[Modified acupuncture at sphenopalatine ganglion for allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of modified acupuncture at sphenopalatine ganglion for allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: A total of 80 patients with AR were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. In the observation group, modified acupuncture at sphenopalatine ganglion was given, 30 min each time, 2 times a week and with an interval of 3-4 days. In the control group, budesonide nasal spray was given. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS) were observed before treatment, after first treatment, after last treatment and 4 weeks after treatment; the scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) were observed before treatment, after last treatment and 4 weeks after treatment; the recurrence condition was evaluated 4 weeks after treatment; the clinical efficacy was evaluated after last treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the total scores and each score of TNSS, TNNSS scores after first treatment, after last treatment and 4 weeks after treatment were decreased in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). After first treatment, the total score, stuffy nose score, itchy nose score of TNSS and TNNSS score in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After last treatment, the total score, stuffy nose score, itchy nose score of TNSS in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). Four weeks after treatment, the total score and each score of TNSS, TNNSS score in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the scores of VAS and RQLQ after last treatment and 4 weeks after treatment were decreased in both groups (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). The recurrence rate was 13.5% (5/37) in the observation group, which was lower than 44.8% (13/29) in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 92.5% (37/40) in the observation group, which was higher than 72.5% (29/40) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Modified acupuncture at sphenopalatine ganglion could effectively improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with AR, and the recurrence rate is lower.

Branched-chain amino acids supplementation has beneficial effects on the progression of liver cirrhosis: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is currently the 11th most common cause of death and 15th cause of morbidity globally. The treatment of LC is mainly aimed at etiological intervention, lifestyle intervention, prevention and treatment of complications and nutritional treatment. Nutritional treatment of LC mainly includes increasing dietary intake, food intake time and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Despite the recommendation of BCAAs in some guidelines, adverse effects have been reported in studies so the efficacy and safety of BCAAs remain controversial. Currently, BCAAs have been widely used in chronic liver disease, while the summary of the effect of BCAAs on long-term prognosis is rare. AIM: To determine the effects of BCAAs in patients with LC. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched. The retrieval deadline was 1 October 2021 and there were no language restrictions set in the retrieval. The study was performed in strict accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Nine studies were finally included. The primary outcome was complications of LC. The secondary outcomes were nutritional status and liver function. This meta-analysis used the Review Manager, version 5 statistical package (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, England) for analysis. RESULTS: The analysis included nine studies that consisted of 1080 patients (554 in the BCAA groups and 526 in the control groups). The nine studies were randomized control trials (RCTs). The quality of the studies was assessed using the risk of bias method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. BCAAs reduced the rate of complications in LC patients [Risk ratio: 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56-0.88, P = 0.002] and improved patients' albumin levels [std mean difference SMD: 0.26, 95%CI: 0.12-0.40, P = 0.0002]. Meanwhile, BCAAs significantly ameliorated the levels of alanine transaminase (SMD: -2.03, 95%CI: -2.52 to -1.53, P < 0.00001) and aspartate aminotransferase (SMD: -1.8, 95%CI: -2.14 to -1.46, P < 0.00001). Meanwhile, glucose in the LC was significantly increased in BCAA-treated patients (MD: 13.04, 95%CI: 6.81-19.89, P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: BCAAs reduce the incidence of complications in patients with LC and ameliorate nutritional status.

Evaluation of Taraxacum mongolicum flavonoids in diets for Channa argus based on growth performance, immune responses, apoptosis and antioxidant defense system under lipopolysaccharide stress.

