Mechanisms of electroacupuncture relieves uterine smooth muscle spasm in dysmenorrhea rats based on Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. / 基于Rho/ROCKä¿¡å·é€šè·¯æŽ¢è®¨ç”µé’ˆä»»è„‰ã€ç£è„‰ç»ç©´ç¼“è§£ç±»ç—›ç»æ¨¡åž‹å¤§é¼ å­å®«å¹³æ»‘è‚Œç—‰æŒ›çš„æœºåˆ¶.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming kinases (ROCK) signaling pathway of uterus tissue in rats with dysmenorrhea, so as to explore the underlying mechanism of EA treating primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and uterine smooth muscle spasm, and to observe whether there is a difference in the effect of meridian acupoints in Conception Vessel (CV) and Governer Vessel (GV). METHODS: Sixty female SD rats were randomly divided into saline, model, CV, GV, and non-acupoint groups, with 12 rats in each group. The dysmenorrhea model was established by subcutaneous injection of estradiol diphenhydrate combined with intraperitoneal injection of oxytocin (OT). EA (2 Hz) was applied to "Qihai" (CV6) and "Zhongji" (CV3) for CV group, "Mingmen" (GV4) and "Yaoshu" (GV2) for GV group, "non-acupoint 1" and "non-acupoint 3" on the left side for non-acupoint group, and manual acupuncture was applied to "Guanyuan" (CV4) for CV group, "Yaoyangguan" (GV3) for GV group, "non-acupoint 2" on the left side for non-acupoint group. The treatment was conducted for 20 min each time, once daily for 10 days. The writhing score was evaluated. The smooth myoelectric signals of rats' uterus in vivo were recorded by multi-channel physiological recorder. The uterine histopathological changes were observed by HE staining. The contents of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), OT and calcium ion (Ca2+) in uterine tissue of rats were detected by ELISA. The protein and mRNA expression levels of smooth muscle 22-α (SM22-α), RhoA and ROCKⅡ in uterine tissue were detected by Western blot and fluorescence quantitative PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the saline group, the writhing score of rats in the model group was increased (P<0.01), the amplitude voltage of uterine smooth muscle in vivo was elevated (P<0.01), the contents of PGF2α, OT and Ca2+, the protein and mRNA expression of SM22-α, RhoA and ROCK Ⅱ in uterine tissue were all increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model and the non-acupoint groups, the writhing scores of the CV and the GV groups were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the amplitude voltage of uterine smooth muscle was decreased (P<0.01), the contents of PGF2α, OT and Ca2+ in uterine tissue were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the protein expression and mRNA expression of SM22-α, RhoA and ROCKⅡ in uterine tissue were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). HE staining showed extensive exfoliation of uterine intima with severe edema and increased glandular secretion in the model group, which was alleviated in the CV and GV groups. CONCLUSIONS: EA at acupoints of CV and GV can significantly reduce the writhing score, uterine smooth muscle amplitude voltage, pathological injury degree of uterus, and relieve spasm of uterine smooth muscle in dysmenorrhea rats, which may be related to its effect in regulating PGF2α and OT contents, inhibiting the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway, and reducing the SM22-α, RhoA, ROCKⅡ protein and mRNA expression, and Ca2+ content in uterine tissue.

Therapeutic Benefits and Prognostic Value of a Model Based on 7 Immune-associated Genes in Bladder Cancer.

