Soil pH and carbon quality index regulate the biogeochemical cycle couplings of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in the profiles of Isohumosols.

Soil biogeochemical cycles are essential for regulating ecosystem functions and services. However, little knowledge has been revealed on microbe-driven biogeochemical processes and their coupling mechanisms in soil profiles. This study investigated the vertical distribution of soil functional composition and their contribution to carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling in the humus horizons (A-horizons) and parent material horizons (C-horizons) in Udic and Ustic Isohumosols using shotgun sequencing. Results showed that the diversity and relative abundance of microbial functional genes was influenced by soil horizons and soil types. In A-horizons, the relative abundances of N mineralization and liable C decomposition genes were significantly greater, but the P cycle-related genes, recalcitrant C decomposition and denitrification genes were lower compared to C-horizons. While, Ustic Isohumosols had lower relative abundances of C decomposition genes but higher relative abundances of N mineralization and P cycling-related pathways compared to Udic Isohumosols. The network analysis revealed that C-horizons had more interactions and stronger stability of functional gene networks than in A-horizons. Importantly, our results provide new insights into the potential mechanisms for the coupling processes of soil biogeochemical cycles among C, N and P, which is mediated by specific microbial taxa. Soil pH and carbon quality index (CQI) were two sensitive indicators for regulating the relative abundances and the relationships of functional genes in biogeochemical cycles. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the ecological functions of soil microorganisms, thus providing a theoretical basis for the exploration and utilization of soil microbial resources and the development of soil ecological control strategies.

Effective protective agents against organ toxicity of deoxynivalenol and their detoxification mechanisms: A review.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent mycotoxins in feed, which causes organ toxicity in animals. Therefore, reducing DON-induced organ toxicity can now be accomplished effectively using protective agents. This review provides an overview of multiple studies on a wide range of protective agents and their molecular mechanisms against DON organ toxicity. Protective agents include plant extracts, yeast products, bacteria, peptides, enzymes, H2, oligosaccharides, amino acids, adsorbents, vitamins and selenium. Among these, biological detoxification of DON using microorganisms to reduce the toxicity of DON without affecting the growth performance of pigs may be the most promising detoxification strategy. This paper also evaluates future developments related to DON detoxification and discusses the detoxification role and application potential of protective agents. This paper provides new perspectives for future research and development of safe and effective feed additives.

[Role of TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway in diabetic kidney disease and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine intervention].

Diabetic kidney disease is an important microvascular complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Its pathological characteristics mainly include epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT) in glomerulus, podocyte apoptosis and autophagy, and damage of glomerular filtration barrier. Transforming growth factor-ß(TGF-ß)/Smad signaling pathway is specifically regulated by a variety of mechanisms, and is a classic pathway involved in physiological activities such as apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. At present, many studies have found that TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. Traditional Chinese medicine has significant advantages in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease for its multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics, and some traditional Chinese medicine extracts, traditional Chinese medicines and traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription improve the renal injury of diabetic kidney disease by regulating TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. This study clarified the mechanism of TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway in diabetic kidney disease by expounding the relationship between the key targets of the pathway and diabetic kidney disease, and summarized the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease by interfering with TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway in recent years, to provide reference for drug research and clinical treatment of diabetic kidney disease in the future.

Moxibustion ameliorated age-related alterations in neurological behavior and gut microbiota in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the anti-aging effects of moxibustion on age-related alterations in middle-aged mice. METHODS: Thirty, 9-month-old, male ICR mice were randomly divided into the moxibustion and control groups (N = 15). Mice in the moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion at the Guanyuan acupoint for 20 minutes every other day. After 30 treatments, neurobehavior tests, lifespan, gut microbiota composition and splenic gene expression were observed in the mice. RESULTS: Moxibustion improved the locomotor activity as well as motor function, activated the SIRT1-PPARα signaling pathway, ameliorated age-related alterations in gut microbiota, and affected the expression of genes related to energy metabolism in spleen. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion ameliorated age-related alterations in neurobehavior and gut microbiota in middle-aged mice.

