Revealing the mechanism of ethyl acetate extracts of Semen Impatientis against prostate cancer based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy of the male genitourinary system and currently lacks effective treatment. Semen Impatientis, the dried ripe seed of Impatiens balsamina L., is described by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is used in clinical practice to treat tumors, abdominal masses, etc. In our previous study, the ethyl acetate extracts of Semen Impatientis (EAESI) was demonstrated to be the most effective extract against PCa among various extracts. However, the biological effects of EAESI against PCa in vivo and the specific antitumor mechanisms involved remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of EAESI on PCa in vitro and in vivo by performing network pharmacology analysis, transcriptomic analysis, and experiments to explore and verify the underlying mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antitumor effect of EAESI on PCa in vitro and in vivo was investigated via CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry, and wound healing assays and xenograft tumor models. Network pharmacology analysis and transcriptomic analysis were employed to explore the underlying mechanism of EAESI against PCa. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and androgen receptor (AR) were confirmed to be the targets of EAESI against PCa by RT‒qPCR, western blotting, and rescue assays. In addition, the interaction between ATF3 and AR was assessed by coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and nuclear-cytoplasmic separation assays. RESULTS: EAESI decreased cell viability, inhibited cell proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis in AR+ and AR- PCa cells. Moreover, EAESI suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the hub targets of EAESI against PCa included AR, AKT1, TP53, and CCND1. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) was the most likely critical target of EAESI. EAESI downregulated AR expression and decreased the transcriptional activity of AR through ATF3 in AR+ PCa cells; and EAESI promoted the expression of ATF3 and exerted its antitumor effect via ATF3 in AR+ and AR- PCa cells. CONCLUSIONS: EAESI exerts good antitumor effects on PCa both in vitro and in vivo, and ATF3 and AR are the critical targets through which EAESI exerts antitumor effects on AR+ and AR- PCa cells.

Retrospective analysis of Advanced Heart Failure and/or Cardiogenic Shock in Patients with Aortic Valve Stenosis Treated by Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and a Nomogram Model Construction.

Objective: Currently, there is little information about the risk of sudden cardiac death and its predictors in aortic valve stenosis patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Therefore, we conducted a large sample cohort study on TAVR patients to evaluate the predictive factors and incidence of heart failure death caused by advanced heart failure (AHF) and sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, a nomogram model to predict its risk was constructed. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 241 consecutive participants who had received TAVR treatment for aortic valve stenosis in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. The characteristics of the subjects, including myocardial zymogram, renal function, biochemical parameters, and cardiac ultrasound parameters, were collected. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed to predict the risk of sudden cardiac death and its predictors in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The model was validatedinternally using measures of calibration and decision curve analysis. Results: Six independent risk factors(Age, smoking, diabetes, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and fasting blood glucose) were finally recruited into the nomogram model to predict the risk of advanced heart failure and/or cardiogenic shock in AS patients treated by TAVR. Besides, the decision curve analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the nomogram prediction models showed positive clinical benefits. Conclusions: The Age, smoking, diabetes, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and fasting blood glucose are the independent risk factors for advanced heart failure and/or cardiogenic shock in AS patients treated by TAVR. The construction of nomograms is beneficial in predicting the risk of advanced heart failure and/or cardiogenic shock in AS patients treated by TAVR.

Photogenerated reactive oxygen species and hyperthermia by Cu3SnS4 nanoflakes for advanced photocatalytic and photothermal antibacterial therapy.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of infectious bacteria has brought great challenges to public health. It is imperative to explore effective and environment-friendly antibacterial modality to defeat antibiotic-resistant bacteria with high biosafety and broad-spectrum antibacterial property. RESULTS: Herein, biocompatible Cu3SnS4 nanoflakes (NFs) were prepared by a facile and low-cost fabrication procedure. These Cu3SnS4 NFs could be activated by visible light, leading to visible light-mediated photocatalytic generation of a myriad of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Besides, the plasmonic Cu3SnS4 NFs exhibit strong near infrared (NIR) absorption and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 55.7%. The ROS mediated cellular oxidative damage and the NIR mediated photothermal disruption of bacterial membranes collaboratively contributed to the advanced antibacterial therapy, which has been validated by the efficient eradication of both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the exogenous copper ions metabolism from the Cu3SnS4 NFs facilitated the endothelial cell angiogenesis and collagen deposition, thus expediting the wound healing. Importantly, the inherent localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Cu3SnS4 NFs empowered them as an active substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging and SERS-labeled bacteria detection. CONCLUSIONS: The low cost and biocompatibility together with the solar-driven broad-spectrum photocatalytic/photothermal antibacterial property of Cu3SnS4 NFs make them a candidate for sensitive bacteria detection and effective antibacterial treatment.

