Chuanxiong improves angiogenesis via the PI3K/AKT/Ras/MAPK pathway based on network pharmacology and DESI-MSI metabolomics.

Introduction: Chuanxiong, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved to treat a variety of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by promoting angiogenesis. However, the mechanisms of Chuanxiong's pro-angiogenesis is currently unknown. This study aimed to uncover the effect and mechanisms of Chuanxiong promoting angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Methods: First, potential targets were predicted by network pharmacology analysis, and PPI network was established and the pathways were enriched. Then, the chorioallantoic membrane test on quails was applied to assess the proangiogenic effects in vivo. As well, to evaluate the effects in vitro, real-time PCR, western blot analysis, the scratch test, and the tube formation experiment were used. Subsequently, the major metabolic pathways were analyzed using non-targeted metabolomics. Results: As a result of network pharmacological analysis, 51 collective targets of Chuanxiong and angiogenesis were identified, which are mainly associated with PI3K/AKT/Ras/MAPK pathway. And the biological verification results showed that Chuanxiong could increase the vessel numbers and vessel area in qCAM models. Meanwhile, Chuanxiong contributed to HUVEC proliferation, tube formation, migration, by encouraging scratch healing rates and boosting tube branch points. In addition, the levels of VEGFR2, MAPK and PI3K were elevated compared to the control group. The western blot analysis also confirmed Chuanxiong could promote an increase in AKT, FOXO1 and Ras. Furtheremore, metabolomic results showed that the proangiogenic effect of Chuanxiong is associated with glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. Discussion: In conclusion, this study clarified that Chuanxiong could promote angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro via regulating PI3K/AKT/Ras/MAPK pathway.

Population dynamics of head-direction neurons during drift and reorientation.

The head direction (HD) system functions as the brain's internal compass1,2, classically formalized as a one-dimensional ring attractor network3,4. In contrast to a globally consistent magnetic compass, the HD system does not have a universal reference frame. Instead, it anchors to local cues, maintaining a stable offset when cues rotate5-8 and drifting in the absence of referents5,8-10. However, questions about the mechanisms that underlie anchoring and drift remain unresolved and are best addressed at the population level. For example, the extent to which the one-dimensional description of population activity holds under conditions of reorientation and drift is unclear. Here we performed population recordings of thalamic HD cells using calcium imaging during controlled rotations of a visual landmark. Across experiments, population activity varied along a second dimension, which we refer to as network gain, especially under circumstances of cue conflict and ambiguity. Activity along this dimension predicted realignment and drift dynamics, including the speed of network realignment. In the dark, network gain maintained a 'memory trace' of the previously displayed landmark. Further experiments demonstrated that the HD network returned to its baseline orientation after brief, but not longer, exposures to a rotated cue. This experience dependence suggests that memory of previous associations between HD neurons and allocentric cues is maintained and influences the internal HD representation. Building on these results, we show that continuous rotation of a visual landmark induced rotation of the HD representation that persisted in darkness, demonstrating experience-dependent recalibration of the HD system. Finally, we propose a computational model to formalize how the neural compass flexibly adapts to changing environmental cues to maintain a reliable representation of HD. These results challenge classical one-dimensional interpretations of the HD system and provide insights into the interactions between this system and the cues to which it anchors.

Potential risk of eutrophication in the deepest lake of Southwest China: Insights from phosphorus enrichment in bottom water.

Large deep lakes in plateau regions provide crucial ecosystem services but are susceptible to eutrophication due to their long water residence time. To date, the water quality of deep lakes has not received as much attention as that of shallow lakes owing to logistical challenges. This study investigated the seasonal variation and vertical distribution of phosphorus and related environmental variables in a large deep lake in the Yunnan Plateau, China (Fuxian Lake). Generally, the concentrations of total phosphorus (TP, R2 = 0.862), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP, R2 = 0.922), and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP, R2 = 0.889) exhibited a linear increase with the greater water depth, whereas the pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) showed decreasing trends. The TP, TDP, and DIP values were 0.012, 0.006, and 0.004 mg/L, respectively, in surface waters (0.5 m depth), and increased to 0.074, 0.065, and 0.062 mg/L, respectively, at 140.0 m depth. The averaged over ordering method demonstrated that DO and air temperature accounted for a higher proportion of the explained variance of TP, TDP, and DIP in the shallow water layer (0.5-20.0 m). In contrast, DO and pH accounted for a higher proportion of the explained variance of TP, TDP, and DIP in deeper water layers (40.0-150.0 m). As a warm monomictic lake, the higher observed phosphorus concentrations in deeper water and sediment potentially pose a risk of future eutrophication in the Fuxian Lake. Our findings demonstrate that more efficient technical and management measures should be taken to reduce the external phosphorus load to Fuxian Lake, so that the load to and from the sediment will decrease eventually.