To ascertain the effects of Taraxacum mongolicum flavonoids (TMF) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, immune indices, inflammatory response and antioxidant capacity of Channa argus, 400 C. argus with an average body weight of (8.08 ± 0.21) g were selected and divided randomly into four groups. They were fed with four experimental diets supplemented with TMF of 0 (control), 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 56 d, and then challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 96 h, afterwards indices were detected. The results manifested that the addition of TMF above 50 mg/kg in the dietary could significantly improve the final body weight, WGR, SGR and PER of C. argus, while decreased FCR (P < 0.05). Similarly, the 50 mg/kg group had the highest activity of digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase) in intestine and hepatopancreas, which were notably higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, 100 mg/kg group could effectively inhibit the liver and gut injury caused by LPS and reduce the contents of ALT and AST, LPS and LBP in serum. In the immune (LY, AKP, ACP, IgM, C3) and antioxidant (T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH-PX, GR, ASA, MDA) systems, 100 mg/kg groups were the optimal group, which were remarkably higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of genes revealed that 100 mg/kg group could noteworthy restrain the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (tnf-α, il-1ß, il-8) and pro-apoptosis (cas-3,8,9, p53, bax, bcl-2) related genes, up-regulate the expression of anti-inflammatory (il-10, tgf-ß) factors, antioxidant-related (nrf2, gpx, gst, cat) genes and heat shock proteins (hsp70, hsp90). Simultaneously, the survival rate of C. argus in the 100 mg/kg TMF-supplemented group was the highest after LPS challenge. Our results elucidate that dietary supplementation TMF protects C. argus from LPS-induced inflammatory injury, to ameliorate digestion, immune response, antioxidant status and apoptosis, implying that TMF could be regarded as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent adding to aquatic animal feed.

Vitamin E and selenium partially prevent cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by T-2 toxin in bovine Leydig cells.

The objective of this study was to explore the protective mechanism of Vitamin E (VE) and selenium (Se) against T-2 toxin-induced oxidative damage of bovine Leydig cells. Leydig cells were isolated, cultured and divided into five treatment groups such as: control, T-2, Se + T-2, VE + T-2 and VE + Se + T-2. After treatment for 24 h, the cells and supernatants were harvested to examine the cell viability, the activities and mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA damage. Results showed that T-2 toxin exposure significantly reduced the cell viability, increased the MDA level, reduced GSH-Px, SOD and CAT activities and increased DNA damage (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, T-2 toxin was attributed to the down-regulation of the mRNA expression of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT (P < 0.05). However, VE and Se reduced T-2 toxin-induced oxidative damage and tended to maintain normal levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, VE and Se substantially up-regulated the activities and mRNA expressions of the GSH-Px, SOD and CAT. In conclusion, VE and Se, due to its anti-oxidative ability, could ameliorate T-2 toxin-induced cytotoxicities by regulating oxidative stress in bovine Leydig cells.

[Identification and biological characteristics of a pathogen causing leaf blight of Rehmannia glutinosa].

Leaf blight outbroke in Rehmannia glutinosa plantation in Wenxian county, Henan province in 2019. R. glutinosa plants with diseased leaves were collected from the plantation, and three strains were isolated from the diseased leaf samples. Pathogenicity test, morphological observation, and phylogenetic analysis of ITS, EF1-α, and Tub suggested that they were respectively Fusarium proliferatum, F. oxysporum, and F.acuminatum. Among them, F. acuminatum, as a pathogen of R. glutinosa leaf disease, had never been reported. To clarify the biological characteristics of F. acuminatum, this study tested the influence of light, pH, temperature, medium, carbon source, and nitrogen source on the mycelial growth rate of the pathogen during a 5-day culture period, and explored the lethal temperature. The results showed that the mycelia grew well under the photoperiod of 12 h light/12 h darkness, at 5-40 ℃(optimal temperature: 25 ℃), at pH 4-11(optimal pH: 7.0), on a variety of media(optimal medium: oatmeal agar), and in the presence of diverse carbon and nitrogen sources(optimal carbon source: soluble starch; optimal nitrogen source: sodium nitrate). The lethal temperature was verified to be 51 ℃(10 min). The conclusion is expected to lay a scientific basis for diagnosis and control of R. glutinosa leaf diseases caused by F. acuminatum.

Effect of Chinese herbal topical medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion on pressure ulcer wound healing: A meta-analysis.

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of Chinese herbal topical medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion on pressure ulcer wound healing. A systematic literature search up to January 2022 was done and 13 studies included 1073 subjects with pressure ulcer wound at the start of the study; 593 of them were using traditional Chinese medicine treatments, and 480 were control for pressure ulcer wound. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect of Chinese herbal topical medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion on pressure ulcer wound healing by the dichotomous methods with a random or fixed-influence model. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments had significantly higher complete healing (OR, 5.94; 95% CI, 3.94-8.95, P < .001), and curative ratio post-treatment (OR, 4.79; 95% CI, 2.62-8.76, P < .001) compared with control for subjects with pressure ulcer wound. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments had a significantly higher complete healing and curative ratio post-treatment compared with control for subjects with pressure ulcer wounds. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.

