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Functional constipation (FC) is a chronic disease that significantly affects the life quality of patients. Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of FC for many years, but its effectiveness has not been scientifically assessed. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture (EA) in relieving the symptoms, mental states and quality of life (QOL) of FC patients. A total of 96 FC patients were randomly allocated into EA, mosapride & sham EA group (MS) and mosapride control group (MC). In the EA group, patients were treated with 16 sessions of needling at Quchi (LI11) and Shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally, 5 times a week in the first 2 weeks, and 3 times a week in the last 2 weeks. In the MC group, patients were treated with 5 mg mosapride citrate three times a day for 4 weeks. In the MS group, patients underwent sham EA and the same mosapride citrate treatment as in the MC group. The primary outcome was the number of weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs). The secondary outcomes included stool consistency, intensity of defecating difficulty, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). The results showed that as compared with the baseline, EA significantly improved the weekly SBMs, stool consistency and intensity of defecating difficulty (P

Objective: To assess the efficacy, comparative effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome (PMS). Methods: Nine databases were searched until June 2019. Only relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EA for PMS were included. Results: Twelve trials involving 746 women were included. EA and hormone therapy (HT) did not significantly differ in terms of effective rate (risk ratio (RR) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93 to 1.04), Kupperman index (KI) (mean difference (MD) = −0.25, 95% CI = −0.76 to 0.26) and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (MD = −3.80, 95% CI = −11.59 to 3.98) or luteinizing hormone (LH) (MD = −2.51, 95% CI = −10.72 to 5.70). Serum estradiol (E2) levels were significantly lower in EA versus HT groups (MD = −60.58, 95% CI = −71.93 to −49.23). Compared with sham EA, EA had a significantly greater effect on reductions in KI (MD = −4.71, 95% CI = −6.57 to −2.86) and hot flushes score/24 h (MD = −2.43, 95% CI = −2.93 to −1.93). There were no significant differences between EA and manual acupuncture (MA) in terms of effective rate (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.33) or serum FSH (MD = −2.87, 95% CI = −29.65 to 23.91), LH (MD = 2.73, 95% CI = −9.65 to 15.11) or E2 (MD = 26.80, 95% CI = −12.06 to 65.65). However, it seemed that EA had a better effect than MA on KI (MD = −2.44, 95% CI = −4.80 to −0.08). Subgroup analyses indicated that EA may have more of a benefit in the pre-menopausal state (hot flushes score/24 h: MD = −1.66, 95% CI = −3.49 to 0.17) compared to post-menopause (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The effect of EA appeared broadly similar to HT and MA in the treatment of PMS, although EA-associated reductions in KI were superior to MA and sham EA, suggesting effects beyond placebo. The evidence base is limited by a small number of eligible studies, risk of bias and clinical/statistical heterogeneity, limiting our ability to draw firm conclusions. As such, additional larger scale, high-quality RCTs are needed.

Purpose To evaluate the anxiety and depression in pregnant women in China, and its influencing factors during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods From February 22 to February 27, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 156 pregnant women, including demographic characteristics, a self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and a self-depression rating scale (SDS). Results A total of 13 non-homologous end-joining (8.3%, 13/156) patients were anxious, 79 patients (50.6%, 79/156) were depressed, and 13 patients (8.3%, 13/156) suffered from both anxiety and depression. The SAS score of pregnant women was 40.55 ± 6.09, and the SDS score was 50.42 ± 11.64. For the SAS score, only 8.3% of all patients (13/156) were in a light anxiety state. For the SDS score, 46.79% (73/156) of patients was normal, 23.72% of patients (37/156) showed mild depression, 22.44% (35/156) showed moderate depression, and 4.49% (7/156) showed severe depression. No significant changes were observed in SAS and SDS scores between patients from different regions within China, health state, gestational week, educational background, and living condition (P > 0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between diagnosed/suspected patients and the normal control group (P > 0.05), and between pregnant women in Wuhan compared to other regions (P > 0.05). Conclusion During the COVID-19 epidemic, the anxiety level of pregnant women was the same as that before the epidemic, while the level of depression was significantly higher. Pregnant women who lived in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, were not more anxious or depressed compared to pregnant women in other regions during the COVID-19 epidemic. Furthermore, the mental health status of pregnant women with COVID-19 was not more severe. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00404-020-05805-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), a well-developed technology, provides the last possibility or hope for infertile women. However, the live birth rate per IVF cycle is still not satisfactory. Acupuncture is a frequently used adjunctive therapy drawing wide attention on improvement of IVF. Although so many randomized controlled trials have been evaluating the effect of acupuncture on IVF in the past 20 years, the exact efficacy of acupuncture on IVF is still controversy mainly because of no consensus on placebo control and acupuncture scheme. This paper focused on the general issues in clinical research of acupuncture and IVF and gave some suggestions for future directions.

Objective To assess the efficacy of manual acupuncture as prophylactic treatment for acupuncture naive patients with episodic migraine without aura. Design Multicentre, randomised, controlled clinical trial with blinded participants, outcome assessment, and statistician. Setting Seven hospitals in China, 5 June 2016 to 15 November 2018. Participants 150 acupuncture naive patients with episodic migraine without aura. Interventions 20 sessions of manual acupuncture at true acupuncture points plus usual care, 20 sessions of non-penetrating sham acupuncture at heterosegmental non-acupuncture points plus usual care, or usual care alone over 8 weeks. Main outcome measures Change in migraine days and migraine attacks per four weeks during weeks 1-20 after randomisation compared with baseline (four weeks before randomisation). Results Among 150 randomised patients (mean age 36.5 (SD 11.4) years; 123 (82%) women), 147 were included in the full analysis set. Compared with sham acupuncture, manual acupuncture resulted in a significantly greater reduction in migraine days at weeks 13 to 20 and a significantly greater reduction in migraine attacks at weeks 17 to 20. The reduction in mean number of migraine days was 3.5 (SD 2.5) for manual versus 2.4 (3.4) for sham (adjusted difference −1.4, 95% confidence interval −2.4 to −0.3; P=0.005) at weeks 13 to 16 and 3.9 (3.0) for manual versus 2.2 (3.2) for sham (adjusted difference −2.1, −2.9 to −1.2; Pv 75%; P=0.891). Conclusions Twenty sessions of manual acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture and usual care for the prophylaxis of episodic migraine without aura. These results support the use of manual acupuncture in patients who are reluctant to use prophylactic drugs or when prophylactic drugs are ineffective, and it should be considered in future guidelines. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02765581 .

