Exploring the immune-inflammatory mechanism of Maxing Shigan Decoction in treating influenza virus A-induced pneumonia based on an integrated strategy of single-cell transcriptomics and systems biology.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza virus. Maxing Shigan Decoction (MXSGD) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine prescription for the prevention and treatment of influenza. However, its mechanism remains unclear. METHOD: The mice model of influenza A virus pneumonia was established by nasal inoculation. After 3 days of intervention, the lung index was calculated, and the pathological changes of lung tissue were detected by HE staining. Firstly, transcriptomics technology was used to analyze the differential genes and important pathways in mouse lung tissue regulated by MXSGD. Then, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to verify the changes in mRNA expression in lung tissues. Finally, intestinal microbiome and intestinal metabolomics were performed to explore the effect of MXSGD on gut microbiota. RESULTS: The lung inflammatory cell infiltration in the MXSGD group was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The results of bioinformatics analysis for transcriptomics results show that these genes are mainly involved in inflammatory factors and inflammation-related signal pathways mediated inflammation biological modules, etc. Intestinal microbiome showed that the intestinal flora Actinobacteriota level and Desulfobacterota level increased in MXSGD group, while Planctomycetota in MXSGD group decreased. Metabolites were mainly involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis, thiamine metabolism, etc. This suggests that MXSGD has a microbial-gut-lung axis regulation effect on mice with influenza A virus pneumonia. CONCLUSION: MXSGD may play an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory role by regulating intestinal microbiome and intestinal metabolic small molecules, and ultimately play a role in the treatment of influenza A virus pneumonia.

Elucidating the mechanisms underlying the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Laportea bulbifera using integrated serum metabolomics and network pharmacology.

Hyperlipidemia is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by alterations in lipid metabolism as well as other pathways. Laportea bulbifera, an indigenous medicinal plant of Chinese herbal medicine, exhibits therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of L. bulbifera using an integrated strategy based on metabolomics and network pharmacology methods that were established to investigate the potential mechanism of anti-hyperlipidemia effect of L. bulbifera. First, the therapeutic effects of L. bulbifera on body weight reduction and biochemical indices were assessed. Next, 18 significant metabolites distinguishing the control and model groups were identified based on serum metabolomics and multivariate analyses. Then, a compound-target network was constructed by linking L. bulbifera and hyperlipidemia using network pharmacology. Three metabolic pathways involved in treating hyperlipidemia were identified. Finally, five crucial targets were selected by constructing a bionetwork starting from the compounds and ending in the metabolites. This study established an integrated strategy based on metabolomics coupled with network pharmacology and revealed the mechanism underlying the protective effects of L. bulbifera against hyperlipidemia for the first time.

Molecular networking-assisted systematical profiling and the in vivo neuroprotective effect of ellagitannins from the Melastoma dodecandrum Lour.

BACKGROUND: Ellagitannins (ETs) are a major classification of natural tannins, with relatively large and complex structures. ETs from medicinal plants are focused increasingly due to urolithins, a kind of intestinal metabolite of ETs, which showed promising anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effects. Melastoma dodecandrum (MD), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine is rich in ETs, but their chemistry and potential neuroprotective effects have not been investigated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of ETs in the crude extract of MD and to investigate their neuroprotective effects in vivo. METHODS: UPLC-QTOF-MS-based molecular networking (MN) and structural characterization were applied to targeted profiling of the MD-ETs. Animal behavior experiments, including the novel object recognition test (NOR), open field test (OFT), and Morris water maze test (MWM), were conducted to assess the memory improvement effects of MD-ETs in AD model mice. RESULTS: A total of 70 ETs, ranging from monomers to tetramers, were tracked and characterized in the MD extract using MN-guided targeted profiling, with 59 of them reported for the first time in this species. MD-ETs significantly improved memory impairment in AD mice, as indicated by decreased escape latency, increased number of crossings and target quadrant distance in MWM, increased rearing number in OFT, and increased preference index in NOR. CONCLUSION: This study systematically characterized the composition and structural features of ETs in MD using targeted LC-MS profiling, expanding the chemical information of ETs in MD. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that MD-ETs have significant effects on improving impaired memory in AD mice, suggesting their potential as alternative natural medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Long-Term Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG Storage at Ambient Temperature in Vegetable Oil: Viability and Functional Assessments.