Acupuncture inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin, promotes autophagy and attenuates neurological deficits in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for approximately 15% of all stroke cases. Previous studies suggested that acupuncture may improve ICH-induced neurological deficits. Therefore, we investigated the effects of acupuncture on neurological deficits in an animal model of ICH. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with autologous blood (50 µL) into the right caudate nucleus. Additional rats underwent sham surgery as controls. ICH rats either received acupuncture (GV20 through GB7 on the side of the lesion) or sham acupuncture (1 cm to the right side of the traditional acupuncture point locations). Some ICH rats received acupuncture plus rapamycin injection into the right lateral ventricle. Neurological deficits in the various groups were assessed based on composite neurological score. The perihemorrhagic penumbra was analyzed by histopathology following hematoxylin-eosin staining. Levels of autophagy-related proteins light chain (LC)3 and p62 as well as of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-related proteins, and phosphorylated (p)-mTOR and p-S6K1 (ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1), were assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Acupuncture significantly improved composite neurological scores 7 days after ICH (17.7 ± 1.49 vs 14.8 ± 1.32, p < 0.01). Acupuncture augmented autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation based on transmission electron microscopy. Acupuncture significantly increased expression of LC3 (p < 0.01) but decreased expression of p62 (p < 0.01). Acupuncture also reduced levels of p-mTOR and p-S6K1 (both p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture improved neurological deficits in a rat model of ICH, possibly by inhibiting the mTOR pathway and activating autophagy.

[Effects of density on growth and gene transcription characteristics of Rehmannia glutinosa].

The present study analyzed the effects of planting density on the development, quality, and gene transcription characte-ristics of Rehmannia glutinosa using 85-5 and J9 as materials with three planting densities of 5 000, 25 000, and 50 000 plants/Mu(1 Mu≈667 m~2). The agronomic characteristics of leaves and tuberous roots, the content of catalpol and acteoside, and the changes of gene expression were determined. The results showed that the leaf size, the diameter of tuberous root, leaf biomass, tuberous root number, and tuberous root biomass per plant at low density were significantly higher than those of medium and high densities. The content of catalpol and acteoside in leaves was higher at high density. The content of catalpol in tuberous roots was higher at low density, and the change trend was similar to that in leaves, while the content of acteoside in tuberous roots was higher at high density. Transcriptome analysis found that about 1/2 of the expansin genes could change regularly in response to density treatment, which was rela-ted to the development of tuberous roots. The change trend of the gene expression of multiple catalytic enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of catalpol and acteoside was consistent with that of their content, which was presumedly involved in the accumulation and regulation of density-responsive medicinal components. Based on the analysis of the development, medicinal components, and gene expression characteristics of R. glutinosa at different densities, this study is expected to provide an important basis for regulating the quality and yield of medicinal materials of R. glutinosa by managing the planting density.

[Effect of Bo's abdominal acupuncture as adjunctive therapy on rheumatoid arthritis and ESR, RF and CRP levels].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis treated with Bo's abdominal acupuncture for "guiding qi to the source" plus "opening four gates on the abdomen" and the relevant effect mechanism. METHODS: A total of 104 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized into and an observation group (52 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (52 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the control group, methotrexate tablets were prescribed for oral administration, 5 mg each time, once a week. In the observation group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, Bo's abdominal acupuncture was combined. The acupoints included Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Huaroumen (ST 24), Wailing (ST 26), etc. The treatment was given once every two days, 3 times weekly. Totally 12 weeks were required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the score of TCM symptoms (including joint pain, the range of motion, joint swelling and morning stiffness), and the levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were observed and the clinical therapeutic effect was assessed in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate was 88.2% (45/51) in the observation group, higher than 73.5% (36/49) in the control group (P<0.05). The score of each TCM symptom and the total scores after treatment were all lower than those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and these scores in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of ESR, RF and CRP were all lower than those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), while the levels of those indexes in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Bo's abdominal acupuncture for "guiding qi to the source" plus "opening four gates on the abdomen" as the adjunctive therapy effectively relieves the clinical symptoms in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which is related to the reduction of ESR, RF and CRP in mechanism.