Objective: The emergence of immunotherapy has heralded a profound transformation in the therapeutic landscape of bladder cancer (BLAC). Immunotherapy, with its unique potential for "combination therapy", has brought about greater possibilities for treating BLCA. However, there is significant heterogeneity among bladder cancer patients, and a portion of those in advanced stages may not experience substantial benefits from chemotherapy. Immunotherapy offers a potential ray of hope for specific patient subsets. Thus, predicting the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy and providing them with more precise treatment strategies hold paramount importance and clinical value in delivering personalized therapeutic interventions for advanced bladder cancer patients. This study is designed to establish a risk score model derived from immune-related genes that can effectively assess prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes in patients with bladder cancer. Methods: The IMvigor210 dataset served as our training set for developing the prognostic model based on immune-related genes. Robust 7-gene expression patterns were investigated from the training set. A time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan-Meier (KM)analysis were employed to determine the prognostic relevance of these gene patterns. Independent datasets collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were additionally utilized for re-determination. The association between the 7-gene signature-based risk score and immunological subtypes, tumor mutational burden (TMB), immune checkpoint expressions, and the proportion of immune cell infiltration was assessed within training and test sets. Furthermore, the training set's predictive potential for immunotherapy response was assessed using the 7-gene signature, and its validity was externally verified on three datasets (GSE176307, GSE140901, and GSE91016). By validating the 7-gene signature externally, we eneralized the findings beyond the original training set, and assessed the model's performance in diverse contexts. Consistent performance across these datasets reinforces the robustness and clinical utility of our 7-gene signature. Results: Employing the transcriptional and clinical information from the IMvigor210 for training, 348 patients were classified into two clusters with notable distinctions in prognostic stratification and immunotherapy efficacy. Seven immune-related genes Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), TNF receptor superfamily member 17 (TNFRSF17), Killer Cell Lectin Like Receptor K1 (KLRK1), TNF receptor superfamily member 14 (TNFSF14), Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3), Killer Cell Lectin Like Receptor C1 (KLRC1), and Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E) were screened based on different expression genes (DEGs) between the two clusters. The expression levels of these seven genes and the accompanying univariate component Cox regression coefficients, were computed to create a 7-gene signature-based risk score. The median value of the risk score was utilized to categorize the BLCA individuals into high-risk and low-risk groups. Researchers identified that in the low-risk group, individuals exhibited a noticeably improved chance of surviving. The external validation cohorts verified the risk score model's prognostic capacity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that while low-risk individuals possessed higher TMB scores, higher expression of immune checkpoint genes, and lower levels of immunological infiltration, they responded more favorably to immunotherapy. The clinical relevance of the risk score model was validated in three immunotherapy groups. Conclusion: The risk score model might be utilized to forecast the prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy in BLCA patients, offering a novel course of treatment for these individuals. For patients undergoing immunotherapy, this gene signature can help predict treatment response. Low-risk patients may benefit from more tailored monitoring and personalized immunotherapy regimens. However, more investigations are required to validate its accuracy and effectiveness in a prospective cohort with larger sample sizes.

Review on toxicology and activity of tomato glycoalkaloids in immature tomatoes.

Owing to the lack of selection and limited intelligence in mechanical picking, some immature tomatoes that contain alkaloids are thrown away. Tomatine alkaloids are steroidal alkaloids naturally present in Solanaceae plants, which are distributed in small amounts in immature tomato fruits and decrease as the fruits ripen. Tomato glycoalkaloids are harmful to human health. However, in small quantities, there is some evidence that these compounds might be beneficial, as other non-antioxidant bioactivities. This article considers recent research on the biological effects of tomato glycoalkaloids in immature tomatoes, providing reference value for the potential development of these compounds.

Phytochelatin-Mediated Cultivar-Dependent Cd Accumulations of Lactuca sativa and Implication for Cd Pollution-Safe Cultivars Screening.

Cd pollution-safe cultivar (Cd-PSC) is a feasible strategy to minimize Cd contamination in leafy vegetables. The shoot Cd concentrations of 23 Lactuca sativa cultivars under Cd stress ranged from 0.124 to 2.155 mg·kg-1 with a maximum cultivar difference of 8 folds. Typical Cd-PSC C16 (L) and high-Cd-accumulating cultivar C13 (H) were screened to investigate the mechanisms of Cd accumulations in L. sativa through determining Cd concentrations, Cd subcellular distributions, phytochelatin profiles, and phytochelatin biosynthesis-related genes' expressions. Higher Cd distribution in a heat stable fraction in C13 (H) indicated that the high Cd accumulation trait of C13 (H) mainly depended on the Cd-phytochelatin complexes. Root phytochelatin concentrations were significantly elevated in C13 (H) (5.83 folds) than in C16 (L) (2.69 folds) (p < 0.05) under Cd stress. Significantly downregulated expressions of glutathione S-transferase rather than the regulation of phytochelatin synthesis genes in the root of C13 (H) might be responsible for sufficient glutathione supply for phytochelatins synthesis. These findings suggested that phytochelatin elevation in C13 (H) would favor the Cd root to shoot transportation, which provides new insights into the phytochelatin-related cultivar-dependent Cd accumulating characteristic in L. sativa.

