Effects of Tai Chi Yunshou on upper-limb function and balance in stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physical rehabilitation plays an important role in the recovery of motor function after a stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi Yunshou (TCY), a form of physical therapy, on upper-limb function and balance in stroke survivors. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL and five Chinese databases were retrieved from inception to July 1, 2020 (updated on March 31, 2022). Randomized controlled trials of TCY versus no-treatment for stroke were included. The RoB-2 was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Upper-limb motor impairment, balance, and activities of daily living (ADLs) were measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Barthel Index (BI), respectively. Data synthesis was performed using RevMan (v5.3), and expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Seven studies with 529 participants were included. Compared with no-treatment, TCY improved FMA-UE (MD = 7.31, 95% CI: 5.86-8.77, minimal clinically important difference [MCID]: 9-10), BBS (MD = 4.68, 95% CI: 0.28-9.07, MCID: 4), and BI (MD = 4.12, 95% CI: 3.28-4.96, MCID: 1.85) in stroke survivors. CONCLUSION: TCY may benefit balance and ADLs in rehabilitation after a stroke, but it may not improve upper-limb function clinically.

Assessment of Reporting Quality in Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Primary Insomnia with CONSORT Statement and STRICTA Guidelines.

AIM: To assess the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for primary insomnia (PI). METHODS: Seven Chinese and English databases were searched for publication reporting RCTs on acupuncture for PI from the inception of the databases to August 6, 2021. The internationally recognized Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and the International Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines were used to evaluate the reporting quality. The agreement between two researchers was calculated by Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: A total of 102 eligible RCTs were assessed. According to the CONSORT statement (2017), the positive reporting rates of items such as "abstract," "background," "participants," and "numbers analyzed" were above 80%. However, the positive reporting rates of items such as "sample size," "randomization implementation," "Outcomes and estimation," "Ancillary analyses," and "Registration" were below 20%. According to STRICTA guidelines, the positive reporting rates of items such as "style of acupuncture," "reasons for acupuncture treatment," "Number of needles inserted," "Needle retention time," "Treatment regimen," and "precise description of the control intervention" were above 80%. However, the positive reporting rates of items such as "setting and context of treatment" and "practitioner background" were below 20%. CONCLUSION: It is essential to advocate the endorsement of the CONSORT statement and STRICTA guidelines to improve the quality of acupuncture RCT reports.

The cerebral mechanism of acupuncture for chronic insomnia with gastrointestinal disorder: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID) have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. First-line insomnia medications do not treat GI problems. Acupuncture has a comprehensive regulative action on both CID and GI disorder and is receiving increasing attention. Recent studies indicate that both CID and GI diseases may cause abnormal brain activity. However, the neurological mechanism underlying the effect of acupuncture on such diseases is still unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the pathological mechanisms of CID with GI discomfort, as well as the main response characteristics of acupuncture treatment from multiple perspectives using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A total of 60 participants with CID and GI disorders will be randomly divided into two groups (real acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group; ratio of 1:1). Patients will receive 20 sessions (five sessions per week) of real acupuncture treatment or sham acupuncture treatment. The primary outcome is the aggregate score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Secondary outcomes are scores on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Multimodal MRI scans and clinical assessments will be performed both at baseline and post-treatment. Another 30 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy subjects will be recruited as controls and will receive MRI scans and clinical evaluations. DISCUSSION: This study aims to provide scientific evidence for the mechanism of acupuncture in treating CID with GI disorder using multimodal MRI imaging data on brain structure, function, and metabolism. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800017092 (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=27173 ). Registered on July 11, 2018.

