Search

Objective To observe the impacts of electroacupuncture (EA) at auricular concha on gastrointestinal motility in the rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods A total of 30 SD male rats were collected. 8 rats of them were in a control group and the rest 22 rats were prepared as the model of T2D by intraperitoneal injection with streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat forage. Blood glucose ≥ 16.7 mmol/L for 3 times was considered as modeling success in rats, thus the rats were collected in a T2D group (n = 16). These 16 T2D rats were divided into a model group (n = 8) and an intradermal auricular electroacupuncture stimulation (iaES) group (n = 8) according to random number table. In the iaES group, intervention with EA was applied at auricular concha unilaterally each time, once daily, on both sides alternatively, 5-day treatment as 1 course, at the interval of 2 days between courses, totally for 4 weeks. No any intervention was given in the model group and the control group. At the end of 4 weeks of intervention, the gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion were determined, ELISA method was adopted to determine gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL), and random blood glucose value and food intake were recorded in the iaES group, the model group and the control group successively. Results After modeling, as compared with the control group, the food intake and random blood glucose were increased significantly (both P 0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture at auricular concha improves gastrointestinal motility in T2D model rats.

Background: To evaluate the antidepressant effects of auricular intradermal acupuncture (AIA) of areas innervated by both the auricular branch of the vagus nerve and the trigeminal nerve. Methods: Forty-nine patients with depression were randomly allocated into an AIA group ( n = 25) and a sham AIA group ( n = 24). Both groups received selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as conventional treatment. The AIA group received AIA stimulation, and the sham AIA group received sham AIA, which constituted being subjected to an attached needle that did not penetrate the skin. The needles were retained for 4 h each session, with five sessions a week for a total duration of 2 weeks. The outcomes were assessed by the 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-17), five factors (sleep disorder, retardation, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety/somatization, and weight) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) at weeks 0, 1, and 2. Results: Fifty-four patients were randomly assigned to the AIA ( n = 27) and sham AIA group ( n = 27), of whom 25 patients in the AIA and 24 patients in the sham AIA group were analyzed. AIA-treated patients displayed a significantly greater reduction from baseline in HAMD-17 scores ( p = 0.03) and SDS scores ( p = 0.02) at week 2 compared to patients receiving sham AIA. The AIA intervention also produced a higher rate of clinically significant responses in sleep disorders ( p = 0.07) compared to sham AIA. No adverse events occurred in either group. Conclusion: According to the findings of this preliminary study, AIA appears to have additional value compared to SSRIs alone in treating patients with depressive disorder.

The withdrawal reflex is a defensive reaction to nociceptive stimuli and can be used to regulate locomotor gait during rehabilitation. We investigated the effect of successive needle-pricking of the plantar and dorsal foot surfaces on poststroke lower limb function. Thirty-five hemiplegic patients, within one month after primary stroke, with an affected lower limb (Brunnstrom stage III) were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Both groups received routine drug treatment, rehabilitation training, and upper limb acupuncture treatment on the hemiplegic side. The control group also received routine acupuncture on the hemiplegic side of the lower limb, while the intervention group received successive needle-pricking on the sole and instep of both the unaffected and affected side feet. Outcomes were assessed before inception (D0) and after three (D3) and six (D6) treatment days, using Brunnstrom stage (Ueda assessment), total Fugl–Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE) and its subscores (FMA-LE-ss), active lower limb range of motion (AROM-LL), Modified Ashworth Scale Score (MAS-LL), and manual muscle testing (MMT-LL). The Brunnstrom stage was better in the intervention group than in the control group at both D3 and D6 P<0.01. The total FMA-LE score and sections B, C, D, and G FMA-LE-ss were significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group at D3 and D6 P<0.05. The AROM-LL hip and knee flexion and hip extension improved more in the intervention group than in the control group P<0.05. In the intervention group, MAS-LL hip flexion significantly improved at D6 P<0.01. Improvement in lower limb joints on the MMT-LL in the intervention group exceeded that in the control group at D6 P<0.01. Successive needle-pricking on the plantar and dorsal foot aspects of Brunnstrom stage III in poststroke patients contributed to rapid lower limb motor function improvement via the withdrawal reflex. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900020633.

