Epilepsy is a group of chronic diseases characterized by recurrent and transient brain dysfunction induced by abrupt and intermittent abnormal discharge of neurons in the brain, which is difficult to be cured. Thee auricular concha are is he zone of visera in TCM auricular points, but also the innervating area of the auricular brach of the vagus nerve. Auricular acupuncture, as a special treatment, has superior therapeutic effect for epilepsy. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in the theoretical basis and clinic application of auricular acupuncture for epilepsy, and the ear-vagus percutaneous electrical stimulation apparatus (auricular acupuncture apparatus) is developed for clinical trial researches. From the basic study to clinical research of auricular acupuncture for epilepsy, the epilepsy pathogenesis as well as the intervention pathway and clinical efficacy of auricular: experimental support and rich clinical experience for auricular acupuncture apparatus.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture, Ear ; instrumentation ; methods ; Ear ; innervation ; Epilepsy ; therapy ; Humans

Acupoints are surface reaction and treatment spots under the pathological conditions which have functions of diagnosis and treatment. For the study of acupoints, we can carry it out from the aspects of structure and function. The two aspects have a close relationship. Structure is the material basis of function, while function is the manifesta-tion of structure. Therefore, the study of acupoints is not only significant to reveal the essence of acupoint, but also has enormous value in the guidance of acu-moxibustion for clinical practice. Staring from the normality of structure and variability of function, we explored the essence of acupoints, and further revealed ordered regulation rule and its biological basis, so that the essence of acupuncture points will be illustrated with scientific evidences.

ObjectiveTo identify the influence of cholesterol on insulin-secreting cells.Methods MIN6 mouse insulin cells were cultured in vitro. After confluence of cells, on one hand, free cholesterol in series concentrations was added to cultu re medium to act for 24 hours, and on the other hand, free cholesterol in same c oncentration was added to culture medium to act for different periods. MTT test was used to evaluate the viability of MIN6 cells.Results25μmol/L free cholesterol significantly decreased the viability of MIN6 c ells after 24 hours and 100μmol/L free cholesterol significantly decreased the viability of MIN6 cells after 12 hours and induced cells death after 24 hours.Conclusions Free cholesterol decreases viability of MIN6 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, and it is indicated that elevated free cholesterol concentration in blood may be one factor involved in the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells.

ObjectiveTo identify the differences between acetylcholine(Ach)-induced increase and adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-induced increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) in mouse pancreatic β-cells. MethodsMouse pancreatic β-cells were primarily cultured and divided into two groups,one group was stimulated by Ach and another by ATP.[Ca2+]c was recorded with Fura-2 in normal condition, chelation of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA and depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by Thapsigargin.ResultsAch induced a transient peak increase and sustained increase in [Ca2+]c. ATP induced a transient peak increase and no sustained increase. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA eliminated the sustained increase induced by Ach, and did not eliminate the transient peak increase induced by Ach and ATP. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by Thapsigargin eliminated the transient peak increase induced by Ach and ATP and the sustained increase induced by Ach. ConclusionsAch induces intracellular Ca2+ release and the following Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ influx, and ATP induces intracellular Ca2+ release, but blocks the following Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ influx.

This study was aimed to compare the effects of acupuncture stimulation on different acupoints, which included LR14-Qimen, ST25-Tianshu, GB34-Yanglingquanand CO11-pancreas and gallbladder (auricular vagus nerve intensively distributed areas) on gallbladder pressure and Oddi sphincter function of guinea pig, in order to discuss acupuncture effect on different acupoints in the regulation of motor function of extrahepatic biliary system. A total of 20 adult guinea pigs of both sexes were randomly divided into two groups, with 10 in each group. The detection was made on changes of Oddi sphincter electromyography and gallbladder pressure before and after acupuncture. A double-hook electrode was implanted into the Oddi sphincter for the detection of Oddi sphincter electromyography. And one small artificial balloon was put into the gallbladder to measure the intrabiliary pressure. After the guinea pig was anesthetized, changes of gallbladder pressure as well as the electromyography frequency and amplitude index of Oddi sphincter of the normal guinea pig were recorded. When the guinea pig was stabilized, acupuncture was given on LR14, ST25, GB34 and CO11 for 1 min. Observations were made on acupuncture effects of gallbladder pressure and Oddi sphincter function of guinea pig. The results showed that after acupuncture on LR14 and ST25, the electromyography frequency of Oddi sphincter was obviously increased compared with before acupuncture (frequency:P < 0.01, amplitude:P < 0.05); the gallbladder pressure was obviously decreased (P < 0.05). After acupuncture on CO11 and GB34, the electromyography frequency and amplitude index of Oddi sphincter were obviously decreased compared with before acupuncture (P < 0.05); the gallbladder pressure was obviously increased (P < 0.01). It was concluded that acupuncture on LR14 and ST25 can obviously inhibit the movement of gallbladder and promote the myoelectricity release of Oddi sphincter. Acupuncturing on CO11 and GB34 can apparently promote the shrinking movement of gallbladder and inhibit the myoelectricity release of Oddi sphincter.