Effects of Erbuzhuyu Decoction Combined with Acupuncture on Endometrial Receptivity Are Associated with the Expression of miR-494-3p.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Erbuzhuyu decoction (EBZYD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula and has been used in infertility treatment. Meanwhile, acupuncture is also used to treat female infertility. However, it is unclear whether EBZYD combined with acupuncture has better therapeutic effect. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of EBZYD combined with acupuncture and investigate its mechanism in superovulation mice. METHODS: The mice received the treatment of EBZYD, acupuncture, EBZYD combined with acupuncture, or miR-494-3p agomir combined with EBZYD and acupuncture. The blastocysts' number, endometrial microstructure, and endometrial thickness were observed, followed by the detection of endometrial receptivity-related factors, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-related proteins, and miR-494-3p expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeting relationship between HOXA10 and miR-494-3p. RESULTS: EBZYD combined with acupuncture treatment could increase the number of blastocysts, pinopodes, endometrial thickness, and the expression of endometrial receptivity-related factors, and the treatment effect of EBZYD combined with acupuncture was better than EBZYD or acupuncture alone. In addition, EBZYD combined with acupuncture treatment activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and inhibited the expression of miR-494-3p. HOXA10 is one of the target genes of miR-494-3p. Overexpression of miR-494-3p reversed the therapeutic effect of EBZYD combined with acupuncture and suppressed the expression of HOXA10 and the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that EBZYD combined with acupuncture could improve endometrial receptivity in superovulation mice via miR-494-3p/HOXA10 axis.

Effects of Tai Chi Yunshou on upper limb function and balance in stroke survivors: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Functional disability is the most common disorder that occurs after stroke and seriously affects the quality of life of stroke survivors. Tai Chi Yunshou (TCY), a fundamental form of Tai Chi, is a simple, convenient, and economical exercise therapy from ancient China. Some clinical trials have reported that it improves upper limb function and balance during stroke rehabilitation. Thus, we plan to conduct a systematic review to investigate the effects of TCY in stroke survivors. METHODS: This review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. We will search English and Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials on TCY for stroke survivors from the dates when the databases were established to 1 July 2020. The English databases will include MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (embase.com), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library). In addition, the Chinese databases will include the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, the Wanfang database, and the Chinese Dissertation Database. The primary outcomes will include upper limb function and balance function, as measured by the Fugl-Meyer assessment and Berg balance scale, respectively. Two reviewers will independently screen the studies on the basis of the inclusion criteria and extract data. Review Manager (v5.3) will be used for data synthesis, and Cochrane Collaboration's tool will be used to assess the risk of bias. A fixed effects model or a random effects model will be selected based on the level of heterogeneity. The grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation system will be used to evaluate the quality of the outcomes. RESULTS: This systematic review results will be carried out after the completion of the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol aims to guide a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the effects of JCY on upper limb function and body balance in stroke survivors, which will provide evidence for post-stroke rehabilitation training. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020169549.

Traditional Chinese herbal bath therapy for insomnia: A protocol for systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is a major public health problem. Due to the side effects of pharmacological therapy, people are seeking to choose complementary and alternative therapies for insomnia disorder. Traditional Chinese herbal bath therapy is an important complementary therapy which combines advantages of Chinese herbs and bathing therapy. This protocol describes the methodology of a systematic review assessing the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herbal bath therapy for insomnia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Reporting of this review will be adherent to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We will electronically search the following seven databases from inception to January 23, 2020: PubMed, Cochrane database (CENTRAL), EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), VIP Database, and Wanfang Database. Parallel randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herbal bath therapy for insomnia will be included. Study selection, data extraction and assessment of risk of bias will be performed independently by two researchers. The sleep quality will be assessed as the primary outcome. Global symptom improvement, anxiety and depression, and adverse events will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. The Cochrane's risk of bias tool will be utilized for assessing the methodological quality of included studies. Revman software (v.5.3) will be used for data synthesis and statistical analysis. Data will be synthesized by either fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test. If it is not appropriate for a meta-analysis, a descriptive analysis will be conducted. GRADE system will be used to assess the quality of evidence. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020168507.

Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of monosialotetrahexosylganglioside for the prevention of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in stage II/III colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) is a neuroprotective glycosphingolipid that repairs nerves. Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is neurotoxic. This study assessed the efficacy of GM1 for preventing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OIPN) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. METHODS: In total, 196 patients with stage II/III CRC undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 were randomly assigned to intravenous GM1 or a placebo. The primary endpoint was the rate of grade 2 or worse cumulative neurotoxicity (NCI-CTCAE). The secondary endpoints were chronic cumulative neurotoxicity (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20), time to grade 2 neurotoxicity (NCI-CTCAE or the oxaliplatin-specific neuropathy scale), acute neurotoxicity (analog scale), rates of dose reduction or withdrawal due to OIPN, 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and adverse events. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the arms in the rate of NCI-CTCAE grade 2 or worse neurotoxicity (GM1: 33.7% vs placebo: 31.6%; P = .76) or neuropathy measured by the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 or time to grade 2 neurotoxicity using NCI-CTCAE and the oxaliplatin-specific neuropathy scale. GM1 substantially decreased participant-reported acute neurotoxicity (sensitivity to cold items [P < .01], discomfort swallowing cold liquids [P < .01], throat discomfort [P < .01], muscle cramps [P < .01]). The rates of dose reduction or withdrawal were not significantly different between the arms (P = .08). The 3-year DFS rates were 85% and 83% in the GM1 and placebo arms, respectively (P = .19). There were no differences in toxicity between the arms. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving GM1 were less troubled by the symptoms of acute neuropathy. However, we do not support the use of GM1 to prevent cumulative neurotoxicity. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02251977).

Non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions relieve insomnia symptoms by modulating a shared network: A controlled longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Primary insomnia (PI) is one of the most common complaints among the general population. Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies have proven effective in treating primary insomnia. However, the underlying mechanism of treatment remains unclear, and no studies have compared the underlying mechanisms of different treatments. METHODS: In this study, we investigated gray matter volume (GMV) and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) changes following both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in patients with PI. A total of 67 PI patients were randomized into benzodiazepine treatment, cupping treatment, or a wait-list control group for 4 weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), gray matter volume (GMV), and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the hippocampus were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. RESULTS: We found 1) significantly decreased PSQI scores in the cupping and benzodiazepine treatment groups compared to the control group with no significant differences between the two treatment groups; 2) significant GMV increases in the cupping group compared to the control group at the right hippocampus after 4 weeks of treatment; 3) significantly increased rsFC between the right hippocampus and left rostral anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex (rACC/mPFC) in the two treatment groups, which was significantly associated with PSQI score decreases. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that benzodiazepine and cupping may share a common mechanism to relieve the symptoms of patients with PI.

An effectiveness comparison of acupuncture treatments for insomnia disorder: A bayesian network meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture (ACU) is used frequently in the management of insomnia disorder in China. Whereas there is variability in practice regarding the selection of ACU treatments, most choices are made based on personal experience or preference of clinician. This study uses network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of different forms of ACU for insomnia and assesses the evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. METHODS: A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ACU treatments for insomnia disorder will be carried out in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China BioMedical Literature (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), and Wanfang, from their inceptions to April 2018. The quality of the included RCTs will be evaluated with the risk of bias (ROB) tool and evidence will be evaluated by GRADE. STATA 13.0 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 through the GeMTC package will be used to perform a network meta-analysis to synthesize direct and indirect evidence. RESULTS: The results of this network meta-analysis (NMA) will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. CONCLUSION: The results of our study will provide the best possible ACU choice for clinicians, and the best possible strength of the evidence with the GRADE approach.

A calcium-dependent protein kinase, ZmCPK32, specifically expressed in maize pollen to regulate pollen tube growth.

