Covalent Organic Framework Ionomer Steering the CO2 Electroreduction Pathway on Cu at Industrial-Grade Current Density.

CO2 electroreduction holds great promise for addressing global energy and sustainability challenges. Copper (Cu) shows great potential for effective conversion of CO2 toward specific value-added and/or high-energy-density products. However, its limitation lies in relatively low product selectivity. Herein, we present that the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) pathway on commercially available Cu can be rationally steered by modulating the microenvironment in the vicinity of the Cu surface with two-dimensional sulfonated covalent organic framework nanosheet (COF-NS)-based ionomers. Specifically, the selectivity toward methane (CH4) can be enhanced to more than 60% with the total current density up to 500 mA cm-2 in flow cells in both acidic (pH = 2) and alkaline (pH = 14) electrolytes. The COF-NS, characterized by abundant apertures, can promote the accumulation of CO2 and K+ near the catalyst surface, alter the adsorption energy and surface coverage of *CO, facilitate the dissociation of H2O, and finally modulate the reaction pathway for the CO2RR. Our approach demonstrates the rational modulation of reaction interfaces for the CO2RR utilizing porous open framework ionomers, showcasing their potential practical applications.

Designing N-Confused Metalloporphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction.

Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) into value-added products is promising to alleviate greenhouse gas emission and energy demands. Metalloporphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks (MN4 -Por-COFs) provide a platform for rational design of electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR). Herein, through systematic quantum-chemical studies, the N-confused metallo-Por-COFs are reported as novel catalysts for CO2 RR. For MN4 -Por-COFs, among the ten 3d metals, M = Co/Cr stands out in catalyzing CO2 RR to CO or HCOOH; hence, N-confused Por-COFs with Co/CrN3 C1 and Co/CrN2 C2 centers are designed. Calculations indicate CoNx Cy -Por-COFs exhibit lower limiting potential (-0.76 and -0.60 V) for CO2 -to-CO reduction than its parent CoN4 -Por-COFs (-0.89 V) and make it feasible to yield deep-reduction degree C1 products CH3 OH and CH4 . Electronic structure analysis reveals that substituting CoN4 to CoN3 C1 /CoN2 C2 increases the electron density on Co-atom and raises the d-band center, thus stabilizing the key intermediates of the potential determining step and lowering the limiting potential. For similar reason, changing the core from CrN4 to CrN3 C1 /CrN2 C2 lowers the limiting potential for CO2 -to-HCOOH reduction. This work predicts N-confused Co/CrNx Cy -Por-COFs to be high-performance CO2 RR catalyst candidates. Inspiringly, as a proof-of-concept study, it provides an alternative strategy for coordination regulation and theoretical guidelines for rational design of catalysts.

Thermochemical Cyclization Constructs Bridged Dual-Coating of Ni-Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for High-Energy Li-Ion Batteries.

Enhancing microstructural and electrochemical stabilities of Ni-rich layered oxides is critical for improving the safety and cycle-life of high-energy Li-ion batteries. Here we propose a thermochemical cyclization strategy where heating polyacrylonitrile with LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 can simultaneously construct a cyclized polyacrylonitrile outer layer and a rock-salt bridge-like inner layer, forming a compact dual-coating of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2. Systematic studies demonstrate that the mild cyclization reaction between polyacrylonitrile and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 induces a desirable "layered to rock-salt" structural transformation to create a nano-intermedium that acts as the bridge for binding cyclized polyacrylonitrile to layered LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2. Because of the improvement of the structural and electrochemical stability and electrical properties, this cathode design remarkably enhances the cycling performance and rate capability of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, showing a high reversible capacity of 183 mAh g-1 and a high capacity retention of 83% after 300 cycles at 1 C rate. Notably, this facile and scalable surface engineering makes Ni-rich cathodes potentially viable for commercialization in high-energy Li-ion batteries.

Exploring the intercalation binding of tiamulin with DNA using multispectroscopy and a molecular modelling approach.

