Effect of electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B2) on senescence of nucleus pulposus cells of degenerated lumbar intervertebral disc in rabbits. / 电针"夹脊"å¯¹è °æ¤Žé—´ç›˜é€€å˜å ”é€€å˜æ¤Žé—´ç›˜é«“æ ¸ç»†èƒžè¡°è€çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Jiaji"(EX-B2) on body mass, motor function, expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in nucleus pulposus cells and annulus fibrosus tissue, telomerase activi-ty, relative telomere length and different cell cycle ratio of nucleus pulposus cells in rabbits with intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD), so as to investigate its mechanism underlying delaying senescence of the degenerated lumbar intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells. METHODS: Twenty-five male New Zealand rabbits with mature bones were divided into control, sham operation, model, EA, and acupuncture groups, with 5 rabbits in each group. The IVDD model was established by inserting kirschner wires to the vertebral bone surface between the lumbar (L)4 and L5 vertebrae, followed by applying continuous axial pressure for 28 d. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1-2 mA) or acupuncture (only insertion of acupuncture needles into bilateral EX-B2, but without electrical stimulation) was applied to bilateral EX-B2 for 20 min, once daily, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The hindlimb locomotor function (locomotor score) was assessed by using Faden's and colleagues' methods. The general conditions of rabbits in each group were observed, and their body weight changes were measured every week. Nucleus pulposus cells were isolated using enzyme digestion method. After the treatment, the Cav-1 positive cell counts in nucleus pulposus cells and annulus fibrosus tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the telomerase activity of nucleus pulposus cells was detected by PCR-ELISA. The relative telomere length of nucleus pulposus cells was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR), and the cell cycle of nucleus pulposus was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the body mass from 4 to 11 week, locomotor score at 4, 7 and 11 week, telomerase activity, relative telomere length and the proportion of cells in G2/M phase of nucleus pulposus cells were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while Cav-1 positive cell counts of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus tissue, and the proportion of nucleus pulposus cells in the G0/G1 phase considerably increased (P<0.01) in the model group. Relevant to the model group, the EA group rather than the acupuncture group had an increase in the body mass from 8 to 11 week, locomotor score at 11 week, telomerase activity, relative telomere length of nucleus pulposus cells, and the proportion of nucleus pulposus cells in G2/M phase (P<0.01), and a decrease in the Cav-1 positive cell counts of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus tissue and the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between the model and acupuncture groups in all the indexes mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: EA at EX-B2 has a bene-ficial effect in improving motor function in rabbits with IVDD, which may be related to its functions in reducing the expression of Cav-1 in nucleus pulposus cells and annulus fibrosus, improving cycle arrest, enhancing the telomerase activity and the relative telomere length of nucleus pulposus cells, delaying the senescence of nucleus pulposus cells of the degenerated lumbar intervertebral discs.

Electroacupuncture promotes microglial M2 polarization in ischemic stroke via annexin A1.

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation is the leading cause of neurological sequelae in ischemic stroke. Recently, we reported that the anti-inflammatory mediator annexin A1 (ANXA1) favored microglial M2 polarization in brain injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate electroacupuncture (EA) treatment and its potentially ANXA1-mediated anti-inflammatory effects in the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) mouse model of stroke. METHODS: Treatment with EA consisted of dense-sparse frequencies (alternating 4 Hz sparse waves for 1.5 s and 16 Hz dense waves for 1.5 s) at CV24 and GV26. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Boc-2 (5 µM) or short hairpin RNA (sh)ANXA1 (2 µL) 3 days before EA was performed to block the effects of ANXA1. RESULTS: EA pretreatment enhanced expression of ANXA1 and its receptor, formyl peptide receptor (FPR), when compared to MCAO/R alone. EA treatment also rescued MCAO/R-induced deficits in neurological performance, and learning and memory, and reduced infarct volume. Double immunofluorescent labeling showed that EA prevented MCAO/R-induced changes in microglial activation and morphology. EA also reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, while increasing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as arginase-1 (Arg-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). All EA-induced effects were either partially or completely prevented by prior administration of FPR antagonist Boc-2 or shANXA1. CONCLUSION: The current study provides strong evidence that EA treatment has protective effects against ischemic stroke in the MCAO/R mouse model and that the mechanism likely involves the promotion of M2 polarization in microglia via ANXA1.