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) play an essential role in the regulation of pollen tube growth. Although CPK genes have been identified in maize, and some have been functionally characterized, the molecular function of ZmCPKs associated with pollen tube development remains less well studied. Here, we report that a pollen-specific CPK, ZmCPK32, is involved in the regulation of pollen germination and tube extension. ZmCPK32 exhibited CPK activity and was localized on the plasma membrane and punctate internal membrane compartments via N-terminal acylation. In situ hybridization and real-time PCR revealed that ZmCPK32 transcripts accumulated in pollen and expression was dramatically upregulated during shedding. To elucidate the function of this gene, we transiently expressed a ZmCPK32-GFP fusion protein in tobacco pollen using microparticle bombardment. ZmCPK32 accumulation inhibited pollen germination and reduced pollen tube growth, but this effect was abolished when the kinase-inactive variant was expressed, indicating that kinase activity is critical for its regulatory function. In addition, the plasma membrane localization of ZmCPK32 is essential for regulating polar growth, as pollen expressing the cytosol-localized kinase displayed reduced tube length but germinated well. Moreover, the constitutively active form of ZmCPK32 enhanced the reduction in the germination rate, indicating that the specific activation of ZmCPK32 via calcium ions at the cortical growth point is essential for regulating appropriate germination. The results suggest that ZmCPK32 is functionally associated with pollen tube growth, and could represent a potential target for breeding male-sterile maize.

[Efficacy of FORFIRI regimen on oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy-failed advanced colorectal cancer].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Irinotecan (CPT-11), oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine are main active agents for advanced colorectal cancer. FORFIRI regimen is recommended for the patients who were treated with oxaliplatin plus 5-FU or capecitabine previously. This study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of FORFIRI regimen in treating advanced colorectal cancer failing to prior oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, and analyze the impacts of clinical factors on the responses. METHODS: A total of 90 patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma, who had received prior adjuvant FOLFOX6 regimen and progressed within 12 months after the completion of therapy or had no response to prior FOLFOX6/CapeOX regimen as first-line therapy, were treated with FORFIRI regimen. The efficacy and adverse events were observed. RESULTS: Of the 81 evaluable patients, two achieved complete remission, 20 achieved partial remission and 34 had stable disease. The overall response rate was 27.2% and disease control rate was 69.1%. The median time to progression was 6.8 months (95% CI, 4.9-8.8 months) and median overall survival time was 18.8 months (95% CI, 17.5-20.2 months). The main adverse events time were nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, alopecia, fatigue, impaired liver function, oral mucositis and diarrhea. Grade III adverse events included alopecia in 15 patients (16.7%), vomiting in 10 patients (11.1%), nausea in eight patients (8.9%), neutropenia in five patients (5.6%), impaired liver function in two patients (2.2%) and oral mucositis in two patients (2.2%). CONCLUSION: FOLFIRI regimen is effective and well-tolerated as salvage therapy for advanced colorectal cancer failing to prior FOLFOX6/CapeOX regimen, and thus can be used widely.

[Anti-tumor mechanism of active components from extract of Actinidia rufa root].

OBJECTIVE: To observe effect and mechanism of n-Butanol lysate of alcohol extracts from Actinidia rufa root (monomer of R6,R8). METHOD: Tunel, Wright's stain with Giemsa's stain dyeing, and Hoechst 33258-PI double dyeing assay were used to detect the apoptosis of SGC7901 tumor cells treated with R6, R8. The SGC7901 tumor cells were randomly divided into control group and two treatment groups administered 0.05 g x L(-1) R6, R8, respectively, for 72 h). FCM assay was used to detect the apoptosis. Agarose electrophoresis assay was used to detect DNA strand break of tumor cells and reveal anti-tumor action mechanism. RESULT: The apoptosis percentage of the tumor cell in 24 h, 48 h, 72 h was (17.08 +/- 2.78)% , (29.68 +/- 2.96)%, (52.46 +/- 3.81)%; (14.75 +/- 2.14)%, (27.35 +/- 3.79)%, (45.64 +/- 5.24)%, respectively, for the treatment group, significantly higher than that in the control group (1.94 +/- 1.55)%, (2.78 +/- 1.84)%, (11.8 +/- 2.79)% (P < 0.01) by tunnel assay. Wright's stain with Giemsa's stain dyeing assay, Hoechst 33258-PI and FCM double dyeing assay showed same action. R6 and R8 had the effect of inducing the DNA histogram of tumor cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The anti-tumor mechanisms may be associated with inducing the injury of DNA and stimulating apoptosis.