Role of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in diabetic kidney disease and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine intervention / 中国中药杂志

Diabetic kidney disease is an important microvascular complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Its pathological characteristics mainly include epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT) in glomerulus, podocyte apoptosis and autophagy, and damage of glomerular filtration barrier. Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway is specifically regulated by a variety of mechanisms, and is a classic pathway involved in physiological activities such as apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. At present, many studies have found that TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. Traditional Chinese medicine has significant advantages in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease for its multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics, and some traditional Chinese medicine extracts, traditional Chinese medicines and traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription improve the renal injury of diabetic kidney disease by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. This study clarified the mechanism of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in diabetic kidney disease by expounding the relationship between the key targets of the pathway and diabetic kidney disease, and summarized the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease by interfering with TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in recent years, to provide reference for drug research and clinical treatment of diabetic kidney disease in the future.

Moxibustion for treating patients with post-stroke depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for post-stroke depression (PSD). METHODS: A search was conducted in the following English and Chinese databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM), VIP and Wanfang. The outcomes included Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), effective rate, and Modified Edinburgh-Scandinavian Stroke Scale (MESSS) scale. The formulation of search strategy, data extraction, and quality evaluation of involved studies was performed according to Cochrane handbook guidelines. The software RevMan 5.4 and Stata 16 were used for data analysis. The evidence quality of each outcome was evaluated by GRADEpro guideline development tool (GDT). RESULTS: A total of 14 trials with 863 participants were included. A certain risk of bias of unclear or high was detected in the included studies. Compared with the control group, adding moxibustion could change the value of HAMD [standardized mean difference (SMD) =-1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.55 to -0.79; I2=85.5%; P<0.01] and the effective rate [risk ratio (RR) =1.22; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.32; I2=0.0%; P=0.56], and the differences in the MESSS scale (SMD =-0.72; 95% CI: -1.06 to -0.38; I2=0.0%; P=0.80) had statistical differences. The certainty was low in effective rate, and very low in HAMD and MESSS. Besides, moxibustion was shown to be generally safe. DISCUSSION: This review found that moxibustion may be an effective intervention for PSD. However, the results of this study have a certain limitation. The benefits of moxibustion for PSD need to be confirmed in the future by more high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Moxibustion may delay the aging process of Wistar rats by regulating intestinal microbiota.

As one of the important treatments of health care and anti-aging in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), moxibustion has been proved to have the effects of scavenging free radicals, anti-oxidation, reducing inflammatory reaction, regulating immunity and so on. Recent studies have shown that intestinal microbiota affect the process of aging. The relationship between aging, moxibustion and intestinal microbiota is still unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of moxibustion at Guanyuan (RN4) acupoint on intestinal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids and immunological characteristics of young and elder female Wistar rats to explore the relationship between aging, moxibustion and intestinal microbiota. Six 12-week-old female Wistar rats were young group (Y), and twelve 36-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into elder group (C) and moxibustion group (M). The rats in M group were received mild moxibustion at Guanyuan (RN4) acupoint, 20 min/d for 40 days. The rats in Y group and C group were not given any therapeutic intervention. The results showed that moxibustion increased the abundance of intestinal probiotics (mainly Lactobacillus) and the level of short chain fatty acids, the microcirculation blood flow around Guanyuan (RN4) acupoint was also significantly improved in elder rats. In addition, the expression of MyD88, MAPK, TRAF6, NF-κB in intestinal tissue was down-regulated, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in intestinal were decreased.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on bone metabolism in patients with immobilisation after foot and ankle fracture surgery: a randomised controlled trial study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Fracture is a disease with a high incidence worldwide. Foot and ankle fractures are common among fractures of the lower extremities. Foot and ankle fractures usually require surgical fixation and a period of fixed treatment, which can lead to decreased bone density. Although transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is widely used for movement system diseases, there is minimal evidence to show the effectiveness of TEAS on patients after surgical fixation of ankle and foot fractures. This trial aims to evaluate whether TEAS can reduce bone loss in patients with immobilisation after ankle and foot fractures. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A randomised controlled trial will be conducted in which 60 patients will be randomly divided into two groups: (a) the control group will be treated according to the routine procedures of basic orthopaedics treatment; (b) in the treatment group, bilateral SP36, BL23 and ST36 will be performed on the basis of the control group, and the test will be performed for 30 min every other day for a total of 8 weeks. Bone turnover markers will be used as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes are composed of blood phosphorus, blood calcium and bone mineral density. Treatment safety will be monitored and recorded. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial is approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2020BZYLL0611) and the Ethics Committee of Beijing Luhe Hospital (2020-LHKY-055-02), and inpatients who meet the following diagnostic and inclusion criteria are eligible to participate in this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR 2000039944.