Relative distribution of Cd2+ adsorption mechanisms on biochars derived from rice straw and sewage sludge.

Qualitative and quantitative characterization of Cd2+ adsorption mechanisms was performed with rice-straw and sewage-sludge biochars produced at different temperature (300-700 °C), respectively. The pH effect, adsorption kinetics and isotherms were investigated, and chemical analyses of Cd2+-loaded biochars were conducted by SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR and Boehm titration. This demonstrated that rice-straw biochars (RSBs) have greater adsorption capacities for Cd2+ than sewage-sludge biochars (SSBs), which was mainly due to precipitation and cation exchange mechanisms, with their contribution proportion to total adsorption from 76.1% to 80.8%. While in SSBs, both mechanisms were overshadowed by coordination with π electrons mechanism accounting for 59.2%-62.9% of total adsorption, even the role of cation exchange was negligible in the adsorption mechanisms accounting for 2.3%-6.7%. The relationship of each mechanism with biochar's properties were discussed, which further deepen our understanding of adsorption on biochars. These results suggest RSBs have great potential for removing Cd2+ from aqueous solutions.

Effects of intensity of electroacupuncture on chronic pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is impaired in people with chronic pain such as knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The purpose of this randomized, controlled clinical trial was to investigate whether strong electroacupuncture (EA) was more effective on chronic pain by strengthening the CPM function than weak EA or sham EA in patients with KOA. METHODS: In this multicenter, three-arm parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial, 301 patients with KOA were randomly assigned. Patients were randomized into three groups based on EA current intensity: strong EA (> 2 mA), weak EA (< 0.5 mA), and sham EA (non-acupoint). Treatments consisted of five sessions per week, for 2 weeks. Primary outcome measures were visual analog scale (VAS), CPM function, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RESULTS: Three hundred one patients with KOA were randomly assigned, among which 271 (90.0%) completed the study (mean age 63.93 years old). One week of EA had a clinically important improvement in VAS and WOMAC but not in CPM function. After 2 weeks treatment, EA improved VAS, CPM, and WOMAC compared with baseline. Compared with sham EA, weak EA (3.8; 95% CI 3.45, 4.15; P < .01) and strong EA (13.54; 95% CI 13.23, 13.85; P < .01) were better in improving CPM function. Compared with weak EA, strong EA was better in enhancing CPM function (9.73; 95% CI 9.44, 10.02; P < .01), as well as in reducing VAS and total WOMAC score. CONCLUSION: EA should be administered for at least 2 weeks to exert a clinically important effect on improving CPM function of KOA patients. Strong EA is better than weak or sham EA in alleviating pain intensity and inhibiting chronic pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( ChiCTR-ICR-14005411 ), registered on 31 October 2014.

[Comparative study of multifocal LASIK for the correction of pre-presbyopic myopia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of multifocal LASIK for the correction of pre-presbyopic myopia METHODS: In this prospective,comparative case series, thirty-two patients were recruited into the study,mean age was (38.5 +/- 2.7) years, standard LASIK using Planoscan was performed on the patient's dominant eye, while multifocal LASIK was performed on the nondominant eye. Routine examinations included distance and near vision, refraction, corneal topography, intraocular pressure, ultrasonic corneal pachymetry, contrast sensitivity function, amplitude of accommodation ,depth of defocus, wavefront aberration. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 6.67 +/- 2.75 (range, 6 to 11 months). In the nondominant eyes,the near visual acuity was statistically significant difference, better in the postoperative visual acuity, however, there was no statistically significant difference between preoperation and postoperation in dominant eyes. The Q value of 6 mm diameter in the nondominant eyes was 0.081 +/- 0.274 (range, -0.53 to +0.53) and 0.464 +/- 0.266 (range, - 0.02 to +0.99) in the dominant eyes, significant difference were noted between two groups. Topography revealed high degree refractive power zone of (5.64 +/- 3.05) mm2 at central cornea in nondominant eyes. The wavefront analysis showed that after the multifocal procedure, a positive spherical aberration was induced ,which is opposite to that normally seen following a standard LASIK treatment for myopia. At 6 months, the nondominant eyes attained pseudoaccommodation of (0.84 +/- 0.61) diopters (range, 0 to 2.25 D), the amplitude of pseudoaccommodation are related to corneal multifocal index, spherical aberration. However, amplitude of accommodation was decreased (0. 10 +/- 0.67) diopters in dominant eyes at 6 months visit. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that multifocal LASIK is safe and effective in preserving near vision for pre-presbyopic myopia patients . Multifocal LASIK are reasonably to induce pseudoaccommodation by decreasing negative spheric aberration.

