OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Huayu Tongluo (transforming stasis and unblocking collaterals) moxibustion on learning-memory ability and hippocampal mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 pathway related to inflammatory response in rats with vascular dementia (VD). METHODS: A total of 60 male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a sham operation group (12 rats) and a modeling group (48 rats). VD model was established by the method of modified bilateral common carotid artery permanent ligation in the modeling group. Thirty-six rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group and a western medication group, with 12 rats in each group. Huayu Tongluo moxibustion was applied at "Dazhui" (GV14), "Baihui" (GV20) and "Shenting" (GV24) in the moxibustion group, 20 min each time, once a day, 7 day-intervention was as one course, and 1 day-interval was taken between two courses, for a total of 3 courses. In the western medication group, piracetam was given 0.72 mg/kg by intragastric administration, twice a day, the course of intervention was same as that of the moxibustion group. The learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze test; the morphology of hippocampal CA1 region was observed by HE staining; the mRNA expression of Mst1, M1 microglia markers CD86, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was detected by real-time PCR; the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were detected by ELISA; and the protein expression of Mst1 and NF-κB p65 in hippocampus was detected by Western blot in rats of each group. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the escape latency was prolonged in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the escape latency was shortened in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05). The cells in the CA1 region of hippocampus were disordered, cell collapse and irregular nuclei could be observed in the model group; compared with the model group, the cell arrangement in the CA1 region of hippocampus was more regular, and the damage was improved in the moxibustion group and the western medication group. Compared with the sham operation group, the mRNA expression of Mst1, CD86, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as the protein expression of Mst1, NF-κB p65 in hippocampus were increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of Mst1, CD86, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as the protein expression of Mst1, NF-κB p65 in hippocampus were decreased in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were decreased in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Huayu Tongluo moxibustion can improve the learning-memory ability of VD rats, the mechanism may be related to regulating the activation of microglia through Mst1/NF-κB p65 pathway, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors i.e. IL-6 and TNF-α, so as to alleviating the damage of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus of VD rats.
Animals ; Male ; Rats ; Moxibustion ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Rats, Wistar ; Dementia, Vascular/genetics* ; Memory/drug effects* ; Humans ; Transcription Factor RelA/genetics* ; Learning ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics* ; Acupuncture Points ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

The paper summarizes Professor YANG Jun's experience in treatment of refractory facial paralysis with the refined mode of acupuncture and moxibustion, so as to provide new ideas and methods for the disease treated with acupuncture and moxibustion. Professor YANG Jun puts forward the refined mode of diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion for refractory facial paralysis. On the basis of syndrome/pattern differentiation of TCM, combined with meridian theory and modern anatomy, the symptom differentiation and meridian differentiation are performed accurately. By selecting local acupoints (e.g. Touwei [ST8], Sibai [ST2], Cuanzhu [BL2] and Yangbai [GB14]), distal acupoints (e.g. Zusanli [ST36], Hegu [LI4] and Jinsuo [GV8]), specific acupoints (e.g.Qianzheng [EX-HN16] and Touqiaoyin [GB11]) and the acupoints for regulating the mind (e.g. Dazhui [GV14] and Shuigou [GV26]), the prescription is composed. The different needling techniques are delivered at the acupoints (e.g. point-to-point needling with long needle, stuck needling by lifting and dragging, and balance needling on the healthy side). Besides, the facial rehabilitation is considered as the adjuvant treatment. This mode of treatment obtains the precise diagnosis and treatment to achieve the utmost therapeutic effects.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Male ; Meridians ; Female ; History, 21st Century ; History, 20th Century

Microbial-derived metabolites are important mediators of host-microbial interactions. In recent years, the role of intestinal microbial metabolites in colorectal cancer has attracted considerable attention. These metabolites, which can be derived from bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules such as bile acids, or directly from bacteria, strongly influence the progression of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) by regulating inflammation and immune response. Here, we review how microbiome metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secondary bile acids, polyamines, microbial tryptophan metabolites, and polyphenols are involved in the tumorigenesis and development of CAC through inflammation and immunity. Given the heated debate on the metabolites of microbiota in maintaining gut homeostasis, serving as tumor molecular markers, and affecting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in recent years, strategies for the prevention and treatment of CAC by targeting intestinal microbial metabolites are also discussed in this review.
Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology* ; Animals ; Carcinogenesis/metabolism* ; Colitis-Associated Neoplasms/microbiology* ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism* ; Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism* ; Colitis/microbiology*

