Comparison of the efficacy of different frequency electroacupuncture in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome patients with abdominal obesity. / ä¸åŒé¢‘çŽ‡ç”µé’ˆæ²»ç–—è ¹éƒ¨è‚¥èƒ–åž‹å¤šå›Šåµå·¢ç»¼åˆå¾çš„ç–—æ•ˆæ¯”è¾ƒ.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of 2 Hz continuous wave and 2 Hz/100 Hz dilatational wave setting in electroacupuncture(EA) on ovulation frequency, hormone levels, body fat parameters, quality of life and depression-anxiety level in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with abdominal obesity. METHODS: PCOS patients with abdominal obesity were randomly divided into low-frequency group (n=29) and dilatational wave group (n=29). Patients in both groups were treated with "Tongtiaodaimai" (regulating Dai Meridian) acupuncture therapy, and EA was applied to bilateral Daimai (GB26), Tianshu (ST25), Shenshu (BL23) and Ciliao (BL32). The low-frequency group received EA using a continuous wave at a frequency of 2 Hz, while the dilatational wave group received dilatational wave at a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. Both groups received treatment for 30 min each time, 3 times per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Ovulation frequency was calculated according to the ovulation cycle. The contents of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were detected with electrochemiluminescence method. Body weight (BW) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. PCOS questionnaire (Chi-PCOSQ), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, both the low-frequency group and the dilatational wave group showed an increase in ovulation frequency (P<0.01, P<0.05), and a decrease in BW, BMI, WC, WHtR, and SDS score (P<0.01, P<0.05)；the dilatational wave group showed decreased serum AMH contents (P<0.05) and increased serum SHBG contents (P<0.05), the scores related to acne, fatigue, and dysmenorrhea in the Chi-PCOSQ increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the low-frequency group, the dilatational wave group showed a reduction (P<0.05) in WC after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: 2 Hz/100 Hz dilatational wave EA is equally effective as 2 Hz low-frequency EA in improving ovulation frequency. In terms of reducing WC in abdominal obesity type PCOS patients, 2 Hz/100 Hz dilatational wave EA is superior to 2 Hz low-frequency EA. 2 Hz/100 Hz dilatational wave EA can decrease serum AMH, increase serum SHBG, and improve symptoms of acne, fatigue, and dysmenorrhea.

Amelioration of Lung Fibrosis by Total Flavonoids of Astragalus via Inflammatory Modulation and Epithelium Regeneration.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is identifiable by the excessive increase of mesenchyme paired with the loss of epithelium. Total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA), the main biologically active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), shows outstanding effects on treating pulmonary disorders, including COVID-19-associated pulmonary dysfunctions. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of TFA on treating pulmonary fibrosis and the possible mechanisms behind these effects. A549 cells were treated with TGF-[Formula: see text]1 and TFA to observe the potential effects of TFA on regulating alveolar epithelial cell proliferation, TGF-[Formula: see text]1-induced EMT, and the underlying mechanisms in vitro. Then, mouse pulmonary fibrosis was induced with a single intra-tracheal injection of bleomycin, and TFA was administrated by i.p. injection. Lung fibrosis was evaluated through histological and molecular analyses, and the possible mechanisms were explored using immunological methods. The results demonstrated that TFA could promote cell proliferation but inhibit TGF-[Formula: see text]1-induced EMT on A549 cells. TFA attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by modulating inflammatory infiltration and M2 macrophage polarization; it furthermore modulated EMT through regulating the TGF-[Formula: see text]1/Smad pathway. In addition, TFA augmented the expression of the Wnt7b protein, which plays an important role in alveolar epithelium reparation. In conclusion, TFA alleviated bleomycin-induced mouse lung fibrosis by preventing the fibrotic response and increasing epithelium regeneration.

[Effect of row-like puncture at sternocleidomastoid on peripheral facial palsy at recovery stage].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of conventional acupuncture combined with row-like puncture at sternocleidomastoid on peripheral facial palsy at recovery stage. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with peripheral facial palsy at recovery stage were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. Acupuncture was applied at affected Cuanzhu (BL 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Sibai (ST 2), Quanliao (SI 18), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3) and Zusanli (ST 36) in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, row-like puncture was applied at sternocleidomastoid (1 needle was punctured at muscle origin and insertion respectively, 3 to 4 needles were row-like punctured at the connection line of muscle origin and insertion). The treatment was given once a day, 5 times were as one course, with 2-day interval, totally 4 courses were required in the both groups. The house-brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function grade, facial nerve function rating system-dynamic view rating scale score and facial disability index (FDI) scale score [including scores of FDI physical function (FDIp) and FDI social life function (FDIs)] before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the H-B facial nerve function grades were improved compared before treatment in the both groups (P<0.05), and that in the observation group was superior to the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of dynamic view rating scale and FDIp were increased (P<0.05), FDIs scores were decreased compared before treatment in the both groups (P<0.05); compared with the control group, the scores of dynamic view rating scale and FDIp were increased (P<0.05), FDIs score was decreased in the observation group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was superior to 73.3% (22/30) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional acupuncture, combination therapy with row-like puncture at sternocleidomastoid can improve the therapeutic effect of peripheral facial palsy at recovery stage.