[Clinical studies on Q-factor guided LASIK for the correction of myopic astigmatism].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of the Q-factor guided LASIK with the conventional LASIK for the correction of myopic astigmatism. METHODS: Forty-three eyes underwent Q-factor guided LASIK and 41 eyes were received conventional LASIK. The patients were followed up for more than 3 months . Examinations included refraction, distance and near vision, noncontact tonometer, topography (provide Q value), aberrometer, ultrasonic pachymetry, contrast sensitivity function. RESULTS: At 3 months, 97.67% of Q-factor guided LASIK eyes attained UNCVA 1.0 or better and 97.56% eyes in the control group. The mean postoperative SE for Q-factor guided LASIK group was (-0.19 +/- 0.20) diopters (D) at 3 months and (- 0.17 +/- 0.17) diopters (D) in conventional LASIK group. The postoperative Q value of Q-factor guided LASIK was (0.50 +/- 0.28) and (0.82 +/- 0.40) in the conventional LASIK group, significant difference was noted between two groups. Both Q-factor guided LASIK and conventional LASIK significantly increased spherical aberration, the mean RMS of postoperative spherical aberration were (-0.265 +/- 0.156) microm, (-0.487 +/- 0.159) microm respectively, significant difference were noted between two groups at 3 months . Contrast sensitivity was reduced at 1 week and restored at 1 month postoperatively in Q-factor guided LASIK, while in conventional LASIK it was reduced at 1 week, 1 month and restored at 3 months. Corneal topography revealed in Q-factor guided LASIK the diameter of effective optical zone (EOZ) was (5.74 +/- 0.22) mm. However postoperative EOZ of conventional LASIK was (5.34 +/- 0.29) mm in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Q-factor guided LASIK is effective, safe and predictable for correction of myopic astigmatism. The postoperative visual quality of Q-factor guided LASIK is better than that of conventional LASIK due to its superiority for correction of spherical aberration.

Change in foveal position based on age and axial length in high myopic eyes.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of age and axial length (AL) on the position of the fovea in patients with high myopia (HM). METHODS: In this prospective study, 96 patients (186 eyes) with HM were consecutively recruited from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. DRI-OCT Atlantis, fundus imaging, and IOL Master were used in this study. Three indices were measured: the distance between the fovea and the optic nerve head (ONH) center (DFO), the vertical distance between the fovea and the horizontal line pass of the ONH center (VDFO), and the horizontal distance between the fovea and the vertical line pass of the ONH center (HDFO). These measurements were used to analyze the effects of different age groups (A1, A2, A3 groups) and AL (AL1, AL2, AL3, AL4 groups) on these indices. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no statistical significance in DFO among the age and AL groups (F=0.46, 0.37; P=0.62, 0.76, respectively). In HDFO, there was also no statistical significance among the age and AL groups (F=0.10, 0.48; P=0.90, 0.69, respectively). In VDFO, however, the difference in the age and AL groups was statistically significant (F=3.21, 3.12; P=0.04, 0.02, respectively). Thus, VDFO were correlated with age and AL (r=0.21, 0.23, all P<0.01), while HDFO and DFO were not correlated with age and AL (r=0.30, P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In high myopia, the foveal position changes mainly in the vertical direction along with factors of age and AL.