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) impairs the synchronized development of endometrium and embryo, resulting in the failure of embryo implantation. Here, we investigated what effects electroacupuncture had on embryo implantation in COH rats. Female rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal (N), model (M), electroacupuncture (EA), and electroacupuncture pretreatment (PEA). Rats in groups M, EA, PEA were injected with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin to establish the COH model. Rats in group EA received electroacupuncture treatment from the PMSG injection day to the 3rd day of pregnancy (D3), while those in group PEA received electroacupuncture treatment for 3 days before the PMSG day and continuing to D3. Furthermore, another 30 female rats who received the same treatment as the rats in group PEA were injected with siVEGFR2 into uterine lumen. The endometrial microvascular density (MVD) and the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, angiopoietin-1, and fibroblast growth factor-2 were significantly lower in groups M than in groups N and PEA. The percentage of dolichos biflorus agglutinin positive uterine natural killer cells in groups N, EA and PEA was higher than that in group M. After the siVEGFR2 injection, the protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK, the embryo number and the MVD were significantly reduced. In conclusion, electroacupuncture can facilitate embryo implantation in COH rats by activating the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT and VEGFR2/ERK signaling pathways which have a positive relationship with endometrial angiogenesis., Electroacupuncture can facilitate embryo implantation in COH rats by activating the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT and VEGFR2/ERK signaling pathways which have a positive relationship with endometrial angiogenesis.

Background and Aim. To investigate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) with different current intensities for functional constipation (FC) and to assess whether the effects of EA with different current intensities are superior to the mosapride.Methods. Patients with FC were randomly divided into low current intensity group (LCI), high current intensity group (HCI), and mosapride group (MC). The primary outcome was three or more spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) per week and an increase of one or more SBMs from baseline during at least 3 of the 4 weeks.Results. The primary outcome was reached by 53.45%, 66.15%, and 52.24% of the patients who received LCI, HCI, and mosapride, respectively. EA can significantly improve the weekly SBMs and stool consistency and reduce straining severity (p<0.0001, all). HCI improved the quality of life better than mosapride (p<0.05) and reduced the proportion of severe constipation more than LCI and mosapride (p<0.05, both).Conclusions. EA is effective and safe at both current intensities for FC; therapeutic effects of LCI and HCI are not superior to mosapride. EA is superior to mosapride in improving patients’ life quality and satisfaction level of treatment; EA has fewer adverse events than mosapride.

Background: It has not been solved what kind of needle sensation might influence outcomes of acupuncture treatment. Effects of personality factors on the therapeutic effect of acupuncture have not been investigated. This study aimed to find the effects of the traits of personality on the objective outcome when different acupuncture techniques were used in treating patients with Bell's palsy. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for Bell's palsy. Patients were randomly assigned to the de qi and control groups, respectively. The primary outcome was facial nerve function at month 6. The intensity of each needle sensation was rated by a visual analog scale. Psychosocial factors were assessed by the pretreatment mediator questionnaire; 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) was used for assessing personality factors and digit cancellation test for assessing attention. Results: After 6 months, patients in the de qi group had better facial function (adjusted odds ratio [ OR ]: 4.16, 95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 2.23–7.78). Path analysis showed that intensity of needle sensation of fullness had direct effect on House-Brackmann (HB) score at month 6. In de qi group, the low HB score on day 1 ( OR : 0.13, 95% CI : 0.03–0.45) and the low Social Boldness score ( OR : 0.63, 95% CI : 0.41–0.97) in 16PF were associated with better facial function. In control group, low HB score on day 1 ( OR : 0.25, 95% CI : 0.13–0.50), low Vigilance score ( OR : 0.66, 95% CI : 0.50–0.88), and high Tension score ( OR : 1.41, 95% CI : 1.12–1.77) in 16PF were related to better facial function. Conclusions: The needle sensation of fullness could predict better facial function and personality traits might influence outcomes of acupuncture treatment. Both of them should be considered seriously in acupuncture treatment and research.

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Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional bowel disorder disease that affects life quality of a large number of people. This study aimed to explore the impact of different intensities of electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment for FC patients. Totally, 111 patients with FC meeting the Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to different intensities of EA groups (low and high intensity of EA groups) and medicine-controlled (MC) group. In EA groups, patients were treated with EA at quchi (LI11) and shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally for 4 weeks, 5 times/week in the first 2 weeks, and 3 times/week in the last 2 weeks. In MC group, 5 mg mosapride citrate was administered orally 3 times/day for 4 weeks. Spontaneous bowel movement frequency each day was recorded using a constipation diary. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess the patients' psychological state. Cortisol (CORT), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks after treatment. As compared with the baseline, there was statistically significant increase in stool frequency every week (P

Objective: To study the effects of expressions of SCCA1 and SCCA2 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma on its diagnosis, treatment evaluation and prognosis analysis. M ethod s : Seventy-six cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients enrolled in our hospital from October 2011 to April 2013 were selected, and another 76 healthy females (without cervical tissue lesions) were enrolled as the control. SCCA1 and SCCA2 expressions in the two groups were compared by RT-PCR. The serodiagnosis results before and after chemotherapy were compared to clarify the effects of SCCA2 expression. Results: The two groups had similar relative SCCA1 expression rates that were not significantly correlated with pathological factors. Before chemotherapy, the relative expression rates of SCCA2 were significantly higher in the patients with later stage (t=6.018, P=0.00082

Objectives. De qiis the subjective constellation of sensations perceived by the acupuncturists and patients as described in several literatures, but the absence of quantitative evaluation methods inde qirestricts the use of acupuncture treatment widely in the world. In the present study, we tried to investigate the intrinsic property ofde qiis and how evaluate it quantitatively.Methods.30 healthy adult volunteers were determined to investigate intrinsic changes in the human body after acupuncture withde qi.Results.Acupuncture treatment withde qiapparently increased acupoint blood flow, tissue displacement, and the amplitude of myoelectricity afterde qion acupoints. Furthermore, acupuncture treatment induced fMRI signal increase/decrease in different brain regions although no significant change in electroencephalography.Interpretation.The intrinsic change of the subjects representing the specific response of acupoints and human brain to acupuncture indicated thatde qimight be evaluated quantitatively by those above aspects, which facilitated the confirmation in validity and propagation of this treatment modality widely in the world.