On the basis of the consensus that acupuncture can regulate functional activities of nerves and blood vessels, we, in the present paper, discussed the physiological significance of the functional interactions between the two, and put forward a suitability between neurovascular coupling and acupuncture research, and held that the neurovascular coupling may be involved in 3 key links of the peripheral afferent process of acupuncture signals, central integration and regulation of target organs. Based on the differences in the expression of neurovascular coupling in different tissues, we proposed a feasibility of study on the diffe-rence of acupoint efficacies from acupoint-neurovascular coupling-acupuncture effect, and stimulationmethods-neurovascular coupling-acupuncture effect.在明确针刺可调节神经、血管这一共识的基础上，论述二者功能交互的生理学意义；提出了神经血管耦联与针刺研究的适配性，认为神经血管耦联参与了针刺信号外周传入、中枢整合和调节靶器官3个环节。基于神经血管耦联在不同组织内的差异，提出从穴位-神经血管耦联-针刺效应、刺激方式-神经血管耦联-针刺效应研究穴位效应差异的可能性。.

Background. Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a common complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which seriously affects patients’ survival and recovery. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a nonpharmacological therapy for epilepsy. The auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) is the only peripheral branch and has antiepileptic effects, but the efficacy of ABVN stimulation as treatment of late PTE is uncertain. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy of ABVN stimulation by auricular electroacupuncture for the treatment of late PTE, and investigated the influence of sodium valproate and edaravone on the anti-PTE effects of auricular electroacupuncture. Method. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship of age, cause of PTE, use of auricular electroacupuncture, sodium valproate, and edaravone with the incidence of late PTE. To compare the curative effects of auricular electroacupuncture, 89 cases of late PTE were divided into an auricular electroacupuncture and a control group according to whether they were treated with auricular electroacupuncture. We further analyzed the influence of sodium valproate and edaravone on the effects of the treatment of PTE with auricular electroacupuncture. Results. Among age, cause, use of auricular electroacupuncture, sodium valproate, and edaravone, the use of auricular electroacupuncture was associated with significantly reduced incidence of late PTE (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, there were more seizure-free cases in the auricular electroacupuncture group (P<0.01). The total effective rate of the auricular electroacupuncture group was 90%. The seizure-free rate among patients treated with auricular electroacupuncture was significantly reduced, regardless of the use of sodium valproate or edaravone (P<0.05). Conclusion. Auricular electroacupuncture can reduce the incidence of late PTE and is a safe and economical therapy for late PTE.

To investigate the effect characteristics and mechanism of acupuncture in autonomic nerve regulation through a comprehensive literature analysis.CNKI and PubMed databases were searched for the studies on acupuncture in autonomic nerve regulation in the past 30 years, and Excel was used to perform a descriptive analysis of research subjects, intervention methods, intervention sites (acupoint selection), intervention parameters, and effect mechanism of acupuncture.A total of 202 studies were included, among which there were 51 clinical studies, mostly on the nervous system and the circulatory system; Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Fengchi (GB20), and Hegu (LI4) were the most frequently used acupoints, manual acupuncture was the most common intervention method, most of the acupoints selected were in the extremities, head, face, and neck, and heart rate variability was the main parameter for evaluation. Among the 151 animal experimental studies, there were many studies on the digestive system and the circulatory system; "Zusanli" (ST36), "Neiguan" (PC6), and "Shenmen" (HT7) were the most frequently used acupoints, electroacupuncture was the most common intervention method, most of the acupoints selected were in the extremities, and the main effect mechanism was to regulate the central vagus nerve activity and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP).Acupuncture has a good effect on autonomic nerve regulation. The acupoints in extremities, head, and face are mainly used in studies. The main action pathways are central vagus nerve activity and CAP, as demonstrated in the animal experiments. Acupuncture has specific effect characteristics, which are closely associated with the acupoints, methods, and parameters of stimulation.

The quantity of mild moxibustion stimulation is an important factor affecting clinical therapeutic effect. In the present study, we collected related literature by using key word "moxibustion stimulation quantity" from CNKI Database and make a summary about its concept. The quantity of mild moxibustion stimulation has two common characters, namely thermal intensity and cumulative stimulating quantity, and contains 6 components (parameters), including thermal energy, thermal stimulus, heated area of the skin, and stimulating duration, intensity and frequency. According to the facts mentioned above, we hold that the mild moxibustion quantity actually has 3 dimensions, i．e., the duration of stimulation, the stimulating quantity of one treatment session, and the total stimulating quantity of multiple treatment sessions. Accurately grasping and rationally using the basic term of the quantity of mild moxibustion is not only conductive to control clinical moxibustion operation, but also conforms to the basic requirements for quantitative control of intervention measures in experimental researches.