[Effect of tiaoren tongdu acupuncture method on fractional anisotropy of diffusion densor imaging and upper extremity motor function after cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of tiaoren tongdu acupuncture method (for regulating the function of the Conception Vessel and promoting the circulation of the Governor Vessel) on fractional anisotropy (FA) and upper-extremity motor function after cerebral infarction by diffusion densor imaging (DTI) technology. METHODS: The patients with cerebral infarction were divided into an acupuncture group and a control group according to the random number table method, 27 cases in each group. In the control group, the basic treatment with conventional medication was used. In the acupuncture group, on the basic treatment as the control group, the tiaoren tongdu acupuncture method was provided. Main acupoints included Baihui (GV20), Shuigou(GV26), Chengjiang(CV24), Guanyuan(CV4), Qihai (CV6), Zhongwan (CV12), Shenting(GV24) and Mingmen(GV4). Supplementary points included Jianyu(LI15), Chize(LU5), Houxi (SI3), Weizhong (BL40), Zusanli (ST36) and Taichong (LR3) on the affected side. The needles were retained for 30 min. Acupuncture was given once a day, at the interval of 1 days every week, consecutively for 4 weeks. The upper extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment (UE-FMA) was used to evaluate the motor function of upper extremity before and after treatment. DTI was adopted to observe the FA values of infarct focus, posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) and cerebral peduncle on the affected side, as well as FA values at the corresponding parts on the healthy side in the patients of two groups. The relative differences (rFA) were calculated. RESULTS: Compared with their own pretreatment, the UE-FMA value was significantly higher after treatment in either of two groups separately (P<0.05 in the control group, P<0.01 in the acupuncture group). The difference of UE-FMA before and after treatment in the acupuncture group was larger than that in the control group (P<0.05). The FA and rFA values in infarct focus were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). The FA and rFA differences before and after treatment in the infarct focus and PLIC on the affected side were higher in the acupuncture group as compared with the control group (P<0.05). The UE-FMA difference was positively correlated with the rFA difference of each part in either group (P<0.05), and the correlation was the strongest in PLIC on the affected side in either group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Tiaoren tongdu acupuncture significantly improves the upper limb movement function after cerebral infarction. The rFA value of PLIC combined with UE-FMA can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the upper extremity movement after cerebral infarction.

Effects of Acupuncture on Motor and Corticospinal Tract Impairment after Cerebral Infarction: Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Tractography / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effects of Tiaoren Tongdu Acupuncture on motor function and corticospinal tract (CST) remodeling after cerebral infarction. Methods:From February, 2017 to December, 2020, 54 patients with cerebral infarction were randomly divided into control group (n = 27) and acupuncture group (n = 27), each group was divided into subgroups 1, 2 and 3 according to the impairment of corticospinal tract, with nine cases for each subgroup. All the patients received routine medicine, while the acupuncture group received Tiaoren Tongdu Acupuncture, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment, and scanned with diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion tensor tractography, to obtain the fractional anisotropy (FA) and the bilateral FA ratio (rFA). Results:The scores of FMA and MBI, and FA and rFA increased in both groups (t > 2.841, P < 0.05) after treatment, and increased more in the acupuncture group than in the control group (t > 2.140, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Tiaoren Tongdu Acupuncture can promote the recovery of CST to improve motor function for patients with cerebral infarction.

Acupuncture treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) make many patients have negative adherence of treatment. Acupuncture has been widely applied in treatment of CINV, but its efficacy has not been evaluated scientifically and systematically in recent years. Hence, evaluating the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in patients with CINV is the main purpose of this review. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search the following electronic databases from inception to Mar 2020: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PubMed, the Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wan-Fang Database and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database). All published academic data about clinical randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese related to acupuncture for treating CINV will be obtained. The primary outcomes are defined as frequency and severity of CINV during chemotherapy. The secondary outcomes are defined as any adverse events and quality of life of CINV during chemotherapy. The study selection, data extraction, and assessment of study quality will be conducted by 2 researchers independently. Review Manager Software (RevMan) V.5.3 will be performed for meta-analysis. RESULTS: The results of this review will provide a high-quality synthesis of current available evidence to evaluate acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for CINV. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this review will provide the highest level of evidence to judge whether acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for patients suffered from CINV. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020153993.