The effects of mindfulness-based intervention on quality of life and poststroke depression in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in China.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a devastating disease that can lead to poststroke depression (PSD) and greatest impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Mindfulness meditation was viewed as one of the effective ways to reduce PSD in patients with cancer. The present study tried to investigate whether mindfulness meditation has potential benefits in PSD and QOL for sICH patients in China. METHODS: Two hundred and two patients in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018 were included in a randomized controlled trial. After removing missing values, there were 67 in control group and 67 in intervention group. Patients in intervention group received 2-month mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and patients in control group received stress management education (ie, an active control). RESULTS: The results suggested that the significant differences of depression, trait mindfulness, social well-being, emotional well-being, and total score of QOL were found in intervention group from time 1 to time 2. Physical well-being and the score of NIH stroke scale experienced significant changes in both control group and intervention group over time. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based intervention has positive effects on sICH patients' depression, social well-being, and emotional well-being. However, the change of trait mindfulness over time could not explain these positive effects. Future studies could explore the mechanism of mindfulness-based intervention on sICH patients' depression and QOL and clarify the boundaries of the positive effects of mindfulness-based intervention.

Intradermal thumbtack needle buried Neiguan (P6) point for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing craniotomy: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is among the most common adverse reactions following anaesthesia and surgery. Recent clinical studies have reported that the average incidence is about 30%, while in patients specifically undergoing neurosurgery, the incidence can be as great as 73%. Studies also suggest that its occurrence increases the risk of intracranial haematoma and haemorrhage. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intradermal thumbtack needle buried Neiguan (pericardium 6 (P6)) point therapy in the prevention of PONV in patients undergoing craniotomy under general anaesthesia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a single-centre, three-arm, randomised controlled trial. 180 participants are randomly assigned to either an acupuncture, intradermal thumbtack needle or control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. The P6 of the acupuncture group is punctured at both sides perpendicularly to a depth of 20 mm. Needles are retained for 30 min and stimulated every 10 min to maintain the de qi. The therapy includes two treatments; the acupuncture is administered immediately after and 24 hours after surgery. For the intradermal thumbtack needle group, the intradermal thumbtack needle is quickly inserted into the skin and embedded at P6 acupoints bilaterally. Patients and their families are asked to press the needlepoint with the onset of nausea, vomiting, bloating, pain and other reported discomforts. The needle is replaced after 24 hours. The therapy is administered immediately after and 24 hours after surgery. For the control group, no intervention is carried out. The incidence of PONV within 48 hours after craniotomy across the three groups is observed. Other observations include: (1) assessment of nausea score (severity of nausea) and pain score (visual analogue scale) 0-2, 2-6, 6-24 and 24-48 hours after craniotomy under general anaesthesia; (2) assessment of total rescue antiemetic dosage 0-48 hours after craniotomy under general anaesthesia; (3) length of hospital stay and (4) patient satisfaction score with PONV management. We will perform all statistical analysis following the intention-to-treat principle. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been granted by the Bioethics Subcommittee of the West China Hospital, Sichuan University: the approval number is 2018 (number 231). Results will be expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR1800017173.