Attempts have been made to modulate motor sequence learning (MSL) through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, targeting different sites within the sensorimotor network. However, the target with the optimum modulatory effect on neural plasticity associated with MSL remains unclarified. This study was therefore designed to compare the role of the left primary motor cortex and the left supplementary motor area proper (SMAp) in modulating MSL across different complexity levels and for both hands, as well as the associated neuroplasticity by applying intermittent theta burst stimulation together with the electroencephalogram and concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation. Our data demonstrated the role of SMAp stimulation in modulating neural communication to support MSL, which is achieved by facilitating regional activation and orchestrating neural coupling across distributed brain regions, particularly in interhemispheric connections. These findings may have important clinical implications, particularly for motor rehabilitation in populations such as post-stroke patients.
Humans ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ; Motor Cortex/physiology* ; Male ; Electroencephalography ; Neuronal Plasticity/physiology* ; Female ; Adult ; Evoked Potentials, Motor/physiology* ; Young Adult ; Learning/physiology*

Objective: To investigate the distribution characteristics and functional genes of cariogenic bacteria in oral microorganisms of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to improve the understanding of the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and dental caries. Methods: The experimental group included 10 patients with type 2 diabetes treated in the Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. The normal control group included healthy oral subjects without type 2 diabetes in the community population (10 cases). Samples of supragingival plaque from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and normal controls were collected and sequenced. Bioinformatics and statistical analysis of cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, Actinomyces viscosus and Candida albicans were carried out. Results: There were slightly fewer cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, Actinomyces viscosus and Candida albicans in supragingival plaque samples of type 2 diabetic patients than in normal controls, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The results of KEGG pathway functional metabolic differences showed that the metabolic pathways of D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism, biofilm formation-Escherichia coli, carolactam degradation and arginine biosynthesis were more abundant in the T2DM group than in the normal control group, while metabolic pathways such as tyrosine metabolism, selenocompound metabolism and pyruvate metabolism showed the opposite trend. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the content of cariogenic microorganisms between type 2 diabetic patients and normal control group. The differential metabolic pathways of the functional genes indicated that an increase in the arginine metabolic pathway was beneficial to the maintenance of acid-base balance in the oral microecological environment.

Objective:To analyze the lipid levels, adverse perinatal outcome and their correlation in Tibetan pregnant women in high altitudes in late pregnancy.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical and laboratory data of 523 Tibetan singleton pregnant women who delivered after 28 weeks at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaya People's Hospital, Changdu City. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the altitude of their long-term residence, including altitude<3 500 m (Group A, n=161), altitude ≥3 500 m and <4 000 m (Group B, n=203) and altitude≥4 000 m (Group C, n=159). In addition, the subjects were also grouped into high TG group (TG≥3.23 mmol/L, n=80) and control group (TG<3.23 mmol/L, n=443). The baseline information, levels of lipid and perinatal outcome were compared among Group A,B and C, and also between the high TG and control group, respectively, using Mann-whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, LSD- t, Chi-square test, or Fisher exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also applied to analyze the correlation between hypertriglyceridemia and adverse perinatal outcome. Results:The maternal age, gravidity and parity, body mess index, blood pressure on admission and total cholesterol (TC), TG, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), TG/HDL-C ratio and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio in late pregnancy and the occurrence of adverse perinatal outcome did not show any significant differences among Group A, B and C (all P>0.05). However, the hemoglobin (Hb) level increased with the elevation of altitude as expected, and that in Group C was higher than that in Group A and B [121.0 g/L (108.0-132.0 g/L) vs 115.0 g/L (103.5-128.0 g/L) and 117.0 g/L (101.0-127.0 g/L), H=2.37 and 1.97, both P<0.05]. The proportion of women with hypertriglyceridemia, the high TG group, in late pregnancy was 15.3% (80/523), and no significant difference was found in HDL-C or Hb levels between the high TG and control group [1.7 mmol/L (1.5-2.0 mmol/L) vs 1.8 mmol/L (1.5-2.1 mmol/L), Z=－1.51;123.5 g/L (110.0-131.8 g/L) vs 117.0 g/L (104.0-128.0 g/L), Z=1.69; both P>0.05]. Higher rates of cesarean section [13.8% (11/80) vs 6.6% (29/443), χ2＝4.98], hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) [16.3% (13/80) vs 7.5% (33/443), χ2＝6.54], preeclampsia (PE) [8.8% (7/80) vs 1.6% (7/443), χ2＝13.37], hyperglycemia during pregnancy [11.3%( 9/80) vs 3.6% (16/443), χ2＝8.69], preterm birth (PB) [7.5% (6/80) vs 2.0% (9/443), χ2＝7.27], microsomia [5.0% (4/80) vs 0.9% (4/443), Fisher exact test] and neonatal asphyxia [8.8%(7/80) vs 2.5% (11/443), χ2＝8.01] were observed in the high TG group than in the control group (all P<0.05). Regarding the pregnant women at different altitude, TG was negatively correlated with Hb ( r=－0.17, P=0.037) only in Group C .Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed higher risk of HDP ( OR=2.42,95% CI:1.17-5.00), PE ( OR=5.25, 95% CI:1.73-16.00), hyperglycemia during pregnancy ( OR=3.77, 95% CI:1.56-9.09), PB ( OR=4.33, 95% CI:1.42-13.22), microsomia ( OR=4.33, 95% CI:1.42-13.22), neonatal asphyxia ( OR=3.45, 95% CI:1.27-9.35) and fetal demise ( OR=4.94, 95% CI:1.01-24.21) in women with high TG level in late pregnancy (all P<0.05). Conclusions:There were no differences in adverse perinatal outcomes or serum lipid levels in late pregnancy among women living at different high altitudes. However, hypertriglyceridemia at the third trimester is closely associated with the incidence of HDP, PE, hyperglycemia during pregnancy, PB, microsomia, neonatal asphyxia and fetal demise in this group of women.