Discovery of potential active ingredients of Er-Zhi-Wan, a famous traditional Chinese formulation, in model rat serum for treating osteoporosis with kidney-yin deficiency by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS and molecular docking.

Er-Zhi-Wan (EZW), a classical traditional Chinese formulation, has attracted more and more attention. This study was carried out to analyze the constituents of EZW absorbed into blood and find out the potential active ingredients for treating osteoporosis (OP) with kidney-yin deficiency (KYD). The rat model of OP with KYD was achieved by ovariectomies and using the mixture of thyroxine and reserpine. Then ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) combined with statistical analysis was used to analyze the constituents of EZW absorbed into blood and differential components between the normal and OP with KYD rats. Finally, the components identified in OP with KYD rats were docked with targets of OP with KYD found in online databases. The results of molecular docking were adopted to find the potential active ingredients and further verified in vitro experiment. A total of 21 prototype compounds and 69 metabolites were identified in serum. Among them, 63 components in model rats and 50 components in normal rats were summarized, respectively. Most of the identified metabolites in serum of model rats were produced by hydrolysis, oxidation or glucuronidation, while in serum of normal rats were produced by hydrolysis, oxidation and methylation. According to the results of molecular docking, specnuezhenide, salidroside, tyrosol, echinacoside and verbascoside could be classified as potential active ingredients. The activity of salidroside and a metabolite was verified by pharmacodynamics analysis. In summary, UPLC-Q/TOF-MS system was combined with molecular docking to search the potential active ingredients from model rats of OP with KYD, which provided a new idea for the research on the pharmacodynamic material basis of other traditional medicine. Moreover, the result of this study lays the foundation for further study regarding the mechanism of EZW in treating OP with KYD.

Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging Illustrates the Quality Characters of Isatidis Radix.

For a long history, herbal medicines have made significant contributions to human health all around the world. However, the exploration of an effective approach to illustrate their inner quality remains a challenge. So, it is imperative to develop new methods and technologies to characterize and identify quality markers of herbal medicines. Taking Isatidis Radix, the dried root of Isatis indigotica as an example, desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), in combination with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF/MS), was applied in this work for the first time to reveal the comprehensive spatial distribution of metabolites and, further, to illustrate quality characters of this herbal medicine. After simple pretreatment, 102 metabolites including alkaloids, sulfur-containing compounds, phenylpropanoids, nucleosides, amino acids, organic acids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, saccharides, peptides, and sphingolipids were characterized, some of which were successfully localized and visualized in the transverse section of the root. Based on the ion images, samples with different quality characters were distinguished unambiguously by the pattern recognition method of orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA). Simultaneously, 11 major influencing components exerting higher ion intensities in superior samples were identified as the potential quality markers of Isatidis Radix. Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), together with chemometric analysis could not only improve the understanding of the plant biology of herbal medicines but also be beneficial in the identification of quality markers, so as to carry out better quality control of herbal medicines.

Emerging Trends and Hotspots in Tai Chi Fall Prevention: Analysis and Visualization.

Recently, substantial studies have increased around the topic of the tai chi fall-prevention field. Few studies, however, have revealed the current progress and hotspots under a bibliometric analysis. Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct Citespace, a significant application for bibliometric analysis, to carry out the situation and trend in this field. This study has identified the core countries are the United States, China, Australia, and England, which are also the origins of the core institutions. Besides this, we also have found two large research groups led by Li and Sherrington. Moreover, the result has revealed that J Aging Phys Act and J Am Geriatr Soc are the primary journals. Geriatrics and gerontology, sport sciences, rehabilitation, and gerontology are the leading categories. Furthermore, one of the more important findings to come out in this study are that "elderly", "Parkinson's disease", "vestibular rehabilitation", "frail patient", and "community fall prevention" are the research hotspots. "Women", "proprioception", "cognitive impairment", "dementia", "osteoarthritis", and "stroke" are the potential research trend in the future. These findings suggest that the tai chi fall-prevention field has a broad research prospect. Although several questions remain uncertain currently, it is worthy for scholars to do further study.