Network Pharmacology-Based Dissection of the Anti-diabetic Mechanism of Lobelia chinensis.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic inflammatory disease, and the rapidly increasing DM is becoming a major problem of global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating diabetes. It has been developed and utilized because of its good efficacy and no toxic side effects. Lobelia chinensis is a traditional whole grass herbal. With the continuous deepening of pharmacological research on TCM, the active ingredients of L. chinensis are continuously revealed, which contained the alkaloids, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides and amino acids that have the good effects of anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-diabetic. In order to further explore the targets of active ingredients and its anti-diabetic mechanism, a feasible network pharmacology analysis model based on chemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological data was developed by network construction method to clarify the anti-diabetic mechanism of L. chinensis. The present study conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC/MS), which identified 208 metabolites of L. chinensis, of which 23 ingredients may have effective pharmacological effects after absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) screening. Network pharmacological analysis on the active ingredients revealed that 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in L. chinensis affects the insulin resistance signaling pathway by acting on GSK3B, TNF, and MAPK1, acacetin affects the diabetic pathway by acting on INSR, DPP4, and GSK3B, that regulate type 2 diabetes, non-insulin-dependent DM, and inflammatory diseases. These results successfully indicated the potential anti-diabetic mechanism of the active ingredients of L. chinensis.

Moxibustion at 'Danzhong' (RN17) and 'Guanyuan' (RN4) for fatigue symptom in patients with depression: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT Compliant).

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). The effective management of depression-related fatigue has an important impact on the patient's abilities, functioning, and quality of life (QOL). Moxibustion has been widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to manage fatigue. Recent studies have also demonstrated that moxibustion is effective for treating cancer-related fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, there is not sufficient data supporting the effect of moxibustion for depression-related fatigue. Therefore, this randomized, assessor-blinded, wait-list controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of moxibustion treatment for depression-related fatigue. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-six participants who meet the diagnostic criteria for depression in the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision (ICD-10), and who also have a score of ≥1 on the 13 item of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17), will be enrolled. At study entry, participants will undergo anti-depressant treatment for at least 1 month. Then those who still have a score of ≥1 on the 13 item of the HAMD-17 will be randomly allocated to either a moxibustion group or wait-list control group in a ratio of 1:1. Anti-depressants will be provided for both groups during the whole process of the study period. Participants in the moxibustion group will undergo 14 sessions of moxibustion (over 2 weeks) with anti-depressant treatment, and participants in the wait-list control group will receive only anti-depressant treatment. Subsequently, participants in the moxibustion group will be followed-up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The secondary outcome measure will be the HAMD-17. Safety will be assessed by monitoring adverse events during the study. Trial feasibility will also be assessed in this study. DISCUSSION: The results of this study may provide evidence for the efficacy of moxibustion as an adjunct to antidepressants for depression-related fatigue, and promote a more widespread foundation for the selection of moxibustion in the clinical setting as well as for future research in moxibustion therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800016905).

Analysis of classical prescription Jinshui Liujun Jian based on ancient literature / 中国中药杂志

To provide the ancient literary evidence support for the clinical application and development of classical prescription based on systematical collection and analysis of the ancient Chinese medical literature containing Jinshui Liujun Jian, including its origin and development. Bibliometric analysis was used and information of Jinshui Liujun Jian in ancient Chinese medical literature was then collected for statistical analysis of formula compositions, main indications, dosage, preparation methods, etc. A total of 151 valid items of data were obtained from 48 ancient Chinese medicine books. Jinshui Liujun Jian was first recorded in Jingyue Quanshu written by ZHANG Jiebin. This prescription consisted of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Pinelliae Rhizome, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Poria and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome Praeparata cum Melle, and it was mainly used to treat the deficiency of lung and kidney, edema and excess production of phlegm, or Yin deficiency in the old, insufficient blood-qi, wind-cold evil, cough and disgusting, asthma and excessive phlegm. Doctors in later dynasties mostly followed the prescription compositions, dosages and indications in Jingyue Quanshu, and extended the clinical application of this prescription.

