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.

Acupuncture at Back-Shu point improves insomnia by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a disease where individuals cannot maintain a steady and stable sleep state or fail to fall asleep. Western medicine mainly uses sedatives and hypnotic drugs to treat insomnia, and long-term use is prone to drug resistance and other adverse reactions. Acupuncture has a good curative effect and unique advantages in the treatment of insomnia. AIM: To explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture at Back-Shu point for the treatment of insomnia. METHODS: We first prepared a rat model of insomnia, and then carried out acupuncture for 7 consecutive days. After treatment, the sleep time and general behavior of the rats were determined. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the learning ability and spatial memory ability of the rats. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and the hippocampus were detected by ELISA. qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression changes in the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were carried out to evaluate the protein expression levels of RAF-1, MEK-2, ERK1/2 and NF-κB. RESULTS: Acupuncture can prolong sleep duration, and improve mental state, activity, diet volume, learning ability and spatial memory. In addition, acupuncture increased the release of 1L-1ß, 1L-6 and TNF-α in serum and the hippocampus and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that acupuncture at Back-Shu point can inhibit the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway and treat insomnia by increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines in the hippo-campus.

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.

Identification and characterization of a novel hydroxylamine oxidase, DnfA, that catalyzes the oxidation of hydroxylamine to N2.

Nitrogen (N2) gas in the atmosphere is partially replenished by microbial denitrification of ammonia. Recent study has shown that Alcaligenes ammonioxydans oxidizes ammonia to dinitrogen via a process featuring the intermediate hydroxylamine, termed "Dirammox" (direct ammonia oxidation). However, the unique biochemistry of this process remains unknown. Here, we report an enzyme involved in Dirammox that catalyzes the conversion of hydroxylamine to N2. We tested previously annotated proteins involved in redox reactions, DnfA, DnfB, and DnfC, to determine their ability to catalyze the oxidation of ammonia or hydroxylamine. Our results showed that none of these proteins bound to ammonia or catalyzed its oxidation; however, we did find DnfA bound to hydroxylamine. Further experiments demonstrated that, in the presence of NADH and FAD, DnfA catalyzed the conversion of 15N-labeled hydroxylamine to 15N2. This conversion did not happen under oxygen (O2)-free conditions. Thus, we concluded that DnfA encodes a hydroxylamine oxidase. We demonstrate that DnfA is not homologous to any known hydroxylamine oxidoreductases and contains a diiron center, which was shown to be involved in catalysis via electron paramagnetic resonance experiments. Furthermore, enzyme kinetics of DnfA were assayed, revealing a Km of 92.9 ± 3.0 µM for hydroxylamine and a kcat of 0.028 ± 0.001 s-1. Finally, we show that DnfA was localized in the cytoplasm and periplasm as well as in tubular membrane invaginations in HO-1 cells. To the best of our knowledge, we conclude that DnfA is the first enzyme discovered that catalyzes oxidation of hydroxylamine to N2.

Alcaligenes ammonioxydans HO-1 antagonizes Bacillus velezensis via hydroxylamine-triggered population response.

Antagonism is a common behavior seen between microbes in nature. Alcaligenes ammonioxydans HO-1 converts ammonia to nitrogen under aerobic conditions, which leads to the accumulation of extracellular hydroxylamine (HA), providing pronounced growth advantages against many bacterial genera, including Bacillus velezensis V4. In contrast, a mutant variant of A. ammonioxydans, strain 2-29, that cannot produce HA fails to antagonize other bacteria. In this article, we demonstrate that cell-free supernatants derived from the antagonistic HO-1 strain were sufficient to reproduce the antagonistic behavior and the efficiency of this inhibition correlated strongly with the HA content of the supernatant. Furthermore, reintroducing the capacity to produce HA to the 2-29 strain or supplementing bacterial co-cultures with HA restored antagonistic behavior. The HA-mediated antagonism was dose-dependent and affected by the temperature, but not by pH. HA caused a decline in biomass, cell aggregation, and hydrolysis of the cell wall in exponentially growing B. velezensis bulk cultures. Analysis of differential gene expression identified a series of genes modulating multicellular behavior in B. velezensis. Genes involved in motility, chemotaxis, sporulation, polypeptide synthesis, and non-ribosomal peptide synthesis were all significantly downregulated in the presence of HA, whereas autolysis-related genes showed upregulation. Taken together, these findings indicate that HA affects the population response of coexisting strains and also suggest that A. ammonioxydans HO-1 antagonize other bacteria by producing extracellular HA that, in turn, acts as a signaling molecule.