Anti-tumor mechanism of active components from extract of Actinidia rufa root / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effect and mechanism of n-Butanol lysate of alcohol extracts from Actinidia rufa root (monomer of R6,R8).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Tunel, Wright's stain with Giemsa's stain dyeing, and Hoechst 33258-PI double dyeing assay were used to detect the apoptosis of SGC7901 tumor cells treated with R6, R8. The SGC7901 tumor cells were randomly divided into control group and two treatment groups administered 0.05 g x L(-1) R6, R8, respectively, for 72 h). FCM assay was used to detect the apoptosis. Agarose electrophoresis assay was used to detect DNA strand break of tumor cells and reveal anti-tumor action mechanism.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The apoptosis percentage of the tumor cell in 24 h, 48 h, 72 h was (17.08 +/- 2.78)% , (29.68 +/- 2.96)%, (52.46 +/- 3.81)%; (14.75 +/- 2.14)%, (27.35 +/- 3.79)%, (45.64 +/- 5.24)%, respectively, for the treatment group, significantly higher than that in the control group (1.94 +/- 1.55)%, (2.78 +/- 1.84)%, (11.8 +/- 2.79)% (P < 0.01) by tunnel assay. Wright's stain with Giemsa's stain dyeing assay, Hoechst 33258-PI and FCM double dyeing assay showed same action. R6 and R8 had the effect of inducing the DNA histogram of tumor cells (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The anti-tumor mechanisms may be associated with inducing the injury of DNA and stimulating apoptosis.</p>

[Study on the anticancer effects of extracts from roots of Livistona chinensis in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of extracts from root of Livistona chinensis on the growth inhibition in seven carcinoma cell lines. METHODS: The growth inhibition was analyzed by MTT, cell colony and cell growth curve measuremen technique in the stomach carcinoma SGC7901, Lymphocytic leukemia L1210, Lymphoid neoplasm P388D1, tumor of cervix uteri Hela, hepar carcinoma hele 7404, melanoma B16 and mouse neuroblastomax rat glioma hybrid NG108-15 cells lines. RESULTS: The growth of all tumor cells were inhibited by ethyl acetate of alcohol extract from roots of Livistona chinensis. The growth of all tumor cells were not affected by low dose extracts (0.5 microg/ml). The growth of all tumor cells were obviously inhibited by higher dose extracts (5.0 microg/ml). The growth of all tumor cells were inhibited in growth curve measurement. CONCLUSION: The results show that ethyl acetate of alcohol extracts from roots Livistona chinensis possesses the role of antitumor in cell culture.

[Effects of the Panax notoginseng saponins on the level of synaptophysin protein in brain in rat model with lesion of Meynert].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on the level of synaptophysin ptotein in brain in rat model with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD: The AD rat models were established by intra-peritoneal injection of D-galactose combined with excitatory neurotoxin ibotenic acid injection into bilateral nbM. The activity and content of synaptophysin protein in brain were determined by immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULT: PNS could reduce the lesion of level of synaptophysin protein in brain, as compared with those of model group's rats. CONCLUSION: PNS plays a protective role by reducing down of the level of synaptophysin protein in brain in lesion of AD animal model.

Effects of the Panax notoginseng saponins on the level of synaptophysin protein in brain in rat model with lesion of Meynert / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protective effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on the level of synaptophysin ptotein in brain in rat model with Alzheimer's disease (AD).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The AD rat models were established by intra-peritoneal injection of D-galactose combined with excitatory neurotoxin ibotenic acid injection into bilateral nbM. The activity and content of synaptophysin protein in brain were determined by immunohistochemistry analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>PNS could reduce the lesion of level of synaptophysin protein in brain, as compared with those of model group's rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PNS plays a protective role by reducing down of the level of synaptophysin protein in brain in lesion of AD animal model.</p>