Postpartum uterine involution promoted by penetrating-moxibustion therapy: a randomized controlled trial. / é€ç¸æ³•ä¿ƒè¿›äº§åŽå­å®«å¤æ—§ï¼šéšæœºå¯¹ç §è¯•éªŒ.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of penetrating-moxibustion therapy on postpartum uterine involution. METHODS: Eighty puerpera were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each one. In the control group, oxytocin injection was administered by intravenous drip, 20 U each time, once daily. In the observation group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, the penetrating-moxibustion therapy was used at Shenque (GV 8), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 30 min to 40 min each time, twice a day. The intervention of each group started from the first day after childbirth and lasted 3 days. The uterine volume before and after treatment, and in 42 days of postpartum, the height decrease of the fundus of the uterus, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for uterine contraction, the volume of lochia rubra in 1 to 3 days of treatment, and lochia duration were compared between the two groups; and the clinical effect was evaluated. RESULTS: The uterine volume in the observation group was smaller than that of the control group after treatment (P<0.01). In 1 to 3 days of treatment, the height decrease of the fundus of the uterus in the observation group was larger (P<0.01), VAS scores of uterine contraction were lower (P<0.05, P<0.01), the lochia rubra volume was less (P<0.01) than those in the control group. The duration of lochia rubra and lochia was shorter (P<0.01) in the observation group when compared with that of the control group. The favorable rate of uterine involution in the observation group was 95.0% (38/40), higher than that of the control group (75.0%, 30/40, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating-moxibustion therapy accelerates the recovery of the uterine volume, relieves uterine contraction, shortens the duration of lochia, reduces the lochia volume and promotes the postpartum uterine involution.

Effect of anticoagulation on the incidence of venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, and mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: an updated meta-analysis.

Objective: Anticoagulation is crucial for patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to the high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the optimal anticoagulation regimen needs further exploration. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of diverse anticoagulation dosage dosages for COVID-19. Methods: An updated meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of thromboprophylaxis (standard, intermediate, and therapeutic dose) on the incidence of VTE, mortality and major bleeding among COVID-19 patients. Literature was searched via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for effect estimates. Results: Nineteen studies involving 25,289 participants without VTE history were included. The mean age of patients was 59.3 years old. About 50.96% were admitted to the intensive care unit. In the pooled analysis, both therapeutic-dose and intermediate-dose anticoagulation did not have a significant advantage in reducing VTE risk over standard dosage (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.58-2.02, and OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.70-1.12, respectively). Similarly, all-cause mortality was not further decreased in either therapeutic-dose group (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.75-1.67) or intermediate-dose group (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.83-2.17). While the major bleeding risk was significantly elevated in the therapeutic-dose group (OR = 2.59, 95%CI: 1.87-3.57) as compared with the standard-dose regimen. Compared with intermediate dosage, therapeutic anticoagulation did not reduce consequent VTE risk (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.52-1.38) and all-cause mortality (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.60-1.17), but significantly increased major bleeding rate (OR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.58-3.70). In subgroup analysis of patients older than 65 years, therapeutic anticoagulation significantly lowered the incidence of VTE in comparation comparison with standard thromboprophylaxis, however, at the cost of elevated risk of major bleeding. Conclusion: Our results indicated that for most hospitalized patients with COVID-19, standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation might be the optimal choice. For elderly patients at low risk of bleeding, therapeutic-dose anticoagulation could further reduce VTE risk and should be considered especially when there were other strong risk factors of VTE during hospital stay. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier, CRD42023388429.