Vegetable oils with varying saturated fat levels were inoculated with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), subjected to different heat treatments in the absence and presence of inulin and stored for 12 months at room temperature. After storage, the heat-treated probiotics actively grew to high concentrations after removal of the oils and reculturing. The bacterial samples, regardless of aerobic or anaerobic conditions and treatment methods, showed no changes in their growth behavior. The random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction, antimicrobial, morphology, and motility tests also showed no major differences. Samples of LGG treated with a higher antioxidant content (Gal400) showed reduced inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings have been confirmed by metabolite and genome sequencing studies, indicating that Gal400 showed lower concentrations and secretion percentages and the highest number of single nucleotide polymorphisms. We have shown proof of concept that LGG can be stored in oil with minimum impact on probiotic in vitro viability.

Electrospun nanofibrous membrane with antibacterial and antiviral properties decorated with Myoporum bontioides extract and silver-doped carbon nitride nanoparticles for medical masks application.

Public health safety issues have been plaguing the world since the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, most personal protective equipments (PPE) do not have antibacterial and anti- toxicity effects. In this work, we designed and prepared a reusable, antibacterial and anti-toxicity Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based nanofibrous membrane cooperated with Ag/g-C3N4 (Ag-CN), Myoporum.bontioides (M. bontioides) plant extracts and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) by an electrospinning-process. The SEM and TEM characterization revealed the formation of raised, creased or wrinkled areas on the fiber surface caused by the Ag nanoparticles, the rough surface prevented the aerosol particles on the fiber surface from sliding and stagnating, thus providing excellent filtration performance. The PAN/M. bontioides/Ag-CN/Ag nanofibrous membrane could be employed as a photocatalytic bactericidal material, which not only degraded 96.37% of methylene blue within 150 min, but also exhibited the superior bactericidal effect of 98.65 ± 1.49% and 97.8 ± 1.27% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, under 3 hs of light exposure. After 3 cycles of sterilization experiments, the PAN/M. bontioides/Ag-CN/Ag nanofibrous membrane maintained an efficient sterilization effect. Molecular docking revealed that the compounds in M. bontioides extracts interacted with neo-coronavirus targets mainly on Mpro and RdRp proteins, and these compounds had the strongest docking energy with Mpro protein, the shortest docking radius, and more binding sites for key amino acids around the viral protein targets, which influenced the replication and transcription process of neo-coronavirus. The PAN/M.bontioides/Ag-CN/Ag nanofibrous membrane also performed significant inhibition of influenza A virus H3N2. The novel nanofiber membrane is expected to be applied to medical masks, which will improve human isolation and protection against viruses.

Gender inequality in nutrition intake: Evidence from a large assistance program.

This paper examines the growth effect of one of the largest nutrition assistance programs in early life. The program covers 5.8 million children in poor rural China and provides 6-24-month old children with a free nutrition supplement that contains nine essential micronutrients. We utilize a phase-in procedure by county for identification and estimate its impact on several early-life health indicators. Robust evidence shows that such nutrition supplements effectively increase boys' weight and reduce their probability of being underweight. No effect is observed on girls of similar age. These health indicators are related to long-term human capital development. The gender differences in policy impact that are identified in this paper have important implications for nutrition subsidy in the early years of life in developing countries.