This study was to explore the mechanism of acupuncture on regulating the endometrial angiogenesis and uterus dendritic cells (uDCs) during the peri-implantation period. Rats, in early pregnancy, were randomized into five groups: normal (N), model (M), acupuncture (A), progesterone (P), and A + P groups. The COH model was established using pregnant mare serum, combined with human chorionic gonadotrophin. Endometrium was collected on days 4, 6, and 8 (D4, D6, and D8) of gestation. Compared with group M, both VEGF and FGF-2 protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower on D4 and higher on D6 and D8 (P<0.05), except for VEGF of group P on D8; the proportion of uterus dendritic cells (uDCs) in the endometrium was significantly lower on D4 and D6 and higher on D8 (P<0.05). In vitro, except for the proliferation of group P on D8, proliferation, tube formation, and migration of uDCs were significantly decreased on D4 and increased on D8 (P<0.05). In addition, acupuncture or progesterone regulated the secretion levels of VEGF, IL-15, and IL-18 secreted by uDCs instead of soluble sFLT-1. In conclusion, acupuncture may regulate angiogenesis of the endometrium and the number and roles of uDCs after COH, and the specific mechanism may be different with progesterone.

Background: The traditional Chinese theory of acupuncture emphasizes that the intensity of acupuncture must reach a threshold to generate de qi, which is necessary to achieve the best therapeutic effect. De qi is an internal compound sensation of soreness, tingling, fullness, aching, cool, warmth and heaviness, and a radiating sensation at and around the acupoints. However, the notion that de qi must be achieved for maximum benefit has not been confirmed by modern scientific evidence. Methods: We performed a prospective multicentre randomized controlled trial involving patients with Bell palsy. Patients were randomly assigned to the de qi ( n = 167) or control ( n = 171) group. Both groups received acupuncture: in the de qi group, the needles were manipulated manually until de qi was reached, whereas in the control group, the needles were inserted without any manipulation. All patients received prednisone as a basic treatment. The primary outcome was facial nerve function at month 6. We also assessed disability and quality of life 6 months after randomization. Results: After 6 months, patients in the de qi group had better facial function (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.23–7.78), better disability assessment (differences of least squares means 9.80, 95% CI 6.29–13.30) and better quality of life (differences of least squares means 29.86, 95% CI 22.33–37.38). Logistic regression analysis showed a positive effect of the de qi score on facial-nerve function (adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.09). Interpretation: Among patients with Bell palsy, acupuncture with strong stimulation that elicited de qi had a greater therapeutic effect, and stronger intensity of de qi was associated with the better therapeutic effects. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT00685789.

Thiols are oxidized to the corresponding disulfides using K+/CH 3 CN system under ambient conditions in the presence of air. This system provides a convenient, rapid, and efficient aerobic oxidative for the syntheses of symmetrical disulfides.

Our previous studies showed that there were close relationships between connexin 43 (Cx43) and acupoints and meridians. In order to further investigate the effect of Cx43 in acupuncture treatment, RNA interference technique was used to construct small hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vectors targeting Cx43 and identify the efficiency of RNA interference in NIH/3T3 cell lines for further use in vivo. Aiming directly at the two targets of Cx43 mRNA sequence of the rat and mouse homology region, we synthesized two pairs of complementary oligonucleotide strands in vitro. Double strands were formed after annealing, and then inserted into Pgenesil-1 plasmid expression vector. After identification by enzyme cutting and sequencing, the recombinant plasmids named P-Cx43-shRNA (1), P-Cx43-shRNA (2) and P-con-shRNA were transfected into the NIH/3T3 cells. Immunofluorescence and Western blot assays were used to detect the protein level of Cx43 after being screened by G418. The results of enzyme cutting and sequencing showed that we successfully constructed two shRNA expression vectors targeting Cx43, and a control expression vector for rat and mouse. Also, the Cx43 protein level was decreased by 73.5% (P

The aim of this paper was to explore the relationship between energy metabolism and the meridian phenomenon. The manner of change of oxygen partial pressure in acupoints and no-acupoints of the urinary bladder meridian of goats was observed with a needle-type tissue oxygen tension sensor after the acupuncture effect was blocked by Ca2+ complexation with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-Na2. The results showed that: (1) the concentration of calcium ion in urinary bladder meridian acupoints was higher than that in no-acupoints (P

Objective To establish the mice model of implantation dysfunction and to study the endometrial receptivity during implantation in implantation dysfunction mouse. Methods Sexually mature female virgin, Kunming mice were randomly assigned to the control group and the model group postcoitally. The model mice at 9 : 00 AM on d 4 of pregnancy(d 4) were injected subcutaneously with mifepristone. All animals were sacrificed at 9 : 00 PM on d 4 and their uterine horns were examined for the presence of implanted embryos. Histopathology of uterine endometrium was observed by light-microscope. The endometrial expressions of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) assessed by immunnohistochemical SP method. The endometrial expressions of ER mRNA and PR mRNA were assessed by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Compared with control group, implantation rates and average embryo number significently decreased in model group, the development of endometrium was inhibited. In model group, absorbency and area rate of ER and PR in the gland and stroma were lower than those in control group (P Conclusion The endometrial receptivity and implantation decreased in mifepristone- induced implantation dysfunction mouse.