[The analysis of subjective evaluation and contrast sensitivity function after wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis and traditional laser in situ keratomileusis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate subjective visual performance after wavefront-guided LASIK and traditional LASIK. METHODS: Ninety-eight eyes of 98 patients were divided into group Zyoptix and group PlanoScan. Subjective evaluation, contrast sensitivity function (CSF) and aberration were observed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: On subjective evaluation about halo, night visual acuity and blur, Group Zyoptix was better than Group PlanoScan. The difference between Group Zyoptix and Group PlanoScan was shown at all spatial frequencies, especially at low and middle spatial frequencies under mesopic conditions. The difference of aberration between two groups was obvious. Both of low order and higher order aberration were correlated with subjective evaluation and CSF, especially defocus and spherical aberration, whose influence were in reverse with vertical coma and higher order aberration without spherical aberration. CONCLUSION: The subjective evaluation and CSF after wavefront-guided LASIK were better than traditional LASIK, which correlated with aberration, especially in defocus and spherical aberration, while the join of vertical coma can partially counteract their influence on patients' subjective evaluation and CSF.

[Implantation of iris-claw phakic anterior chamber intraocular lenses for the correction of severe myopia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency, predictability, and complications after implantation of iris-clawed phakic intraocular lenses (PIOL) for the correction of severe myopia. METHODS: In this study, 12 cases (21 eyes) with myopia at -11.5 to -21.0 diopters (D) were implanted with Verisyse iris-clawed PIOL with an optical zone of 6.0 or 5.5 mm. All cases have been followed-up for more than 6 months. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacled-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, intraocular pressure, corneal topography, contour of pupil, corneal endothelial count, PIOL IOL position and pigment deposits on the surface of IOL were observed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was (13.2 +/- 2.14) months. After 12 months of follow-up, 17 eyes were investigated and no eyes experienced a loss in BSCVA. UCVA was significantly improved, Five eyes (29.41%) gained 1 line as compared to their preoperative BSCVA, 4 eyes (23.53%) gained 2 lines, 3 eyes (17.65%) gained 3 lines and 2 eyes (11.76%) gained 4 lines. BSCVA was significantly improved, 4 eyes (23.53%) gained 1 or more lines compared to their preoperative BSCVA, 2 eyes (11.76%) gained 2 lines, 2 eyes (11.76%) gained 3 lines, 2 eyes (11.76%) gained 4 lines and 5 eyes (29.41%) gained 5 or more lines. There was no statistically significant difference between pre- and 6 m or 12 m post-operative intraocular pressure and corneal endothelial density (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Iris-clawed phakic intraocular lenses (PIOL) is an effective, safe and predictable procedure for the correction of severe myopia. Follow-up study is still required for the evaluation of long-term results.

[The influence of pupil center shift on wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pupil center shift quantitatively after pupil dilation and to investigate its influence on the outcome of wavefront guided LASIK. METHODS: Sixty-three eyes in 32 myopic patients with order RMS higher than 0.35 or were divided into groups A and B, and the Zyoptix LASIK was applied to the patients of both groups In group A, pupil center was used as the center of ablation, while in group B the ablation center was adjusted based on the pupil center shift. RESULTS: A (0.173 +/- 0.114) mm mean pupil center shift was observed in this study, with the maximum 0.51 mm. At 3 months after the operation, there was no significant difference in visual acuity and refraction power between the two groups. However, the reduction of coma was (0.025 +/- 0.137) microm and (0.097 +/- 0.118) microm in groups A and B respectively (t = 2.131, P = 0.037). The change in spherical aberration was significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pupil center shift after dilation is common. Adjustment of ablation center based on the shift may improve the correction of coma.

Electroacupuncture stimulates remodeling of extracellular matrix by inhibiting apoptosis in a rabbit model of disc degeneration.

The present study was designed to determine whether EA stimulates remodeling of extracellular matrix by inhibiting apoptosis in degenerated disc. 40 rabbits were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Animal model was established by a loading device. Magnetic resonance imaging and Pfirrmann's classification were obtained to evaluate both the model and the EA treatment on disc degeneration. The ultrastructure of discs was observed by TEM. Apoptosis involvement was determined with TUNEL staining and western blot for the protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2. The results indicated that EA intervention decreased the MRI grades. TEM analysis showed an apparent remodeling and rearrangement of disc ECM after EA intervention for 28 days. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the EA group was significantly lower than that in the compression group. The protein expression demonstrated an antiapoptosis effect mediated by EA. Increased expression of Bcl-2 proteins and reduced Bax protein expression were detected after 28 days treatment. It was concluded that antiapoptosis pathway probably participates in the mechanism of EA stimulating the remodeling of ECM in disc degeneration.