[Effects of intradermal needling combined with tuina on ankle sprain sequelae].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy differences between intradermal needling combined with tuina and tuina alone on ankle sprain sequelae. METHODS: Ninety patients with chronic ankle sprain were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 45 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with conventional tuina. The patients in the observation group were treated with conventional tuina, followed by intradermal needling at ashi point (the most painful tendons node), Shenmai (BL 62)/Zhaohai (KI 6), Jiexi (ST 41)/Zhongfeng (LR 4), Qiuxu (GB 40)/Shangqiu (SP 5) for 24 to 48 hours per treatment; acupoint selection was based on the different side of ankle sprain, and 5 acupoints were selected per treatment, including 2 painful points. The treatment was given twice per week, and totally 8 treatments were given within 4 weeks. The follow-up visit was 12 months. The pain of tendon joints was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS); the patient number of severity of ankle pain during walking and running as well as the occurrence and frequency of ankle pain during rest in follow-up visit in the two groups were observed; the satisfaction survey was conducted in the observation group. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, VAS of tendon joints, the patient number of severity of ankle pain during walking and running were improved after treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05), and patient number of the severity of ankle pain during running in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). During follow-up visit, compare with the control group, the occurrence and frequency of ankle pain during rest in the observation group was significantly improved (both P<0.05); the satisfaction in the observation group was significant. CONCLUSION: The intradermal needling combined with tuina could improve the tenderness of tendon joints and pain during walking and running in patients with ankle sprain sequelae; compared with tuina alone, it could reduce the occurrence of ankle pain during rest, which is safe and reliable.

[Observation on the Efficacy of Electroacupuncture for Functional Constipation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic rule of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating functional constipation. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with severe chronic functional constipation were randomized divided into EA (n=45) and sham-EA (n=43) groups. Patients in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Fujie (SP 14), Shangjuxu (ST 37), and those in the sham-EA group were received superficial acupuncture at 1 cun lateral to the identical acupoints without electrical current delivery. The number of patients with complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) was weekly compared between the EA and sham-EA groups at baseline week, during 8 weeks' treatment, as well as the follow-up 4th, 8th and 12th weeks after treatment. The Bristol Stool Chart (BSC) and defecation difficulty scores were also weekly compared from baseline until 8 weeks. RESULTS: The CSBM showed significant differences from 3 to 8 weeks and at 4th, 8th and 12th weeks post-treatment (P<0.05), but not within the first two weeks between the EA and sham-EA groups. The number of patients who had more than 3 times of CSBM per week was increased in the EA group(P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of EA group was superior to that of the sham-EA group in improving BSC over the 4th and 5th weeks (P<0.05). The defecation difficulty score was improved in the EA group than in the sham-EA group since the 4th week (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA shows therapeutic effect for functional constipation by improving CSBM and BSC.

Acupuncture for acute moderate thalamic hemorrhage: randomized controlled trial study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Thalamic hemorrhage (TH) is a neurological insult with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Moderate TH (10-30 ml) accounts for more than half of all TH. Treatment remains controversial. The role of acupuncture in patients with moderate TH is not clear. METHODS: We will conduct a single-center, randomized, parallel group, and assessor-blinded clinical trial. A total of 488 patients with moderate TH will be randomly assigned to one of eight groups: 10-15 cc left sided TH study group (N = 61) and a corresponding control group (N = 61), 10-15 cc right sided TH study group (N = 61) and a corresponding control group, 15-30 cc left sided TH study group (N = 61) and a corresponding control group (N = 61), and 15-30 cc right sided TH study group (N = 61) and a corresponding control group. Study groups will receive acupuncture in addition to standard treatment, while control groups will receive standard treatment alone. The primary outcome will be change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at 30 and 90 days after TH. The secondary outcomes will be death or major disability, defined as a score of 3 to 6 on the modified Rankin scale (in which a score of 0 indicates no symptoms, a score of 5 indicates severe disability, and a score of 6 indicates death) at 90-days, need for surgery at 30-days, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at 90-days following TH onset, and the results of several additional group specific tests. The rate of adverse events will then be compared between the groups. DISCUSSION: This study will attempt to answer the question of whether or not acupuncture can improve neurologic outcome following moderate TH.  TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR-IOR-16008362).

