[Interactive scalp acupuncture for hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effect between interactive scalp acupuncture and traditional scalp acupuncture on hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction in the patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: Seventy cases of hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction of ischemic stroke were randomly divided into an interactive scalp acupuncture group (35 cases, 1 case breaked off) and a traditional scalp acupuncture group (35 cases, 1 case dropped off). The patients of the two groups received the secondary prevention medication and routine rehabilitation therapy. Besides, in the interactive scalp acupuncture group, the upper extremity occupational therapy was operated during the needle retaining of scalp acupuncture; and in the traditional scalp acupuncture group, the upper extremity occupational therapy was delivered after the completion of scalp acupuncture. The same points were selected in the two groups such as Fuxiang head area, Fuxiang upper-limb-shoulder point, Fuxiang upper-limb-elbow point and Fuxiang upper-limb-wrist point. The needles were inserted perpendicularly by flying-needle technique and manipulated by triple technique of gentle twisting, heavy pressure and vibrating. The needles were retained for 30 min. Based on the degree of the upper extremity motor impairment, the regimen of the upper extremity occupational therapy was formulated individually and one treatment took 30 min. In the two groups, the therapies were delivered once daily, 5 times a week, lasting 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity (FMA-UE), Wolf motor function test (WMFT), the modified Barthel index (MBI) and the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) grade in the two groups were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of FMA-UE, WMFT and MBI were higher than those before treatment (P<0.01), and MAS grade was improved (P<0.05) in the two groups. The scores of FMA-UE, WMFT and MBI in the interactive scalp acupuncture group were higher than those in the traditional scalp acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and there was no statistical significance in the difference of MAS grade between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The interactive scalp acupuncture can effectively improve the motor function of the hemiplegic upper extremities and the activities of daily living in the patients with ischemic stroke and its efficacy is better than traditional scalp acupuncture. But these two types of scalp acupuncture obtain the similar effect on spasticity.

Circulating and Pulmonary T-cell Populations Driving the Immune Response in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia.

Background: Previous studies in human subjects have mostly been confined to peripheral blood lymphocytes for Pneumocystis infection. We here aimed to compare circulating and pulmonary T-cell populations derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected immunocompromised patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in order to direct new therapies. Methods: Peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected from patients with and without PCP. Populations of Th1/Tc1, Th2/Tc2, Th9/Tc9, and Th17/Tc17 CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were quantified using multiparameter flow cytometry. Results: No significant differences were found between PCP and non-PCP groups in circulating T cells. However, significantly higher proportions of pulmonary Th1 and Tc9 were observed in the PCP than in the non-PCP group. Interestingly, our data indicated that pulmonary Th1 was negatively correlated with disease severity, whereas pulmonary Tc9 displayed a positive correlation in PCP patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that pulmonary expansion of Th1 and Tc9 subsets may play protective and detrimental roles in PCP patients, respectively. Thus, these specific T-cell subsets in the lungs may serve as targeted immunotherapies for patients with PCP.

Metschnikowia baotianmanensis f.a., sp. nov., a new yeast species isolated from the gut of the rhinoceros beetle Allomyrina dichotoma.

Four strains, NYNU 15610, NYNU 15612, NYNU 15613 and NYNU 15615, of a novel ascomycetous yeast were isolated from the gut of Allomyrina dichotoma (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae) collected from two different localities in Henan Province, Central PR China. The four strains shared identical sequences in both of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer regions. Sequence analyses revealed that this novel species represents a member of the genus Metschnikowia. It differed from its closest known species Metschnikowia zobellii, Metschnikowiaaustralis and Metschnikowia bicuspidata, by 8.4-9.2 % sequence divergence (33-40 nt substitutions and 7-12 gaps over 509 bases) in the D1/D2 sequences. The formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media. In contrast to M. zobellii, M. australis and M. bicuspidata, the novel yeast species was unable to assimilate succinate, ethanol, ethylamine, cadaverine and 10 % NaCl plus 5 % glucose, but was able to grow in vitamin-free medium. The name Metschnikowia baotianmanensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 15613 as the holotype.