Analysis of Dietary Supplement Use and Influencing Factors in the Mongolian Population.

Objective: Dietary supplements (DS) may improve micronutrient deficiencies, but the unique eating habits and cultural customs of the Chinese Mongolian population affect their choice of DS. Therefore, this study adopted a cross-sectional method to explore the current status of DS use and to assess the influencing factors in the Mongolian population in Inner Mongolia, China. Methods: We used a multistage random cluster sampling method to select 1,434 Mongolian people aged ≥ 18 years in Hohhot and Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Data regarding general patient characteristics and DS use through questionnaire surveys were obtained, and the blood plasma was collected for biochemical index detection. The binary logistic regression and decision tree algorithm were used to predict the factors influencing DS use among the Mongolian population. Results: Among 1,434 participants that completed the baseline survey, the usage rate of DS was 18.83%, and more women than men used DS (P = 0.017). Higher use of DS was reported among individuals aged ≤ 34 years, but this difference is not statistically significant (P = 0.052). Usage rate was higher among those living in urban areas (P < 0.001), those with higher education (P < 0.001), those engaged in mental work (P < 0.001), and nonsmokers (P = 0.019). The biochemical test results showed that the proportion of people with abnormal total cholesterol levels using DS was lower (P = 0.003), but that of those with abnormal triglyceride levels using DS was higher (P = 0.001), compared with the proportion of those with normal levels in each case. The most commonly used supplement was calcium (58.15%). Education level was the main factor affecting DS intake. The results of the binary logistic regression model and decision tree model both showed that region, educational level, and abnormal triglyceride levels were significant factors influencing DS intake among Mongolians. Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate that DS intake is uncommon in the Mongolian population. In addition, sex, region, education level, and triglyceride levels may influence DS use.

Effectiveness of Yijinjing on cognitive functions in post-stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Statistics show that every year, 5.4 million people in the world suffer a stroke. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the most common complications after stroke with a rate of 75%, which leads to decreased functions for independent living and reduced quality of life (QOL). Exercise training has been reported to be useful to improve the cognitive functions of post-stroke patients. Yijinjing, a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise characterized by an integration of mind and body in moderate exercise intensity, can improve cognitive functions of PSCI patients. This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the Yijinjing exercise in this regard. METHODS: A single-blind, superiority, randomized controlled trial will be employed with evaluations at 3 and 6 months. Seventy-two PSCI patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the Yijinjing exercise intervention group or the control group (1:1). Participants in the control group will receive routine rehabilitation therapies, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture therapy, and health education 5 times a week for 3 months. The intervention group will receive a 12-week routine rehabilitation therapy combined with the Yijinjing exercise intervention for 40 min each session and 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome of cognition will be measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA). Secondary outcomes include executive function, memory function, visuospatial function, sleep quality, gait and motor function, activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL). DISCUSSION: Current evidence has reported the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise in improving the post-stroke population's motor functions. This research is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates traditional Chinese exercise's effectiveness for PSCI patients. It is expected to expand the traditional Chinese exercise scope and provide a new treatment approach for stroke populations with cognitive impairments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026532 . Registered on 13 October 2019.

Influence of incentive nursing intervention on recovery of burn patients after vacuum sealing drainage.

To observe the effect of application of incentive nursing intervention (INI) on recovery in burn patients undergoing vacuum sealing drainage (VSD). From January 2017 to January 2020, a total of 82 consecutive burn patients were prospectively enrolled, and divided into INI group and routine nursing intervention (RNI) group according to random number table method. The causes of inadequate drainage were collected, the incidence was calculated, and the occurrence of inadequate drainage at different locations was compared. The pain degree and comfort status before and after the intervention were observed, and the wound healing time, hospital stay, and satisfaction after the intervention were recorded. The reasons for inadequate drainage during the treatment of VSD included negative pressure insufficient, drainage tube blockage because of escharosis, replacement of negative pressure internal sac not standard, loose sealing of the semi-permeable membrane, and the negative pressure tube fell off, compressed or reflexed. The baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable (P > .05). The incidence of each cause and total incidence of inadequate drainage in INI group were lower than those in RNI group (P < .05, respectively). The incidences of inadequate drainage of all burn sites in INI group were lower than those in RNI group, and the difference of limbs wound between the two group was statistically significant (P < .05). After intervention, the pain intensity of INI group was lower than that of RNI group (P < .05), and the holistic comfort of INI group was higher than that of RNI group (P < .05). The wound healing time and hospital stay time in INI group were lower than those in RNI group, and the total satisfaction rate in INI group was higher than that in RNI group (P < .05, respectively). Applying INI can effectively reduce the incidence of insufficient drainage, reduce pain, improve comfort, shorten wound healing time and hospital stay, and thus improve the overall satisfaction rate of patients, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

The efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens extract for the treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To perform a placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens extract (SRE) for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter, clinical phase 4 study of 221 patients with CP/CPPS across 11 centers. Participants were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive SRE or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in total score on the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Secondary efficacy endpoints included improvements within each domain of NIH-CPSI, clinical response rate, and International Index of Erectile Function 5 items (IIEF-5). RESULTS: In total, 226 patients were enrolled and randomized between January 2017 and June 2018. Of these 221 patients were included in the intent-to-treat analysis: 148 in the SRE group and 73 patients in the placebo group. Compared to the placebo, SRE led to statistically significant improvements in the NIH-CPSI total score and sub-scores. The significant improvements of NIH-CPSI scores were established after 2 weeks from the first dose, and continued to the end of the treatment. Furthermore, a significantly higher rate of patients achieved a clinical response in the SRE group compared with that in the placebo group (73.0% vs 32.9%, P < 0.0001). Only minor adverse events were observed across the entire study population. CONCLUSIONS: SRE was effective, safe, and clinically superior to placebo for the treatment of CP/CPPS. ChiCTR-IPR-16010196, December 21, 2016 retrospectively registered.

[Yin-yang balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on upper limb spasticity in stroke hemiplegia].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of yin-yang balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training and single rehabilitation training on upper limb spasticity in patients with stroke hemiplegia. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with upper limb spasticity of stroke hemiplegia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. On the basis of conventional western medication, rehabilitation training was adopted in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group, yin-yang balance penetrating acupuncture was applied from Jianyu (LI 15) to Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11) to Shaohai (HT 3), Yanglingquan (GB 34) to Yinlingquan (SP 9), Xuanzhong (GB 39) to Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. of the affected side in the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 5 days were as one course, with a 2-day interval between two courses, 4 courses were required in both groups. The classification of modified Ashworth spasticity scale (MAS), surface integrated electromyogram (iEMG) of affected upper limb and the scores of National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) of upper limb and modified Barthel index (MBI) before and after treatment were observed, the therapeutic effect was evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: ①After treatment, the MAS classification reduced in both groups (P<0.05), the cases of grade 0 to Ⅰ+ in the observation group were more than those in the control group (P<0.05); iEMG values of the maximum isometric voluntary contraction of affected usculus biceps brachii, musculus triceps brachii, musculus flexor carpi, musculus extensor carpi, extensor digitorum, aductor pollicis brevis were increased in both groups (P<0.05), and the variations of iEMG of above muscles on the affected side in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). ②After treatment, the scores of NIHSS were decreased (P<0.05), the scores of FMA, MBI were increased in both groups (P<0.05), and the variations of NIHSS, FMA and MBI scores were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). ③The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was superior to 70.0% (21/30) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Yin-yang balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training can improve upper limb spasticity, heighten the motor function of upper limb and daily self care in patients with stroke hemiplegia, its therapeutic effect is superior to single rehabilitation training.

Antiatherosclerosis Properties of Total Saponins of Garlic in Rats.

Garlic has been proven effective in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis (AS), which is widely used as a food and medicine by people in daily life. Garlic saponins are the main active nonsulfur compounds of garlic, which have a variety of pharmacological activities against cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the antiatherosclerosis properties and mechanism of total saponins of garlic (TSG) in rats were explored. The AS animal model was established by a combination of high-fat feeding, intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3, and ovalbumin-induced inflammation in SD rats. Then, the atherosclerotic rats were gavaged daily by TSG for 4 weeks. Administration of TSG markedly decreased atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta of atherosclerotic rats. TSG restored the serum lipid profile by significantly decreasing the lipid levels and had effective antioxidation by inhibiting the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and restoring the reduced activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, the ratio of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α ) could be maintained in a relatively stable dynamic balance after administration of TSG to maintain the vascular homeostasis. In summary, TSG had therapeutic effects on AS, which are promising as functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of AS.