A noninvasive high-resolution imaging technique of cerebral electric activities has been developed to directly link scalp potential measurement with the magnetic resonance images of the subjects, which is very helpful for the elucidation of the cortical processing following various stimulations. Here, we used a 64-channel Neuroscan ESI-128 system to explore the specific cortical activities elicited by electroacupuncture (EA) acupoint in normal volunteers and the modulatory effect of EA on cortical activities evoked by noxious somatosensory stimulation. A specific later-latency somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP, P150) located in bilateral anterior cingulated cortex was observed after EA acupoint but not non-acupoint. Two pain-specific SEP components (P170 and N280), located in bilateral suprasylvian operculum and anterior cingulated cortex respectively were observed following painful median nerve stimulation. Binding EA acupoint with painful median nerve stimulation, the amplitudes of P170 and N280 appeared to be attenuated significantly, 2D topography exhibited tremendous decrease of cortical activation between 120 ms and 296 ms in latency, and visual analogue scale (VAS) changes also showed a similar pattern to the change of amplitude. The bilateral anterior cingulated cortex recruited following acupoint stimuli might, to some extent, suggest that EA has the specific physiological effects. Decrease of pain-induced cortical activation by EA acupoint was considered to be mainly due to an interaction of the signals in anterior cingulated cortex ascending from the pain stimulation and EA.

Objective: To explore the effect of Jiantaiye (JTY) on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and ER mRNA in uterus of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction.Methods: Embryo implantation dysfunction mouse models were induced with mifepristone and treated with JTY. All animals were sacrificed on day 8 of pregnancy. The endometrial ER and ER mRNA expressions were assessed by immunno-histochemical SP method and semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: Area ratio and absorbency of ER in the JTY treated group’s gland and stroma were higher than those of the model group, quite similar to those of the normal control’s, and ER mRNA expression in treated group’s uterus was significantly higher than that in the models, but it was not significantly different from the normal control.Conclusion: JTY improves the endometrial development by increasing ER and ER mRNA expressions of uterus of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction.

Effect of a single dose of mifepristone on expression of pinopodes in endometrial surface of mice

Background Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) which has a major impact on the quality of life. Acupuncture is widely used as an alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) for FC, but the available evidence of its effectiveness is scarce. Therefore, we will perform a randomized controlled trial to determine whether acupuncture improves symptom and quality of life in FC patients more effectively than sham acupuncture or gastrointestinal prokinetic agent. This article will report the protocol of the trial. Methods The current trial is a multicenter, randomized, three-arm controlled study undergoing in China. About 243 people who aged from 18 to 65 years with FC will be recruited in this study. These participants will be randomly allocated into three treatment groups, including electro-acupuncture (EA), Mosapride (M) and Mosapride & Sham Electro-acupuncture (MS) groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. Both the EA and sham EA receives 16 sessions of needling at Quchi (LI11) and Shangjuxu (ST37) during 4 weeks of treatment, and a follow-up period of 4 weeks. These groups will be compared on the primary outcomes of the number of times of defecation at baseline and 2, 4, 8 weeks after randomization. The secondary outcome measures include: stool consistency, intensity of defecating difficulty, MOS item Short Form health survey (SF-36), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). These outcomes are measured at baseline and 2, 4 weeks after randomization, but SF-36 is measured at baseline and 4 weeks after randomization. Discussion This study will supply significant evidence for using acupuncture to treat FC, and will help us to observe whether it is a therapeutic effect rather than a placebo effect.

To investigate the effect of acupuncture on progesterone (P4) and prolactin (PRL) in rats of embryo implantation dysfunction (EID). On the first day of pregnancy, 72 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into the normal group, the EID model group, the acupuncture group and the P4 group (18 in each group). The normal group was injected sesame oil, while the other three groups were given mifepristone to establish the EID model. The acupuncture group and the P4 group were given treatment of acupuncture and P4 injection, respectively. The serum of P4 and PRL were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the mRNA and protein expressions of P4 receptor (PR) and PRL receptor (PRLR) were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical method, respectively. Compared with the normal group, the serum levels of P4 and PRL as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of PR and PRLR in the EID model group were significantly lowered (P

Background Plant viruses cause many serious plant diseases and are currently suppressed with the simultaneous use of virucides and insecticides. The use of such materials, however, increases the amounts of pollutants in the environment. To reduce environmental contaminants, virucides with insecticidal activity is an attractive option. Results A series of substituted ferulic acid amide derivatives 7 and the corresponding hydrogenated ferulic acid amide derivatives 13 were synthesized and evaluated for their antiviral and insecticidal activities. The majority of the synthesized compounds exhibited good levels of antiviral activity against the tobacco mosaic virus (TMW), with compounds 7a, 7b and 7d in particular providing higher levels of protective and curative activities against TMV at 500 μg/mL than the control compound ribavirin. Furthermore, these compounds displayed good insecticidal activities against insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts, which can spread plant viruses between and within crops. Conclusions Two series of ferulic acid derivatives have been synthesized efficiently. The bioassay showed title compounds not only inhibit the plant viral infection, but also prevented the spread of plant virus by insect vectors. These findings therefore demonstrate that the ferulic acid amides represent a new template for future antiviral studies.

The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture treatment on embryo implantation failure in rats. The pregnant rats were randomized into normal group (N), implantation failure group (M), acupuncture treatment group (A), and progestin treatment group (W). The embryo implantation failure model was established by mifepristone. Efficacy of acupuncture treatment was evaluated by the number of implanted embryos. The expression of CCL2 and CXCL8 and the subset of uterine natural killer cells in the endometrium were detected. We demonstrated that the number of implanted embryos was dramatically reduced after mifepristone (M group) treatment, while the acupuncture (A group) and progestin (W group) treatments significantly rescued impaired embryo implantation. The protein and mRNA expressions of CCL2 and CXCL8 were significantly reduced by mifepristone treatment, but the attenuated expression of CCL2 and CXCL8 was markedly reversed by acupuncture or progestin treatment. More importantly, acupuncture and progestin could markedly increase the subset of uNK cells in rats with embryo implantation failure. These evidences suggest that acupuncture is able to modulate the endometrial immune microenvironment and thus improve embryo implantation in pregnant rats, which provides solid experimental evidence for the curative effect of acupuncture treatment on infertility.