[Bayesian network Meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine injections combined with antiviral western medicine in treatment of influenza].

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine injections combined with antiviral wes-tern medicine in the treatment of influenza by Bayesian network Meta-analysis. Four Chinese databases(CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM) and three English databases(PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library) were retrieved by computer for randomized controlled trials(RCT) about the comparison between the combined administration of traditional Chinese medicine injections with antiviral western medicine(or with placebo) and the single administration of antiviral western medicine in the treatment of influenza, or the comparison between two different traditional Chinese medicine injections combined with antiviral western medicine in the treatment of influenza. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the databases to July 2020. Two researchers independently screen out the literatures and extracted the data according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The included studies were evaluated by the Cochrane 5.1 bias risk assessment tool, and data analysis was conducted by ADDIS 1.16.8 and Stata 14.0. A total of 49 literatures about 5 061 cases were included finally, involving six traditional Chinese medicine injections, namely Reduning Injection, Xiyanping Injection, Tanreqing Injection, Yanhuning Injection, Qingkailing Injection and Shuanghuanglian Injection. The results of network Meta-analysis,(1)in terms of total effective rate, 6 traditional Chinese medicine injections combined with antiviral western medicine was better than antiviral western medicine alone. In terms of probability sorting, Shuanghuanglian Injection combined with antiviral western medicine ranked first.(2)There was no significant statistical difference in adverse reaction rate among all groups, but Reduning Injection ranked first in the probability sorting, due to the least side effects.(3)In terms of antipyretic time, Yanhuning Injection, Xiyanping Injection and Tanreqing Injection combined with antiviral western medicine was better than antiviral western medicine alone and Xiyanping Injection ranked first in the probability sorting.(4)In terms of cough relief time, Qingkailing Injection and Tanreqing Injection combined with antiviral western medicine was better than antiviral western medicine alone and Qingkailing Injection was superior to Yanhuning Injection. Qingkailing Injection combined with antiviral western medicine ranked first in the probability sorting.(5)In terms of the length of hospital stay, Xiyanping Injection, Tanreqing Injection and Reduning Injection combined with antiviral western medicine was superior to antiviral western medicine alone, and Reduning Injection ranked first in the probability sorting due to the shortest hospital stay. Because of the small quantity and low quality of included studies, the results of this study shall be regarded cautiously and comprehensively. In the future, multi-center, large-sample and clinical randomized controlled trials shall be conducted to verify the results.

Stereotactic EEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation versus anterior temporal lobectomy for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: In this report, we aim to describe the design for the randomised controlled trial of Stereotactic electroencephalogram (EEG)-guided Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation versus Anterior Temporal Lobectomy for Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Hippocampal Sclerosis (STARTS). Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is a classical subtype of temporal lobe epilepsy that often requires surgical intervention. Although anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) remains the most popular treatment for mTLE, accumulating evidence has indicated that ATL can cause tetartanopia and memory impairments. Stereotactic EEG (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC) is a non-invasive alternative associated with lower seizure freedom but greater preservation of neurological function. In the present study, we aim to compare the safety and efficacy of SEEG-guided RF-TC and classical ATL in the treatment of mTLE. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: STARTS is a single-centre, two-arm, randomised controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. The study includes patients with typical mTLE over the age of 14 who have drug-resistant seizures for at least 2 years and have been determined via detailed evaluation to be surgical candidates prior to randomisation. The primary outcome measure is the cognitive function at the 1-year follow-up after treatment. Seizure outcomes, visual field abnormalities after surgery, quality of life, ancillary outcomes, and adverse events will also be evaluated at 1-year follow-up as secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION: SEEG-guided RF-TC for mTLE remains a controversial seizure outcome but has the advantage for cognitive and visual field protection. This is the first RCT studying cognitive outcomes and treatment results between SEEG-guided RF-TC and standard ATL for mTLE with hippocampal sclerosis. This study may provide higher levels of clinical evidence for the treatment of mTLE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03941613 . Registered on May 8, 2019. The STARTS protocol has been registered on the US National Institutes of Health. The status of the STARTS was recruiting and the estimated study completion date was December 31, 2021.