The binding of tiamulin with calf thymus DNA was systematically investigated using multispectroscopy and molecular modelling techniques. For DNA, once tiamulin was added, viscosity (η) and melting temperature (Tm ) both exhibited an uptrend. The fluorescence performance of the tiamulin-DNA complex did not change with the ionic strength changes. The binding constant (Ka ) of tiamulin for single-stranded DNA (ssDNA, 1.48 × 104 M-1 ) was obviously higher than that for double-stranded DNA (dsDNA, 9.51 × 103 M-1 ) at 291 K. The helix structure became looser and the base stack force became stronger for DNA due to the presence of tiamulin as seen from circular dichroic (CD) spectra. The intercalation binding mode of tiamulin with DNA was disclosed. Molecular modelling also revealed tiamulin inserting into the base pairs with the lowest binding free energy of -18.73 kJ mol-1 using van der Waals forces as well as hydrogen bonds.

ZnO QDs/GO/g-C3N4 Preparation and Photocatalytic Properties of Composites.

Using an ultrasound-assisted chemical technique, ZnO quantum dot and ZnO composites were created. The optical characteristics and structural details of these composites were examined using TEM, XRD, XPS, FT-IR, UV-vis, and BET. The results revealed that both the ZnO quantum dot composite and ZnO composite exhibited outstanding optical properties, making them suitable for photocatalytic reactions. In order to analyze the photocatalytic performance, a degradation experiment was conducted using Rhodamine B solution as the simulation dye wastewater. The experiment demonstrated that the degradation of Rhodamine B followed the first-order reaction kinetics equation when combined with the photocatalytic reaction kinetics. Moreover, through cyclic stability testing, it was determined that the ZnO QDs-GO-g-C3N4 composite sample showed good stability and could be reused. The degradation rates of Rhodamine B solution using ZnO-GO-g-C3N4 and ZnO QDs-GO-g-C3N4 reached 95.25% and 97.16%, respectively. Furthermore, free-radical-trapping experiments confirmed that ·O2- was the main active species in the catalytic system and its photocatalytic mechanism was elucidated. The photocatalytic oxidation of ZnO quantum dots in this study has important reference value and provides a new idea for the subsequent research.

Rapid determination of isepamicin by using SERS based on BSA-protected AgNPs modified by α-Fe2O3.

A surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method for the determination of isepamicin (ISE) using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) protected by bovine serum albumin (BSA) and modified by α-Fe2O3 as an efficient substrate was established. The synthesized substrate was characterized and verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The conditions affecting the Raman signal of ISE were optimized by single factor and response surface experiments. Under optimized conditions, a standard curve ISERS = 43.08c + 63598.69 (c: nmol/L) with a linear relationship (r = 0.9976) was established between the SERS intensity and ISE concentration in the range of 20.00 - 2000.00 nmol/L. The limit of detection (LOD) for ISE was 16.58 nmol/L (S/N = 3). The recovery of ISE in the samples was 96.29 % - 104.12 %, with relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.53 % - 3.43 % (n = 5). The SERS method was reliable and satisfactory for the quantitative analysis of ISE at low concentration.

Multitrack and multianchor point screw technique combined with the Wiltse approach for lesion debridement for lumbar tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lumbar tuberculosis is high worldwide, and effective treatment is a continuing problem. AIM: To study the safety and efficacy of the multitrack and multianchor point screw technique combined with the contralateral Wiltse approach for lesion debridement to treat lumbar tuberculosis. METHODS: The C-reactive protein (CRP) level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, oswestry disability index (ODI) and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade were recorded and analysed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The CRP level and ESR returned to normal, and the VAS score and ODI were decreased at 3 mo postoperatively, with significant differences compared with the preoperative values (P < 0.01). Neurological dysfunction was relieved, and the ASIA grade increased, with no adverse events. CONCLUSION: The multitrack, multianchor point screw fixation technique combined with the contralateral Wiltse approach for debridement is an effective and safe method for the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis.

Chemically Welding Silver Nanowires toward Transferable and Flexible Transparent Electrodes in Heaters and Double-Sided Perovskite Solar Cells.