The aim of this paper was to provide reliable evidence by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis for evaluating the role of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology. All randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of acupuncture, including manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture (LA) techniques, on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination were included. The controlled groups consisted of no acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. The sham acupuncture included sham acupuncture at acupoints, sham acupuncture at non- or inappropriate points, sham LA, and adhesive tapes. Twenty-three trials (a total of 5598 participants) were included in this paper. The pooled CPR from all acupuncture groups was significantly higher than that from all controlled groups, whereas the LBR was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the results were quite distinct when the type of control and/or different acupuncture times were examined in a sensitivity analysis. The results mainly indicate that acupuncture, especially around the time of the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, improves pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. More positive effects from acupuncture in IVF can be expected if a more individualized acupuncture programs are used.

Interactions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with receptors VEGFR1/Flt1 and VEGFR2/Flk1, and those of angiopoietins (Ang-1, Ang-2) with receptor Tie2 play important roles in placental angiogenesis. This study investigated vascular morphology and expression of these angiogenic factors in rat placenta on the day 15, 18, 21 of gestation (D15, D18 and D21). The rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups: normal group, model group [fetal growth restriction (FGR) model], and Bushen Yiqi Huoxue (BYHR) recipe treatment group (BYHR group, the pregnant rats with FGR were treated with BYHR recipe). Morphological analysis indicated that during initial villous formation, fetal nucleated erythrocytes (FNEs) appeared in maternal blood sinus (MBS). Subsequently, FNEs were surrounded by endothelial cells to form fetal capillary (FC) and then by trophoblast cells to form villi. As pregnancy proceeded, FC density increased progressively with increasing endothelial identification staining (EIS) in normal and BYHR groups. Whereas, villous formation was suppressed, normal increase in FC density was impaired and EIS was weakened in model group. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that VEGF and Flk1 mRNA increased over gestation in all groups, indicating that VEGF might play a pivotal role in FC growth during late gestation. VEGF mRNA was increased on D15, while decreased on D21 in model group as compared with normal group and BYHR group. Immunohistochemically, Ang-2 protein was highly expressed in FNEs, gradually disappeared as villi matured, and decreased over gestation in all groups, indicating that Ang-2 might play a pivotal role in villous formation, which was further supported by decreased Ang-2 mRNA and protein expression in model group on D15. Ang-1 mRNA, Tie2 mRNA and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio increased from D15 to D18 in all groups as placenta matured. Ang-1 mRNA, Tie2 mRNA and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio were decreased on D18 in model group as compared with normal and BYHR groups, indicating delayed maturity of FGR placenta. Alterations in angiogenic factors may result in altered placental vasculature and cause placental insufficiency. BYHR recipe could balance the angiogenic factors to promote the formation and maturation of FGR placental vasculature.

The aim is to explore the effect of acupuncture on Th1, Th2 cytokines in rats of implantation failure. Early pregnant rats were randomized into normal group (N), implantation failure group (M), acupuncture group (A), progestin group (H). The model was established with mifepristone. Samples of serum, endometrium were collected on Day 5, 6 and 8 of pregnancy. Compared with group M, the number of embryos was significantly higher in groups N, A and H; IL-1β, IL-2 protein in serum and endometrium were significantly lower in groups N, A and H, while IL-4, IL-10 were significantly higher in groups N, A and H; the endometrial IL-2, IL-4 mRNA were significantly lower in groups N, A and H, while IL-1β, IL-10 mRNA were significantly higher in groups N, A and H. Acupuncture could improve the poor receptive state of endometrium due to mifepristone by promoting Th2 cytokines secretion and inhibiting Th1 cytokines to improve blastocyst implantation.

To observe the differences in psychological status between Bell's palsy (BP) patients and healthy subjects, and to examine the relationship between psychological factors and the severity of BP, we conducted a case-control, multi-center clinical investigation. A total of 695 subjects were assigned to the case group (n=355) and the control group (n=340). House-Brackmann grading system and Facial Disability Index (FDI) were adopted to assess the BP patients; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and 16 Personality Factor (16PF) scale were employed to evaluate the psychological distress and personality profiles of all subjects. Two independent samples t test was used to compare the differences between cases and controls, and to compare the differences among different BP patients. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between psychological factors and severity of facial paralysis. The results showed that psychological distress (K10) in case group (27.09±5.80) was significantly higher than that in control group (13.43±3.02) (t=-37.219, P=0.000). The scores of personality factor Warmth (A), Openness to Change (Q1), Self-Reliance (Q2) were lower in cases than in the controls (P

Objective To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Patient(s) Women undergoing IVF in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) who were evaluated for the effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. Setting Not applicable. Intervention(s) The intervention groups used manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture techniques. The control groups consisted of no, sham, and placebo acupuncture. Main Outcome Measure(s) The major outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Heterogeneity of the therapeutic effect was evaluated with a forest plot analysis. Publication bias was assessed by a funnel plot analysis. Result(s) Twenty-four trials (a total of 5,807 participants) were included in this review. There were no significant publication biases for most of the comparisons among these studies. The pooled CPR (23 studies) from all of the acupuncture groups was significantly greater than that from all of the control groups, whereas the LBR (6 studies) was not significantly different between the two groups. The results were different when the type of control was examined in a sensitivity analysis. The CPR and LBR differences between the acupuncture and control groups were more obvious when the studies using the Streitberger control were ignored. Similarly, if the underlying effects of the Streitberger control were excluded, the LBR results tended to be significant when the acupuncture was performed around the time of oocyte aspiration or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Conclusion(s) Acupuncture improves CPR and LBR among women undergoing IVF based on the results of studies that do not include the Streitberger control. The Streitberger control may not be an inactive control. More positive effects from using acupuncture in IVF can be expected if an appropriate control and more reasonable acupuncture programs are used.