Supplementation of milk polar lipids to obese dams improves neurodevelopment and cognitive function in male offspring.

Milk contains about 4% fat globules with its surface covered by polar lipids. Despite the abundant consumption of dairy products, the biological effects of dietary milk polar lipids on metabolic health have only been sparsely examined. Maternal obesity results in neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive impairment in offspring. Considering the importance of maternal nutrition, the effects of polar lipids-enriched milk fat globule membrane (MFGM-PL) supplementation to dams during pregnancy and lactation on neurodevelopment and its long-term programming effects on offspring cognition were examined. Female Sprague-Dawley rats consumed 8-week control diet (CON) or high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity before mating. Then, female rats were fed CON or HFD with or without the supplementation of 400 mg/kg body weight MFGM-PL during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were fed 11-week HFD after weaning. MFGM-PL supplementation to obese dams suppressed body weight gain and hyperinsulinemia in both dams and offspring. Offspring born to obese dams displayed delayed neurological reflexes development, impaired neurogenesis before weaning, and cognitive impairment in adulthood, which were recovered by maternal MFGM-PL supplementation. Insulin resistance and aberrant brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling were induced in the hippocampus of neonatal and adult offspring due to maternal and progeny HFD, but recovered by maternal MFGM-PL administration. This study demonstrates that maternal MFGM-PL supplementation can promote neurodevelopment and exert long-term effects against HFD-induced cognitive impairment in offspring via alleviating hippocampal insulin resistance. Hence, MFGM-PL is a promising ingredient for exerting beneficial programming effects on the brain health of offspring.

Pollen record of climate change during the last deglaciation from the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

The eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a climatically sensitive area affected by the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM). A new pollen record from a lacustrine sediment in Mao County shows that the study area was covered mainly by shrubs and herbs during the last deglaciation, indicating open and sparse forest grasslands. Hydrophilous herbs were mainly dominated by Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Myriophyllum, Polygonum and Typha, and they gradually increased from 18.7 to 16.8 ka, suggesting a transition to a more humid climate. This corresponds to climate cooling over the same period. From 16.8 to 14.6 ka, hydrophilous herbs continued to increase, coincident with a general ameliorating trend indicated by δ18O records from East Asia. Between 14.6 and 14.0 ka, the mean content of hydrophilous herbs reached peak in the sequence, corresponding to relatively high δ18O values during this period. From ~14.0 to 12.9 ka, the abundance of hydrophilous herbs decreased significantly. Over the same period, the Greenland ice core shows a decrease in δ18O and low-latitude cave stalagmites in China record an increase in δ18O. This implies that longitudinal temperature gradients increased and drove the southward retreat of the ISM, which in turn drove a continuous decrease in the abundance of hydrophilous herbs in the study area. From 12.9 to 11.6 ka, the mean content of hydrophilous herbs decreased to the lowest (8.3%) in the whole sequence, indicating a cold and dry climate in the study area. A positive shift in δ18O records during 11.6-10.6 ka was matched by a significant increase in the abundance of hydrophilous herbs in the study area, indicating a warm and humid climate trending. Hence, the ISM has had a significant impact on the climate of the eastern TP since the onset of deglaciation around ~16.8 ka.

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

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

Splice Variants of the Castor WRI1 Gene Upregulate Fatty Acid and Oil Biosynthesis When Expressed in Tobacco Leaves.

The plant-specific WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is a member of the AP2/EREBP class of transcription factors that positively regulate oil biosynthesis in plant tissues. Limited information is available for the role of WRI1 in oil biosynthesis in castor bean (Ricinus connunis L.), an important industrial oil crop. Here, we report the identification of two alternatively spliced transcripts of RcWRI1, designated as RcWRI1-A and RcWRI1-B. The open reading frames of RcWRI1-A (1341 bp) and RcWRI1-B (1332 bp) differ by a stretch of 9 bp, such that the predicted RcWRI1-B lacks the three amino acid residues "VYL" that are present in RcWRI1-A. The RcWRI1-A transcript is present in flowers, leaves, pericarps and developing seeds, while the RcWRI1-B mRNA is only detectable in developing seeds. When the two isoforms were individually introduced into an Arabidopsiswri1-1 loss-of-function mutant, total fatty acid content was almost restored to the wild-type level, and the percentage of the wrinkled seeds was largely reduced in the transgenic lines relative to the wri1-1 mutant line. Transient expression of each RcWRI1 splice isoform in N. benthamiana leaves upregulated the expression of the WRI1 target genes, and consequently increased the oil content by 4.3-4.9 fold when compared with the controls, and RcWRI1-B appeared to be more active than RcWRI1-A. Both RcWRI1-A and RcWRI1-B can be used as a key transcriptional regulator to enhance fatty acid and oil biosynthesis in leafy biomass.