ObjectiveTo establish and evaluate a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） model with lung-spleen qi deficiency. MethodA rat model mimicking COPD with lung-spleen qi deficiency was established by the combination of cigarette smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide （LPS） along with gavage of Sennae Folium infusion. Forty male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned to blank， model， and low- （L-FXY）， medium- （M-FXY）， and high-dose （H-FXY） Sennae Folium infusion groups. Other groups except the blank group were exposed to daily cigarette smoke， with LPS administrated via intratracheal instillation on the 1st and 14th days. On the 28th day of modeling， the L-FXY， M-FXY， and H-FXY groups were administrated with Sennae Folium infusion at 5， 10， and 20 g·kg^-1， respectively， and at 4 ℃ for three weeks. The modeling lasted for 49 days. The general conditions （body mass， food intake， fecal water content， and anal temperature） and behaviors （grip strength test and tail suspension test） of rats in different groups were examined. The lung function， lung histopathology， D-xylose， amylase， and gastrin levels in the serum， interleukin（IL）-1β and IL-6 levels in the alveolar lavage fluid， levels of T-lymphocyte subsets （CD4⁺， CD8⁺， and CD4⁺/CD8⁺） in the peripheral blood， and thymus and spleen indices were measured. ResultTwo rats died in the H-FXY group. Compared with the blank group， both the M-FXY and H-FXY groups exhibited reduced body mass and food intake （P<0.01） and increased fecal water content （P<0.01）. The anal temperature in the H-FXY group was lower than that in the blank group （P<0.01）. The grip strength decreased in the modeling groups compared with the blank group （P<0.01）， and the duration of immobility in the tail suspension test increased in the M-FXY and H-FXY groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the modeling groups showed reduced 0.3 second forced expiratory volume （FEV_0.3）， FEV_0.3/forced vital capacity （FVC）（P<0.01）， thickening of bronchial walls， proliferation of goblet cells， and the presence of emphysematous changes. In terms of gastrointestinal function， the M-FXY and H-FXY groups had lower levels of D-xylose， gastrin， and α-amylase than the blank group （P<0.01）. Regarding the immune and inflammatory indices， the M-FXY and H-FXY groups showed lower thymus and spleen indices than the blank group （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the modeling groups presented lowered CD4⁺ level （P<0.01） and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the peripheral blood and elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the alveolar lavage fluid （P<0.01） than the blank group. ConclusionA model of COPD with lung-spleen Qi deficiency was established through the combination of daily cigarette smoke， intratracheal instillation with LPS， and gavage of Sennae Folium infusion. The comprehensive evaluation results suggested medium-dose （10 g·kg^-1） Sennae Folium infusion for gavage during the modeling of COPD with lung-spleen Qi deficiency.