Electroacupuncture inhibits chronification of the acute pain of knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) has a significant effect on acute pain, but it has not solved the clinical problem of the chronification of acute pain. Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) function as a reliable indicator to predict the risk of chronic pain events. DNIC function in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients has been demonstrated to gradually decrease during the development of chronic pain. The purpose of this study is to conduct a randomized, controlled clinical trial to determine if EA can repair impaired DNIC function and thus prevent chronification of the acute pain of KOA. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multicenter, single blind, randomized, controlled, three-arm, large-scale clinical trial. A total of 450 KOA patients will be randomly assigned to three groups. The strong EA group will receive EA with high-intensity current (2 mA < current < 5 mA) at the ipsilateral 'Neixiyan' (EX-LE5), 'Dubi'(ST35), 'Liangqiu'(ST34) and 'Xuehai' (SP10). The weak EA group will receive EA with low-intensity current (0 mA < current < 0.5 mA) on the same acupoints. The sham EA group will receive EA with low-intensity current (0 mA < current < 0.5 mA) with fine needles inserted superficially into the sites 2 cm lateral to the above acupoints. The patients will be treated with EA once a day, 30 minutes per session, in 5 sessions per week, for 2 weeks. In order to determine the best stage of KOA for effective EA intervention, patients within the treatment groups also will be divided into four stages. The primary outcomes are Visual Analog Scale (VAS), DNIC function and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Clinical assessments will be evaluated at baseline (before treatment) and after 5 to 10 sessions of treatment. DISCUSSION: This trial will be helpful in identifying whether strong EA is more effective than weak EA in reversing chronification of acute pain through repairing the impaired DNIC function and in screening for the best stage of KOA for effective EA intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Number: ChiCTR-ICR-14005411. The date of registration is 31 October 2014.

[Wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical results of wavefront-guided versus conventional LASIK surgery in the treatment of myopia. METHODS: One hundred and thirteen eyes underwent wavefront-guided LASIK (Zyoptix) and 335 eyes were received conventional LASIK surgery (Planoscan). Besides visual acuity and refractions, the higher order aberrations and contrast sensitivity are also compared after surgery. RESULTS: The postoperative refractions were not significantly different between the Zyoptix group and Planoscan group. 33.6% of Zyoptix patient and 17.0% of Planoscan patient respectively, had postoperative uncorrected visual acuity than their preoperative best corrected visual acuity. At 6 mm pupil size, the higher order RMS was increased by 100% in the Planoscan group, while in the Zyoptix group, it was increased only by 35% postoperatively. Six months after operation, the contrast sensitivity of Planoscan patients returned to their preoperative baseline. However, the Zyoptix patients had slightly better contrast sensitivity than their preoperative level. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing Zyoptix treatment have better quality of vision after surgery than Planoscan patients.

[Effects of electroacupuncture stimulation of "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in intervertebral disc tissue in rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) stimulation of "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) proteins in the lumbar disc in rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration so as to explore its mechanism in relieving intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS: A total of 36 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into normal, sham operation (sham), model, and EA groups, with 9 rabbits in each group. The lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration model was established by using a custom-made external loading device to axially compress the lumbar discs (L4, L5) for 28 days in reference to Kroeber and colleagues' methods. After modeling, EA stimulation (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1-2 mA) was applied to bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) areas for 20 min, once daily for 28 days. The expression levels of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 proteins of the lumbar intervertebral disc (L4-L5) tissues were assayed by Western blot and immunoflorescence methods, separately. RESULTS: Compared to the normal and sham groups, MMP-13 expression levels at the time-points of day 28 in the model group, on day 28 (pre-EA) in the EA group were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01); and TIMP-1 expression levels on day 28 in both model and EA groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Following EA treatment, the expression level of MMP-13 was notably lower in the EA group than in the model group, and that of TIMP-1 was remarkably higher in the EA group than in the model group (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found in the expression levels of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 from day 1 to day 56 in the same one group of both normal and sham groups, and between these two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) can effectively suppress intervertebral disc degeneration induced up-regulation of MMP-13 protein and down-regulation of TIMP-1 protein in the disc tissue in rabbits, which may contribute to its effect in bettering lumbago in clinic.