Study protocol of a multicenter phase III randomized controlled trial investigating the efficiency of the combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and neoadjuvant laparoscopic intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (NLHIPEC) followed by R0 gastrectomy with intraoperative HIPEC for advanced gastric cancer (AGC): dragon II trial.

BACKGROUND: Even though treatment modalities such as adjuvant systemic radio-chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have individually have improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates in advanced Gastric Cancer (AGC), the peritoneum still presides as a common site of treatment failure and disease recurrence. The role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been acknowledged as prophylaxis for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in AGC patients and in this study, we aim at investigating the safety and efficacy of the combination of neoadjuvant laparoscopic HIPEC (NLHIPEC) with NAC in the neoadjuvant phase followed by surgery of curative intent with intraoperative HIPEC followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). METHODS: In this multicenter Phase III randomized controlled trial, 326 patients will be randomly separated into 2 groups into a 1:1 ratio after laparoscopic exploration. The experiment arm will receive the proposed comprehensive Dragon II regimen while the control group will undergo standard R0 D2 followed by 8 cycles of AC with oxaliplatin with S-1 (SOX) regimen. The Dragon II regimen comprises of 1 cycle of NLHIPEC for 60mins at 43 ± 0.5 °C with 80 mg/m2 of Paclitaxel followed by 3 cycles of NAC with SOX regimen and after assessment, standard R0 D2 gastrectomy with intraoperative HIPEC followed by 5 cycles of SOX regimen chemotherapy. The end-points for the study are 5 year PFS, 5 year OS, peritoneal metastasis rate (PMR) and morbidity rate. DISCUSSION: This study is one of the first to combine NLHIPEC with NAC in the preoperative phase which is speculated to provide local management of occult peritoneal carcinomatosis or peritoneal free cancer cells while NAC will promote tumor downsizing and down-staging. The addition of the intraoperative HIPEC is speculated to manage dissemination due to surgical trauma. Where the roles of intraoperative HIPEC and NAC have individually been investigated, this study provides innovative insight on a more comprehensive approach to management of AGC at high risk of peritoneal recurrence. It is expected that the combination of NLHIPEC with NAC and HIPEC will increase PFS by 15% and decrease PMR after gastrectomy of curative intent. TRIAL REGISTRATION: World Health Organization Clinical Trials - International Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP) with Registration ID ChiCTR1900024552, Registered Prospectively on the 16th July, 2019.

Effects of Body Weight Support-Tai Chi Footwork Training on Balance Control and Walking Function in Stroke Survivors with Hemiplegia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Tai Chi (TC) is known to enhance balance control and walking function in stroke survivors. However, motor disorders in stroke patients may limit the implementation of TC exercise and increase the risk of falling. The body weight support (BWS) device can provide protection during the early rehabilitation of stroke survivors using an overhead suspension system. Theoretically, combining TC with BWS may be an effective intervention for stroke survivors. This study aimed to examine the effects of body weight support-Tai Chi training on balance control and walking function in stroke survivors with hemiplegia. METHODS: Seventy-one stroke survivors with hemiplegia aged 30-75 years were randomly allocated to the control group (N = 35) or the BWS-TC group (N = 36). During BWS-TC training, the subjects performed 7 Tai Chi footwork forms, and gradual easy-to-difficult progression (from 40% to 0% body weight) was followed. The subjects participated in 40 min rehabilitation sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was dynamic balance in the limits-of-stability test. The secondary outcomes, which reflect improvements walking function, included spatiotemporal parameters, the joint range of motion in the affected limb during the swing phase, the Berg Balance Scale score, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment score. Evaluations were performed at baseline and 12 weeks and compared between groups. RESULTS: After training, significant between-group differences were observed in the scores for overall, forward, left, right, forward-left, and forward-right directional control in the limits-of-stability test (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the scores for gait cycle time, step length, step velocity, and range of motion of the joints were better in the BWS-TC group than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week BWS-TC training may enhance dynamic balance and walking function in stroke survivors with hemiplegia.

- balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on upper limb spasticity in stroke hemiplegia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect of - balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training and single rehabilitation training on upper limb spasticity in patients with stroke hemiplegia.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with upper limb spasticity of stroke hemiplegia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. On the basis of conventional western medication, rehabilitation training was adopted in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group, - balance penetrating acupuncture was applied from Jianyu (LI 15) to Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11) to Shaohai (HT 3), Yanglingquan (GB 34) to Yinlingquan (SP 9), Xuanzhong (GB 39) to Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. of the affected side in the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 5 days were as one course, with a 2-day interval between two courses, 4 courses were required in both groups. The classification of modified Ashworth spasticity scale (MAS), surface integrated electromyogram (iEMG) of affected upper limb and the scores of National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) of upper limb and modified Barthel index (MBI) before and after treatment were observed, the therapeutic effect was evaluated in both groups.@*RESULTS@#①After treatment, the MAS classification reduced in both groups (<0.05), the cases of grade 0 to Ⅰ in the observation group were more than those in the control group (<0.05); iEMG values of the maximum isometric voluntary contraction of affected usculus biceps brachii, musculus triceps brachii, musculus flexor carpi, musculus extensor carpi, extensor digitorum, aductor pollicis brevis were increased in both groups (<0.05), and the variations of iEMG of above muscles on the affected side in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (<0.05). ②After treatment, the scores of NIHSS were decreased (<0.05), the scores of FMA, MBI were increased in both groups (<0.05), and the variations of NIHSS, FMA and MBI scores were larger than those in the control group (<0.05). ③The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was superior to 70.0% (21/30) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#- balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training can improve upper limb spasticity, heighten the motor function of upper limb and daily self care in patients with stroke hemiplegia, its therapeutic effect is superior to single rehabilitation training.

Prophylactic HIPEC with radical D2 gastrectomy improves survival and peritoneal recurrence rates for locally advanced gastric cancer: personal experience from a randomized case control study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the implications of prophylactic intraoperative Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) with D2 radical gastrectomy for locally advanced Gastric Cancer (AGC) in a randomized case control study. METHOD: Eighty consecutive patients with locally AGC were randomly separated into 2 groups: HIPEC group (Curative Resection + intraoperative HIPEC with cisplatin 50 mg/m2 at 42.0 ± 1.0 °C for 60 min) and Control group (Curative Resection only). Intraoperative and post-operative events, clinical recovery, morbidity and the disease-free survival (DFS) rates were closely monitored. RESULTS: Among the 40 HIPEC group patients, the highest intracranial temperature recorded during the procedure was 38.2 °C but the patient made an eventless recovery. Mild renal dysfunction, hyperbilirubinemia and mild liver dysfunction were recorded in the HIPEC group but their incidences were found to be statistically insignificant when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). The initial post-operative analysis revealed shorter post-operative stay for in the HIPEC group but further analysis revealed that it was related to the incidence of postoperative complication. During a median follow-up time of 41 months, there were 9/39 and 15/38 cases of disease progression in HIPEC and Control groups respectively, with a more favorable 3-year DFS (76.9% vs 60.5%) and a lower peritoneal recurrence rate (5% vs 30%) in the HIPEC group. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic HIPEC with radical D2 Gastrectomy is safe and shows favorable survival and peritoneal recurrence rates for AGC with acceptable morbidity. Nevertheless, more structured multi-centered RCT should be carried out for more substantial evidence.

Wulingsan (Oryeongsan/Goreisan) ameliorate lipid metabolism of obesity rats via regulation of the plasma metabolic profiling.

OBJECTIVES: Wulingsan has been used to cure disease about disorders related to fluid balance for thousands of years. The clinical practice of modern Chinese medicine has found that Wulingsan has the effect on reducing weight and fat, but its mechanism is not clear. This study investigated its effects on obesity rats and explored the underlying mechanisms by analyzing the plasma metabolic profiling. METHODS: The effects of Wulingsan on obesity were evaluated with obesity rats induced by high-fat diet. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was performed to discover potential biomarkers and evaluate whether Wulingsan could regulate these biomarkers. The levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in serum were assessed by ELISA kits. RESULTS: Remarkably, TG, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C in obesity rats were ameliorated after oral administration of Wulingsan. Further investigation indicated that the plasma metabolic profiles were clearly improved. Twelve potential biomarkers were identified. After intervention, these biomarkers turned back to normal level at some extent. CONCLUSION: The results showed that Wulingsan extract groups were normalized. Additionally, this study also showed that the metabonomics method was a promising tool to unravel how traditional Chinese medicines worked and these data can provide scientific basis for clinical application of Wulingsan.

Intranasal vaccination with ebola virus GP amino acids 258-601 protects mice against lethal challenge.