To explore the relationship between psychological factors and efficacy of acupuncture on primary dysmenorrhea.Sixty cases of primary dysmenorrhea were observed. Before acupuncture treatment, the self-designed confidence questionnaire was used to assess patients' confidence in acupuncture efficacy. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was adopted to assess patients' tension level during acupuncture. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were applied to assess the situations of patients' anxiety and depression. Eysenck's personality questionnaire (EPQ) and Cattell sixteen personality factors questionnaire (16PF) were provided to assess the personal characters of patients. Pain intensity, pain duration and accompanied symptoms were recorded before and after acupuncture treatment so as to assess the efficacy. Canonical correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the psychological factors and acupuncture efficacy on primary dysmenorrhea.There were significant differences in grading of dysmenorrhea, pain intensity score and pain duration after treatment as compared statistically with those before treatment (all P0.001). The standardized coefficients of dominance (r=0.6797) and anxiety (r=-0.5906) in personality factors and the reduction of pain duration (r=0.9042) among efficacy indices were the highest. The overall correlation coefficients were all lower between the indices of psychological factors and canonical variables of dysmenorrhea efficacy.Acupuncture efficacy on primary dysmenorrhea has a certain correlation with dominance and anxiety of patients' personality factors. But, the psychological factors do not play a leading role in acupuncture treatment.

To study the impact of De-qi (, obtaining qi) and psychological factors on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for primary dysmenorrhea, with an attempt to explore the relationship among De-qi, psychological factors, and clinical efficacy.The patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to a group of acupuncture with manual manipulation (manipulation group, n=67) and an acupuncture group without manipulation (non-manipulation group, n=64). Pain intensity and pain duration were used as measures for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of the acupuncture treatment. De-qi, the sensations a patient experienced during the acupuncture treatment, was scored on a 4-point scale by the subjects. In addition, the psychological factors, including belief in acupuncture, the level of nervousness, anxiety, and depression, were quantitatively assessed. The personality of the subject was assessed using the Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ) and 16 personality factor questionnaire (16PF).Complete data were obtained from 120 patients, 60 patients in each group. There were statistically significant differences in pain intensity (W=2410.0, P0.01) and pain duration (W=3181.0, P0.01) between the two groups. The number of De-qi acupoints (W=1150.5, P0.01) and the average intensity of De-qi (W=1141.0, P0.01) were significantly higher in the manipulation group as compared with their non-manipulation counterparts. The correlation coefficients between De-qi and therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture were greater than those between psychological factors and therapeutic efficacy.Compared with the psychological factors, De-qi contributed more to the pain-relieving effect of acupuncture in subjects with primary dysmenorrhea. Moreover, manual manipulation is a prerequisite for eliciting and enhancing the De-qi sensations, and De-qi is critical for achieving therapeutic effects.

To explore the relation between gap junction and meridian phenomenon.The oxygen partial pressure in acupoints [see text for formula] and in their corresponding non-acupoints of the Bladder Meridian was observed with the needle-type tissue oxygen tension sensor in the gap junction blocking goats by 1-Heptanol injection and the Connexin 43 (Cx43) gene knockout mice.(1) The oxygen partial pressure in acupoints of Bladder Meridian on goats was higher than that in non-acupoints after 1-Heptanol injection with significant differences between them (both P0.01). (2) The oxygen partial pressure in acupoints of Bladder Meridian on goats increased significantly after injecting 1-Heptanol as compare with that either injecting normal saline or injecting nothing with significant differences between them (all P0.01). (3) The oxygen partial pressure in acupoints of the Bladder Meridian was significantly higher than that in the non-acupoint controls in Cx43 wild type (WT) mice (all P0.01). In Cx43 heterozygote (HT) mice, the oxygen partial pressure between acupoints and non-acupoint controls showed no significant differences (all P0.05). (4) In acupoints, the oxygen partial pressure in Cx43 WT mice was significantly higher than that in Cx43 HT mice (all P0.05), while in the corresponding non-acupoints, this difference had no statistically significant (all P0.05).Gap junction maybe the essential factor in signal transduction of acupuncture.

To observe the effect of Bushen Yiqi Huoxue Recipe (BYHR, a Chinese medical prescription for reinforcing Shen, replenishing qi and promoting blood circulation) on placental trophoblast apoptosis in fetal growth restricted (FGR) pregnant rat for the sake of explore its mechanism of action in treating FGR.FGR animal model was established by passive smoking, 32 pregnant rats were divided into four groups at random: the normal group, the model group, the Chinese medicine (CM) group (model rats treated by BYHR) and the Western medicine (WM) group (model rats treated by arginine). The histological change of placenta was examined with HE stain, the trophoblast apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and RT-PCR, and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in the placenta were detected by immunohistochemical method.Blood stasis and villous ischemia were seen in placenta of FGR model rats. Placental microcirculation was significantly improved in the CM group, but in the WM group only partially improved. The median apoptotic index of syncytial trophoblast cells in the four groups, in normal, model, CM, and WM order, was 45%, 75%, 57% and 70%, as compared with the model group, it was much lower in the normal group and the CM group (P0.01), but a similar level was shown in the WM group. No significant difference in mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax was found among the four groups.BYHR can improve the placental microcirculation in FGR rats to prevent excessive apoptosis through a mechanism other than the classical Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway, which needs further exploring.

To observe the effect and mechanism of acupuncture on infertility of rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).PCOS rat model was induced by subcutaneous injection of oil solution of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in immature (24-day-old) female rats for continuous 20 days. Rats for control were given with same dose of oil for instead. PCOS rats were randomly divided into the model group untreated and the acupuncture group treated by needling acupoints of Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongji (CV3), Sanyin-jiao (SP6) and Zigong (CX-CA1), 15 min once a day for 5 continuous days, starting from the 80th day after birth. All rats were sacrificed at terminal of the treatment, their uterus and bilateral ovaries were dissected for observation and blood levels of sex hormones were measured.compared with the model group, the number of implanted blastocyte and blastocyte implantation rate were higher and the blood levels of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were lower in the acupuncture group (P0.05); but the difference between groups in serum levels of follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and progesterone were of statistical insignificance (P0.05). Moreover, the wet weight of ovary was lower and the equipotent diameter and area of glandular organ and cavity, area ratio of gland and the stroma, and mean thickness of endometria were higher in the acupuncture group than those in the control group (P0.05).Acupuncture can conspicuously downregulate the expressions of serum levels of T and E2, improve the development of ovaries and uterus, promote ovulation, enhance endometrial receptivity, and advance blastocyte implantation.