Moxibustion therapy for treating patients with primary osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Primary osteoporosis (POP) is a common disease among elderly, which increase the risk of fracture and impact to the quality of life. As a Chinese traditional therapy, moxibustion has been commonly applied in treating chronic musculoskeletal diseases in China. Many trails have shown that moxibustion therapy is effective in treating primary osteoporosis. The protocol aims to present the methods used to access the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion therapy for patients with primary osteoporosis. METHODS: The following databases will be searched from their inception: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails(CENTRAL), Pubmed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database), and Wan-Fang Database. Clinical randomized controlled trials related to moxibustion therapy for treating primary osteoporosis will be included, regardless of publication status and languages. Study selection, data collection, and quality assessment will be independently conducted by 2 researchers. We will select the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to the heterogeneity assessment for data synthesis. Bone mineral density(BMD) will be the primary outcomes. Visual analogue scale(VAS), response rate, TCM Syndrome scale(TCMSS), bone gla protein(BGP), alkaline phosphatase(BALP), blood calcium(Ca), blood phosphate(P), quality of life(QOL) will be the second outcomes. If it is appropriate for meta-analysis, RevMan V.5.3 statistical software will be used. Otherwise, a systematic narrative synthesis will be conducted. The results will be presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data and weight mean difference(WMD) or standard mean difference (SMD) 95% CIs for continuous data. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019129507.

The efficacy and safety of moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) is one of the most prevalent gynecological diseases in women of childbearing age. The major medications treating PDM usually make sense and side effects, while moxibustion is known as a safe and effective treatment for PDM. This review aims to systematically evaluate the effect and safety of moxibustion for treating PDM. METHODS: We will search all randomized controlled trials for moxibustion therapy on PDM, electronically and manually, regardless of publication status, till October 31, 2019. Online databases include the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; PubMed; EMBASE; China National Knowledge Infrastructure; Chinese Biomedical Literature Database; Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database); and Wan-Fang Database. Two reviewers will search these databases, select data and measure the quality of studies independently. The methodological quality will be assessed by the Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook 6.0. The primary outcomes include clinical efficacy and visual analog scale, and the secondary outcomes include adverse events and quality of life. Four reviewers will independently extract the data and assess the qualities of the studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted with R package for each outcome. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. RESULTS: This study will provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence for the treatment of moxibustion with PDM. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of our study will provide updated evidence to judge whether moxibustion is an effective and safe intervention for patients with PDM. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019129993.

Moxibustion for treating patients with hyperlipidemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia has been a root cause of atherosclerosis, which leads to a high risk to serious cardio-cerebrovascular disease. Many trials have reported that moxibustion therapy is effective in lowering blood lipid levels when treating hyperlipidemia. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion therapy for hyperlipidemia. METHODS: Two reviewers will electronically search the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI); Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM); Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database); and Wan-Fang Database from the inception, without restriction of publication status and languages. Additional searching including researches in progress, the reference lists and the citation lists of identified publications. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of study quality will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. Changes of blood lipid levels from baseline to the end of the treatment, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level, total cholesterol (TC) level, triglycerides (TG) level and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level will be assessed as the primary outcomes. Quality of life, long-term effect and safety will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. If it is appropriate for a meta-analysis, RevMan 5.3 statistical software will be used; otherwise, a descriptive analysis will be conducted. Data will be synthesized by either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test. The results will be presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data and weight mean difference (WMD) or standard mean difference (SMD) 95% CIs for continuous data. RESULTS: This study will provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence for the treatment of moxibustion with hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusions of our study will provide an evidence to judge whether moxibustion is an effective and safe intervention for patients with hyperlipidemia. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or presented at relevant conferences. It is not necessary for a formal ethical approval because the data are not individualized. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019130545.