Ebola virus (EBOV) disease (EVD) leads to lethal hemorrhagic fever with a case fatality rate as high as 90%, thus posing a serious global public health concern. However, while several vaccines based on the EBOV glycoprotein have been confirmed to be effective in animal experiments, no licensed vaccines or effective treatments have been approved since the first outbreak was reported in 1976. In this study, we prepared the extracellular domain of the EBOV GP protein (designated as N20) by prokaryotic expression and purification via chromatography. Using CTA1-DD (designated as H45) as a mucosal adjuvant, we evaluated the immunogenicity of N20 by intranasal administration and the associated protective efficacy against mouse-adapted EBOV challenge in mice. We found that intranasal vaccination with H45-adjuvanted N20 could stimulate humoral immunity, as supported by GP-specific IgG titers; Th1 cellular immunity, based on IgG subclasses and IFN-γ/IL-4 secreting cells; and mucosal immunity, based on the presence of anti-EBOV IgA in vaginal lavages. We also confirmed that the vaccine could completely protect mice against a lethal mouse-adapted EBOV (MA-EBOV) challenge with few side effects (based on weight loss). In comparison, mice that received N20 or H45 alone succumbed to lethal MA-EBOV challenge. Therefore, mucosal vaccination with H45-adjuvanted N20 represents a potential vaccine candidate for the prevention of EBOV in an effective, safe, and convenient manner.

[Effects of Different Substrates and Particle Sizes on Wastewater Purification].

Choosing suitable substrate is key to improving the efficiency of wetland decontamination. However, little is known about the effect of particle size. In order to study the effect of substrate type and size on COD, TN, and TP removal from sewage, 1-2, 2-4, and 4-8 mm zeolite, 2-4, 4-8, and 8-16 mm gravel, and 2-4, 3-5, and 6-8 mm anthracite were selected for establishment of the constructed system of experimental media with three replications. Results showed that removal efficiency of COD, TN, and TP varied with different particle sizes of the same material. The greatest COD removal was achieved with 4-8 mm zeolite and gravel and 6-8 mm anthracite, with removal rates of 53.74%, 60.76%, and 62.93%, respectively. Denitrification is the main pattern of nitrogen removal in the artificial test column; results show that smaller particle size is more effective for removal of TN. The removal rate of TP is also higher with smaller sizes of gravel and anthracite, but the opposite pattern occurred with zeolite. The removal of COD, TP, and TN also varied by substrate type. Anthracite led to good removal of COD, TP, and TN. Zeolite was most effective for removal of TN but had lower removal of TP. Gravel has high removal rate for COD, and has a general removal effect on TP.

[Comparison of Therapeutic Effects Between Thermosensitive Moxibustion and Medication in the Treatment of Insomnia of Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of thermosensitive moxibustion (TSM) and medication in the treatment of insomnia patients with the syndrome of stagnation of liver-qi. METHODS: A total of 60 insomnia patients with the syndrome of liver-qi stagnation were randomly divided into TSM group and medication group (n ＝ 30 in each). Mild moxibustion was applied to bilateral Taichong (LR 3) and Qiuxu (GB 40) alternatively till the patient experienced an intense warmth (diathermic, heat transmission, etc.) feeling in the local region. The treatment was conducted once daily for 15 d. Patients of the medication group were ordered to take Estazolam tablets (1 mg/d) 1 h before sleeping, once daily for successive 15 days. The sleep quality (sleeping quality, falling asleep time, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disorders, hyponotic and day time dysfunction, 0－21 points) was evaluated by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The therapeutic effect was assessed in accordance with the "Guide Principles for Clinical Trials on New Drugs of Chinese Materia Medica (1993)" and international united sleep efficiency value. RESULTS: Following the treatment, the PSQI of both groups were significantly decreased relevant to their own pre-treatment (P<0.05), but without significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Of the two 30 cases in the medication and moxibustion groups, 12 (40.00%) and 20 (66.67%) had marked improvement, 7 (23.33%) and 6 (20.00%) were effective, and 11(36.67%) and 4 (13.33%) were invalid, with the effective rates being 63.33 % (19/30) and 86.67% (26/30), respectively. The effective rate of the TSM group was significantly higher than that of the medicine group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Thermosensitive moxibustion applied to the source points of the Liver and Gallbladder Meridians can improve the quality of sleep in insomnia patients with syndrome of liver-qi stagnation.