Efficacy and safety of transurethral thulium laser enucleation versus robot-assisted prostatectomy for large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare perioperative outcomes between Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and robotic-assisted simple pasta-ectomy (RASP)for large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia(> 80 ml). In August 2023, we undertook a comprehensive search of major global databases including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, focusing solely on articles written in English. Studies that were merely reviews or protocols without any specific published data were omitted. Furthermore, articles that comprised conference abstracts or content not pertinent to our subject of study were also disregarded. To calculate the inverse variances and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for categorical variables' mean differences, we employed the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel approach along with random-effects models. The findings were denoted in the form of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. A p-value less than 0.05 was deemed to indicate statistical significance. Our finalized meta-analysis incorporated six articles, including one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and five cohort studies. These studies accounted for a total of 1218 patients, 944 of whom underwent Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and 274 who underwent Robotic-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy (RASP). The pooled analysis from these six papers demonstrated that compared to RASP, HoLEP had a shorter hospital stay, shorter catheterization duration, and a lower blood transfusion rate. Moreover, HoLEP patients exhibited a smaller reduction in postoperative hemoglobin levels. Statistically, there were no significant differences between the two procedures regarding operative time, postoperative PSA, the weight of prostate specimens, IPSS, Qmax, PVR, QoL, and postoperative complications. (HoLEP) and (RASP) are both effective and safe procedures for treating large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia. HoLEP, with its benefits of shorter catheterization and hospitalization duration, lesser decline in postoperative hemoglobin, and reduced blood transfusion needs, stands as a preferred choice for treating extensive prostate enlargement. However, further validation through more high-quality clinical randomized trials is required.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine versus cisplatin-fluorouracil chemotherapy for N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma have a high risk of treatment being unsuccessful despite the current practice of using a concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-fluorouracil regimen. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine with cisplatin-fluorouracil in N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: We conducted an open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial at four cancer centres in China. Eligible patients were aged 18-65 years with untreated, non-keratinising, stage T1-4 N2-3 M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0-1, and adequate bone marrow, liver, and renal function. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive concurrent cisplatin (100 mg/m2 intravenously) on days 1, 22, and 43 of intensity-modulated radiotherapy followed by either gemcitabine (1 g/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 intravenously for 4 h on day 1) once every 3 weeks or fluorouracil (4 g/m2 in continuous intravenous infusion for 96 h) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 intravenously for 4 h on day 1) once every 4 weeks, for three cycles. Randomisation was done using a computer-generated random number code with a block size of six, stratified by treatment centre and nodal category. The primary endpoint was 3-year progression-free survival in the intention-to-treat population (ie, all patients randomly assigned to treatment). Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of chemoradiotherapy. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03321539, and patients are currently under follow-up. FINDINGS: From Oct 30, 2017, to July 9, 2020, 240 patients (median age 44 years [IQR 36-52]; 175 [73%] male and 65 [27%] female) were randomly assigned to the cisplatin-fluorouracil group (n=120) or cisplatin-gemcitabine group (n=120). As of data cutoff (Dec 25, 2022), median follow-up was 40 months (IQR 32-48). 3-year progression-free survival was 83·9% (95% CI 75·9-89·4; 19 disease progressions and 11 deaths) in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group and 71·5% (62·5-78·7; 34 disease progressions and seven deaths) in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group (stratified hazard ratio 0·54 [95% CI 0·32-0·93]; log rank p=0·023). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events that occurred during treatment were leukopenia (61 [52%] of 117 in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group vs 34 [29%] of 116 in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group; p=0·00039), neutropenia (37 [32%] vs 19 [16%]; p=0·010), and mucositis (27 [23%] vs 32 [28%]; p=0·43). The most common grade 3 or worse late adverse event (occurring from 3 months after completion of radiotherapy) was auditory or hearing loss (six [5%] vs ten [9%]). One (1%) patient in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group died due to treatment-related complications (septic shock caused by neutropenic infection). No patients in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group had treatment-related deaths. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine could be used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of patients with N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, although long-term follow-up is required to confirm the optimal therapeutic ratio. FUNDING: National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research, Sci-Tech Project Foundation of Guangzhou City, Sun Yat-sen University Clinical Research 5010 Program, Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province for Distinguished Young Scholar, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program, Pearl River S&T Nova Program of Guangzhou, Planned Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province, Key Youth Teacher Cultivating Program of Sun Yat-sen University, the Rural Science and Technology Commissioner Program of Guangdong Province, and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Macathioureas A-D, four new thiourea analogues from the roots of Lepidium meyenii.