Exposure to phthalate increases the risk of eczema in children: Findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Emerging evidence indicated phthalate exposure might raise the risk of eczema in children. However, these findings were inconsistent. The relation between phthalate exposure and childhood eczema remained debated. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to assess their association. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for eligible studies. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for risk estimate. Thirty studies involving 12,615 participants were included in this meta-analysis. For prenatal phthalate exposure assessed with maternal samples, the pooled results showed gestational exposure to monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00-1.36), but not the other phthalates, was correlated with increased risk of eczema in children. For childhood exposure assessed using children's urine sample, our pooled results indicated that postnatal exposure to MBzP (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.19), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP) (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08-1.61), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06-1.44), and molar summation of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06-1.42) were associated with higher risk of eczema. While for studies using household dust to estimate environmental phthalate exposure and eczema risk, the pooled results showed no significant association. Subgroup analyses indicated study country, diagnostic mode, and children's age contributed to the heterogeneity. The results of our meta-analysis demonstrated that phthalate exposure during both prenatal and postnatal periods was associated with elevated risk of eczema in children. However, such association was not strong as the pooled ORs were relatively small. Further studies are warranted to verify these findings and explore the underlying mechanism.

Copper and cuproptosis: new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease.

Copper (Cu) plays a crucial role as a trace element in various physiological processes in humans. Nonetheless, free copper ions accumulate in the brain over time, resulting in a range of pathological changes. Compelling evidence indicates that excessive free copper deposition contributes to cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Free copper levels in the serum and brain of AD patients are notably elevated, leading to reduced antioxidant defenses and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, free copper accumulation triggers a specific form of cell death, namely copper-dependent cell death (cuproptosis). This article aimed to review the correlation between copper dysregulation and the pathogenesis of AD, along with the primary pathways regulating copper homoeostasis and copper-induced death in AD. Additionally, the efficacy and safety of natural and synthetic agents, including copper chelators, lipid peroxidation inhibitors, and antioxidants, were examined. These treatments can restore copper equilibrium and prevent copper-induced cell death in AD cases. Another aim of this review was to highlight the significance of copper dysregulation and promote the development of pharmaceutical interventions to address it.

Electroacupuncture Enhances Cognitive Deficits in a Rat Model of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Deprivation via Targeting MiR-132.

Deprivation of rapid eye movement sleep (REMSD) reduces the potential for learning and memory. The neuronal foundation of cognitive performance is synapse plasticity. MicroRNA-132 (MiR-132) is an important microRNA related to cognitive and synapse plasticity. Acupuncture is effective at improving cognitive impairment caused by sleep deprivation. Furthermore, its underlying principle is still unclear. Herein, whether electroacupuncture (EA) helps alleviate cognitive impairment in REMSD by targeting miR-132 was assessed. A rat model of REMSD was constructed using the developing multiplatform water environment technique, as well as EA therapy in Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) was performed for 15 minutes, once daily for 7 days. Agomir or antagomir of MiR-132 was injected into the hippocampal CA1 areas to assess the EA mechanism in rats with REMSD. Then, the learning and memory abilities were detected by behavioral tests; synapse structure was assessed by transmission electron microscope (TCM); and dendrites branches and length were examined by Golgi staining. MiR-132-3p was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). P250GAP, ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), and cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) expression levels in hippocampal tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. According to the research, EA therapy enhanced cognitive in REMSD rats, as evidenced by reduced escape latency; upregulated the performance of platform crossings and prolonged duration in the goal region; and improved spontaneous alternation. EA administration restored synaptic and dendritic structural damage in hippocampal neurons, enhanced miR-132 expression, and reduced p250GAP mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, EA boosted the protein level of Rac1 and Cdc42 associated with synaptic plasticity. MiR-132 agomir enhanced this effect, whereas miR-13 antagomir reversed this action. The current data demonstrate that EA at GV20 and GV14 attenuates cognitive impairment and modulates synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons via miR-132 in a sleep-deprived rat model.