Acupuncture has been used to treat infertility extensively, including ovulatory dysfunction, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and male infertility. This review summarizes the recent studies which investigated the role of acupuncture in infertility. In conclusion, most of the existing studies suggest a positive effect of acupuncture in infertility treatment. Firstly, acupuncture may improve ovulation by modulating the central and peripheral nervous systems, the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, the ovarian blood flow, and metabolism. Secondly, acupuncture can improve the outcome of IVF-ET, and the mechanisms may be related to the increased uterine blood flow, inhibited uterine motility, and the anesis of depression, anxiety and stress. Its effect on modulating immune function also suggests helpfulness in improving the outcome of IVF-ET. Finally, the studies suggest that acupuncture plays a positive role in male infertility, the mechanism of which is not yet clear. Even though a positive effect of acupuncture in infertility has been found, well-designed multi-center, prospective randomized controlled studies are still needed to provide more reliable and valid scientific evidence. Furthermore, it is urgent and necessary to clarify the mechanism of acupuncture for infertility.

To observe the influence of acupuncture on the luteal function of rats with dysfunctional embryo implantation, and investigate its mechanism.The early pregnant female rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, an acupoint group and a non-acupoint group. The model rats with dysfunctional embryo implantation were established with Mifepristone. For acupuncture treatment, bilateral "Housanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) were selected in the acupoint group, while the points around the acupoint were used in the non-acupoint group. In this experiment, the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), estrodiol (Es) and progesterone (P) in serum were tested with radioimmunity method, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ovary was examined with immunohistochemical assay and Western-blot, and also, the mRNA expression of VEGF and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in ovary were detected with RT-PCR.The levels of LH and P in serum, as well as the expression of VEGF, VEGF mRNA and LHR mRNA in ovary in the acupoint group were significantly higher than those in the model group and the non-acupoint group (P0.05), but there was no obvious difference from that of the normal control group.Acupuncturing at "Housanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) can increase the levels of LH and P in the serum, and up-regulate the expression of VEGF, VEGF mRNA and LHR mRNA in ovary, which may enhance the luteal function of rats with dysfunctional embryo implantation and improve its embryo implantation.

To observe the influence of acupuncture on neuroendocrine in rats with primary dysmenorrhea, so as to explore its underlying mechanism in relieving dysmenorrhea.Forty female Wistar rats were equal randomized into control, model, acupuncture and Extractum Leonuri Inspissatum (ELI) groups, with 10 cases in each. Primary dysmenorrhea model was established by intragastric perfusion of diethylstilbestrol (3 mg/kg), once daily for 12 days. "Guanyuan" (CV 4), bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) and "Diji" (SP 8) were punctured once daily for 7 days. ELI (80 g/kg) was given to rats of ELI group via gastrogavage, once daily for 7 days. On the 12th day, the rats of 4 groups were given with oxytocin (14 U/kg, i.p.) for inducing dysmenorrhea. The latency and incidence rate of writhing within 30 min were observed. The serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P) were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA in hypothalamus and ovary, GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) mRNA in pituitary, estrodiol receptor (ER) mRNA and progesterone receptor (PR) mRNA in uterus were determined using RT-PCR.After modeling, the writhing latency shortened considerably and the writhing times, serum FSH, LH and E2 levels increased apparently, and serum P content decreased markedly (P0.05). Compared with model group, the writhing times, serum FSH, LH, and E2 contents in acupuncture and ELI groups reduced significantly (P0.05), while the writhing latency and serum P contents in acupuncture and ELI groups increased remarkably (P0.05). Compared with control group, hypothalamic GnRH mRNA, ovary GnRH mRNA, pituitary GnRH-R mRNA and uterus ER mRNA expressions in model group were up-regulated significantly, while uterus PR mRNA was down-regulated markedly in model group (P0.05). In comparison with model group, hypothalamic GnRH mRNA, ovary GnRH mRNA, pituitary GnRH-R mRNA and uterus ER mRNA expressions in acupuncture and ELI groups were suppressed significantly (P0.05), while uterus PR mRNA expressions in the later two groups were up-regulated obviously (P0.05).Acupuncture of CV4, SP6 and SP8 can effectively relieve dysmenorrhea in the rat, which may be closely related to its effects in regulating neuroendocrine activities and the related receptor expression of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis.

Acupuncture can improve blastocyst implantation in rats. Connexin 43 may be involved in this effect.

To observe the effect of acupuncture on dysmenorrhea response of Cx43 knock out mice.Two-months-old heterozygote [Cx43(+/-)] type and wild type [Cx43(+/+)] female mice (20 mice/type) were allocated into normal group, model group, acupuncture group and Yimucao Gao (Extractum Leonuri Inspissatum) group randomly. Dysmenorrheal model was established by feeding the mouse with diethylstilbestrol (2 mg/g) once daily for 12 days. Ocytocin (i. p. 2 U/kg) was injected on the 12th day 1 h later after the feeding. Acupuncture of "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) and "Diji" (SP 8) was given to mice of acupuncture group, once daily for 5 days from the 7th day on after modeling. The latency of body-writhing and the writhing number were measured. Ocytocin receptor (Oct-R) mRNA and vasopressin receptor (Vas-R) mRNA expression in the uterus tissue was detected by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, and Oct-R expression was detected with immunohistochemistry after fixating and sectioning the uterus tissue.In comparison with their individual normal group, the latency of body-writhing of model groups in Cx43 (+/+) and Cx43 (+/-) mice shortened considerably, while the writhing number increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the corresponding model group, the writhing latencies of acupuncture and Yimucao Gao groups in Cx43 (+/+) mice and that of Yimucao Gao group in Cx43 (+/-) mice increased remarkably, and the writhing numbers of acupuncture and Yimucao Gao groups in Cx43 (+/+) mice and that of Yimucao Gao group in Cx43 (+/-) mice reduced markedly (P0.05). In Cx43 (+/+) and Cx43 (+/-) mice, compared with their individual normal group, Oct-R and Vas-R mRNA expressions and Oct-R expression in model group were upregulated obviously (P0.05). Compared with the corresponding model group, Oct-R and Vas-R mRNA expressions and Oct-R expression of acupuncture and Yimucao Gao groups in Cx43 (+/+) mice, and those of Yimucao Gao group in Cx43 (+/-) mice were down-regulated significantly (P0.05). No significant differences were found between acupuncture and corresponding model groups in Cx43 (+/-) mice in the above-mentioned indexes (P0.05).Acupuncture can inhibit diethylstilbestrol + ocytocin induced body writhing response in Cx43 (+/+) mice rather than in Cx43 (+/-) mice, which is closely related to its effects in down-regulating Oct-R mRNA, Vas-R mRNA and Oct-R expression.