Saturnispora galanensis sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Three strains of a novel yeast species were isolated from rotting wood in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, Yunnan Province, PR China. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions showed that the novel species represents a member of the genus Saturnispora. It differed from its closest known species, Saturnispora sekii CBS 10931T, by 1.3 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and by 2.2 % nucleotide substitutions in the ITS regions, respectively. In contrast to Saturnispora sekii, the novel yeast species was unable to assimilate glycerol, dl-lactate, succinate and citrate, and grow at 37 °C. The name Saturnispora galanensis sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 1797 as the holotype.

Candida yunnanensis sp. nov. and Candida parablackwelliae sp. nov., two yeast species in the Candida albicans/Lodderomyces clade.

During studies on the yeast communities associated with rotting wood in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest in PR China, four novel yeast strains were found. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the ITS regions showed that these strains represented two novel species in the Candida albicans/Lodderomyces clade. The novel species, represented by strains NYNU 17948 and NYNU 17981, formed a clade with Candida maltosa and Candida baotianmanensis, with 1-1.8% sequence divergence in the D1/D2 domains and 8.9-10% sequence divergence in the ITS regions. The other novel species, represented by NYNU 17105 and NYNU 17763, is most closely related to Candida blackwelliae with 0.7 % sequence divergence in the D1/D2 domains and 6.9 % sequence divergence in the ITS regions. The two novel species could be distinguished from their closest described species in terms of physiological traits. The two novel species are described as Candida yunnanensis sp. nov. (holotype NYNU 17948) and Candida parablackwelliae sp. nov. (holotype NYNU 17763).

Wickerhamomyces menglaensis f.a., sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from rotten wood.

Five strains, NUNU 16637, NYNU 16645, NYNU 1673, NYNU 1680 and NYNU 1689, of a novel ascomycetous yeast were isolated from the Xishuangbanna tropical rainforest, Yunnan Province, PR China. The five strains shared identical sequences in both of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Sequence analysis showed that they represent undescribed yeast species belonging to the genus Wickerhamomyces. They differed from their closest known species, Wickerhamomyces xylosivorus NBRC 111553T, by 3.4 % sequence divergence (14 substitutions and six gaps out of 584 bp) in the D1/D2 domains and by 9.6 % sequence divergence (28 substitutions and 24 gaps over 543 bp) in the ITS regions, respectively. The five strains of novel species reproduced asexually; no sexual reproduction could be found. In contrast to W. xylosivorus, the novel yeast species were able to assimilate l-arabinose, inulin, soluble starch, d-mannitol and citrate, and unable to assimilate trehalose, raffinose, 5-keto-d-gluconate, d-gluconate, ethanol, ethylamine and cadaverine. Growth was observed at 35 °C. The name Wickerhamomyces menglaensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 1673 as the holotype.

Vanrija jinghongensis sp. nov., an asexual basidiomycetous yeast from rotting wood.

Three strains of a novel basidiomycetous yeast were isolated from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, Yunnan Province, PR China. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions indicated that the novel species represents a member of the genus Vanrija. It differed from the most closely related known species, Vanrija albida CBS 2839T, by 1.5 % sequence divergence (seven substitutions and two gaps out of 597 bp) in the D1/D2 domains and by 7.4 % sequence divergence (17 substitutions and 20 gaps over 495 bp) in the ITS regions, respectively. The three strains of the novel species reproduced asexually, and no mating could be found. In contrast to V. albida, the novel yeast species was able to assimilate d-glucosamine, inulin, erythritol and galactitol and unable to assimilate raffinose. The name Vanrija jinghongensis sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 17910T (=CICC 33269=CBS 15229) as the type strain.