Fisetin ameliorates cognitive impairment by activating mitophagy and suppressing neuroinflammation in rats with sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Fisetin, the effective ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine named Cotinus coggygria, is recommended to be active therapeutic in many disorders. However, its role in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) remains unclarified. METHODS: Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) operation was performed to establish a rat model of SAE. Rats were grouped according to the surgery operation and fisetin administration. Cognitive impairment was assessed by Morris water maze test. Disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity was detected by Evan's blue staining. The mitophagy, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were measured through western blot and double immunofluorescence labeling. A transmission electron microscope was applied for the observation of mitochondrial autophagosomes. RESULTS: Rats in the CLP group presented increased expression of IL-1R1, pNF-κB, TNF-α, and iNOS in microglial cells, indicating severe inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). Nevertheless, there was no increase in BBB permeability. Meanwhile, NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs), presented with an elevation of caspase-1 expression and IL-1ß secretion into CNS. In addition, we found fisetin significantly improved cognitive dysfunction in rats with SAE. Neuroprotective effects of fisetin might be associated with inhibition of neuroinflammation, represented with decreased expression of IL-1R1, pNF-κB, TNF-α, and iNOS in microglia. Furthermore, fisetin induced mitophagy, scavenged ROS, blocked NLRP3 inflammasome activation of CMECs, as evidenced by decreased expression of caspase-1 and reduced release of IL-1ß into CNS. CONCLUSION: Collectively, fisetin-blocked NLRP3 inflammasome activation via promoting mitophagy in CMECs may suppress the secretion of IL-1ß into CNS, reduce neuroinflammation, and contribute to the amelioration of cognitive impairment.

An "all-in-one" strategy based on the organic molecule DCN-4CQA for effective NIR-fluorescence-imaging-guided dual phototherapy.

Dual phototherapy combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) is considered to be a more effective therapeutic method against cancer than single treatment. Therefore, the development of a single material with both near-infrared (NIR)-laser-triggered PDT and PTT abilities is highly desirable but remains a great challenge. A design philosophy for photosensitizers for integrated PDT and PTT treatment has been put forward: (1) a high molar extinction coefficient in the NIR region; (2) suitable LUMO and T1 energy levels to regulate intersystem crossing for effective singlet oxygen (1O2) generation for PDT; and (3) the suppression of fluorescence emission to enhance the process of nonradiative transition with appropriate chemical modifications. Herein, an "all-in-one" functional material, di-cyan substituted 5,12-dibutylquinacridone (DCN-4CQA), for diagnosis and therapy was obtained. DCN-4CQA possesses dual-functional phototherapeutic activity and NIR fluorescence and it was produced via a facile synthesis process from the classic organic photoelectric material quinacridone. We then prepared smart water-soluble nanoparticles (NPs), DCN-4CQA/F127, using Pluronic® 127 (F127) as a drug carrier. The NPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility, robust photostability, NIR fluorescence, a high photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 47.3%), and sufficient 1O2 generation (ΦΔ = 24.3%) under NIR laser irradiation. Remarkably, the DCN-4CQA/F127 NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice subjected to NIR laser irradiation. This study provides a new route for the development of highly efficient, low-cytotoxicity photosensitizers for fluorescence-imaging-guided PTT/PDT.

Exploring the Mechanism of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction in the Treatment of Ureaplasma Urealyticum-Induced Orchitis Based on Integrated Pharmacology.

Background: Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection is the most common cause of male infertility. Zhibai Dihuang Decoction (ZBDHD) can improve the rate of forwarding motility sperm, sperm deformity rate, seminal plasma zinc and refined berry sugar levels. Methods: The potential targets of ZBDHD are obtained from The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM). Orchitis-related targets were collected from the Genecards and OMIM databases. The Cytoscape and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) were utilized to construct and analyzed the networks. Finally, a rat model of orchitis caused by UU infection was used to detect related indicators of mitochondrial energy metabolism using TUNEL apoptosis detection technology, loss cytometry, Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot. Results: A total of 795 ZBDHD targets and 242 orchitis-related targets were obtained. The "ZBDHD- orchitis PPI network" was constructed and analyzed. ZBDHD can regulate signaling pathways and biological processes related to mitochondrial energy metabolism. The results of experimental studies have shown that ZBDHD maintains the integrity of sperm mitochondrial respiratory chain function by enhancing mitochondrial Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities, promotes the synthesis of mitochondrial ATP, and improves sperm energy supply, thereby improving the motility, vitality and survival rate of sperm, and effectively improving the quality of semen in UU-infected rats (p < 0.05). Conclusion:This study discovered the multi-pathway mechanism of ZBDHD intervention in UU-induced orchitis through integrated pharmacological strategies, which provides a reference for further research on the mechanism of ZBDHD intervention in orchitis in the direction of mitochondrial energy metabolism.