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is one of the major components of human keratinocyte gap junctions. To study whether gap junctional intercellular communication participates in the transfer of acupoint signals and acupuncture analgesia, the expression of Cx43 was studied in Zusanli (ST36) acupoints compared with control non-acupoint regions in rats after acupuncture. In addition, Cx43 heterozygous gene knockout mice were used to further explore the relationship between Cx43 and acupuncture analgesia.The expression of Cx43 was detected by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-PCR for the Cx43 protein and mRNA. The influence of the Cx43 gene knockout on acupuncture analgesia was measured by a hot plate and observing the writhing response on Cx43 heterozygous gene knockout mice.Immunohistochemistry showed abundant Cx43 expression in some cells in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of rat ST36 acupoints. The mRNA and protein levels of Cx43 in acupoints were significantly higher than those in the control points in the non-acupuncture group, and even more so after acupuncture. The hot plate and writhing response experiments showed that partial knockout of the Cx43 gene decreased acupuncture analgesia.Cx43 expression and acupuncture analgesia showed a positive correlation.

Digital wireless communication applications such as UWB and WPAN necessitate low-power high-speed ADCs to convert RF/IF signals into digital form for subsequent baseband processing. Considering latency and conversion speed, flash ADCs are often the most preferred option. Generally, flash ADCs suffer from high power consumption and large area overhead. On the contrary, SAR ADCs have low power dissipation and occupy a small area. However, a SAR ADC needs several comparison cycles to complete one conversion, which limits its conversion speed. The highest single-channel operation speed of previously reported SAR ADCs is 625MS/s [1]. The ADC in [1] utilizes a 2b/step structure. For non-multi-bit/step SAR ADCs, the highest reported conversion rate is 300MS/s [2]. The structure of a comparator-based binary-search ADC is between that of flash and SAR ADCs [3]. Compared to a flash ADC (high speed, high power) and a SAR ADC (low speed, low power), a binary-search ADC achieves balance between operation speed and power consumption. This paper reports a 5b asynchronous binary-search ADC with reference-range prediction. The maximum conversion speed of this ADC is 800MS/s at a cost of 2mW power consumption.

To observe the influence of silencing Connexin43 (Cx43) expression of partial acupoints on acupuncture effect, so as to probe into the mechanism of acupuncture treatment for primary dysmenorrhea.The primary dysmenorrheal rat model made by oxytocin and RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to silence the expression of Cx43 in acupoints. Fifty SD female rats were divided into five groups, a normal group (N), a model group (M), an acupuncture group (A), an acupuncture plus interference group (A+I), an acupuncture plus interference control group (A+IC). RT-PCR method was used to observe the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and vasopressin receptor (VPR) mRNA expressions in the uterus in each group. Plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGF2alpha levels were detected by radioimmunoassay and ELISA, respectively.(1) The times of writhing body (9.43 +/- 3.87 and 10.28 +/- 4.23) were significantly lower and the latency period of writhing body (12.43 +/- 3.46, 11.00 +/- 3.65) were longer in the group A and the group A+IC as compared with (15.43 +/- 5.13, 17.00 +/- 3.87) and (7.57 +/- 1.99, 8.43 +/- 2.57) in the group M and group A+I (P0.05), respectively. (2) The levels of Cx43 mR NA level and protein expression of acupoint in the group A+I were significantly lower than those of the group N (P0.05). (3) OTR and VPR mRNA in the uterus in the group A and the group A+IC were significantly lower than those in the group M and the group A+I (P0.05), with no significant difference between the group M and the group A+I (P0.05). (4) As compared with the group M, PGE2 level increased and PGF2alpha level decreased in the group A and the group A+IC (P0.05).Silencing Cx43 expression of partial acupoint can inhibit effectively the effect of acupuncture through decreasing OTR and VPR in endometrium of the dysmenorrheal rat and adjusting the prostaglandins (PGs) synthesis system, which possibly is one of the mechanisms of acupuncture for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

To explore the effect of connexin 43 gene knockout on acupuncture analgesia.Seventy-two wide type (WT) and connexin 43 gene knockout mice were separately and randomly divided into: WT control group, WT model group, WT acupuncture group, heterozygous (HT) control group, HT model group and HT acupuncture group, with 12 cases in each. Visceral pain model was established by intraperitoneal administration of acetic acid. "Zhongwan" (CV 12) and bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) were punctured with a filiform needle for 30 min and stimulated by manipulating the needle 30 s every 5 min. The expression of c-fos in the spinal dorsal horn was assayed by using RT-PCR and western blot techniques.There was no significant difference between HT and WT control mice in relative grey value of spinal c-fos mRNA expression (P0.05), in which few c-fos mRNA and protein expressed. The expression of c-fos mRNA and protein was increased significantly following intraperitoneal acetic acid injection compared with control groups in both HT and WT mice (P0.01). And no significant difference was found between HT and WT model groups in c-fos mRNA expression (P0.05). Compared with WT model group, the expression of both c-fos mRNA and c-fos protein in WT acupuncture group was down-regulated significantly (P0.01). In comparison with HT model group, the expression of both c-fos mRNA and protein in HT acupuncture group was down-regulated but without statistically significant difference (P0.05). And the expression of c-fos mRNA and protein in HT acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in WT acupuncture group (P0.05, 0.01).Acupuncture has a marked antinociceptive effect in visceral pain mice, and simultaneously suppresses the expression of c-fos mRNA and protein evoked by noxious stimulation in the spinal dorsal horn. Connexin 43 gene knockout may weaken acupuncture analgesia and reduce EA-induced down-regulation of c-fos expression, suggesting an involvement of connexin 43 in the analgesic effect of acupuncture.