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are important materials for flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs). However, the loose stacking of nanowire junctions greatly affects the electric conductivity across adjacent nanowires. Soldering can effectively reduce the wire-wire contact resistance of AgNWs by epitaxially depositing nanosolders at the junctions, but the process normally needs to be performed with high energy consumption. In this work, we proposed a simple room-temperature method to achieve precise welding of junctions by adjusting the wettability of the soldered precursor solution on the surfaces of AgNWs. The nanoscale welding at nanowire cross junctions forms efficient conductive networks. Furthermore, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was used to improve the stability of FTEs by wrapping the rGO around the AgNW surface. The obtained FTE shows a figure-of-merit (FoM) of up to 439.3 (6.5 Ω/sq at a transmittance of 88%) and has significant bending stability and environmental and acidic stability. A flexible transparent heater was successfully constructed, which could reach up to 160 °C within a short response time (43 s) and exhibit excellent switching stability. When laminating this FTE onto half perovskite solar cells as the top electrodes, the obtained double-side devices achieved power conversion efficiencies as high as 16.15% and 13.91% from each side, pointing out a convenient method for fabricating double-sided photovoltaic devices.

Overnutrition-induced gout: An immune response to NLRP3 inflammasome dysregulation by XOD activity increased in quail.

Background: Gout is a progressive metabolic disease closely related to hyperuricemia and urate deposition, with an increasing prevalence and incidence across the globe. Recent studies have shown that the pathological process of gout includes two stages: asymptomatic hyperuricemia and MSU crystal deposition. However, the immune response during the development of hyperuricemia to gouty arthritis is not fully elucidated. Methods: Thus, an overnutrition-induced whole-course gout model was established to clarify the immune response and pathological changes in the development from hyperuricemia to gouty arthritis. The quails without urate oxidase were used as experimental animals. And we confirmed that uric acid metabolic targets were changed when quails were in the asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage. Results: When the quail showed gout symptoms, the NLRP3 inflammasome was activated, and the expressions of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 were significantly increased. The relationship between the uric acid metabolism target and the NLRP3 inflammasome may be the critical immune response between hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis. Our data showed that, in the process of gout disease, the expression of xanthine oxidase (XOD) has been increasing, which increases the level of uric acid, disrupts the balance of oxidative stress, generates a large amount of ROS, activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, and release IL-1ß. Treatment with the XOD inhibitor can reduce uric acid, restore the body's degree of peroxidative damage and antioxidant capacity, and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1ß. In vitro, we extracted and identified primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from quail for the first time. Stimulating FLS with uric acid also caused ROS release and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, treatment with an XOD inhibitor prevented all these responses in FLS. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the immune response between the uric acid metabolism target XOD and NLRP3 inflammasomes plays a crucial role in developing hyperuricemia to gouty arthritis, and inhibition of both XOD and NLRP3 inflammasomes may be an effective treatment for avoiding the development of asymptomatic hyperuricemia to MSU crystal deposition. Meanwhile, this study also provides an advantageous animal model for pathological mechanisms and research and development drugs for gout.

Potential cardiotoxicity induced by Euodiae Fructus: In vivo and in vitro experiments and untargeted metabolomics research.