The effect of electroacupuncture on the extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation in a rabbit model of disc degeneration.

The present study was aimed at determining if the electroacupuncture (EA) is able to protect degenerated disc in vivo. New Zealand white rabbits (n = 40) were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups. EA intervention was applied to one of the four groups. Magnetic resonance imaging and Pfirrmann's classification were obtained for each group to evaluate EA treatment on the intervertebral disc degeneration. Discs were analyzed using immunofluorescence for the labeling of collagens 1 and 2, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). For protein expression analysis, western blot was used for biglycan and decorin. Outcomes indicated that EA intervention decreased the grades compared with the compressed disc. Immunofluorescence analysis showed a significant increase of collagens 1 and 2, TIMP-1, and BMP-2 positive cells, in contrast to MMP-13 after EA treatment for 28 days. The protein expression showed a sign of regeneration that decorin and biglycan were upregulated. It was concluded that EA contributed to the extracellular matrix (ECM) anabolic processes and increased the ECM components. MMPs and their inhibitors involved in the mechanism of EA intervention on ECM decreased disc. It kept a dynamic balance between ECM synthesis and degradation.

Changes in responses of neurons in spinal and medullary subnucleus reticularis dorsalis to acupoint stimulation in rats with visceral hyperalgesia.

The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of acupoints sensitization phenomenon at the spinal and medulla levels. Experiments were performed on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats and visceral noxious stimuli was generated by colorectal distension (CRD). The activities of wide dynamic range (WDR) and subnucleus reticularis dorsalis (SRD) neurons were recorded. The changes of the reactions of WDR and SRD neurons to electroacupuncture (EA) on acupoints of "Zusanli-Shangjuxu" before and after CRD stimulation were observed. The results showed that visceral nociception could facilitate the response of neurons to acupoints stimulation. In spinal dorsal horn, EA-induced activation of WDR neurons further increased to 106.84 ± 17.33% (1.5 mA) (P < 0.001) and 42.27 ± 13.10% (6 mA) (P < 0.01) compared to the neuronal responses before CRD. In medulla oblongata, EA-induced activation of SRD neurons further increased to 63.28 ± 15.96% (1.5 mA) (P < 0.001) and 25.02 ± 7.47% (6 mA) (P < 0.01) compared to that before CRD. Taken together, these data suggest that the viscerosomatic convergence-facilitation effect of WDR and SRD neurons may underlie the mechanism of acupoints sensitization. But the sensitizing effect of visceral nociception on WDR neurons is stronger than that on SRD neurons.

[Comparison of therapeutic effects of different types of acupuncture interventions on herpes zoster in acute stage].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects of different types of acupuncture therapy on herpes zoster (acute stage). METHODS: A total of 189 cases of acute herpes zoster outpatients and inpatients were recruited in the present multicenters (3 hospitals) randomized controlled clinical trials. They were divided into (computer-aided random allocation): basic acupuncture (n = 36), cotton moxibustion (n = 35), fire needle (n = 43), tapping-cupping (n = 39) and medication (n = 36) groups. Ashi-points (around the locus), Jiaji (EX-B 2), Zhigou (SJ 6) and Houxi (SI 3) were used in this study. For patients of the acupuncture group, the abovementioned acupoints were punctured with filiform needles (encircled needling around the affected loci) and also stimulated with electroacupuncture (EA). For patients of the cotton moxibustion group, thin defated dry cotton pieces put over the Ashi-point were ignited, 3 times altogether, followed by EA and encircled needling stimulation which were the same to those in the basic acupuncture group. Patients of the fire needle group were treated by pricking the herpes (3-5 in number) with a hot-red needle, followed by EA and encircled needling treatment. Patients of the tapping-cupping group were treated by tapping Ashi-points repeatedly with a percussopunctator and cupping over the pricked region, followed by EA and encircled needling treatment. Patients of the medication group were treated by oral administration of Valaciclovir Hydrochlordide (300 mg/time, twice a day) and vitamin B1 (10 mg/time, t. i.d.) for 10 days. The acupuncture-moxibustion treatment was given once daily for 10 days. The time of blister-occurrence cease, scab formation and decrustation was recorded, and pain degree was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS). The therapeutic effect was assessed according to the related standards. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the 5 groups in the time of blister-occurrence cease, scab formation and decrustation, and in the therapeutic effect (P > 0.05). The VAS scores of the 5 groups were decreased gradually and apparently along with the treatment (P < 0.05), suggesting a pain relief after the treatment. In comparison with the medication group, the VAS scores of the basic acupuncture group, cotton moxibustion group, fire needle group and tapping-cupping group were significantly lower from the 7th day on following the treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture plus encircled needling and acupuncture plus encircled needling combined with cotton-moxibustion, or with fire needle stimulation, or with tapping and cupping are effective in the treatment of herpes zoster at the acute stage, being comparable to the medication in the clinical curative effect and improvement of blisters, and better than medication in pain relief.