Background and purpose Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a musculoskeletal condition occurring in infants and children. This systematic review is conducted to summarize the current evidence on the effects and safety of TCM massage therapy for the treatment of CMT in infants and children. Methods We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs on TCM massage for CMT in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, TCMLARS, ICTRP, CSTJ, CNKI, Wanfang Data, CBM, Taiwan Electronic Periodical Services, and the Index to Taiwan Periodical Literature System. Two reviewers conducted the data collection and analysis separately. Cochrane's collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and GRADEpro was used to assess the overall quality of the evidence. RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis with a random-effect model. Results A systematic review of six RCTs and one quasi-RCT was conducted with a meta-analysis of two of the RCTs. Pooled analysis showed that TCM massage has similar effects to those of stretching therapy on CMT symptoms in terms of effective rate (risk ratio: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94–1.06; I2 = 0%; P = 0.99). Conclusion Evidence suggests that TCM massage therapy is beneficial for treating CMT in infants and children. Further clinical trials with high-quality methodologies need to be conducted.

The gastrointestinal mucosa is the primary site where human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) invades, amplifies, and becomes persistently established, and cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1 plays a pivotal role in mucosal viral dissemination. Mast cells are widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract and are early targets for invasive pathogens, and they have been shown to have increased density in the genital mucosa in HIV-infected women. Intestinal mast cells express numerous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and have been shown to combat various viral, parasitic, and bacterial infections. However, the role of mast cells in HIV-1 infection is poorly defined. In this study, we investigated their potential contributions to HIV-1 transmission. Mast cells isolated from gut mucosal tissues were found to express a variety of HIV-1 attachment factors (HAFs), such as DC-SIGN, heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), and α4β7 integrin, which mediate capture of HIV-1 on the cell surface. Intriguingly, following coculture with CD4 + T cells, mast cell surface-bound viruses were efficiently transferred to target T cells. Prior blocking with anti-HAF antibody or mannan before coculture impaired viral trans -infection. Cell-cell conjunctions formed between mast cells and T cells, to which viral particles were recruited, and these were required for efficient cell-to-cell HIV-1 transmission. Our results reveal a potential function of gut mucosal mast cells in HIV-1 dissemination in tissues. Strategies aimed at preventing viral capture and transfer mediated by mast cells could be beneficial in combating primary HIV-1 infection. IMPORTANCE In this study, we demonstrate the role of human mast cells isolated from mucosal tissues in mediating HIV-1 trans -infection of CD4 + T cells. This finding facilitates our understanding of HIV-1 mucosal infection and will benefit the development of strategies to combat primary HIV-1 dissemination.

HIV-1 depends on host-cell-encoded factors to complete its life cycle. A comprehensive understanding of how HIV-1 manipulates host machineries during viral infection can facilitate the identification of host targets for antiviral drugs or gene therapy. The cellular protein Naf1 (HIV-1 Nef-associated factor 1) is a CRM1-dependent nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein, and has been identified to regulate multiple receptor-mediated signal pathways in inflammation. The cytoplasm-located Naf1 can inhibit NF-κB activation through binding to A20, and the loss of Naf1 controlled NF-κB activation is associated with multiple autoimmune diseases. However, the effect of Naf1 on HIV-1 mRNA expression has not been characterized. In this study we found that the nucleus-located Naf1 could promote nuclear export of unspliced HIV-1 gag mRNA. We demonstrated that the association between Naf1 and CRM1 was required for this function as the inhibition or knockdown of CRM1 expression significantly impaired Naf1-promoted HIV-1 production. The mutation of Naf1 nuclear export signals (NESs) that account for CRM1 recruitment for nuclear export decreased Naf1 function. Additionally, the mutation of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of Naf1 diminished its ability to promote HIV-1 production, demonstrating that the shuttling property of Naf1 is required for this function. Our results reveal a novel role of Naf1 in enhancing HIV-1 production, and provide a potential therapeutic target for controlling HIV-1 infection.