Variability of chlorophyll and the influence factors during winter in seasonally ice-covered lakes.

Lake ice is an essential and integral part of the cryosphere and freshwater systems. The formation of lake ice affects the physical, hydrological, and biological conditions of ecological systems. Global warming may contribute to even shorter periods of ice cover in the lakes of the Frigid Zone, which adversely affects the growth of phytoplankton and primary productivity. This study was conducted for the purpose of evaluating the growth of phytoplankton and factors involved, in 28 ice-covered lakes across the Songnen Plain, in the Northeast of China, to understand how they take part in the whole-ecosystem functioning. A total of 1026 water samples were collected in April, September, and January during the period 2014-2018. In the frozen period, the concentration levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were all comparable with the spring and autumn. Despite the limited light availability and low temperature, the phytoplankton survived in sub-ice waters during winter with a low concentration of chlorophyll a (Chla). Its average concentration was positively correlated with the concentration observed in the previous autumn (rp = 0.563, p < 0.01). According to the regression tree analysis, during the winter period, Chla was mainly related to the concentration of TN in sub-ice water (TNwater) and with the difference of concentration of TP between water and ice (TPcd). Furthermore, either in ice or in sub-ice water, the concentration of Chla was also significantly affected by total suspended matter (TSM) (p < 0.05). The levels of TNwater, TPcd, and TSM could explain the 77.8% of the variance in the concentration of Chla during winter with contributions in the ranges of 25.5%-35.0%, 9.2%-11.3%, and 21.5%-34.0%, respectively (p < 0.05). This research substantially contributes to comprehending how the existing conditions under-ice affect the whole ecosystem when the ice cover is reduced lakes or rivers.

[Effect of acupuncture on NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscle in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20) through "Qubin" (GB 7) on NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscle in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and to explore the action mechanism of acupuncture on promoting the recovery of neural function in rats with ICH. METHODS: Forty SPF six-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a non-acupoint group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each group. The rats in the model group, non-acupoint group and acupuncture group were intervened with autologous blood injection to prepare ICH model, while the rats in the sham operation group were only intervened with operation but not injection with autologous blood. About 3 hours after the establishment of the model, the rats in the acupuncture group were intervened with acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20) through "Qubin" (GB 7), once every 12 hours, for 7 days; the rats in the non-acupoint group were intervened with acupuncture at the non-acupoint [parallel to the "Baihui" (GV 20), 1 cm next to the midline] on the affected side, and other treatment was the same as the acupuncture group. At the end of the intervention, the composite nerve function score of each group was evaluated; the histomorphology of the hemorrhage penumbra was observed by HE staining; the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscle in the brain was detected by immunohistochemistry; the relative protein expression levels of NLRP3, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in brain were detected by the method of Western blot. RESULTS: Seven days into intervention, compared with the sham operation group, each item score and total score of composite nerve function in the model group were significantly reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). There was edema and karyopyknosis in brain neuron as well as necrocytosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group. Compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group, the total score of composite nerve function and the scores of symmetrical movement of limbs (LS) and proprioception of tentacles (VP) in the acupuncture group were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the cell necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were relieved. Compared with the sham operation group, NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscle expression and the relative protein expression levels of NLRP3, IL-1ß and IL-18 in brain tissue in the model group were increased (P<0.01); compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group, NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscle expression and the relative protein expression levels of NLRP3, IL-1ß and IL-18 in brain tissue in the acupuncture group were reduced (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20) through "Qubin" (GB 7) could downregulate the expression of NLRP3, IL-1ß and IL-18 in the brain tissue of ICH rats, inhibit the inflammatory response, and promote the recovery of neural function.