Clinical Effect of Electroacupuncture on Acute Sleep Deprivation and Event-Related Potential Affecting the Inhibition Control of the Brain: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Acute sleep deprivation (ASD) can effect mood, attention, memory, alertness and metabolism. Especially, it is often accompanied by cognitive impairment of the brain. Acupuncture is safe and effective for improving cognitive function, but its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, an event-related potential (ERP) technique will be employed to measure the behavioral, cognitive, and physiological changes produced by electroacupuncture intervention after ASD. Methods: We will recruit 60 healthy subjects. The participants will be randomly divided into a treatment group, a control group, a sham electroacupuncture group and a blank group, at a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The primary outcome will be determined by the change from baseline to 36 h in the MoCA score. The secondary results include the amplitude and latency of ERP N2 and P3, Go-hit rates, Go-RTs, No-Go-FA rates, the WCST, the Digit Span Subtest of the WAIS, the ESS score and FS-14. The 15 healthy subjects will not receive acupuncture treatment and ASD, but will receive EEG records and cognition functions test at the beginning and end of the experiment. Electroacupuncture intervention will be performed for 30 min once every 12 h, a total of three times. ERP measurements and other tests will be performed after baseline and ASD, and the statistician and outcome evaluator will be blinded to treatment allocation. Discussion: This study is expected to investigate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in improving cognition for ASD. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2200055999.

Phthalate exposure and risk of diabetes mellitus: Implications from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies indicated that phthalate exposure might be associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, discrepancies existed. The link between phthalate exposure and risk of DM remained unclarified. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between phthalate exposure and risk of DM. Effects of phthalate exposure on insulin resistance were also evaluated by systematic review. RESULTS: Seven studies involving 12,139 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Our results showed that urinary concentrations of phthalates were positively associated with risk of DM. The pooled ORs were 3.11 (95% CI: 1.16-8.37) for monomethyl phthalate (MMP), 1.27 (95% CI: 1.03-1.56) for mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), 2.59 (95% CI: 1.10-6.10) for mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), 1.99 (95% CI: 1.52-2.61) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), 1.90 (95% CI: 1.40-2.57) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), 1.55 (95% CI: 1.10-2.20) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), and 2.39 (95% CI: 1.18-4.85) for mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP), respectively. Molar summation of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP) was also found to be correlated with risk of DM (OR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.48-3.13). No significant association with risk of DM was found regarding monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). In literature review, most studies showed positive correlations of phthalates, especially ∑DEHP, with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and fasting glucose. CONCLUSION: Exposure to phthalates, especially MMP, MnBP, MiBP, MCPP and DEHP metabolites, might be a risk factor of DM. Our results should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneous design of enrolled studies.

Assessment of the Bova score for risk stratification of acute normotensive pulmonary embolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Identification of normotensive pulmonary embolism (PE) at high risk of early adverse outcome is crucial for guiding treatment. Studies showed the Bova score had promising performance in stratifying normotensive PE. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic performance of the Bova score for normotensive PE. RESULTS: Nine studies involving 8342 acute normotensive PE patients were enrolled. Overall, 71.4%, 20.2% and 8.4% patients were stratified as risk class I, II and III. Pooled incidence of short-term PE related composite adverse outcome of each group were 3.8%, 10.8% and 19.9%, respectively, exhibiting a significant rising trend. Increasing trends of 30-day and in-hospital composite adverse outcome rates, as well as PE related mortality, were also observed with upper risk classes. Compared with risk class I and II, high risk group (class III) was significantly associated with short-term PE related composite adverse outcome (OR: 5.45, 95% CI, 3.70-8.02) and PE related death (OR: 5.09, 95% CI, 3.54-7.30). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of the score for predicting short-term composite adverse outcome were 0.25 (95% CI, 0.22-0.29), 0.93 (95% CI, 0.92-0.93), 4.05 (95% CI, 2.90-5.67) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.74-0.88), respectively. The weighted area under the summarized receiver characteristics operation curve for predicting composite adverse outcome was 0.73 ± 0.09. CONCLUSION: The Bova score could effectively discriminate normotensive PE with different short-term prognosis and has good performance in identifying patients at higher risk of short-term adverse events.

[Exploration and practice of micro-video teaching of Characteristic Clinical Technology of Acupuncture and Moxibustion].