Sugiyamaella xiaguanensis f.a., sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Three strains representing a novel yeast species, Sugiyamaella xiaguanensis f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 161041T=CICC 33167T=CBS 14696T), were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in Henan and Yunnan Provinces, PR China. The novel species is able to assimilate cellobiose, salicin and d-xylose, which was typical of the species of the genus Sugiyamaella. Analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer regions of these strains showed that this species was related to Sugiyamaella lignohabitans and Sugiyamaella marionensis, its closest relatives. Su. xiaguanensis sp. nov. differed by 1.4 % nucleotide substitutions from Su. lignohabitans, and by 1.9 % nucleotide substitutions from Su. marionensis in the D1/D2 sequences. The ITS sequences of Su. xiaguanensis sp. nov. displayed more than 6.5 % nucleotide substitutions from the latter two species, showing that it is a genetically separate species.

[Effects of scalp-acupuncture on astrocyte apoptosis in hippocampal CA 1 region in rats with vascular dementia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of scalp-acupuncture intervention on the expression of Bcl-2 of astrocytes in the hippocampus in vascular dementia (VD) rats, so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in improving VD. METHODS: A total of 40 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, sham-operation, VD model, and scalp-acupuncture groups (n=10 in each group). The VD model was established by using modified Pulsinelli 4-vessel-occlusion method. Scalp-acupuncture was applied to bilateral "Daozang Shangjiao" and bilateral "Jiyi", and "Siwei" acupoints according to FANG's scalp-acupuncture therapy for 30 min, once daily for 10 days. The rat's learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze tests, and the expression of apoptosis related proteins Bcl-2 of astrocytes in the hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence double labeling technique and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Morris water maze tests showed that the average escape latency of place navigation test and the duration of the first platform-site crossover (space probing test) were significantly increased in the model group compared with the normal control group (P<0.01), and the number of platform-site crossovers in 2 min was markedly decreased in the model group (P<0.01). The increased average escape latency and the increased duration of first platform-site crossover were markedly shortened in the scalp-acupuncture group in comparison with the model group (P<0.01), and the number of the platform crossovers in 2 min was significantly increased in the scalp-acupuncture group (P<0.01). The expression of Bcl-2 protein and the number of GFAP/Bcl-2-labeled cells of hippocampal CA 1 region in the model group were remarkably decreased compared with the normal control group (P<0.01). After scalp-acupuncture intervention, the decreased Bcl-2 protein expression level and the number of double-labeled GFAP/Bcl-2 cells were significantly up-regulated in the scalp-acupuncture group compared with the model group (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between the normal control and sham-operation groups in the escape latency, duration of the first platform-site crossover, number of platform crossovers in 2 min, number of GFAP/Bcl-2 double labeled cells and the expression level of hippocampal Bcl-2 protein (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Scalp-acupuncture can effectively regulate the expression of apoptosis related proteins Bcl-2 of astrocytes in the CA 1 region of hippocampus in rats with VD, which may contribute to its effect in the improvement of VD.

[Multicentral randomized controlled studies on acupuncture at Shaoze (SI 1) for treatment of postpartum hypolactation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore effect of acupuncture at Shaoze (SI 1) for treatment of postpartum hypolactation. METHODS: Multicentral randomized controlled and single blind clinical trial was adopted, and 276 cases were divided into a treatment group and a control group, 138 cases in each group. The treatment group were treated with electroacupuncture (EA) at Shaoze (SI 1) and the control group with EA at Shangyang (LI 1). After treatment of 2 courses, the therapeutic effects and changes of cumulative score of TCM symptoms, mammary filling degree, lactation amount, prolactin level were evaluated and investigated. RESULTS: The cured and markedly effective rate was 97.8% in the treatment group and 24.3% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The treatment group in improvement of the cumulative score of TCM symptoms and the mammary filling degree, and increasing the lactation amount and the prolactin level were better than the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Shaoze (SI 1) has obvious therapeutic effect on hypolactation.