Within the framework of QCD sum rules, we have investigated the tetraquark states with three heavy quarks. We systematically construct the interpolating currents for the possible $cc\overline{c}\overline{q}$, $cc\overline{b}\overline{q}$, $bc\overline{b}\overline{q}$, $bb\overline{b}\overline{q}$ tetraquark states with quantum numbers ${J}^{P}={0}^{+}$ and ${J}^{P}={1}^{+}$. Using these interpolating currents, we have calculated the two-point correlation functions and extracted the mass spectra for the above tetraquark states. We also discuss the decay patterns of these tetraquarks, and notice that the $cc\overline{c}\overline{q}$, $cc\overline{b}\overline{q}$, $bc\overline{b}\overline{q}$ may decay quickly with a narrow width due to their mass spectra. The $bb\overline{b}\overline{q}$ tetraquarks are expected to be very narrow resonances since their OZI (Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka)-allowed decay modes are kinematically forbidden. These states may be searched for in the final states with a $B$ meson plus a light meson or photon.

To compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning and post-conditioning on hippocampal neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in rats with anxiety-like behavior, so as to explore the reasonable EA intervention time.Forty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal 1, normal 2, anxiety model 1, an-xiety model 2, EA-pre-conditioning and EA-post-conditioning. The anxiety model was established by giving the rats with repeated foot shock stimulation (0.8 mA, 2-25 s/time, 10 times in 5 min) combined with isolation-raising. Before or after modeling, EA stimulation was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Yintang" (GV 29) for 20 min, once a day for 7 days. Elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were performed to determine the percentages of time spent in the open arms and the percentages of entries into the open arms in 5 min for evaluating the animals' anxiety-like behavioral activities. The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect hippocampal nNOS mRNA expression and the immunohistochemical staining adopted to detect the expression of nNOS protein in the hippocampal CA 1 and CA 3 areas, respectively.Compared with their own normal control group 1 and 2, both the percentage of time spent in the open arms and the percentage of entries into the open arms were significantly decreased in model group 1 and 2 (Both pre- and post-conditioning of EA can improve anxiety-like behavior in anxiety rats, which may be associated with its effects in down-regulating hippocampal nNOS expression.

Altered cytokine profiles and imbalanced frequencies of CD4+ T helper cell subsets are thought to be linked with HIV-1/AIDS pathogenesis, but the causes need to be further clarified. Histamine, a biogenic amine with many functions, shows enhancement in HIV-1 infected individuals, which are considered to link with disease progression, but is poorly understood. This study investigated histamine-assisted HIV-1 modulation of dendritic cell (DC) functions. Histamine and HIV-1 showed a synergistic role in induction of interleukin-10; histamine inhibited HIV-1-induced IL-12 production from MDDCs (monocyte-derived DCs); notably, histamine augmented HIV-1-induced MDDC functional polarization and skewed naïve T cell differentiation toward regulatory T cells (Tregs). The results indicate the novel role of histamine in HIV-1-induced DC functional regulation, which promoted Treg cell differentiation and up-regulated immunosuppressive factors. These findings help to bridge the correlation between elevated histamine and increased Treg cell frequency in HIV-1 infected individuals, and add to our understanding of HIV-1-induced immunosuppression.

Objectives. To compare the effects of moxibustion at two different temperatures (38°C and 46°C) on the blood cholesterol level in a mice model of acute hyperlipidemia, to detect the different expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) in the dorsal root ganglions of the wild mice, and to explore the correlation between TRPV1 and moxibustion’s cholesterol-lowering effects.Method. Two different mice models were used: C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and TRPV1 gene knockout (TRPV1−/−). Each model was randomly divided into control group and model group with three subgroups after acute hyperlipidemia was established: model control group, 38°C moxibustion group, and 46°C moxibustion group. The mice in 38°C group and 46°C group were subject to moxibustion. After the therapy, the cholesterol concentration in serum was measured, and the expression of TRPV1 was quantified.Results. In WT mice, moxibustion caused a decrease in blood cholesterol level and upregulation of TRPV1 at the mRNA level, which was significantly greater in the 46°C group. In contrast, in TRPV1−/− mice, the differences of cholesterol-lowering effects of moxibustion were lost.Conclusions. Temperature is one of the important factors affecting the effects of moxibustion, and the cholesterol -lowering effect of moxibustion is related to the activation of TRPV1.

To observe the influence of suspended moxibustion on biochemical markers of patients with hyperlipidemia. Suspended moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) was used for patients with hyperlipidemia, and the changes of fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected both before and after treatments. FBG, TC and LDL-C decreased after treatment (P 0.05). In treating patients with hyperlipidemia, suspended moxibustion can not only improve lipid metabolism, but also regulate glucose metabolism.