Macathioureas A-D (1-4), four new thiourea derivatives with a carbamothioylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide framework, were isolated from the roots of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) collected from Qujing, Yunnan Province of China. Their structures were identified based on extensive spectroscopic data, including 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS techniques. Their absolute configurations were assigned as 7S by the comparison of the experimental and predicted electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. All the thiourea analogues were tested for their cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines. However, no significant activities were detected at concentrations up to 40 µM.

The gut-brain axis: Effect of electroacupuncture pretreatment on learning, memory, and JNK signaling in D-galactose-induced AD-like rats.

Objectives: To examine the effect and potential mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment in spatial learning, memory, gut microbiota, and JNK signaling in D-galactose-induced AD-like rats. Materials and Methods: The AD-like rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose. Morris water maze was used to determine spatial learning and memory ability, Real-time PCR to determine intestinal flora levels, ELISA to determine tryptophan (Trp) and 5-HT levels in the colon and hippocampal tissues, immunofluorescence to determine 5-HT levels in enterochromaffin cells (ECs), and immunoblotting to determine JNK signaling protein levels in hippocampal tissues. Results: Electroacupuncture pretreatment significantly reduced escape latency and prolonged exploration time in the target quadrant, and significantly increased the relative DNA abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Meanwhile, electroacupuncture pretreatment also reduced colonic 5-HT levels and increased hippocampal 5-HT levels. Moreover, electroacupuncture pretreatment significantly inhibited hippocampal JNK pathway-related protein expression, including 5-HT6R, JNK, p-JUNK, c-JUN, and p-c-Jun. And the combination of GV20 and ST36 was more effective than single acupoints. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture pretreatment improved the learning and memory ability of D-galactose-induced AD-like model rats, changed the gut microbiota composition, and the mechanism may be related to the gut-brain axis and the JNK signaling pathway. In addition, the combination of GV20 and ST36 could further enhance the efficacy.

[Effect of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with western medication on depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine: a multi-central randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture (acupuncture for soothing the liver and regulating the mentality) combined with western medication on depression and sleep quality in the patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine, and investigate the potential mechanism from the perspective of cortical excitability. METHODS: Sixty patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a sham-acupuncture group, 30 cases in each one. The patients of both groups were treated with oral administration of sertraline hydrochloride tablets. In the acupuncture group, Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture was supplemented. Body acupuncture was applied to Yintang (GV 24+), Baihui (GV 20), Hegu (LI 4), Zhaohai (KI 6), Qihai (CV 6), etc. The intradermal needling was used at Xin (CO15), Gan (CO12) and Shen (CO10). In the sham-acupuncture group, the sham-acupuncture was given at the same points as the acupuncture group. The compensatory treatment was provided at the end of follow-up for the patients in the sham-acupuncture group. In both groups, the treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week, for consecutive 8 weeks. The self-rating depression scale (SDS) and insomnia severity index (ISI) scores were compared between the two groups before and after treatment and 1 month after the end of treatment (follow-up) separately. The cortical excitability indexes (resting motor threshold [rMT], motor evoked potential amplitude [MEP-A], cortical resting period [CSP]) and the level of serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were measured before and after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment and in follow-up, SDS and ISI scores were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05), and the decrease range in the acupuncture group after treatment was larger than that in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, rMT was reduced (P<0.05), while MEP-A and CSP were increased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group compared with that before treatment. The levels of serum 5-HT in both groups were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The rMT in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the sham-acupuncture group, while MEP-A and CSP, as well as the level of serum 5-HT were higher in the acupuncture group in comparison with the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with western medication can relieve depression and improve sleep quality in the patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine, which is probably related to rectifying the imbalanced excitatory and inhibitory neuronal functions.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of serum exosomes and pro-inflammatory factors in spinal cord of rats with spinal cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the morphology and microstructure of spinal cord tissue, the expression of serum exosomes, and the pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 in spinal cord of rats with spinal cord injury (SCI), so as to explore the underlying mechanism of EA in the treatment of SCI. METHODS: Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, EA group, EA+GW4869 group, with 6 rats in each group. The SCI model was established by impinging spinal cord at T10 with a hammer, while the vertebral lamina was only opened without impingement for rats in sham operation group. Rats in EA group received EA intervention at "Jiaji"(EX-B7) acupoints at bilateral T9 and T10 (0.4-0.6 mA, 100 Hz), 3 h after modeling, once a day, for 7 concecutive days. Besides the treatment as EA group, rats in the EA+GW4869 group received injection of exosome inhibitor GW4869(200 µL, 300 µg/mL) once every 2 days from the day before modeling. Motor function of hind limbs of rats was evaluated using BBB scores. The histopathological changes of spinal cord were observed under light mircoscope after H.E. staining. Microstructure of spinal cord was observed and extracted serum exosomes were identified by using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of exosome marker proteins in serum exosomes, the levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 in spinal cord were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: H.E. stanining showed severe tissue looseness, inflammatory cell infiltration, cellular hydropic degeneration in spinal cord of the model group, which were relatively milder in the EA and EA+GW4869 groups. Under transmission electron microscopy, there were nerve fiber disintegration, myelin sheath structure dispersion, axonal atrophy with submembrane edema and widened space, and mitochondrial swelling in spinal cord of rats in the model group, with the lesions in EA group milder than EA+GW4869 group, which were both moderate. Typical exosomes were detected by transmission electron microscope in the extracted serum of rats in each group after ultracentrifugation. Compared with the sham operation group, the motor function scores was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression of IL-6 and IL-1ß in the spinal cord was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression of serum exosome marker protein CD81 was slightly increased in rats of the model group. Compared with the model group, the motor function scores was significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression of IL-6 and IL-1ß in the spinal cord was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in rats of the EA and EA+GW4869 group, while the expression of serum CD81 protein was slightly increased in rats of the EA group. Compared with the EA+GW4869 group, the expression of IL-6 and IL-1ß in the spinal cord was significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the expression of serum CD81 protein was slightly increased in rats of the EA group. However, there was no significance in expression of CD81 between each group mentioned above. CONCLUSION: EA can promote the secretion of serum exosomes and inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1ß, so as to improve the microenvironment of injured spinal cord and SCI.

Perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy previous transurethral resection of prostate: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials.

The influence of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) on patients who have previously undergone transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) versus TURP-naive patients is still debatable. The present study aimed to compare perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes of RARP between TURP and Non-TURP groups. We systematically searched the databases such as Science, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database to identify relevant studies published in English up to August 2022. Review Manager was used to compare various parameters. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022378126). Eight comparative trials with a total of 4186 participants were conducted. The TURP group had a longer operative time (WMD 22.22 min, 95% CI 8.48, 35.95; p = 0.002), a longer catheterization time (WMD 1.32 day, 95% CI 0.37, 2.26; p = 0.006), a higher estimated blood loss (WMD 23.86 mL, 95% CI 2.81, 44.90; p = 0.03), and higher bladder neck reconstruction rate (OR 8.02, 95% CI 3.07, 20.93; p < 0.0001). Moreover, the positive surgical margin (PSM) was higher in the TURP group (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.12, 1.98 p = 0.007). However, there was no difference between the two groups regarding the length of hospital stay, transfusion rates, nerve-sparing status, complication rates, long-term continence, potency rates and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Performing RARP on patients who have previously undergone TURP is a safe procedure. Furthermore, the current findings demonstrated that the TURP group had comparable oncologic and long-term functional outcomes to the Non-TURP group.

Treatment Progress in Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Western and Chinese Medicine.

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), generally defined as a decreased number or quality of oocytes, has a significant impact on quality of life and fertility in women. In recent years, the incidence of DOR has been increasing and the ages of patients are younger. The search for an effective DOR treatment has emerged as one of the preeminent research topics in reproductive health. An effective DOR therapy would improve ovarian function, fertility, and quality of life in patients. In this review we evaluated DOR treatment progress both in Western medicine and Chinese medicine, and elucidated the characteristics of each treatment.