Simultaneous determination of organochlorine and pyrethriod pesticide residues in the Chinese patent medicines by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A simple, sensitive, reliable method was developed for the simultaneous determination of organochlorine and pyrethriod pesticide residues in Chinese patent medicines Six ingredient rehmannia pills and Xiaoyao pills. These pesticides were extracted by ethyl acetate. The extraction time and volume of ethyl acetate were optimized. Cleanup of extracts was performed with dispersive-solid phase extraction using graphitized carbon black as the sorbent. The determination of pesticides in the final extracts was carried out by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode (GC-MS/MS, MRM). The linearity of the calibration curves is good in matrix-matched standard and yields the coefficients of determination (R2) ≥0.99 for all of the target analytes. Under optimized conditions, the average recoveries (five replicates) for most pesticides range from 75.5% to 114.6%, and RSDs are less than 10.0%. The LODs of 18 pesticides in Six ingredient rehmannia pill and Xiaoyao pills are in the range of 0.01-8.82 µg kg-1. The developed method meets the requirements of pesticide residue analysis and could be effectively used for routine analysis of the organochlorine and pyrethriod pesticide residues in Six ingredient rehmannia pills and Xiaoyao pills.

Regulation of demethylation and re-expression of RASSF1A gene in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines treated with NCTD in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma, a lethal malignant neoplasm with poor prognosis, has dismal results of surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy. Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated analog of cantharidin derived from a traditional Chinese medicine, Mylabris, has been used in the treatment of cancer. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this process are generally unclear. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of NCTD-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human HepG2 cell lines were treated with NCTD at different concentrations (2.50, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00, 40.00 µg/mL) for 24 hours. Cell proliferation was evaluated by measurement of cellular 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The methylation levels of RASSF1A (Ras-association domain family 1 A) in HepG2 cells were detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The mRNA levels of RASSF1A in HepG2 cells were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). The levels of RASSF1A protein expression of HepG2 cells were detected by Western blotting assay. RESULTS: The inhibition of cell proliferation was observed when treated with NCTD at concentrations (2.5 µg/mL), and as concentration increased, the proliferation of HepG2 cells was markedly inhibited by NCTD in dose-dependent manners. The levels of methylation of RASSF1A decreased at the increasing concentration of 10, 20 and 40 µg/mL. The levels of RASSF1A mRNA and protein were decreased when treated with NCTD at the concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 µg/mL, which were also in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: NCTD can reverse the methylation state of RASSF1A gene and induce its re-expression, which will provide the theoretical basis for the clinical practice.

Anti-anaemia efficacy of ß-lactoglobulin hydrolysate-iron complex on iron-deficient anaemic rats.

PURPOSE: The effects of orally administered ß-lactoglobulin hydrolysate-iron complex (ß-LGH-Fe) on haematological and biochemical parameters in anaemic rats were evaluated. Female weaning Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with iron-deficient diet to induce iron deficiency anaemia. After 6 weeks, the obtained anaemic rats were divided into five groups: iron deficiency control group (iron-deficient diet without ß-LGH-Fe complex supplementation, IDC); three groups supplemented with different dosages of ß-LGH-Fe complex (0.5 mg Fe/kg BW, iron-deficient diet with low ß-LGH-Fe, IDLFe; 2.0 mg Fe/kg BW, iron-deficient diet with medium ß-LGH-Fe, IDMF; 4.0 mg Fe/kg BW, iron-deficient diet with high ß-LGH-Fe, IDHFe); and ferrous sulphate-supplemented group at a dosage of 2.0 mg Fe/kg BW. RESULTS: ß-LGH-Fe complex could significantly improve hematocrit and haemoglobin decrease, and normalise the serum iron level, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation of anaemic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Serum ferritin content and hepatic nonheme iron level were also increased. In addition, the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxidase dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in both plasma and liver homogenate were improved. The production of malondialdehyde and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) decreased. CONCLUSIONS: It suggests that ß-LGH-Fe complex can ameliorate iron deficiency anaemia, which might make it a potential ingredient with anti-anaemia activity.

[Expression of yeast acyl-delta9 desaturase for fatty acid biosynthesis in tobacco].