Degradation of amoxicillin by newly isolated Bosea sp. Ads-6.

Amoxicillin (AMX), one of the micro-amount hazardous pollutants, was frequently detected in environments, and of great risks to environments and human health. Microbial degradation is a promising method to eliminate pollutants. In this study, an efficient AMX-degrading strain, Ads-6, was isolated and characterized. Strain Ads-6, belonging to the genus Bosea, was also able to grow on AMX as the sole carbon and nitrogen source, with a removal of ~60% TOC. Ads-6 exhibited strong AMX-degrading ability at initial concentrations of 0.5-2 mM and pH 6-8. Addition of yeast extract could significantly enhance its degrading ability. Many degradation intermediates were identified by HPLC-MS, including new ones such as two phosphorylated products which were firstly defined in AMX degradation. A new AMX degradation pathway was proposed accordingly. Moreover, the results of comparative transcriptomes and proteomes revealed that ß-lactamase, L, D-transpeptidase or its homologous enzymes were responsible for the initial degradation of AMX. Protocatechuate branch of the beta-ketoadipate pathway was confirmed as the downstream degradation pathway. These results in the study suggested that Ads-6 is great potential in biodegradation of antibiotics as well as in the bioremediation of contaminated environments.

[Advances in bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminated soil].

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of persistent pollutants that are widely distributed in the environment. Due to their stable structure and poor degradability, PAHs exhibit carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic toxicity to the ecological environment and organisms, thus increasing attentions have been paid to their removals and remediation. Green, safe and economical technologies are widely used in the bioremediation of PAHs-contaminated soil. This article summarizes the present status of PAHs pollution in soil of China from the aspects of origin, migration, fate, and pollution level. Meanwhile, the types of microorganisms and plants capable of degrading PAHs, as well as the underlying mechanisms, are summarized. The features of three major bioremediation technologies, i.e., microbial remediation, phytoremediation, and joint remediation, are compared. Analysis of the interaction mechanisms between plants and microorganisms, selection and cultivation of stress-resistant strains and plants, as well as safety and efficacy evaluation of practical applications, are expected to become future directions in this field.

Novel Alcaligenes ammonioxydans sp. nov. from wastewater treatment sludge oxidizes ammonia to N2 with a previously unknown pathway.

Heterotrophic nitrifiers are able to oxidize and remove ammonia from nitrogen-rich wastewaters but the genetic elements of heterotrophic ammonia oxidation are poorly understood. Here, we isolated and identified a novel heterotrophic nitrifier, Alcaligenes ammonioxydans sp. nov. strain HO-1, oxidizing ammonia to hydroxylamine and ending in the production of N2 gas. Genome analysis revealed that strain HO-1 encoded a complete denitrification pathway but lacks any genes coding for homologous to known ammonia monooxygenases or hydroxylamine oxidoreductases. Our results demonstrated strain HO-1 denitrified nitrite (not nitrate) to N2 and N2 O at anaerobic and aerobic conditions respectively. Further experiments demonstrated that inhibition of aerobic denitrification did not stop ammonia oxidation and N2 production. A gene cluster (dnfT1RT2ABCD) was cloned from strain HO-1 and enabled E. coli accumulated hydroxylamine. Sub-cloning showed that genetic cluster dnfAB or dnfABC already enabled E. coli cells to produce hydroxylamine and further to 15 N2 from (15 NH4 )2 SO4 . Transcriptome analysis revealed these three genes dnfA, dnfB and dnfC were significantly upregulated in response to ammonia stimulation. Taken together, we concluded that strain HO-1 has a novel dnf genetic cluster for ammonia oxidation and this dnf genetic cluster encoded a previously unknown pathway of direct ammonia oxidation (Dirammox) to N2 .