Background: Euodiae Fructus, a well-known herbal medicine, is widely used in Asia and has also gained in popularity in Western countries over the last decades. It has known side effects, which have been observed in clinical settings, but few studies have reported on its cardiotoxicity. Methods: In the present study, experiments using techniques of untargeted metabolomics clarify the hazardous effects of Euodiae Fructus on cardiac function and metabolism in rats in situations of overdosage and unsuitable syndrome differentiation. In vitro assays are conducted to observe the toxic effects of evodiamine and rutaecarpine, two main chemical constituents of Euodiae Fructus, in H9c2 and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs), with their signaling mechanisms analyzed accordingly. Results: The cardiac cytotoxicity of evodiamine and rutaecarpine in in vivo experiments is associated with remarkable alterations in lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and mitochondrial membrane potential; also with increased intensity of calcium fluorescence, decreased protein expression of the cGMP-PKG pathway in H9c2 cells, and frequency of spontaneous beat in NRCMs. Additionally, the results in rats with Yin deficiency receiving a high-dosage of Euodiae Fructus suggest obvious cardiac physiological dysfunction, abnormal electrocardiogram, pathological injuries, and decreased expression of PKG protein. At the level of endogenous metabolites, the cardiac side effects of overdose and irrational usage of Euodiae Fructus relate to 34 differential metabolites and 10 metabolic pathways involving among others, the purine metabolism, the glycerophospholipid metabolism, the glycerolipid metabolism, and the sphingolipid metabolism. Conclusion: These findings shed new light on the cardiotoxicity induced by Euodiae Fructus, which might be associated with overdose and unsuitable syndrome differentiation, that comes from modulating the cGMP-PKG pathway and disturbing the metabolic pathways of purine, lipid, and amino acid. Continuing research is needed to ensure pharmacovigilance for the safe administration of Chinese herbs in the future.

Smilax glabra Roxb.: A Review of Its Traditional Usages, Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Properties, and Clinical Applications.

Smilax glabra Roxb. (SGB) is a medicinal plant widely distributed in 17 countries worldwide. It is the primary raw material of the world-famous and best-selling functional food and beneficial tea. SGB was first recorded in Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589 AD) and was reported for nutritional and medicinal properties for thousands of years. This review searched PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases for relevant literature on SGB species until April 2022. It aims to provide more integrated thinking, detailed awareness, and better knowledge of SGB. More than 200 chemical components have been discovered, including flavonoids, phenolic, phenolic acids, stilbenes, organic acids, phenylpropanoids, and others. Previous studies have demonstrated that SGB and its active ingredients show a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-infective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular protection, etc. However, many studies on the biological activity of this plant were mainly based on crude extracts and active ingredients, and there is a lack of clinical studies and toxicity studies to support the development of drug design, development, and therapy. In summary, this review will provide specific and valuable suggestions and guidelines for further research and application of this plant in the medicinal field.

Covalent organic framework-based porous ionomers for high-performance fuel cells.

Lowering platinum (Pt) loadings without sacrificing power density and durability in fuel cells is highly desired yet challenging because of the high mass transport resistance near the catalyst surfaces. We tailored the three-phase microenvironment by optimizing the ionomer by incorporating ionic covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets into Nafion. The mesoporous apertures of 2.8 to 4.1 nanometers and appendant sulfonate groups enabled the proton transfer and promoted oxygen permeation. The mass activity of Pt and the peak power density of the fuel cell with Pt/Vulcan (0.07 mg of Pt per square centimeter in the cathode) both reached 1.6 times those values without the COF. This strategy was applied to catalyst layers with various Pt loadings and different commercial catalysts.

The incidence and risk factors of deep venous thrombosis in lower extremities following surgically treated femoral shaft fracture: a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There is still a lack of data on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following surgically treated femoral shaft fracture (FSF). The goal of this study was to investigate the characteristics of postoperative DVT and the association between the occurrence of DVT and risk factors in patients undergoing surgical treatment for FSF. METHODS: This observational retrospective case-control study reviewed 308 patients who received surgical treatment of FSF between January 2016 and October 2020 at a university hospital. Univariate analyses were performed on the data of demographics, comorbidities, laboratory biomarkers, and operation-related indexes. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, univariate analyses, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the independent risk factors associated with DVT. RESULTS: In total, 308 patients with surgically treated FSF were included, among whom 48 (15.6%) patients had postoperative DVTs. The univariate analyses showing significant differences regarding DVT were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, diabetes mellitus, current smoking, aspartate transaminase (AST), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) level among the 34 factors. According to the ROC results, the optimal cutoff values for intraoperative blood loss, D-dimer, and age were 350 ml, 1.08 µg/ml, and 35 years, respectively. The multivariable model demonstrated 4 significantly independent associations with postoperative DVT, including current smoking, intraoperative blood loss (> 550 ml), age (> 35 years), and D-dimer > 1.09 µg/ml. CONCLUSION: These risk factors as screening tools contribute to risk stratification of the occurrence of thromboembolic events. In addition, our findings would help orthopedic surgeons make a cross-specialty decision and implement targeted precaution measures for patients with FSF.