In this paper, the micro-video teaching mode was explored in the course construction of Characteristic Clinical Technology of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. The micro-video teaching contents include the academic thought, experience in diagnosis and treatment, characteristic technology and clinical manipulation of famous acupuncture experts in the Henan University of CM. Each micro-video film is designed within 15-18 min, including three sections of knowledge, i.e. basic theory, technological application and clinical manipulation. Each section is designed within 5-6 min. The construction of the teaching course of Characteristic Clinical Technology of Acupuncture and Moxibustion is the innovation of practice mode of TCM and the new approach to the inheritance of the experience of experts. The construction of micro-video teaching course propels the reform of teaching mode, improves the learning initiative of students and clinical manipulative ability so as to improve the teaching effect and quality.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for insomnia: Protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is one of the most common diseases in modern society, the main characteristics of the patients were difficulty in falling asleep at night and/or failure to maintain effective sleep after falling asleep. It can lead to early awakening, short sleep, heavy sleeplessness, dreaming, poor sleep quality, and working hours after waking up, causes a series of negative emotions, such as fatigue, inefficiency, cognitive decline, social interaction, tension, and anxiety, which affect social harmony and stability. So Insomnia has gained more and more attention. At present, acupuncture has been proved effective in the treatment of insomnia by many studies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia, and to provide the latest evidence for clinical application. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We collected the qualified literature on acupuncture treatment of insomnia by electronic retrieval of Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Disc (CBMDISC), PubMed, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) and Wanfang Database, and manual retrieval of papers and internal reports. We will select the eligible studies published up to September 30, 2019. We use Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) as the main outcome of insomnia and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) as secondary indicators to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment of insomnia, we will use Revman v.5.3 software to calculate data synthesis, and if the results are appropriate, meta-analysis can also be carried out. RESULTS: This study will provide comprehensive evidence of high quality of acupuncture treatment for insomnia from ISI, PSQI, HAMD, SAS, and adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: The systematic review will provide a basis for evaluating the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019131957.

Bosentan therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A systemic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bosentan therapy has been recommended for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and might be beneficial for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We aimed to evaluate the specific effects of bosentan for PAH and CTEPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing efficacy and safety of bosentan treatment for PAH and CTEPH through major biomedical database. RESULTS: A total of 10 RCTs including 1185 patients were enrolled. For PAH patients, bosentan prolonged 6-minute walk distance with a weighted mean difference of 35.7 m, reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure by 5.7 mm Hg, increased cardiac index by 0.4 L/min/m2 , reduced pulmonary vascular resistance by 305.1 dyn·s/cm5 , prevented functional class from deterioration and reduced clinical worsening as compared with placebo. For CTEPH patients, bosentan improved cardiac index by 0.3 L/min/m2 and reduced pulmonary vascular resistance by 176.0 dyn·s/cm5 . Other efficacy outcomes regarding CTEPH did not attain statistical difference. For both PAH and CTEPH, there was no significant difference in mortality or adverse event between bosentan and placebo group. However, bosentan raised the risk of abnormal liver function in both PAH and CTEPH patients. CONCLUSIONS: Bosentan is effective in treating PAH, whereas it improves only certain hemodynamic parameters of CTEPH. Incidence of liver function abnormality is higher in bosentan treatment.

[Penetration moxibustion with different dosage for insomnia of insufficiency of heart and spleen type].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with 40-min penetration moxibustion and 60-min penetration moxibustion at back-shu points for insomnia of insufficiency of heart and spleen type. METHODS: Sixty patients of insomnia with insufficiency of heart and spleen type were randomly assigned into a 40-min group and a 60-min group. The two groups were treated with acupuncture at Jueyinshu (BL 14), Xinshu (BL 15), Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20), Shendao (GV 11) and Zhiyang (GV 9). With moxibustion box, the penetration moxibustion was applied at the back until sweating and redness on the back. The moxibustion was given for 40 min in the 40-min group and 60 min in the 60-min group. The treatment was given once a day, five days per week. Each session was consisted of 5 treatments, with an interval of 2 days between session and totally 4 consecutive weeks were provided. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), TCM symptom scale were observed and recorded before and after treatment in the two groups. The even temperature at raising period, effective period, reducing period, as well as minimum high temperature, comfortable temperature, minimum cold temperature and medication status were compared; also the effect was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 96.6% (28/29) in the 60-min group, which was higher than 89.3% (25/28) in the 40-min group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the total score of PSQI and sleep quality, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disorder, daytime dysfunction as well as the total TCM symptom score and its drowsiress in the morning, palpitation, amnesia, appetite were reduced after treatment in the 40-min group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each score of PSQI as well as total score and each score of TCM symptom scale were reduced after treatment in the 60-min group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each score of PSQI as well as total score and each score of TCM symptom scale were significantly different between the two groups (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture combined with penetration moxibustion can improve the symptomsof insomnia with insufficiency of heart and spleen type, which is more significant in the 60-min group, indicating prolonged time of penetration moxibustion can improve sleep latency.