[Adjuvant treatment of penetrating moxibustion at governor vessel for persistent allergic rhinitis of deficiency-cold syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and action mechanism of penetrating moxibustion at governor vessel for persistent allergic rhinitis of deficiency-cold syndrome. METHODS: Ninety patients with persistent allergic rhinitis of deficiency-cold syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 45). The patients in the control group were treated with momethasone furoate nasal spray, 2 sprays per side per time, once a day. On the basis of treatment in the control group, the patients in the observation group were additionally treated with penetrating moxibustion at governor vessel, 2 h per treatment, once a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The TCM symptom score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score were observed in the two groups before and after treatment. The serum level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and complete blood count of eosinophil (EOS) were measured before and after treatment, and the clinical effects were compared. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the TCM symptom scores, VAS scores, RQLQ scores, serum levels of IgE and complete blood count of EOS in the two groups were all reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 95.6% (43/45), which was higher than 82.2% (37/45) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the momethasone furoate nasal spray, the adjuvant treatment of penetrating moxibustion at governor vessel could significantly improve the clinical symptoms in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis of deficiency-cold syndrome, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of immune disorder.

[Design and application of Baihui moxibustion box].

On the base of the principle of penetrating moxibustion and in combination with free adjustment devices such as movable U-shaped moxa stick holder and movable clamp, a new type of moxibustion box exerted on the head is designed, with precise positioning and sufficient heat intensity. Baihui moxibustion box is composed of two sections, i.e. body section and pillow section, which is as one structure. There are several vertical bar-shaped holes distributed evenly on the movable door outside moxa box. The U-shaped moxa stick holder on the inner side of the bar-shaped hole is connected with the fixed clamp on the outside, which is movable up and down, forward and backward for height adjustment. Such moxibustion box is characterized as accurate positioning, energy saving, temperature control and manpower saving.

Effect and Safety of Penetrating Moxibustion in Treatment of Migraine without Aura: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of penetrating moxibustion on migraine without aura (MO) patients. METHODS: Totally 60 MO patients from the Acupuncture Clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine were collected from November 2015 to February 2017. All patients were assigned to a treatment group and a control group using a random number table, 30 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated with penetrating moxibustion, and the control group was treated with mild moxibustion, thrice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. The total effective rate, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, headache intensity, and Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) scores of patients after treatment were compared between the two groups. The moxibustion sensation and reaction after moxibustion were observed, and the adverse reactions were evaluated. All patients were followed up at 4 and 16 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (93.33% vs. 80.00%, P<0.05). The improvement of VAS scores, headache intensity, and the role restrictive and role preventive scores in MSQ in the treatment group was better than those in the control group (P<0.05). The person-time of moxibustion sensations of itching, numbness and cold as well as flushing and sweating after moxibustion in the treatment group was all significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in safety evaluation between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating moxibustion can significantly relieve pain and improve quality of life of MO patients. After penetrating moxibustion, flushing and sweating of patients were obvious, and the curative effect was superior to the mild moxibustion.

Pseudomonas sp. AOB-7 utilizes PHA granules as a sustained-release carbon source and biofilm carrier for aerobic denitrification of aquaculture water.

Nitrate accumulation causes long-time threat to aquatic animals in recirculating aquaculture system (RAS); thus, nitrate removal is also required in RASs. However, the lack of carbon sources makes denitrification difficult to function. Nitrate removal performance of an aerobic denitrifying and extracellular polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerase-producing bacterium, Pseudomonas sp. AOB-7, using polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules as a solid sustained-release carbon source in RAS was evaluated. With the initial nitrate-N concentration of 140 mg/L, the high denitrification rates of 0.056 g NO3--N L-1 day-1 and 0.035 g NO3--N L-1 day-1 were achieved in denitrification medium containing poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), respectively. Significant erosions and pits formed on the surface of the granules made them a good biofilm carrier for AOB-7, and 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) monomer was the major product released to aquatic phase, which was benefit to animals. SEM photos showed that AOB-7 entered and attached on the inside of the PHA particle holes. A 4-week application trial was conducted to reveal the effects of PHB (AOB-7) denitrifying agent and 3-HB produced on growth of zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) by adding 0.1% (w/v) PHB (AOB-7) denitrifying agent. Result indicated that PHB (AOB-7) denitrifying agent can significantly reduce nitrate-N content in RASs. Compared with the control group, feed coefficient ratio reduced by 18% and weight gain ratio increased by 29% in the PHB (AOB-7) denitrifying agent group. 3-HB monomer produced during the denitrification was speculated to function as a prebiotic and promote zebrafish growth. KEY POINTS: • AOB-7 showed a good aerobic denitrifying ability on PHA granules as sustained-release C source. • PHB (AOB-7) denitrifying agent can significantly reduce nitrate content in RAS. • R-3-HB monomer was the major product released to aquatic phase and function as a prebiotic.