In silico analysis of the potential mechanism of a preventive Chinese medicine formula on coronavirus disease 2019.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: With the spread of Coronavirus Disease (2019) (COVID-19), combination with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used as a prevention and therapy strategy in China. Xin guan No.1 (XG-1) prescription is a preventive formula recommended by the Hunan Provincial Administration of TCM to prevent the pandemic of COVID-19. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the potential preventive mechanisms of XG-1 against COVID-19 in the combination of network pharmacology approach, single-cell RNA expression profiling analysis, molecular docking and retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) database was used to determine the meridian tropism, active components and target genes of XG-1. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis were conducted by R Cluster Profiler package (3.14.3). Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of human lung (GSE122960) was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed by R Seurat package (3.1.2). Cytoscape (3.7.2) was used to construct the interaction network. The main ingredients in XG-1 were identified by HPLC- Q-TOF- MS and used for molecular docking with COVID-19 3CL hydrolytic enzyme and angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2). A retrospective study of 47 close contact participants from Dongtang Community of Hunan Province was conducted to evaluated the preventive effect of XG-1. RESULTS: According to the network pharmacology analysis, XG-1 formula was closely related to lung-, spleen- and stomach-meridians and include a total of 206 active components and 853 target genes. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that XG-1 mainly regulated cellular amino acid metabolism process and neuroactive ligand-receptors interaction. The scRNA-seq profiling showed that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was principally expressed in alveolar type 2 epithelial cells (AT2). 153 genes were up-regulated in AT2 cells expressing ACE2 and 12 genes were obtained by intersecting with XG-1 target genes, of which 3 were related to immunity. Five main chemical ingredients were detected in XG-1 sample by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The molecular docking showed that Rutin, Liquiritin and Astragaloside Ⅳ had a good affinity with COVID-19 3CL hydrolytic enzyme and ACE2. Compared with participants who didn't take XG-1, preventive treatment with XG-1gradules resulted in a significant lower rate of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that XG-1 exerts a preventive effect in close contacts against COVID-19. The underlying mechanism may be related to modulate immunity response through multiple components, pathways, and several target genes co-expressed with ACE2. These findings provide preliminary evidences and methodological reference for the potential preventive mechanism of XG-1 against COVID-19.

Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy Reveals the Effects of Hedysarum multijugum Maxim.-Radix Salviae Compound on Oxidative Capacity and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of the Hedysarum multijugum Maxim.-Radix Salviae compound (Huangqi-Danshen Compound (HDC)) on oxidative capacity and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy by a network pharmacology-based strategy. METHODS: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)@Taiwan, TCM Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), TCM Integrated Database (TCMID), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology were used to obtain and screen HDC's active components, and the PharmMapper database was used to predict HDC human target protein targets. The DCM genes were collected from the GeneCards and OMIM databases, and the network was constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape 3.7.1 and the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Finally, HDC was used to intervene in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) model rats, and important biological processes and signaling pathways were verified using techniques such as immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A total of 176 of HDC's active components and 442 potential targets were obtained. The results of network analysis show that HDC can regulate DCM-related biological processes (such as negative regulation of the apoptotic process, response to hypoxia, the steroid hormone-mediated signaling pathway, cellular iron ion homeostasis, and positive regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling) and signaling pathways (such as the HIF-1 signaling pathway, the estrogen signaling pathway, insulin resistance, the PPAR signaling pathway, the VEGF signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway). Animal experiments show that HDC can reduce fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (P < 0.05). The results of immunohistochemistry showed that HDC can regulate the protein expression of apoptosis-related signaling pathways in DCM rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was initially revealed that HDC improves DCM through its antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. HDC may play a therapeutic role by improving cardiomyocyte apoptosis in DCM rats.

Use of a Systematic Pharmacological Methodology to Explore the Mechanism of Shengmai Powder in Treating Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), are the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Shengmai Powder (SMP) was found to have cardioprotective effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS Based on the systematic pharmacological methodology, this research determined the genes of DCM and the known targets of SMP, predicted potential compounds and targets of SMP, constructed networks for DCM and SMP, and performed network analysis. RESULTS Five network were constructed: (1) the DCM gene PPI network; (2) the Compound-compound target network of SMP; (3) the SMP-DCM PPI network; (4) the Compound-known target network of SMP; (5) and the SMP known target-DCM PPI network. Several DCM and treatment related targets, clusters, signaling pathways, and biological processes were found. CONCLUSIONS SMP is able to regulate glycometabolism-related, lipid metabolism-related, inflammatory response-related, oxidative stress-related signaling pathways, and biological processes and targets, which suggests that SMP may have a therapeutic effect on DCM.