[Learning method of self-evaluation and mutual-evaluation for practical teaching of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Technique curriculum:application and exploration].

The application and significance of learning method of self-evaluation and mutual-evaluation for practical teaching of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Technique curriculum were investigated. The practical teaching followed theory teaching in the curriculum plan, which applied grouping pattern to provide demonstration, practice and assessment. According to the technique points of practical teaching, the teachers established evaluation form and listed detailed points of self-evaluation and mutual evaluation. The focus was student assessment, including individual self-evaluation, subject-evaluation intra-group evaluation, external-group evaluation and teacher evaluation. 100 points were taken as maximum score, including 10 points in the self-evaluation from operator, 20 points in the evaluation from receiver, 20 points in the intra-group evaluation, 20 points in external-group evaluation and 30 points in teacher evaluation. Through practical application, it was found learning system of self-evaluation and mutual-evaluation had important significance in promoting mutual learning among students, improving students' learning enthusiasm and initiative, and helping teachers understand and improve their roles.

[Abdominal skin temperature changes in penetrating moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the technique of temperature control on the abdomen in penetrating moxibustion through observing moxibustion time on the abdomen, abdominal skin temperature and effect after moxibustion so as to provide the safe, effective and easily applicable method for penetrating moxibustion. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were selected in an observation group, 32 healthy persons in a control group. In the observation group, the penetrating moxibustion was applied to the corresponding acupoint locations according to different symptoms. In the control group, moxibustion was used on the abdomen around the umbilicus. The skin temperature was recorded once every minute. The skin temperature of known heat sensation, the time of known heat sensation, the known reduced temperature, the time of temperature reducing, the skin temperature difference, the duration of penetrating moxibustion and the reaction of moxibustion from participants were recorded. RESULTS: The differences in the skin temperature of known heat sensation, the time of known heat sensation and the duration of penetrating moxibustion were significant statistically in comparison between the observation group and the control group (all P<0.01). The differences in the known reduced temperature, the time of temperature reducing and the skin tem- perature difference were not significant (all P>0.05). The differences were significant statistically in skin rashes and moxibustion reaction (gastrointestinal peristalsis, chills, ant climbing feeling and hunger, etc.) between the two groups (P<0.01). The differences were not significant statistically in flushing, sweating and blisters (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: (1) The level of temperature sensitivity in the observation group is lower than that in the control group. During penetrating moxibustion, the sensations such as gastrointestinal peristalsis, chills, ant climbing feeling and hunger appear easily, suggesting the positive self-adjustment in the body. (2) During penetrating moxibustion, the warm feeling is penetrated not just from the epidermis to the abdominal cavity and lumbar region, but also up to thehead and down to the knee. (3) The flushing, sweating and skin rashes are the important indices for the effectiveness of penetrating moxibustion. (4) The temperature control is the core technique of penetrating moxibustion. The penetrating moxibustion in 28 min to 32 min and the temperature controlled in 43 degrees C to 45 degrees C can solve the moxibustion smoky impact to the environment, but also relieve pains of the patients.

First report of Echinococcus shiquicus in dogs from eastern Qinghai-Tibet plateau region, China.