[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.

[Clinical characteristics of ZHU Dan-xi's acupuncture and moxibustion].

The clinical characteristics of ZHU Dan-xi 's acupuncture and moxibustion in the aspects of syndrome differentiation based on meridian and collateral and the techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion were explored by analyzing and summarizing ZHU Dan-xi's clinical experience in acupuncture and moxibustion practice. ZHU Dan-xi pointed out a compound symptoms with the three yin and three yang of hand and foot meridians, which enriches the connotation of the diagnosis and treatment on base of the meridian-collateral theory. In clinical practice, the therapeutic method with acupuncture and moxibustion is combined with herbal medicine. He believed that acupuncture is mostly used for reducing rather than reinforcing purpose. Hence, the bloodletting technique of acupuncture is commonly used. The moxibustion therapy is applicable for all of the conditions of deficiency, excess, cold and heat. In clinical practice, moxibustion is used for heat syndrome and acute syndrome by reducing heat, removing toxin and regaining consciousness. The timing of moxibustion should be considered specifically in the treatment for tonifying yang, generating yin, reducing heat and removing toxin. The unique characteristics of ZHU Dan-xi 's experience provide the reference for the clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion in the later generations.

[Clinical trial of treatment of frozen shoulder by intensive moxibustion plus acupuncture].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical therapeutic effect of intensive moxibustion plus acupuncture and simple acupuncture therapy in the treatment of frozen shoulder so as to provide a reference for clinical practice. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with frozen shoulder were randomly divided into intensive moxibustion plus acupuncture group and simple acupuncture group (n＝30 per group). Acupoints Jianyu (LI15), Jianzhen (SI9), Jianliao (TE14), Tiaokou (ST38), Chengshan (BL57) and Ashi points (Extra) were punctured with filiform needles which were manipulated till the patients experienced feelings of soreness and distension in the local region, followed by retaining the needles for 40 min. For patients of the moxibustion plus acupuncture group, after acupuncture, an ignited moxa-stick segment was applied to the affected shoulder for 40－50 min. After the treatment, all patients were ordered to make a shoulder exercise (anteflexion, rear protraction, abduction and upthrow movements, etc.). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain severity, and the Constant-Murley shoulder assessment scale (the total score is 100 points, including 15 points in pain severity and 20 points in daily living activities, 40 points in joint motion range, and 25 points in myodynamia) used to assess the functional state of the shoulder, and the "Standards for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine"(1994) were employed to evaluate the therapeutic effect. RESULTS: Following the treatment, intra-group comparison showed that the VAS score was significantly reduced in both groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05), and the total scores of Constant-Murley scale, the scores of activities of daily living and active motion range, as well as the scores of pain integration and myodynamia, were all considerably increased in the two groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment (all P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of the moxibustion plus acupuncture was significantly superior to that of the simple acupuncture in reducing VAS score and increasing total score of Constant-Murley scale, and scores of activities of daily living and active motion range, as well as the scores of pain integration (P<0.05). Of the two 29 cases in the moxibustion plus acupuncture and simple acupuncture groups, 19 (65.52%) and 10 (34.48%) were cured, 8 (27.58%) and 12 (41.38%) experienced improvement, 2 (6.90%) and 7 (24.14%) were failed, with the effective rate being 93.10% and 75.86%, respectively. The therapeutic effective rate of the moxibustion plus acupuncture was evidently higher than that of the simple acupuncture (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of intensive moxibustion plus acupuncture is superior to that of simple acupuncture in improving symptoms of frozen shoulder in patients.