Retracted: Effect of Sham Acupuncture on Chronic Pain: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Along with increasing research on acupuncture for chronic pain, the validity of sham acupuncture (SA) has also been argued. METHODS: Nine databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the inception dates of the databases to July 5, 2022. With Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, a Bayesian multiple-treatment network meta-analysis (NMA) with random-effects model was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 62 RCTs with 6,806 patients and four kinds of treatments (real acupuncture [RA], non-acupuncture [NA], penetrative SA [PSA], and non-penetrative SA [NPSA]) were included. The results indicated that both NPSA and PSA were not superior to NA in improving chronic pain (NPSA: mean difference [MD]= -4.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] -11.09 to 1.52; PSA: MD= -4.96, 95% CI -10.38 to 0.48). After NPSA and PSA were combined into the SA group, the weak trend of pain relief from SA was still not statistically significant (MD= -4.91, 95% CI -9.93 to 0.05). NPSA and PSA had similar effects (MD= 0.18, 95% CI -5.45 to 5.81). RA was significantly associated with pain relief, compared with NPSA and PSA (NPSA: MD= -12.03, 95% CI -16.62 to -7.41; PSA: MD= -11.85, 95% CI -15.48 to -8.23). The results were generally consistent regardless of pain phenotype, frequency, duration, acupuncture methods, analgesic intake, or detection bias. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that acupuncture was significantly associated with reduced chronic pain. The two kinds of placebo acupuncture, NPSA and PSA, have similar effects. Both NPSA and PSA, with a weak but not significant effect, are appropriate to be inert placebo controls in RCTs for chronic pain.

Effect of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with western medication on depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine: a multi-central randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture (acupuncture for soothing the liver and regulating the mentality) combined with western medication on depression and sleep quality in the patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine, and investigate the potential mechanism from the perspective of cortical excitability.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a sham-acupuncture group, 30 cases in each one. The patients of both groups were treated with oral administration of sertraline hydrochloride tablets. In the acupuncture group, Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture was supplemented. Body acupuncture was applied to Yintang (GV 24+), Baihui (GV 20), Hegu (LI 4), Zhaohai (KI 6), Qihai (CV 6), etc. The intradermal needling was used at Xin (CO15), Gan (CO12) and Shen (CO10). In the sham-acupuncture group, the sham-acupuncture was given at the same points as the acupuncture group. The compensatory treatment was provided at the end of follow-up for the patients in the sham-acupuncture group. In both groups, the treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week, for consecutive 8 weeks. The self-rating depression scale (SDS) and insomnia severity index (ISI) scores were compared between the two groups before and after treatment and 1 month after the end of treatment (follow-up) separately. The cortical excitability indexes (resting motor threshold [rMT], motor evoked potential amplitude [MEP-A], cortical resting period [CSP]) and the level of serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were measured before and after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment and in follow-up, SDS and ISI scores were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05), and the decrease range in the acupuncture group after treatment was larger than that in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, rMT was reduced (P<0.05), while MEP-A and CSP were increased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group compared with that before treatment. The levels of serum 5-HT in both groups were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The rMT in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the sham-acupuncture group, while MEP-A and CSP, as well as the level of serum 5-HT were higher in the acupuncture group in comparison with the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with western medication can relieve depression and improve sleep quality in the patients with depression-insomnia comorbidity due to COVID-19 quarantine, which is probably related to rectifying the imbalanced excitatory and inhibitory neuronal functions.

Treatment Progress in Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Western and Chinese Medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), generally defined as a decreased number or quality of oocytes, has a significant impact on quality of life and fertility in women. In recent years, the incidence of DOR has been increasing and the ages of patients are younger. The search for an effective DOR treatment has emerged as one of the preeminent research topics in reproductive health. An effective DOR therapy would improve ovarian function, fertility, and quality of life in patients. In this review we evaluated DOR treatment progress both in Western medicine and Chinese medicine, and elucidated the characteristics of each treatment.

Experimental Investigation on the Formability of Al-Mg Alloy 5052 Sheet by Tensile and Cupping Test.

Aiming at the enhancement of the lightweight formability potential of aluminum alloy, the bulging and tensile properties of a 5052 Aluminum alloy sheet were tested on a microcomputer controlled sheet metal forming tester and tensile testing machine. The effects of different blank holder force, punch velocity and lubrication conditions were investigated on bulging properties by the experimental analysis. The cupping values (Erichsen Cupping Index: IE) of sheets with a thickness of 1.2 mm at room temperature were obtained under different process parameters. Meanwhile, the anisotropic property of the material was analyzed in different rolling directions. The results show that the sheet cupping values increase with the increase of blank holder force and punch velocity, and the stress state was changed due to the changing of the blank holder force and strain rate. Moreover, the use of lubricating conditions with a lower coefficient of friction allows the sheet to exhibit a larger cupping value. The effect of rolling direction on the anisotropy of 5052 aluminum alloy sheet is distinct, which means in the aluminum alloy sheet forming process the anisotropy factor should be carefully considered.

