05), but serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was significantly decreased by I supplementation (P < 0.05). The antioxidant status was improved by Se supplementation, and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased (P < 0.05).

Assessment of a traditional acupuncture therapy for chronic neck pain: a pilot randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to assess the efficacy of traditional acupuncture for chronic neck pain in patients by comparing the differences in symptoms, dysfunctions and quality of life. METHODS: The study used a two-arm, single-blinded, randomised controlled design. The patients were randomised to the study group and control group, who respectively received traditional acupuncture and placebo treatment. The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) and doctor's judgement were applied for measuring effectiveness. The patients' effectiveness outcome was assessed, respectively, before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, at the end of the first month of follow-up and at the end of the third month of follow-up. The statistical analysis was done on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v13, which included comparison of demographic and clinical homogeneity, the repeated measures approach based on the general linear model (GLM) for effectiveness assessment and the sum rank test for doctors' subjective efficacy judgement. RESULTS: Totally, 190 patients were recruited and 178 patients (88 in the study group and 90 in the control group) completed the intervention and follow-up assessment. The scores of NPQ, VAS and SF-36 were improved after the intervention and during follow-up (P<0.01 vs. before the intervention). The patients in the study group had better effectiveness outcome in NPQ, VAS and in the VT, SF and MH domains of SF-36 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Traditional acupuncture can relieve pain intensity and improve the quality of daily life with a relative long-term clinical efficacy in patients with chronic neck pain.

[Comprehensive therapeutic protocol of electroacupuncture combined with Chinese herbs and rehabilitation training for treatment of cerebral infarction: a multi-center randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of comprehensive therapeutic protocol of electroacupuncture combined with active-blood-and-dissolve-stasis herbs and rehabilitation training for cerebral infarction. METHODS: A multi-center randomized controlled trial was done, three hundred and twenty cases were divided into four groups: electroacupuncture combined with active-blood and dissolve-stasis herbs and rehabilitation training group (group A), electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation training group (group B), herbs combined with rehabilitation training group (group C) and rehabilitation training group (group D), 80 cases in each group. The following two groups of acupoints were used alternatively in electroacupuncture treatment: the first group including Vasomotor Area, Jianyu (LI 15), Biguan (ST 31), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3); the second group including Motor Area, Quchi (LI 11), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Shenshu (BL 23). 20 mL Xiangdan injection and 250 mL 5% glucose injection or 250 mL 0.9% sodium chloride injection were used by intravenous drip in herbs treatment once a day. The rehabilitation training was performed by the professional physical therapist. Each group was treated with corresponding treatment protocol. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by index of the mortality or disability rate 3 months after the onset of disease. The intention to treat analysis (ITT) was used in data. RESULTS: The mortality or handicap rate 3 months after the onset of disease of four groups were 17.5% (14/80) in group A, 22.5% (18/80) in group B, 40. 0% (32/80) in group C, and 31.3% (25/80) in group D, respectively. The group A has a best therapeutic effect (vs group C, group D, both P<0.05), and there was no adverse event. CONCLUSION: The combined application of electroacupuncture, active-blood and dissolve-stasis herbs and rehabilitation training is a better treatment for cerebral infarction in clinic.

Depressive neurosis treated by acupuncture for regulating the liver--a report of 176 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of acupuncture for regulating the liver on depressive neurosis. METHODS: In a multi-center randomized controlled trial, 440 patients were divided into 3 groups: Acupuncture group for regulating the liver (Acup., 176 cases) was treated by acupuncture at Siguan Points, i.e., bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3), Baihui (GV 20) and Yintang (EX-HN3) plus ear-acupuncture, Prozac group (P., 176 cases) by oral administration of Prozac, and Non-acupoint needling group (NAN, 88 cases) by acupuncture at non-acupoints as acupuncture placebo. Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) was examined before treatment, and one month, two and three months after treatment respectively to evaluate therapeutic effect, and Rating Scale for Side Effects (SERS) was used to evaluate the safety. RESULTS: After one month of treatment, SDS scores in Acup. Group were significantly lower than that in P. Group (P < 0.05) and than that in NAN Group (P < 0.01), and SDS scores in P. Group were lower than that in NAN Group (P < 0.05), showing the SDS scores in Acup. Group < P. Group < NAN Group. After 2 months of treatment, SDS scores in Acup. Group were also significantly lower than that in P. Group (P < 0.01) and than that in NAN Group (P < 0.01), and SDS scores in P. Group were also lower than that in NAN Group (P < 0.05), showing the SDS scores in Acup. Group 0.05), showing the SERS scores in Acup. Group < NAN Group < P. Group. No side effect was found in Acup. and NAN groups. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of acupuncture on depressive neurosis is better than or similar to that of Prozac but with less side effect.

[Logistic regression analysis on therapeutic effect of acupuncture on neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis and factors influencing therapeutic effect].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the main factors influencing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis, so as to provide references for further increasing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. METHODS: One hundred and six cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 53 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with routine acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14), Jingbailao (Ex-HN 15) and Jianzhongshu (SI 15); and the control group was treated with sham acupuncture at 1 cm lateral to Bailao (Ex-HN 15) and Jianzhongshu (SI 15). The needles were retained for 20 min in the two groups and infrared radiation was used for adjuvant treatment in this period. Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) was used to assess the patients' quality of life before and after the treatment. The potential influential factors were analyzed by Logistic regression. RESULTS: The effective rate was 75.5% in the observation group and 52.8% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The Logistic regression analysis indicated that the therapeutic effect in the observation group was superior to the control group (OR = 2.670), and both the attack frequency and duration of the neck pain will influence the therapeutic effect (OR = 1.055 and OR = 2.446). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture has a better therapeutic effect on neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis, and patient's clinical history about attack frequency and duration of neck pain are factors influencing clinical therapeutic effect.