Nd:YAP laser in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity: An ex vivo study.

PURPOSE: The aims of this ex vivo study were to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nd:YAP laser in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, to compare the temperature rise during laser irradiation at three different dentine thicknesses, and to analyse the composition of the dentine-lased surface. METHODS: A total of 33 teeth were used in this study. For scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, 24 teeth were transversely sectioned and divided into 4 groups: group A was irrigated with EDTA; group B was irradiated by Nd:YAP laser with 180 mJ energy/per pulse, 0.9 W average power, and 5 Hz frequency (power density [PD] = 229 W/cm2); group C was irradiated by Nd:YAP laser with 280 mJ energy/pulse, 1.4 W average power, and 5 Hz frequency (PD = 356 W/cm2); and group D was irradiated by Nd:YAP with 360 mJ energy/pulse, 1.8 W average power, and 5 Hz frequency (PD = 458 W/cm2). Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was performed on the same teeth evaluated for SEM observations. For temperature increase evaluation performed with thermocouples, 9 teeth were transversely sectioned at 3 different thicknesses (3 for each group) of 1, 2, and 3 mm. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significant changes in the diameter of the dentinal tubule orifices among all groups; EDS did not show modification of the Ca/P ratio. Temperature increase under irradiation exceeded 5.5 °C only in the group D samples. CONCLUSIONS: This ex vivo study, based on temperature recording, SEM observation, and EDS analysis, demonstrated that Nd:YAP laser at a PD of 356 W/cm2, corresponding to an average power of 1.4 W, defines the best treatment for dentine hypersensitivity in terms of compromise between efficacy of the treatment and safety of the pulp.

Cycloastragenol improves hepatic steatosis by activating farnesoid X receptor signalling.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global health problem. However, there is no approved therapy for NAFLD. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a potential drug target for treatment of NAFLD. In an attempt to screen FXR agonists, we found that cycloastragenol (CAG), a natural occurring compound in Astragali Radix, stimulated FXR transcription activity. In animal studies, we demonstrated that CAG treatment resulted in obvious reduction of high-fat diet induced lipid accumulation in liver accompanied by lowered blood glucose, serum triglyceride levels and hepatic bile acid pool size. The stimulation of FXR signalling by CAG treatment in DIO mice was confirmed via gene expression and western blot analysis. Molecular docking data further supported the interaction of CAG and FXR. In addition, CAG alleviated hepatic steatosis in methionine and choline deficient L-amino acid diet (MCD) induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice. Our data suggest that CAG ameliorates NAFLD via the enhancement of FXR signalling.

miR-497-5p inhibits cell proliferation and invasion by targeting KCa3.1 in angiosarcoma.

Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with poor prognosis. We aimed to identify malignancy-associated miRNAs and their target genes, and explore biological functions of miRNA and its target in angiosarcoma. By miRNA microarrays and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we identified 1 up-regulated miRNA (miR-222-3p) and 3 down-regulated miRNAs (miR-497-5p, miR-378-3p and miR-483-5p) in human angiosarcomas compared with human capillary hemangiomas. The intermediate-conductance calcium activated potassium channel KCa3.1 was one of the putative target genes of miR-497-5p, and marked up-regulation of KCa3.1 was detected in angiosarcoma biopsy specimens by immunohistochemistry. The inverse correlation of miR-497-5p and KCa3.1 also was observed in the ISO-HAS angiosarcoma cell line at the mRNA and protein levels. The direct targeting of KCa3.1 by miR-497-5p was evidenced by reduced luciferase activity due to complementary binding of miR-497-5p to KCa3.1 mRNA 3' untranslated region. For the functional role of miR-497-5p/KCa3.1 pair, we showed that application of TRAM-34, a specific KCa3.1 channel blocker, or transfection of ISO-HAS cells with KCa3.1 siRNA or miR-497-5p mimics inhibited cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and invasion by down-regulating cell-cycle related proteins including cyclin D1, surviving and P53 and down-regulating matrix metallopeptidase 9. In an in vivo angiosarcoma xenograft model, TRAM-34 or miR-497-5p mimics both inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, the tumor suppressor miR-497-5p down-regulates KCa3.1 expression and contributes to the inhibition of angiosarcoma malignancy development. The miR-497-5p or KCa3.1 might be potential new targets for angiosarcoma treatment.