[Clinical observation on acupuncture for symptom burden in gastric cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy after gastrectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of acupuncture on symptom burden in patients with gastric cancer during adjuvant chemotherapy after gastrectomy. METHODS: A total of 58 patients were randomized into a high-dose acupuncture group (19 cases, 5 cases dropped off), a low-dose acupuncture group (20 cases, 6 cases dropped off) and a control group (19 cases, 2 cases dropped off). Conventional chemotherapy and antiemetic treatment were adopted in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupuncture was applied 7 times each chemotherapy cycle for totally 21 times in the high-dose acupuncture group, and 3 times each chemotherapy cycle for totally 9 times in the low-dose acupuncture group. Baihui (GV 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6), etc. were selected in the two acupuncture groups, as well as back-shu points selected by the meridian heat sensing technique. Electroacupuncture was connected to ipsilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6), with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency for 20 min. The Edmonton symptom assessment system (ESAS) score was observed on day 1-7, 14, and 21 of each cycle of chemotherapy respectively in the 3 groups. RESULTS: The symptom burden was worst within 7 days of each cycle of chemotherapy in the 3 groups. After the 3rd chemotherapy cycle, the total score of ESAS in the low-dose acupuncture group was lower than the control group (P<0.05), the total score and the scores of feeling of non-well being, pain and shortness of breath of ESAS in the acupuncture group (the high-dose acupuncture group combined with the low-dose acupuncture group) were lower than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture shows promising effect in controlling symptom burden during adjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy.

Umbelliferone Inhibits Migration, Invasion and Inflammation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and Relieves Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats by Blockade of Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

Umbelliferone (UMB), a natural coumarin compound, has been reported to possess anti-rheumatic effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experimental models, but its potential role of UMB in regulating migration, invasion and inflammation of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) remain unclear. Herein, MTT assay was performed to confirm the non-cytotoxic concentrations (10, 20, and 40[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M) and the treatment time (24[Formula: see text]h) of UMB on TNF-[Formula: see text]-stimulated RA FLS (MH7A cells) in vitro. Results of wound-healing, transwell and phalloidin staining assays revealed that UMB inhibited TNF-[Formula: see text]-induced migration, invasion and F-actin cytoskeletal reorganization in MH7A. Results of ELISA, western blot and gelatin zymography indicated that UMB decreased the productions of pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-1[Formula: see text], IL-6, IL-8, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and inhibited MMP-2 activity in TNF-[Formula: see text]-stimulated MH7A cells. In vivo, UMB (25[Formula: see text]mg/kg and 50[Formula: see text]mg/kg) relieved the joint damage and synovial inflammation in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Mechanistically, UMB could suppress Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signaling both in TNF-[Formula: see text]-induced MH7A cells and in AIA rat synovium, evidenced by decreasing Wnt1 protein level, activating GSK-3[Formula: see text] kinase by blocking GSK-3[Formula: see text] (Ser9) phosphorylation, and reducing the protein level and nuclear translocation of [Formula: see text]-catenin. Importantly, combined use of lithium chloride (a Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signaling agonist) eliminated the inhibitory effects of UMB on migration, invasion and inflammation in vitro and the anti-arthritic effects of UMB in vivo. We concluded that UMB inhibited TNF-[Formula: see text]-induced migration, invasion and inflammation of RA FLS and attenuated the severity of rat AIA through its ability to block Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signaling pathway.

Ascyrones A-E, type B bicyclic ployprenylated acylphloroglucinol derivatives from Hypericum ascyron.

Five new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (1-5), ascyrones A-E, and four known compounds (6-9) were isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum ascyron. All of the isolates containing a bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione core and a benzoyl group, belonged to type B bicyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (BPAPs). Their structures and absolute configurations were established based on spectroscopic analyses and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and cytotoxicity activities of compounds 1-4 and 6-9 were evaluated. Compound 6 exhibited obvious anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 1 and 9 exhibited slight cytotoxicity against Hep3B cells. Meanwhile, compound 1 showed mild neuroprotective activity against corticosterone (CORT)-induced PC12 cell damage at 10 µmol·L-1.

Erratum to "Qing-Kai-Ling Injection Acts Better Than Shen-Fu Injection in Enhancing the Antitumor Effect of Gefitinib in Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Models".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/9911935.].