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Chronic Discogenic Sciatica, a Randomized Controlled Sham Acupuncture Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for discogenic sciatica. DESIGN: Single-center, parallel, randomized controlled sham acupuncture trial. METHODS: Twelve sessions of acupuncture or sham acupuncture at the same traditional acupoints over four weeks. The primary outcome was change from baseline in weekly mean leg pain, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) over the four-week treatment period. The secondary outcomes were determined by the change from baseline in mean VAS scores for leg pain, VAS scores for low back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. Patients were followed for 28 weeks. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were enrolled in this study between June 2017 and January 2018, of which 23 were in the acupuncture group and 23 were in the sham acupuncture group. The between-group difference in weekly mean leg pain measured by the VAS over the four-week treatment period was -7.28 mm (95% confidence interval = -13.76 to -0.80, P = 0.029), which is larger than the minimum clinically important difference of 5 mm. The between-group differences in mean VAS scores for low back pain, ODI scores, and SF-36 scores were not significant in the study period (P > 0.05 for all). The proportion of acupuncture-related adverse events was 4.3%, and all adverse events were mild and transient. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve sessions of acupuncture showed short-term clinical benefits in relieving the symptoms of leg pain for patients with chronic discogenic sciatica compared with sham acupuncture. Acupuncture is safe in treating chronic discogenic sciatica. Further studies with larger sample sizes, a longer treatment period, and long-term follow-up should be conducted to verify these results.

The polish wheat (Triticum polonicum L.) TpSnRK2.10 and TpSnRK2.11 meditate the accumulation and the distribution of cd and Fe in transgenic Arabidopsis plants.

BACKGROUND: The SnRK2s (Plant specific protein kinase) are involved in various biological processes, such as plant defense and environmental challenges. In Arabidopsis, AtSnRK2s regulate the expression of some metal transporters. For example, AtSnRK2.4 plays a role in the regulation of Arabidopsis tolerance to Cd; AtSnRK2.2 and AtSnRK2.3 are involved in Cd uptake and translocation. However, the functions of their homologs, TpSnRK2.10 and TpSnRK2.11 from dwarf Polish wheat are unknown. RESULTS: TpSnRK2.11 encodes a cytoplasmic protein. TpSnRK2.10 and TpSnRK2.11 have different expression patterns at different growth stages. Expression of TpSnRK2.10 increased yeast's sensitivity to Cd; conversely, expression of TpSnRK2.11 enhanced yeast's tolerance to Cd. Overexpression of TpSnRK2.10 or TpSnRK2.11 did not affect Cd sensitivity in Arabidopsis, but significantly increased Cd accumulation in roots and shoots, and Cd translocation from roots to shoots. While, Fe accumulation was significantly increased in roots but decreased in shoots by overexpression of TpSnRK2.10; opposite results were observed in TpSnRK2.11-overexpressing lines. Subcellular distribution analysis found that overexpression of TpSnRK2.10 and TpSnRK2.11 increased Cd concentration in cell wall and organelle fractions of roots and shoots; meanwhile, they also differentially influenced Fe distribution. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that TpSnRK2.10 and TpSnRK2.11 are involved in the uptakes and the translocations of Cd and Fe, possibly by regulating the expression of AtNRAMP1 and AtHMA4, and other genes involved in the synthesis of phytochelatins or hemicellolosic polysaccharides.

Bloodletting therapy for treating patients with chronic urticaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is a common disease affecting patients' quality of life, and leading to substantial burden to both patients and society. Many trials have shown that bloodletting therapy is effective in treating chronic urticaria. There are currently no systematic reviews of bloodletting therapy for chronic urticaria. This protocol aims to present the methods used to assess the effectiveness and safety of bloodletting therapy for patients with chronic urticaria. METHODS: The following databases will be searched from their inception: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database), and Wan-Fang Database. Clinical randomised controlled trials related to bloodletting therapy for treating chronic urticaria will be included, regardless of publication status and languages. Study selection, data collection, and quality assessment will be independently conducted by 2 researchers. For data synthesis, we will select either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to heterogeneity assessment. Disease activity control will be assessed as the primary outcomes. Response rate, recurrence rate and adverse events will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. If it is appropriate for meta-analysis, RevMan V.5.3 statistical software will be used. Otherwise, a systematic narrative synthesis will be conducted. The results will be presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data and weight mean difference (WMD) or standard mean difference (SMD) 95% CIs for continuous data. DISSEMINATION AND ETHICS: The protocol of this systematic review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences. It is not necessary for a formal ethical approval because the data are not individualised. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42018111143.