[Acupoints heat-sensitive moxibustion in the application of traditional Chinese surgery].

Under the guidance of meridian theory, the acupoints heat-sensitive moxibustion is a treatment method which applies moxa stick to perform mild moxibustion at heat-sensitive acupoints, which can arouse the meridian sensation transmission and promote the movement of meridian qi; consequently, the qi can be extended to the diseases. For its many advantages, such as no direct contact on skin, no injuries, no pains, fewer side effects, easy operating and moderate cost, the acupoints heat-sensitive moxibustion is widely accepted in dermatology, male urology disease, rectum and anus diseases and breast diseases. The application and research status of the acupoints heat-sensitive moxibustion in traditional Chinese surgery in recent years is reviewed, and several problems and suggestions in its clinical application and research are proposed, aiming to provide clinical basis for its further development and clinical application in traditional Chinese surgery.

Efficacy and safety of bipolar plasma vaporization of the prostate with "button-type" electrode compared with transurethral resection of prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) has been considered as the standard treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, issues that have not yet been overcome for TURP include bleeding and absorption of irrigation fluid. Thus, novel improvement of the surgery is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bipolar plasma vaporization of the prostate (BPVP) with "button-type" electrode against standard TURP for BPH. METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2012, 30 patients who scheduled for surgical treatment of BPH surgical treatment were enrolled in the trial with provided consent for the study. Patients were prospectively randomized 1:1 to undergo either BPVP or TURP. Participants were blinded to the randomization scheme. All cases were assessed preoperatively and followed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively by indwelling catheter time, blood loss, hospital stays, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), and Qmax. RESULTS: BPVP was significantly superior to TURP in terms of indwelling catheter time ((4.1 ± 4.1) days vs. (6.8 ± 6.8) days, P = 0.000), blood loss ((64.7 ± 103.8) ml vs. (254.7 ± 325.4) ml, P = 0.040), hospital stay ((8.7 ± 1.0) days vs. (11.7 ± 1.5) days, P = 0.000), IPSS ((4.2 ± 8.0) vs. (9.3 ± 3.7), P = 0.049), QOL ((1.5 ± 0.8) vs. (2.6 ± 1.4), P = 0.027), Qmax ((16.3 ± 5.7) ml/s vs. (12.5 ± 3.1) ml/s, P = 0.038), hemoglobin ((130.7 ± 9.4) g/L vs. ((122.1 ± 11.9) g/L, P = 0.047), Na(+) level ((138.6 ± 2.1) mmol/L vs. ((137.2 ± 2.0) mmol/L, P = 0.046) and operation time ((39.0 ± 15.5) minutes vs. ((69.3 ± 24.8) minutes, P = 0.004). And there were no statistical differences between BPVP group and TURP group in preoperatively assessment: patient's age ((70.9 ± 7.1) years vs. (71.9 ± 6.1) years, P = 0.736), IPSS ((24.6 ± 4.7) vs. (27.3 ± 5.9), P = 0.100), QOL ((5.1 ± 0.8) vs. (5.1 ± 1.0), P = 0.940), Qmax ((4.4 ± 2.7) ml/s vs. (5.3 ± 2.6) ml/s, P = 0.314), hemoglobin ((137.4 ± 8.7) g/L vs. (139.2 ± 10.4) g/L, P = 0.623), Na(+) level ((140.5 ± 1.8) mmol/L vs. (141.3 ± 1.4) mmol/L, P = 0.192) and prostate volume ((59.0 ± 17.4) ml vs. (70.1 ± 28.8) ml, P = 0.276). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with TURP, BPVP with "button-type" electrode shows superior efficacy and safety. Therefore, BPVP with "button-type" electrode represents a valuable endoscopic treatment alternative for BPH patients.