Echinococcus shiquicus was discovered in foxes and pika wildlife hosts in Sichuan Province, China in 2005. Faecal samples from dogs collected in a previous echinococcosis purgation survey from Shiqu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Sichuan) were screened by coproPCR to investigate the possible occurrence of E. shiquicus. In addition, coproDNA extracted from 8 necropsied Tibetan foxes (Vulpes ferrilata), the natural host of E. shiquicus, were also included. Thirty (6/20) percent of faecal samples from dogs were positive for E. shiquicus DNA after PCR amplification of a fragment within the ND1 mitochondrial gene. Echinococcus shiquicus was confirmed by sequencing in four dogs and 3 of the 6 dogs were concurrently infected with E. multilocularis. These were also verified by sequencing. Faecal samples from two Tibetan foxes were shown by PCR to harbour both E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus DNA. One of these dual E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus infections in a Tibetan fox was confirmed by sequencing.

Adipokines in reproductive function: a link between obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy associated with infertility and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age. Dysfunction of adipose tissue has been implicated in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Increasing evidence shows that the dysregulated expression of adipokines, the secreted products of adipose tissue, plays an important role in the pathology of PCOS. Here, we review the role of several identified adipokines that may act as a link between obesity and PCOS. PCOS also reciprocally influences the profile of adipokines. Insight into the underlying mechanisms will help better understand the pathology of PCOS and identify new therapeutic targets of this syndrome.

[Discussion on WANG Guo-rui's acupuncture academy thought].

Through study on Bianque Shenying Zhenjiu Yulong Jing (Bianque's Classic of Effective Acupuncture Prescriptions), acupuncture experiences and ideology of WANG Guo-rui, an acupuncture physician of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), is discussed in this article. Inherited and carried forward DOU's acupuncture theory, WANG Guo-rui encouraged to use experiential points and to expand extra points. Penetrating needling method was created, and the application of acupoints according to needling opportunities and seasonal factors were enriched by him. Great importance was also attached on treatment according to differentiation of syndromes, which including the simultaneous acupuncture and moxibustion, simultaneous reinforcing and reducing, reducing after reinforcing, reinforcing after reducing, predomination of reducing and predomination of reinforcing. The flexible treating methods are still extensively adopted in clinic nowadays. WANG Guo-rui is a master of clinical acupuncture who made great contribution to the development of acupuncture and moxibustion.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on expression of caspase-3 and phosphorylated Akt proteins in the skeleton muscle in diabetic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on expression of phosphorylated (pAkt) and caspase-3 proteins in the skeletal muscle in mice with diabetes, so as to provide experimental evidence for treating diabetic myopathy in clinic. METHODS: Eighteen C 57 mice were equally randomized into control, model and EA groups (n = 6 mice/ group). Type 1 diabetic model was established by streptozotocin (STZ, i. P., 200 mg/kg). EA (1 mA, 20-30 Hz) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli"(ST 36) and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) for 20 min, once daily for 14 days. Damp weights of the musculus soleus, plantaris, gastrocnemius, extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior were measured, and Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of pAkt (ser 473), pAkt(Thr 308), total Akt and caspase-3 proteins in the aforementioned skeleton muscles. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the weights of the musculus soleus, plantaris, gastrocnemius, extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior were decreased obviously in the model group (P < 0.01). After EA treatment, the weights of the 5 skeleton muscles were all increased apparently compared with the model group (P < 0.05). In comparison with the normal control group, muscular pAkt (Thr 308) protein expression level was down-regulated significantly in the model group (P < 0.01), while that of muscular caspase-3 protein expression of the model group was up-regulated considerably (P < 0.01). Following EA, the expression levels of muscular pAkt (Thr 308) and pAkt (ser 473) in the EA group were upregulated apparently (P < 0.01), while that of muscular caspase-3 protein was down-regulated obviously (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between the control and model groups in the expression levels of muscular pAkt (ser 473) and total Akt proteins (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can effectively up-regulate expression of pAkt (Thr 308 and ser 473) and down-regulate expression of caspase-3 protein in the skeleton muscle in diabetic mice, which may contribute to its effect in inhibiting diabetic myopathy.