[Analysis of the distribution of diseases in 6435 inpatients from the department of acupuncture and moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the distribution of diseases in inpatients from the department of acupuncture and moxibustion and to provide the references for the scientific research direction of acupuncture and moxibustion. METHODS: By use of information management system of the medical records, the first page of the medical record of 6435 cases from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2010 was extracted. RESULTS: It shows a clear upward trend in the department of acupuncture and moxibustion in 8 years. The vast majority are elderly patients in 6435 cases, involving in 309 kinds of diseases, the major cases focus on the diseases of motor system and cerebrovascular system. The top 10 ranking of diseases and the rates are lumbar spondylosis (17.73%), cerebral infarction (13.77%), cervical spondylosis (13.66%), sequelae of cerebral infarction (7.47%), lumbar disc herniaion (4. 41%), osteoarthropathia (3.40%), cerebral hemorrhage (2.91%), herpes zoster (2.33%), postherpetic neuralgia (2.33%), sequelae of cerebral hemorrhage (2.32%). CONCLUSION: The people's acceptance of acupuncture and moxibustion is increasing and the sufferers treated by acupuncture and moxibustion are mostly elderly patients. The research on the motor system diseases and cerebrovascular diseases should be strengthened.

Inter-ethnic variation of ocular traits-design and methodology of comparison study among American Caucasians, American Chinese and mainland Chinese.

PURPOSE: To summarize the design and methodology of a multi-center study. With the existed ethnic differences of glaucoma, this survey will explore the differences with regard to anterior and posterior ocular segment parameters between Caucasians and Chinese. METHODS: In this study, four cohorts including American Caucasians and American Chinese from San Francisco, southern mainland Chinese from Guangzhou, and northern mainland Chinese from Beijing were prospectively enrolled for a series of eye examinations and tests from May 2008 to December 2010. A total of 120 subjects including 15 of each gender in each age decade from 40s to 70s were recruited for each group. Data of the following tests were collected: a questionnaire eliciting systemic and ocular disease history, blood pressure, presenting and best corrected visual acuity, auto-refraction, Goldmann applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, A-scan, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), visual field (VF), Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT), OCT for optic nerve, and digital fundus photography. CONCLUSION: this study will provide insights to the etiologies of glaucoma especially PACG through inter-ethnic comparisons of relevant ocular anatomic and functional parameters.

[Sludge performances and membrane pollution in aerobic granular sludge membrane bioreactor].

The aerobic granular sludge membrane bioreactor worked for 75 days. In this operation, the removal efficiencies for COD, NH4+ -N and TN were 91%-95%, 89.57%-100% and 48.25%-90.84%, respectively. The granular sludge appeared disintegration to some extent and the sludge settlement performances deteriorated. Sludge specific resistance from initial resistance of 1.085 x 10(13) m/kg rose to 2.712 x 10(13) m/kg at the end; extracellular polymeric substances maintained between 44.71 and 72.23 mg/g. Then, pollution characteristics of the membrane module were studied. It was found that membrane surface cake layer resistance and membrane pore plugging resistance were 5.32 x 10(11) m(-1) and 2.34 x 10(11) m(-1), accounted for the total resistance of 67.42% and 29.66%, respectively. Through the analysis of infrared spectrum for membrane fouling matters found that the main fouling matters were proteins and carbohydrate materials for membrane.