Based on the theory of structure impact dynamic and numerical optimization, application of SQP algorithm in nonlinear parameter inversion is demonstrated in this paper by combining the optimization software and finite element software. Parameter inversion of thin-walled cylinder subjected to axial impact load is studied. The material parameters of thin-walled cylinder are obtained from inversion; besides, the whole process of numerical optimization parameter inversed method is demonstrated.

A method was established for the determination of the element composition and distribution in different layers of cobalt-rich crust profile by 193 nm ArF excimer Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The crust standard reference material (GSMC-1) was used as the external standard and Ti was used as the internal standard element for the quantitative determination of multi-element in different layers of the cobalt-rich crust. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of the crust samples GSMC-2 and GSMC-3; the relative error and relative standard deviation were less than 10%, and the detection limits of the element were in the range of 3.2–191 ng g−1 (with the exception of silicon). The concentration of the ore-forming and rare earth elements in different crust layers of a cobalt-crust sample MDD-42, which was collected from Magellan seamounts in the western Pacific, was determined by LA-ICP-MS. The distribution of elements in different crust layers was investigated in detail. The results indicated that the enrichment and depletion of elements are closely related to the geological process and the paleoceanic environment during their growth period.

A method to determine lead isotope ratio in the geological sample with dual gas flow calibration-laser ablation inductively coupled with plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was described. 201Hg and the exponent principle were used to calibrate the isobaric interference and mass discrimination in LA-ICP-MS analysis, respectively. The results showed that the intensities of analytical signal for Pb were extremely improved with dual gas flow system. The optimum signal intensities and the precision of isotope ratio were obtained when the ratio of the flows between dry aerosols and wet aerosols was about 1. The proposed method was applied to analyze geological standard reference materials such as NIST610 and BCR-2G, and the analytical results were in good agreement with the reference values with RSD ≤ 1% (n = 8).

Cell-associated HIV-1 infection has been proposed to play a pivotal role in the spread of HIV-1 infection. Granulocytes are a category of white blood cells, comprising mainly basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils, and participate in various inflammatory reactions and defense against pathogens. Here, we investigated the role of human blood granulocytes in the dissemination of HIV-1. These cells were found to express a variety of HIV-1 attachment factors (HAFs). Basophils expressed HAFs dendritic cell (DC)-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM3)-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), DC immunoreceptor (DCIR), heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), and α4β7 integrin and mediated the most efficient capture of HIV-1 on the cell surface. Neutrophils were found to express DCIR and demonstrated limited efficiency of viral capture. Eosinophils expressed α4β7 integrin but exhibited little or no virus-binding capacity. Intriguingly, following direct contact with CD4 + T cells, viruses harbored on the surface of basophils were transferred to T cells. The contact between basophils and CD4 + T cells and formation of infectious synapses appeared necessary for efficient HIV-1 spread. In HIV-1-infected individuals, the frequency of basophils remained fairly stable over the course of disease, regardless of CD4 + T depletion or the emergence of AIDS-associated opportunistic infections. Collectively, our results provide novel insights into the roles of granulocytes, particularly basophils, in HIV-1 dissemination. Thus, strategies designed to prevent basophil-mediated viral capture and transfer may be developed into a new form of therapy. IMPORTANCE Cell-associated HIV-1 infection has been proposed to play a pivotal role in the spread of HIV-1 infection. Here, we demonstrated that human blood-circulating granulocytes, particularly basophils, can capture HIV-1 and mediate viral trans -infection of CD4 + T cells. The expression of a variety of HIV-1 attachment factors, such as the C-type lectins, etc., facilitates viral capture and transfer. Intriguingly, the frequency of basophils in patients with different levels of CD4 + T counts remains fairly stable during the course of disease. Our results provide novel insights into the roles of granulocytes, particularly basophils, in HIV-1 dissemination. We suggest that strategies designed to prevent basophil-mediated viral capture and transfer may be a new direction for the development of anti-HIV therapy.