The physiological mechanism underlying the acupoint sensitization was evaluated systemically by using the method of electric physiology at spinal cord, medulla, and thalamus levels; the dynamic change of acupoint from the relative "silence" to the relative "activation" function was explained through the study on the dynamic process of acupoint sensitization; the biological process of the therapeutic effect of acupoint stimulation was illuminated through the research of the central mechanism underlining the dose effect relationship between the sensitive acupoint and the related brain area, thus scientific evidence for the functional link between the acupoint and internal organs as well as the nature of the acupoint were provided.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; Nociceptors ; physiology ; Sensation ; Viscera ; innervation ; physiology ; Visceral Afferents ; physiology

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with CT-guided 125I seed implantation in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated by portal vein tumor thrombus(PVTT), and to discuss the technical points. Methods A total of 48 HCC patients with PVTT were enrolled in this study. TACE combined with CT-guided 125I seed implantation was carried out in all 48 patients. Based on the sites of PVTT, the lesions were classified into type A (PVTT within main portal vein), type B(PVTT within level-1 portal branch) and type C(PVTT within level-2 or more distal portal branch). According to whether the 125I seeds were directly implanted into the PVTT or not, the patients were divided into direct in-tumor thrombus implantation group (group A) and around tumor thrombus implantation group (group B; the 125I seeds were implanted in the liver parenchyma or in tumor tissue around the tumor thrombus within 1.7 cm region). The tumor thrombus control rate(TTCR), the disease control rate(DCR), the time to progress(TTP) and the overall survival rate of patients(OS) were determined, and the results were compared among different types and groups. Results TACE combined with CT-guided 125I seed implantation was successfully accomplished in all 48 patients. The median OS of type A, B and C was 8, 11.5 and 15 months respectively(P=0.003);the TTCR of type A, B and C was 61.5%, 70.8%and 72.7%respectively(P=0.548); the DCR of type A, B and C was 69.2%, 75%and 81.8% respectively (P=0.483); the median TTP of type A, B and C was 4.5, 8 and 11 months respectively(P=0.030);the median TTP of intra-hepatic tumor of type A, B and C was 5, 9 and 9.5 months respectively(P=0.012). The median OS in group A and group B was 10 and 11.5 months respectively (P=0.239); the TTCR in group A and group B was 69.2% and 68.2%respectively(P=0.591); the DCR of intra-hepatic tumor in group A and group B was 73.1% and 77.3%respectively(P=0.502); the median TTP of tumor thrombus in group A and group B was 7 and 10 months respectively(P=0.276); and the median TTP of intra-hepatic tumor in group A and group B was 8 and 9.5 months respectively(P=0.089). Conclusion For the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by portal vein tumor thrombus, TACE combined with CT-guided 125I seed implantation can effectively control the progress of both the tumor thrombus and the intra- hepatic tumor and prolong patient’s survival time. Implantation of 125I seeds into the portal vein tumor thrombus and implantation of 125I seeds into the liver parenchyma around the tumor thrombus have the same therapeutic results. (J Intervent Radiol, 2015, 24:488-493)

This study was aimed to choose the best fixing method of electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement in mice by comparison of ECG index in three different fixing ways. Changes of ST amplitude and heart rate in ECG were measured in the self-made mouse sets, tape bundling or breathing anesthesia state. The amplitudes of the ST seg-ment in C57BL6 mice and β1/β2-AR double knockout mice were elevated in tape bundling or breathing anesthesia state in comparison with that in the self-made mouse sets (all P < 0.01). The heart rate under the tape bundling state in C57BL6 mice was significantly faster than that in the self-made mouse sets (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). And the heart rate under anesthesia in β1/β2-AR double knockout mice was significantly slower than that in tape bundling state or the self-made mouse sets (both P < 0.01). It was concluded that relative to the binding and anesthesia method, fixing mouse in the self-made mouse sets, which can more truly reflect the physiological or pathological states, is a relatively good fixing method of ECG measurement in experimental study.

Objective To understand treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged over 30 years in Jiangninglu Neighborhood of downtown Shanghai. Methods Total 642 patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetes aged over 30 were investigated by cluster sampling in Jiangninglu Neighborhood of downtown Shanghai. Status of optimal control of diabetes in them was analyzed based on the recommendations proposed by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for Western Pacific Region. Results and serum level of glycosylated hemoglobin Alc (HbAlc) of less than 6.5% was achieved in 37.5% (241/were achieved in 23.8% (153/642) and 18.1% (116/642) of them, respectively, and beth systolic and mmol/L was achieved in 21.7% (139/642) of all the participants investigated, triglyceride of less than 1.5 mmol/L in 46.6% (299/642), low-deusity lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) of less than 2.5 mmol/L in 23.7% (152/642) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol of greater than 1.1 mmol/L in 62.1% (399/of their blood glucose, blood pressure and serum LDL-C (defined as HbAlc less than 6.5%, blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg and LDL-C less than 2.5 retool/L). Conclusions Only 2.6% of all the patients diagnosed with diabetes aged over 30 in downtown Shanghai get optimal control of their blood glucose, blood pressure and serum lipid, so comprehensive prevention and control for diabetes shall be strengthened for them at community-level of urban areas.

Aim ToinvestigatetheeffectsofCa2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ inhibitor KN-93 on calcium overload-induced heart injury.Methods Thirty-twoisolatedratheartswererandomlydivided into the control group,KN-93 control group,calcium paradox group,and calcium paradox with KN-93 treat-ment group.Left ventricular pressure were recorded, and the heart function was evaluated by the left ventric-ular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP ) and developed pressure (LVDP).Coronary flow (CF)were collect-ed,and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)content was de-termined.Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was usedtomeasuretheinfarctsize.Results Compared with the control group,KN-93 at 2. 5 μmol·L-1 had no effects on coronary flow,cardiac performance and cell death at the end of perfusion in normal rats (P>0. 05 );The hearts of calcium paradox exhibited a de-crease in LVDP and CF,meanwhile an increase in LV-EDP,LDH,and infarct size of 18 ±7. 2% (P <0. 01).2. 5 μmol·L-1 KN-93 further increased the levels of LVEDP,LDH and infarct size (P<0. 01)in Ca2+paradoxical hearts,while it provoked the decline intheCFandLVDP(P<0.01).Conclusion The data demonstrates that KN-93 aggravates heart injury in calcium paradox,it also suggests that CaMKⅡ is in-volved in the Ca2+overload-induced heart injury.