[Acupuncture-moxibustion treatment by stages based on the theory of "transformation of yin and yang" for premature ovarian insufficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy between acupuncture-moxibustion treatment by stages and femoston for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS: A total of 66 patients with POI were randomly divided into an observation group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (33 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the observation group, based on the theory of "transformation of yin and yang", were treated with acupuncture-moxibustion by stages in the postmenstrual period, ovulatory period, premenstrual period and menstrual period, once every other day, 3 times a week. The patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of femoston (estradiol tablets/estradiol and dydrogesterone tablets, 1 tablet per day). Both groups were treated for 3 menstrual cycles. The ovarian function (serum follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], estradiol [E2], anti-mullerian hormone [AMH] and antral follicle count [AFC]) and perimenopausal symptoms [modified Kupperman index (KI) scale score] were observed before and after treatment, and the menstrual improvement of the two groups was compared. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the serum levels of FSH and LH were decreased (P<0.01), the levels of E2 were increased (P<0.01) in the two groups after treatment; the serum level of AMH and AFC in the observation group were increased after treatment (P<0.01). After treatment, the serum level of AMH and AFC in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, there was no significant difference in the menstrual return rate and menstrual regularity rate between the amenorrhea patients of the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the modified KI scale scores in the two groups were reduced (P<0.01), and the modified KI scale score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture- moxibustion treatment by stages based on the theory of "transformation of yin and yang" has similar efficacy with femoston in improving serum sex hormone level and menstrual symptoms in patients with POI, and has advantages in improving serum AMH level, AFC and perimenopausal symptoms.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacpuncture combined with penetrating moxibustion for postpartum pelvic organ prolapse].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with penetrating moxibustion and biofeedback electrical stimulation on postpartum pelvic organ prolapsed (POP). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with POP who had delivery 6 weeks ago were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the observation group, EA was applied at Zigong (EX-CA 1), Ciliao (BL 32), Huiyang (BL 35), etc. while penetrating moxibustion was performed at acupoints of abdomen and lumbosacral region alternately every other day. In the control group, biofeedback electrical stimulation was provided. The treatment for 6 weeks was given once every other day, 3 times a week in both groups. Before treatment, after treatment and 6 months after delivery, pelvic floor muscle strength, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) evaluation and pelvic floor impact questionnaire short form-7 (PFIQ-7) were observed to assess the therapeutic effect. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the sustained contraction and rapid contraction force of pelvic floor muscle after treatment and 6 months after delivery were increased in both of the two groups (P<0.05), and the changes in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment and 6 months after delivery, the POP degree in the observation group was alleviated to the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the scores of PFIQ-7 after treatment and 6 months after delivery were reduced in the two groups (P<0.05), and the changes in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture combined with penetrating moxibustion can strengthen the pelvic floor muscle contractility of patients with postpartum pelvic organ prolapse, and are superior to biofeedback electrical stimulation in improving the pelvic organ prolapse status and life quality.

High-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy for early stage femoral head osteonecrosis: A protocol of systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Published trials reported that high-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (HEEPSWT) can effectively treat early stage femoral head osteonecrosis (ESFHO). However, their results are still inconsistent. Thus, this study will systematically and comprehensively explore the effectiveness and safety of HEEPSWT for ESFHO. METHODS: We will retrieve the electronic databases of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, VIP database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to the present. All randomized controlled trials that focusing on the effectiveness and safety of HEEPSWT for ESFHO will be considered. Two researchers will undertake literature selection, information collection, and risk of bias evaluation separately. If disagreements occur, we will invite a third researcher for consultation and a final decision will be made. Cochrane risk of bias tool, and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be utilized to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence, respectively. We will perform statistical analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: This study will provide a detailed summary of exist evidence related to the effectiveness and safety of HEEPSWT for ESFHO. CONCLUSION: The results of this study synthesize the evidence regarding the HEEPSWT for ESFHO, which may help to guide clinical management in the future. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202060055.

[Efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with penetrating moxibustion for postpartum stress urinary incontinence].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect differences between electroacupuncture (EA) combined with penetrating moxibustion and the biological feedback training of pelvic floor muscle for postpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Sixty patients of SUI who had delivery 42 days ago were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. The observation group was treated with EA and penetrating moxibustion. EA was applied at Ciliao (BL 32) and Huiyang (BL 35), combined with acupuncture at Qihai (CV 6), Zhongji (CV 3), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); penetrating moxibustion was performed on abdomen and lumbosacral area. The control group was treated with biological feedback training of pelvic floor muscle. Both the groups were treated once every other day, 3 times per week for continuous 6 weeks. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICI-Q-SF), 1 h urinal pad test and pelvic floor muscle strength were tested before and after treatment; the efficacy was evaluated after treatment and at 6-month follow-up visit. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the ICI-Q-SF score and 1 h urine leakage were significantly reduced after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and the reduction in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the pelvic muscle strength of muscle fibers Ⅰand Ⅱ were significantly increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and the differences between the two groups had no statistical significance (P>0.05). After treatment, the cured rate and total effective rate were 70.0% (21/30) and 96.7% (29/30) in the observation group, which were superior to 33.3% (10/30) and 70.0% (21/30) in the control group (P<0.01); in the 6-month postpartum period, the cured rate and total effective rate were 63.3% (19/30) and 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which were superior to 30.0% (9/30) and 66.7% (20/30) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with penetrating moxibustion could improve the urinary control ability, relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence and have a better long-term effect in patients with postpartum SUI, which is superior to biological feedback training of pelvic floor muscle.

Percutaneous Repair Technique for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture with Assistance of Kirschner Wire.

The aim of this study is to introduce a self-designed, minimally invasive technique for repairing an acute Achilles tendon rupture percutaneously. Comparing with the traditional open repair, the new technique provides obvious advantages of minimized operation-related lesions, fewer wound complications as well as a higher healing rate. However, a percutaneous technique without direct vision may be criticized by its insufficient anastomosis of Achilles tendon and may also lead to the lengthening of the Achilles tendon and a reduction in the strength of the gastrocnemius. To address the potential problems, we have improved our technique using a percutaneous Kirschner wire leverage process before suturing, which can effectively recover the length of the Achilles tendon and ensure the broken ends are in tight contact. With this improvement in technique, we have great confidence that it will become the treatment of choice for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

[Asthma at acute attack stage treated with "Shao's five needling therapy": a multi-central randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of asthma at acute attack stage treated with "Shao's five needling therapy". METHODS: The randomized controlled method was applied to divide 210 cases into an observation group and a control group, 105 cases in each one. In the observation group, "Shao's five needling therapy" [Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14), Fengmen (BL 12)] and the combined therapy were adopted, including oxygen uptake, aerosol inhalation and oral administration of prednisone. In the control group, the oral administration of theophylline sustained release tablet and the combined therapy were applied. The treatment was continued for 7 days. The clinical symptoms and physical signs such as wheezing, cough, expectoration, chest stuffiness, wheezing rale and shortness of breath, as well as lung function indices such as forced expiratory volume one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. METHODS: In the observation group, 69 cases were cured clinically, 20 cases effective remarkably, 7 cases effective and 0 case failed. In the control group, 49 cases were cured clinically, 31 cases effective remarkably, 15 cases effective and 0 case failed. The difference in the efficacy was significant in comparison of the two groups (P < 0.05). The therapeutic effect in the observation group was better than that in the control group. The total score of the symptoms and physical signs, FEV1 and PEF after treatment were all improved significantly in the two groups (all P < 0.01). And the results in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: "Shao's five needling therapy" achieves the significant efficacy on asthma at acute attack stage. It significantly relieves the symptoms and physical signs of the patients and improves lung functions. The effect is better than that of theophylline sustained release tablet.