Electroacupuncture for the prevention of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in participants undergoing vascular laparotomy under general anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is a common complication following laparotomy under general anesthesia (GA). Abdominal distension occurs in 8-28% of surgeries within 24 h postoperatively. The present study aimed to analyze the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for the prevention of PGD by applying preoperative EA stimulation of PC6 (Neiguan), ST36 (Zusanli), and ST37 (Shangjuxv) bilaterally twice within 24 h prior to surgery, compared with no acupuncture treatment. METHODS: The study participants were assessed and selected from participants undergoing vascular laparotomy under GA at the Liver and Vascular Surgery Unit in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The selected participants were randomly allocated to two groups: routine-treatment (RT) and EA group receiving EA at PC6, ST36, and ST37. A computer-generated list of random numbers was used to determine the allocation of the participants, with numbered opaque sealed envelopes containing the randomization schedule. Eligible participants were all adults aged 18 years or above who were scheduled to undergo vascular laparotomy under GA within 24 h and had no history of EA treatment. The exclusion criteria included participants with serious systemic disease and history of EA treatment. While the RT group received standard treatments, the EA group received additional EA treatments. During each treatment session, EA stimulation was performed for a duration of 20 min at a frequency of 15 Hz with a continuous wave. All such participants received two EA treatments within 24 h before surgery. The outcomes were measured in three metrics: incidence and degree of abdominal distension; first times of flatus and defecation; and duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: Forty-three participants were recruited, of whom 42 participants successfully completed the study. Each group contained 21 participants. The incidence of abdominal distension (42.8, 76.2%) and degree of abdominal distension were significantly reduced in the EA group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03, respectively). In comparisons of the first times of flatus (3.05 ± 0.58, 3.29 ± 0.42 days) and defecation (2.81 ± 0.51, 3.20 ± 0.55 days) and duration of hospitalization (5.33 ± 0.68, 5.75 ± 0.66 days), the EA group was superior to the RT group to some extent (P = 0.13, P = 0.02, and P = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative EA at PC6, ST36, and ST37 might be useful for preventing PGD, thereby improving gastrointestinal function recovery. Trial registration This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-13003649.

[Improving the researchers' compliance and the quality of clinical study on acupuncture and moxibustion:thoughts on the role conflict between doctors and researchers].

The coordination and collaboration of many links are required to achieve the successful development of a high-quality clinical randomized controlled trial, in which, the compliance of the researchers affects the ultimate results and quality of the study since it is responsible for the safety and benefits of subjects in the trials and study quality. Focusing on the researchers' compliance, it is believed that the improvements in the researchers' compliance are very significant in the implementation of study scheme. At present, commonly, the researchers are of the low compliance, manifest as failure to obey the study scheme (such as inclusive criteria, enrollment sequence), failure to obey the rules of operation and data collection, failure to store the original documents but to modify the data, failure to report timely adverse events, etc. In view of clinical research monitors, the reasons on the low compliance are analyzed and the solutions are proposed.

[Clinical observation of gastrointestinal dysfunction after vascular surgery prevented by electroacupuncture].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preventative efficacy of preoperative electroacupuncture(EA) for gastrointestinal dysfunction after vascular surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients with the same general anesthesia before vascular surgery were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group,30 cases in each one. In the observation group,acupuncture was used at bilateral Neiguan(PC 6),Zusanli(ST 36) and Shangjuxu(ST 37) in the forenoon and afternoon one day before surgery,with EA(continuous wave,15 Hz) at Zusanli(ST 36) and Shangjuxu(ST 37) for 20 min. The abdominal distension rate and degree as well as the length of stay in hospital after surgery were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistic difference about the rate of abdominal distension between the two groups[16.7%(5/30) vs 36.7%(11/30),P>0.05)],but it was lighter in the observation group 72 hours after surgery(P<0.05). The length of stay in hospital in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group[(5.33±1.30) d vs (7.33±1.71) d,P<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture at Neiguan(PC 6),Zusanli(ST 36) and Shangjuxu(ST 37) one day before surgery can improve gastrointestinal function after vascular surgery with general anesthesia,and it has some efficacy as to shorting the length of stay in hospital.