Aim and Objective: This research was done to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of moxibustion and explore the role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid sub type 1 (TRPV1) on Mice with adjuvant arthritis. Method: Adjuvant arthritis (AA) was established by using the amount of 20 μL of Freund’s Adjuvant Complete (FCA) intradermal injected into right hindfoot plantar. 50 KM mice were randomized into 6 groups by random number table method: control group (n=10), model group (n=8), capsaicin group (n=8), capsazepine group (n=8), moxibustion group (n=8) and Moxibustion+Capsazepine (MC) group (n=8). 16 C57BL/6 wild-type mice are randomized into 2 groups by random number table method: Wild-Type (WT) model group and WT moxibustion group with 8 in each. 14 TRPV1 knockout mice are randomized into 2 groups by random number table method: knockout (KO) model group and KO moxibustion group with 7 in each. Each mouse in the capsaicin group is subcutaneously injected with the amount of 0.1 ml/10 g into the L5, L6 spinal cords. Each mouse in the capsazepine group was intraperitoneally injected with the amount of 0.1 ml/10 g. Similarly, each mouse in the moxibustion group, WT moxibustion group and KO moxibustion group was given a suspended moxibustion with 5 mm × 200 mm specially-made moxa stick for 20 minutes on L5 and L6 spinal cords. Kept the distance between the moxa stick and the skin where L5 and L6 spinal cords located was 10 ± 2 mm that the temperature was stabilized at 46 ± 1°C. Each mouse in MC group was intraperitoneally injected with the amount of 0.1 ml/10 g first, then after 15 minutes was given a suspended moxibustion for 20 minutes on L5 and L6 spinal cords. All the treatments above were performed at the same day when models were successfully establishedand performed once per day for 7 days in total. During the performance, mice in the control group, model group, WT model group and KO model group were of no treatment in any way. The right hindfoot paw volumes of mice in each group were measured and recorded on Day 1, Day 2, Day 4, Day 6 and Day 8 of the experiment. After all treatments, the serum IL-1β and TNF-α level was determined by ELISA. Results: Compared with the model group, the paw volumes in the moxibustion group was significantly decreased (P 0.05). Conclusions: TRPV1 plays a central role in the anti-inflammatory effect of moxibustion, while the effect may be lost if lacked of TRPV1-mediated.

Within the framework QCD sum rules, we use the least square fitting method to investigate the first radial excitations of the nucleon and light mesons such as $\rho$, $K^{*}$, $\pi$ , $\varphi$. The extracted masses of these radial excitations are consistent with the experimental data. Especially we find that the decay constant of $\pi(1300)$, which is the the first radial excitation of $\pi$, is tiny and strongly suppressed as a consequence of chiral symmetry., Comment: 19 pages

Objective. To observe effects of the thermal stimulation by moxibustion at different temperatures on cardiac function in brachycardia rat model and on mast cells in the local site of moxibustion at the Ximen Acupoint and to compare the differences of the effects of moxibustion at different temperatures.Method. Establish the brachycardia rat model with propranolol and observe effects of the thermal stimulation by moxibustion at different temperatures (38°C and 46°C).Results. The thermal stimulation by moxibustion at 2 temperatures may increase HR, MAP, LVSP, and +dp/dtmax and reduce t-dp/dtmax in brachycardia rats; the 46°C moxibustion group shows greater regulating effects on cardiac function in rats than that in the 38°C moxibustion group (P<0.05). The thermal stimulation by moxibustion at 2 temperatures may promote degranulation of mast cells in the local site of moxibustion at the Ximen Acupoint; the degranulation rate in the 46°C moxibustion group is higher than that in the 38°C moxibustion group (P<0.05).Conclusion. There is a certain association between the effect on the target organ and the effect in the local site of moxibustion. The moxibustion effect possibly resulted from local mast cells degranulation and different thermoreceptors activated by the thermal stimulation at different temperatures.

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in host defense against invaded pathogens including fungi, while DCs are targeted by fungi for deleterious regulation of the host immune response. A few studies have reported fungal modulation of DC function in these immunocompromised AIDS patients. Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) is referred as one of the opportunistic fungi of AIDS. Here, we isolated native C. neoformans from an AIDS patient and investigated its effects on DC activation and function. Stimulation of C. neoformans matured DCs, and enhanced DC-mediated HIV-1 trans-infection; moreover, C. neoformans-stimulated DCs promoted the activation of resting T cells and provided more susceptible targets for HIV-1 infection. Microbial translocation has been proposed as the cause of systemic immune activation in chronic HIV-1 infection. Understanding the potential effects of pathogens on HIV-1-DC interactions could help elucidate viral pathogenesis and provide a new insight for against the spread of HIV.