[Post-stroke constipation treated with acupoint embedding therapy: a multi-center randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the clinical effect of acupoint embedding therapy on post-stroke constipation. METHODS: The multi-central randomized controlled trial was adopted. 210 patients of post-stroke constipation were divided into an acupoint embedding group (105 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a sham-embedding group (105 cases, 6 cases dropped off). In the acupoint embedding group, the acupoint embedding therapy was used at Tianshu (ST 25), Daheng (SP 15), Xiawan (CV 10), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Daju (ST 27). In the sham-embedding group, the sham-embedding therapy was given, in which, the acupoint selection, needle devices and manipulation were the same as the acupoint embedding group. But, no absorbable surgical suture was used in the needle tube. The treatment was given once every two weeks and 4 treatments were required in either group. It was to compare the weekly average complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) during treatment (from the 3rd to the 8th week) between the two groups, the weekly average spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs), Bristol stool form score (BSFS), the score of the patient assessment of constipation quality of life questionnaire (PAC-QOL) and the score of defecation difficulty before and after treatment. RESULTS: The percentage of the cases with weekly average CSBMs ≥ 3 times in the patients of the acupoint embedding group was higher markedly than the sham-embedding group [91.1% (92/101) vs 43.4% (43/99), P<0.01]. Compared with the values before treatment, the weekly average SBMs and BSFS scores after treatment were all increased obviously in the two groups (P<0.01), and PAC-QOL score and the score of defecation difficulty were reduced remarkably (P<0.01). After treatment, the increase range of SBMs and BSFS scores, as well as the decrease range of PAC-QOL score and the defecation difficulty score in the acupoint embedding group were all higher than the sham-embedding group respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The acupoint embedding therapy remarkably increases the spontaneous bowel movements, improves in feces form and defecation difficulty and strengthens the quality of life in the patients of post-stroke constipation.

[Research status and development strategies of moxibustion standardization].

Based on the analysis of the present situation of standardization of moxibustion, it is found that the published standards of acupuncture and moxibustion are predominated at acupoint standard and acupuncture manipulation standard. Moxibusiton standardization mainly focuses on the manipulation. It is relatively lack of the standards of moxibustion materials and device. Four suggestions are put forward on the development strategies of moxibustion standardization: 1. Rectify the current situation that more attention paid to acupuncture rather than moxibustion, strengthen the inheritance of traditional experiences and the excavation of ancient literature, expand the indications of moxibustion and confirm the clinical effect of it. 2. Promote the whole process of moxibustion standardization, starting from moxibustion technique to its material, device and manipulation. 3. Enhance the equipment construction of moxibustion, combine with other build engineering disciplines, e.g. artificial intelligence and communication technology, and construct a multi-disciplinary intersection system. 4. Improve the promotion and development mode of moxibustion, propel all-round development of moxibustion in the clinical application, promotion mode and standardization construction, etc.

[Penetrative needling improves neurological function by up-regulating expression of autophagy related protein LC3 in rats with hemorrhagic stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of penetrative needling from "Baihui" (GV20) to "Qubin" (GB7) on neurological function and expression of autophagy related protein microtubule-associated protein, light chain 3 (LC3) in rats with hemorrhagic stroke, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: A total of 120 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, non-acupoint, acupuncture and medication (Rapamycin) groups which were further divided into two time-point subgroups (3, 7 days after modeling, n=12/subgroup). The intracerebral hemorrhage model was established by injection of the rat's auto-blood (50 µL) into the putaman region. Penetrative needling from GV20 to GB7 or sham acupoints (about 1 cm beside GV20 and GB7) was conducted for 30 min, twice daily for 7 days. For rats of the medication group, Rapamycin solution (7 µmol/L) was injected into the right lateral ventricle. The neurological functions (locomotor and balance deficits) were evaluated according to suspended wire test (0-6 points) and horizontal board walking test (0-6 points). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of total LC3 and expression of LC3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ proteins in the ischemic penumbra region of brain tissue, respectively. RESULTS: After modeling, the neurological function scores were significantly decreased on day 3 and 7, the levels of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3 protein on day 3 and 7 were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the sham operation group (P<0.05). Following the interventions, the neurological function scores as well as LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3 protein expression were significantly increased in both acupuncture and medication groups compared with the model group (P<0.05). The effect of Rapamycin was obviously stronger than that of penetrative needling in up-regulating the expression of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3 protein (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Penetrative needling can improve neurologic function in hemorrhagic stroke rats, which is related with its effect in up-regulating the expression of autophagy-related protein LC3.