[Clinical observation of preventing and treating constipation by electroacupuncture intervention in ischemic stroke patients at acute stage].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of preventing constipation by electroacupuncture intervention in ischemic stroke patients at acute stage. METHODS: Three hundred and forty ischemic stroke patients who matched the inclusive criteria were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a routine treatment group, 170 cases in each one. In the EA group, based on routine western treatment, rehabilitation training and common acupuncture, Tianshu (ST 25) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected and connected to SDZ-V Hwato brand electric acupuncture apparatus respectively, given stimulation of dense-disperse wave (10 Hz/50 Hz) with electric current of 0.1 to 1.0 mA, once every day and 5 times a week in the first 2 weeks, 2 times a week in the latter 2 weeks. In the routine treatment group, only basic treatment was applied. In the two groups, the course of treatment was 4 weeks and 8 weeks' follow-up was required after treatment. The actual numbers who independently defecated less than 3 times a week after 1 to 4 weeks' treatment and in the 4th and the 8th weeks' follow-up and condition taking laxative medicines during the 12 weeks in the two groups were observed and compared. RESULTS: Compared on the numbers of constipation cases after 1 to 4 weeks' treatment, those in the EA group were all less than those in the routine treatment group [24.7% (42/170) vs. 36.5%(62/170), 18.8% (32/170) vs. 30.6% (52/170), 10.5% (17/162) vs. 27.5% (44/160), 9.3% (15/162) vs. 19.4% (31/160),P<0.05, P<0.001]. In the 4th and the 8th weeks' follow-up, numbers in the EA group were still less than those in the routine treatment group [9.0% (14/156) vs. 18.1% (28/155), 7.7% (12/155) vs. 16.9 (26/154) both P<0.05)]. During the 12 weeks, the number of cases who took laxative medicines in the EA group was less than that in the routine treatment group [21.2% (36/170) vs. 34.7% (59/170), P<0.05]. CONCLUSION: There is clinical significance to electroacupuncture at Tian-shui (ST 25) and Zusanli (ST 36) coibined with basic comprehensive treatment for preventing and treating constipation symptom in ischemic stroke acute stage.

[Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on depressive states of stroke patients' spouses].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion on depressive states of stroke patients' spouses. METHODS: Forty-four subjects who were stroke patients' spouses and according with inclusive criteria with mild or moderate depressive states were randomly divided into an acupuncture-moxibustion group and a blank control group, 22 cases in each group. In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3), and suspended moxibustion was used at Shenque (CV 8), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zhongwan (CV 12). The treatment was given twice a week for continuous 8 weeks. In the blank control group, neither acupuncture nor moxibustion treatment was given, and the patients were only treated with health and psychological guidance. Before treatment and after 8-week treatment, scores of self-rating depression scale (SDS) and numbers of insomnia severity grade were observed. RESULTS: In the two groups, the scores of SDS were both reduced than those before treatment (both P<0.05), and the decrease in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was more obvious (P<0.05). After treatment, the number of insomnia severity grade in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was improved than that before treatment (P<0.001), and the improvement was evidently superior to that in the blank control group (P<0.05). The numbers of insomnia severity grade of the blank control group before and after treatment had no statistic significance (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The acupuncture and moxibustion intervention plan has clinical treatment significance on the improvement of mild and moderate depressive states for the stroke patients' primary caregivers who are the patients' spouses.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture in the treatment of functional constipation: A randomized controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture at Tianshu (ST25) for patients with functional constipation (FC). METHODS: Ninety-six patients with FC were randomized to receive deep needling on bilateral ST25 (group A, 48 cases) or shallow needling on bilateral ST25 (group B, 48 cases) with electroacupuncture once daily for 4 weeks. The proportion of patients with four or more complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week, and scores of constipation symptoms and satisfaction with treatment were compared between two groups. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with four or more CSBMs per week was 52.1% in group A, significantly higher than 25.0% in group B during the 4-week treatment (P<0.05). The constipation symptom score of patients were significantly improved in group A as compared with group B at week 2-4 (P<0.05). Patients in group A were more satisfied with their treatment compared with those in group B at week 1-4 (P<0.05). Five patients in group A felt significant pain and discomfort. No other adverse reaction was observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: Using electroacupuncture at ST25 to treat patients with FC is effectively, and deep needling had more stable effect than shallow needling.