To verify the anti-depression effect of acupuncture and moxibustion based on the medication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Eighty cases of depression were randomly divided into an acupuncture-moxibustion-medication group (25 cases), an acupuncture-medication group (25 cases) and a medication group (30 cases). SSRIs medication was administered in all of the three groups. Complementarily, in acupuncture-moxibustion-medication group, the needling technique of qi conduction in the Governor Vessel was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Dazhui (GV 14), etc. Additionally, mild moxibustion was added at Dazhui (GV 14) and Baihui (GV 20). In acupuncture-medication group, acupuncture for qi conduction in the Governor Vessel was only adopted. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was used for the evaluation of the total score, the score of each factor before and after treatment separately, and the therapeutic effects were observed among 3 groups.Compared with medication group, the scores of the factors as retardation, sleep, and anxiety/somatization, as well as the total score were all apparently improved in the other two groups (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with acupuncture-medication group, the scores of sleep and cognition factors as well as the total score in HAMD were much improved in acupuncture-moxibustion-medication group (P0.05, P0.01). The remarkable effective rates were 100.0% (25/25), 84.0% (21/25) and 56.7% (17/30) in the three groups separately, in which, the result in acupuncture-moxibustion-medication group was superior to acupuncture-medication group (P0.05), and the results of these two groups were superior to medication group (both P0.01).Either acupunctrure or moxibustion has a definite anti-depression effect based on SSRIs medication, but the coordination of acupuncture and moxibustion achieves a superior efficacy as compared with simple acupuncture therapy.

To explore clinical therapeutic effects of Governor Vessel Daoqi needling method combined with antidepressants on dyssomnia in the patient of depression.depression with dyssomnia were randomly divided into a treatment group (n=23) and a control group (n=22). The treatment group were treated with Governor Vessel Daoqi needling method and oral administration of antidepressants, with Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Shendao (GV 11) and Zhiyang (GV 9) selected as main acupoints; and the control group with simple antidepressants. They were treated for 4 weeks. Changes of scores for Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were investigated in the two groups.Significant differences before and after treatment in the scores for HAMD (P0.01) in both the two groups, and a significant difference before and after treatment in the score for PSQI only in the treatment group (P0.01) were found; after treatment, there were significant differences between the two groups in the scores of HAMD and PSQI (P0.01).The combined therapy of Governor Vessel Daoqi needling method and antidepressants can significantly improve dyssomnia in the patient of depression.

To explore the theoretical basis and clinical methods for treatment of cerebrovascular diseases according to the collateral theory.Conjecture the construction components of the brain collaterals from relative description in Huangdi's Internal Classic and Classic on 81 Medical Problems; and illustrate mechanisms and the pathway of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of cerebrovascular diseases according to the theory of collaterals by means of relative theories and conclusions of experimental studies.(1) Brain collaterals are composed of collaterals of The Yangming, The Taiyang and The Governor Channels and The Changqian Collateral; (2) rich qi and blood are physiological characteristics of the brain collaterals, and pathological changes of the brain collaterals are a part of collaterals in whole body, "deficiency, toxicity, blood stasis" are pathological basis of lesion of the brain collaterals, "blood stasis" is an important pathological link of lesion of the brain collaterals; (3) acupuncture at relative acupoints of channels, pricking blood therapy at Jing points and blood-letting puncture therapy, low energy laser intravascular irradiation are clinically three effective methods for treatment of cerebrovascular diseases based on the theory of collaterals.

The aim of this study is to compare the occurrence of pain applying different materials of root canal therapy in vital teeth.288 vital teeth were divided into 4 groups, Cortisomol sealer+gutta-percha and Vitapex+gutta-percha were used respectively in 2 groups of one time method; while Cortisomol sealer+gutta-percha and Vitapex+gutta-percha were used after 24-48 hours drainage in the other 2 groups. The occurrence of pain after 1 week was recorded.In all treated teeth,the occurrence rate of self-healing pain after root canal therapy was 22.6%, the occurrence rate of non-self-healing was 2.08%; in the groups of one time method,the occurrence rate of pain using Cortisomol was lower than the group using Vitapex with significant difference(P0.01); while in the groups of root canal filling after drainage,the occurrence of self-healing pain in the group using Cortisomol was lower than the group of using Vitapex without significant difference(P0.05);the pain occurred within 72 hours in most of the teeth.Root canal treatment applying Cortisomol sealer+gutta-percha can decrease the rate of pain occurrence after root canal filling.