Acupuncture treatment on idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this systematic review protocol is to provide the methods for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture on the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this subject in 8 electronic databases and they are Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wan-Fang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database). Other relevant literatures will be manually searched as a complement. Only RCTs related to acupuncture for ITN in English or Chinese will be included, without limitation of publication types. The risk of bias and trial quality will be assessed by the Cochrane collaboration's tool. All data will be analyzed by RevMan V.5.3.3 statistical software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not necessary as this paper does not involve patient data. This protocol will be disseminated by a peer-review journal or conference presentation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42015022173 STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY:: This systematic review will evaluate the effectivity and safety of acupuncture treatment on idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Two authors will perform independently study selection, data extraction and quality assessment, in order to ensure that all included studies are not personal bias. The result of this systematic review may give clinicians more ways to assist patient in relieving trigeminal neuralgia.This shortage of systematic review is due to language barriers, only 2 languages of the trials can be included, other related studies may be missing. Different methods of acupuncture and quality of methodologies may result in essential heterogeneity.

[Modern research and application of Longgu].

Longgu is the fossil of ancient mammals which was used as a common kind of mineral medicine. Longgu is always used to treat neurological diseases. Currently, the quality standard of Longgu is incomplete. Moreover, because of the non-renewable nature of the resource and the increase of national protection of fossils, the clinical application of Longgu is facing a series of problems. As the discovery of the ingredient and the development of forging technology researchers launched to search the substitutes of Longgu. The article summarizes the usage and the study of Longgu, in order that we can discuss the modern usage and substitutability of Longgu.

Berberine and Evodiamine Act Synergistically Against Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The synergistic combinations of natural products have long been the basis of Traditional Chinese herbal Medicine formulas. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of a combination of berberine and evodiamine against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro and in vivo, and explored its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell survival was measured using the MTT assay. Apoptosis-related proteins were observed using western blot analysis. Apoptosis was detected with flow cytometric analysis and by Hoechst 33258 staining. Tumor xenografts were used in vivo. RESULTS: Compared to berberine or evodiamine treatments alone, the combination treatment of berberine (25 µM) and evodiamine (15 µM) synergistically inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a time-dependent manner and resulted in the G0/G1 phase accumulation of cells that exhibited increased expression levels of the CDK inhibitors p21 and p27 with a concomitant reduction in the expression levels of cell-cycle checkpoint proteins cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK4, and CDK6. Furthermore, the combination treatment induced apoptosis that was accompanied by increased expression levels of p53 and Bax, reduced expression levels of Bcl-2, activation of caspase-7, and caspase-9, and the cleavage of PARP. The combination of berberine and evodiamine synergistically inhibited tumor growth in vivo in MCF-7 human breast cancer xenografts. CONCLUSION: Combination of berberine and evodiamine acts synergistically to suppress the proliferation of MCF-7 cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, illustrating the potential synergistic and combinatorial application of bioactive natural products.

[The Study of Three-Dimensional Synchronous Fluorescence Spectral Characteristics of Liuwei Dihuang Pills].

Three-dimensional synchronous fluorescence of each component of Liuwei dihuang pills (Prepared rehmannia root, cornel, yam, alisma, poria cocos, and cortex moutan) is measured by using FLS920P fluorescence spectrometer. Feature parameters were extracted. It can be found that each component is fluorescent material and the lines are all different. Furthermore, Three-dimensional synchronous fluorescence of Liuwei dihuang pills boiling with standard water and non-standard water are all measured and there are significant differences between them. It can be applied in distinguishing different formula of Chinese medicine decoction. Experimental and Theoretical conclusion show that: the three-dimensional fluorescence spectrometry method and the combination of synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy method can further improve the sensitivity and selectivity of fluorescence spectroscopy, have a distinct advantage in a complex multi-component mixture of fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. The study can provide a convenient and reliable method for establishing a complete fingerprint of Chinese traditional medicine. It also can help identifying the component and the quality of Chinese patent medicine.