[Clinical observation of acupuncture-moxibustion for functional dyspepsia with emotional disorder].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effective differences between acupuncture-moxibustion and Chinese herbs for functional dyspepsia with emotional disorder. METHODS: Eighty patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each one. In the observation group, based on the basic treatment Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Zhongwan (CV 12), Danzhong (CV 17), Neiguan (PC 6), Taichong (LR 3), Ganshu (BL 18), Geshu (BL 17) and Danshu (BL 19) were selected once every day or every other day. The treatment was given 14 times. In the control group, based on the basic treatment individual therapy of Chinese herbs according to syndrome differentiation was applied,one dose a day. Patients were treated for 4 weeks in the two groups. The scores of self-rating depression scale (SDS), the main symptoms and satisfied degree by self-rating for treatment were observed before and after 4-week treatment in the two groups. Also, the rate and the average time of return visit were compared in 6 months after treatment. Results After treatment, the SDS scores and the main symptoms scores were all improved compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P< 0. 05). After 4-week treatment, the improvement of the SDS score in the observation group was better than that in the control group (48. 9±8. 5 vs 53. 1±8. 0, P<0. 05). After 1-week treatment and 4-week treatment, the improvements of the main symptoms in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (2. 7 ± 1. 0 vs 3. 3±0. 9, 1. 5±0. 9 vs 2. 3±1. 1, both P<0. 05), and the satisfied degree scores by self-rating were better than those in the control group (3. 0±1. 1 vs 3. 8±1. 3, 2. 0±1. 4 vs 2. 9±1. 5, both P<0. 05). In 6 months after treatment,the return visit rate in the observation group was 42. 5% (17/40), and it was lower than 70. 0% (28/40) in the control group (P<0. 05). The average time of return visit in the observation group was less than that in the control group (1. 0±0.8 vs 1. 9±0. 7, P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The effect of acupuncture-moxibustion or functional dyspepsia with emotional disorder is better than that of Chinese medicine.

Influence of trace elements mixture on bacterial diversity and fermentation characteristics of liquid diet fermented with probiotics under air-tight condition.

Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- are often supplemented to the diet of suckling and early weaning piglets, but little information is available regarding the effects of different Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- mixtures on bacteria growth, diversity and fermentation characteristics of fermented liquid diet for piglets. Pyrosequencing was performed to investigate the effect of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- mixtures on the diversity, growth and fermentation characteristics of bacteria in the liquid diet fermented with Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis under air-tight condition. Results showed that the mixtures of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- at different concentrations promoted Bacillus growth, increased bacterial diversity and lactic acid production and lowered pH to about 5. The importance of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- is different for Bacillus growth with the order Zn2+> Fe2+>Cu2+> I- in a 21-d fermentation and Cu2+>I->Fe2+>Zn2+ in a 42-d fermentation. Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- is recommended at a level of 150, 60, 150 and 0.6 mg/kg respectively for the production of fermented liquid diet with Bacillus subtilis. The findings improve our understanding of the influence of trace elements on liquid diet fermentation with probiotics and support the proper use of trace elements in the production of fermented liquid diet for piglets.

Electroacupuncture for the prevention of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients undergoing vascular surgery under general anesthesia: study protocol for a prospective practical randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is one of the most common complications following major surgeries under general anesthesia (GA). Despite ongoing research and new drug treatments, abdominal distension within 24 h postoperatively occurs in 8%-28% of all surgeries. We aim to analyze the effectiveness of preventing PGD by preoperatively stimulating Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally twice a day compared with sham-acupuncture treatment and standard treatment. METHODS AND DESIGN: This is a single-center, prospective practical randomized controlled trial. All groups will be given standard treatments. Patients undergoing vascular surgery under GA will be included from the Vascular Surgery Unit in West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China, and divided into three groups. The experimental group will receive routine treatments and acupuncture at PC6, ST36 and ST37 bilaterally with electrical stimulation twice a day for 20 min preoperatively. The sham-acupuncture group will receive pseudo-electroacupuncture at sham acupoints of PC6, ST36 and ST37, which are 1 cun away from the real acupoints. The routine-treatment group will not receive electroacupuncture. The outcomes include the incidence of abdominal distention, abdominal circumference, the degree of abdominal distension, the first time of flatus and defecation, and hospitalization duration. DISCUSSION: The results from this study will demonstrate whether preoperative electroacupuncture is an effective method for the prevention of PGD in patients undergoing vascular surgery under GA. This study may also provide a standardized acupuncture treatment for reduction of PGD.

Therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture at ST36 acupoint on sodium-taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: Sixty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups of 22 each: a SAP model group (SAP group), a shamoperated group (sham group) and a EA at ST36 acupoint group (EA group). A rat model of SAP was induced by pancreatic duct injection with 3.5% sodium taurocholate. EA was performed at ST36 acupoint for 30 min after induction of SAP and 30 min before sacrificed. The rats were killed at 3 h (n=7), 6 h (n=7) and 12 h (n=8) after operation, and blood samples were taken for the measurement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and acetylcholine (Ach) by enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay. The pathological changes of pancreatic tissue, volume of ascites and pancreatic weight/body weight ratio were measured. RESULTS: The serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in the EA group were significantly lower than in the SAP group at 3, 6 and 12 h after the operation (p<0.05). Serum Ach in the EA group was significantly higher than in the SAP group at various time points after operation (p<0.05). The other parameters were clearly improved after treatment with EA. CONCLUSION: EA at ST36 acupoint might have a therapeutic effect in rats with SAP through activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Clinical curative effect of electric acupuncture on acute cerebral infarction: a randomized controlled multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether electric acupuncture can improve the daily life of patients with ischemic cerebral apoplexy at acute stage. METHODS: A stratified-block randomized controlled multicenter trial was designed for this study. Totally 340 patients with acute ischemic cerebral apoplexy were randomly divided into an electric acupuncture group and a control group. In the electric acupuncture group, 170 patients were treated with electric acupuncture and routine therapy, and 170 patients in the control group with routine therapy alone. Major indexes for judging curative effect were Barthel index at 3- and 6- months follow-up visits and number of re-hospitalized patients. Minor indexes for judging curative effect were change in the score for nervous dysfunction at 4 and 12 weeks follow-up visits and number of patients persisting in rehabilitation treatment with acupuncture during follow-up visit. RESULTS: Baseline data at the time of case selection between the two groups were similar. The odds ratio (OR) was 0.92, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.49-1.73 in disabled rate and 0.73 and 0.51-1.05 in the number of re-hospitalized patients in the electric acupuncture group at 6-month follow up visit compared with the control group. There was no difference in the score for nervous dysfunction at the end of 12-week follow-up visit between the two groups. The score for nervous dysfunction at the end of 4-week treatment in the electric acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The number of patients discharged from hospital who persisted in rehabilitation treatment with acupuncture in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Using electric acupuncture to treat patients with acute ischemic cerebral apoplexy can effectively improve the nervous dysfunction scores after 4-week treatment and their ability to deal with daily life after 6-month follow-up visit. Systematic treatment with acupuncture may also reduce the number of patients with secondary apoplexy.

[Adhesive ileus treated by electroacupuncture at Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36): a randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy on adhesive ileus treated by electroacupuncture (EA) at Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), and to explore the different effects of acupoint and non-acupoint. METHODS: Forty cases were randomized into an acupoint group and a non-acupoint group, 20 cases in each one. At the same time of the basic treatment, in the acupoint group, EA was applied at bilateral Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36). In the non-acupoint group, EA was applied at the sites (that were neither on any meridian nor belonged to any acupoint) that were 0.5 to 1 cm lateral to Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) on both sides. Acupuncture was given twice a day, lasting for 4 days totally. The situation of abdominal pain, the time for the improvement in abdominal distention, the time of first voluntary defecation, the time of solid food intake and the others were observed. RESULTS: In the acupoint group, the abdominal pain and distention were relieved rapidly as compared with those in the non-acupoint group. The results of the assessment face scale (AFS), the first anal exhaust time [(51.35 +/- 32.40) h vs (101.85 +/- 53.87) h], the first defecation time [(82.70 +/- 57.27) h vs (154.70 +/- 145.28) h] and the first solid food intake time [(119.65 +/- 56. 16) h vs (231.95 +/- 180.89) h] were all remarkably improved as compared with those in the non-acupoint group, presenting the statistical significance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Concerning the case number for the conversion to surgery, the death number and the number for the re-admission in 1 year follow-up visit, there was no significant difference in statistics between two groups (all P>0.05). But, the data suggested that the results were improved in tendency in the acupoint group. CONCLUSION: EA at Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) achieves the good clinical efficacy on adhesive ileus. This therapy can remarkably improve abdominal pain and distention and promote the intestinal peristalsis for the patients and is superior to EA at non-acupoint.