Pricking and penetrating moxibustion therapy in patients with refractory insomnia: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of pricking and penetrating moxibustion therapy on refractory insomnia. METHODS: Totally 60 subjects were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 30 in each group. The treatment group was treated with pricking and penetrating moxibustion therapy, the control group with penetrating moxibustion therapy, the treatment was given once every day, two groups of patients were treated 20 times, compared the efficacy, pinsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom, safety evaluation between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with 10, 20 times after the treatment, the effective rate of the treatment group (93.3%) higher than that of the control group (80.0%) (P < 0.05); Compared with before treatment, 20 times after treatment, the PSQI and TCM symptom pattern scores of the two groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.01); Compared with 10, 20 times after the treatment, the treatment group are better than the control group in improving the total score and the integral of PSQI (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); The treatment group are better than the control group in improving the TCM symptom pattern score, difficulty in going to sleep, palpitation, amnesia, fidget, sweating, impaired concentration (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The pricking and penetrating moxibustion therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of refractory insomnia and the treatment can improve the curative effect of the therapy that uses penetrating moxibustion only.

[The clinical application of warm acupuncture and penetration moxibustion by professor GAO Xiyan].

To introduce professor GAO Xiyan's clinical application of warm acupuncture and penetration moxibustion, and explain from the aspects of formation, application scope and innovation of warm acupuncture and penetration moxibustion. Professor GAO emphasized that intensive moxibustion and moxibustion sensation are the key factors to ensure the clinical curative effect. According to the different parts of the moxibustion, it can be applied to the head, abdomen, waist and knee joints, etc, which plays the role of warming the meridians, replenishing qi and fixing collaterals,dispersing cold and removing stasis, harmonizing qi and blood.And to introduce the specific application of warm acupuncture and penetration moxibustion through the typical medical case.

Heteroatom-doped porous carbons derived from moxa floss of different storage years for supercapacitors.

Two novel carbons (MCs) derived from moxa floss of different storage years have been prepared by two low-cost and facile approaches, which are hydrothermal carbonization at a low temperature (200 °C) and direct pyrolysis at a moderate temperature (500 °C) followed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation strategy at a high temperature (800 °C), respectively. The physicochemical properties of MCs are investigated by Raman spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. Results show that MCs derived from moxa floss of different storage years by two facile approaches possess different morphologies: MCs by hydrothermal carbonization (denoted as MC-1, MC-2 and MC-3) exhibit porous nanosheet structures, the highest specific surface area is about 1788.6 m2 g-1, and the largest total pore volumes is around 0.8170 cm3 g-1, while MCs by direct pyrolysis (denoted as MC-4, MC-5 and MC-6) have basically blocky and rod-like morphologies, the highest specific surface area is about 1628.0 m2 g-1, and the largest total pore volume is around 0.7058 cm3 g-1. However, despite the different morphologies, all MCs possess a similar hierarchical porous structure, numerous heteroatom groups and good electrical conductivity. Therefore, these low-cost, biomass-derived porous carbons with promising capacitive performance are used for supercapacitors application with high performance, for example, the as-assembled supercapacitor based on MC-5 exhibits a high specific capacitance of 288.3 F g-1 at 0.25 A g-1, an excellent rate performance of 243.5 F g-1 even at 30 A g-1 with 84.5% capacitance retention of its initial specific capacitance, and an outstanding long-term cycling stability with 98.7% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles at 5 A g-1. Furthermore, the maximum energy density for these supercapacitors with an aqueous electrolyte in a two-electrode system is about 10.0 W h kg-1 at a power density of 70.3 W kg-1. Therefore, this work opens up a whole new field for the applications of moxa floss and this novel concept of moxa floss use is an extremely promising strategy for developing high-performance carbons with porous structures and heteroatom-doping from renewable sources.

[Brief discussion on technique and application experience of penetrating moxibustion].

The penetrating moxibustion technique is proposed based on experience of the ancients and clinical practice for many years. From the aspects of definition, action characteristics and technique at different parts, the advantage and application experience of penetrating moxibustion have been discussed. The adequate dose of moxibustion is necessary in penetrating moxibustion; in addition, moxibustion sensation should be penetrating; therefore, with a temperature of 43℃ for more than 20 min, sweating, flushing, speckle appearing after penetrating moxibustion. Due to individual differences of age, gender and constitution factors, the effects of penetrating moxibustion are different, in clinical practice the body reaction and patient's feelings should be deliberately focused on other than does or sore and blister of moxibustion. The technique is common used in the abdomen, waist and knee joint, etc.