Palmitoleic acid (16:1delta9), an unusual monounsaturated fatty acid, is highly valued for human nutrition, medication and industry. Plant oils containing large amounts of palmitoleic acid are the ideal resource for biodiesel production. To increase accumulation of palmitoleic acid in plant tissues, we used a yeast (Saccharomyees cerevisiae) acyl-CoA-delta9 desaturase (Scdelta9D) for cytosol- and plastid-targeting expression in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). By doing this, we also studied the effects of the subcellular-targeted expression of this enzyme on lipid synthesis and metabolism in plant system. Compared to the wild type and vector control plants, the contents of monounsaturated palmitoleic (16:1delta9) and cis-vaccenic (18:1delta11) were significantly enhanced in the Scdelta9D-transgenic leaves whereas the levels of saturated palmitic acid (16:0) and polyunsaturated linoleic (18:2) and linolenic (18:3) acids were reduced in the transgenics. Notably, the contents of 16:1delta9 and 18:1delta11 in the Scdelta9D plastidal-expressed leaves were 2.7 and 1.9 folds of that in the cytosolic-expressed tissues. Statistical analysis appeared a negative correlation coefficient between 16:0 and 16:1delta9 levels. Our data indicate that yeast cytosolic acyl-CoA-delta9 desaturase can convert palmitic (16:0) into palmitoleic acid (16:1delta9) in high plant cells. Moreover, this effect of the enzyme is stronger with the plastid-targeted expression than the cytosol-target expression. The present study developed a new strategy for high accumulation of omega-7 fatty acids (16:1delta9 andl8:1delta11) in plant tissues by protein engineering of acyl-CoA-delta9 desaturase. The findings would particularly benefit the metabolic assembly of the lipid biosynthesis pathway in the large-biomass vegetative organs such as tobacco leaves for the production of high-quality biodiesel.

The orally combined neuroprotective effects of sodium ferulate and borneol against transient global ischaemia in C57 BL/6J mice.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the possible modification of the neuroprotective effect of sodium ferulate, when orally co-administered with borneol, in transient global cerebral ischaemia-induced functional, histological and cellular alterations in mice. METHODS: The bilateral common carotid artery occlusion was conducted in C57 BL/6J mice for 25 min. The mice were then subjected to a water maze test over an extended recovery period, followed by an assessment of neuronal loss in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (haematoxylin and eosin staining). The blood-brain barrier permeability (Evans blue tracing), brain oedema and oxidative stress were assayed and histological sections were also immunostained for gliofibrillar acid protein (GFAP) expression. KEY FINDINGS: The ischaemia reperfused mice were associated with long-lasting spatial learning deficits in the absence of other behavioural impairments and with neurodegeneration in the hippocampal CA1 region. However, the histological injuries were significantly attenuated by oral co-administration of sodium ferulate and borneol. Furthermore, combined treatment with sodium ferulate and borneol resulted in a significant reduction in brain oedema, GFAP-positive cells, malonaldialdehyde levels and blood-brain barrier permeability, but an increase in superoxide dismutase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Borneol may have benefits for the neuroprotective effect of sodium ferulate against injury induced in the brain by ischaemia/reperfusion.

Simultaneous determination of organophosphorus pesticides in Chinese herbal medicines by microwave-assisted extraction coupled with dispersive-solid phase extraction and gas chromatography.

A reliable, rapid and nontoxic analytical method was proposed for the simultaneous determination of 16 organophosphorus pesticides in Chinese herbal medicines. The pesticides were extracted by ethanol and the experimental variables, such as temperature, extraction time and volume of ethanol, were optimized through orthogonal array experimental design. Cleanup of extracts was performed with dispersive-solid phase extraction using primary secondary amine as the sorbent. The determination of pesticides in the final extracts was carried out by gas chromatography-flame photometric detection. Under optimized conditions the obtained recoveries, except for isocarbophos, were in the range 73.8-123%, with relative standard deviations equal to or lower than 15.2% and limits of detection ranging from 0.001 to 0.009 mg/kg.

[Study of the acupuncture effect on monoamine transmitters in rabbit plasma and brain tissue by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection].

A rapid and simple method for the study of the acupuncture effect on monoamine transmitters and related compounds in rabbit plasma and brain tissue by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was developed. An ODS column was selected as the separation column at 25 degrees C, and pH 4.50, 0.02 mol/L of trisodium citrate-0.05 mol/L sodium phosphate dibasic to methanol (95:5, volume ratio) without ion-pair at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Four compounds, epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), were simultaneously separated and determined under the above conditions. Twenty rabbits were investigated after the acupuncture action upon the central neurotransmitters. The sufficient data showed that acupuncture could significantly affect the activities of the neurotransmitters including E, NE, DA and 5-HT, and the changed functions of the neurotransmitter systems induced by acupuncture not only lead to the neurotransmitter content increase both in brain and plasma but also cause the increase of rabbit breed ability. The results show that the method is very simple and fast. The method is valuable not only for clinical diagnosis but also for research work.