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of Ganbao capsules on intestinal mucosal barrier and gut microbiota in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）， and to explore its mechanism of prevention and treatment of NAFLD. METHODS Eight of 26 SD rats were randomly selected as blank group and fed with ordinary diet， and the remaining 18 rats were fed with high diet to establish NAFLD model （2 for modeling inspection）； after successful modeling， they were divided into model group and Ganbao group， with 8 rats in each group. Ganbao group were given Ganbao capsules solution （1 440 mg/kg） intragastrically， and the blank group and model group were given the constant volume of distilled water intragastrically， once a day， for consecutive 5 weeks. The contents of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and triglyceride （TG） in serum of rats were detected by automatic analyzer； the contents of lipopolysaccharide， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-1β in serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pathological morphology of liver and ileum tissues were observed by HE staining， the expressions of Occludin and zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1） were detected by immunohistochemistry method， and the intestinal flora were detected by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing technology. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the serum contents of ALT， AST， TG， lipopolysaccharide， TNF-α， IL-6 and IL-1β in Ganbao group were decreased significantly （P＜0.01）， the pathological changes of liver and ileum tissues were improved 262 significantly， and the expressions of Occludin and ZO-1 were increased significantly （P＜0.01）. Intestinal microbiotaanalysis revealed that compared with the model group， Ganbao capsules could recover the abundance and diversity of the gut E-mail：hdf8833@126.com microbiota in rats. At the phylum level， Ganbao capsules could significantly increase the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes， and significantly reduce the relative abundance of Firmicutes and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes （P＜0.01）. At the genus level， Ganbao capsules could significantly increase the relative abundance of Lactobacillus， Blautia， Bacteroides and Akkermansia， and significantly reduce the relative abundance of Prevotella， Turicibacter， Weissella， SMB53 and Desulfovibrio （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. There were different species among the gut microbiota of rats in each group. CONCLUSIONS Ganbao capsules may improve NAFLD by protecting intestinal mucosal barrier function and regulating gut probiotics/harmful bacteria structure.

Objective: To investigate the three-dimensional forces in real-time at different tips of the posteriors created by clear aligners on maxillary teeth during en-masse retraction of anteriors after 2 first premolars extraction treatment. Methods: Four groups of maxillary models with different tips of posteriors(T1-upright of posteriors, T2-posteriors with distal inclination of 5°, T3-posteriors with mesial inclination of 5°, T4-posteriors with mesial inclination of 10°) undergoing 0.25 mm en-masse retraction treatment using clear aligners were simulated on a multi-axis force/torque transducer measurement system. When each clear aligner was inserted, a computer connected to the transducer collected and recorded the three-dimensional force of every tooth in real-time. Each group included 12 aligners. Results: Incisors received smaller lingual and extrusive forces; canines received greater distal forces; smaller mesial forces were observed on the posteriors, and molars received greater buccal and extrusive forces in T2,compared with T1,which showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05). Incisors received smaller lingual and extrusive forces; canines received greater distal forces; greater mesial forces were observed on the posteriors, and molars received greater buccal and extrusive forces in T3 and T4,compared with T1,which showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05). Conclusion Posteriors with distal inclination contributed to the torque of the anterior and anchorage of posteriors. In group T2 posterior teeth experienced larger buccal forces and extrusive forces than in group T1. When the posteriors crown inclined mesially, the anterior teeth were more prone to lingual tip and caused overbite. The more mesially inclined the posterior teeth were, the more serious overbite was, and the posterior teeth were more prone to anchorage loss.

In order to more accurately and effectively understand the intermuscular coupling of different temporal and spatial levels from the perspective of complex networks, a new multi-scale intermuscular coupling network analysis method was proposed in this paper. The multivariate variational modal decomposition (MVMD) and Copula mutual information (Copula MI) were combined to construct an intermuscular coupling network model based on MVMD-Copula MI, and the characteristics of intermuscular coupling of multiple muscles of upper limbs in different time-frequency scales during reaching exercise in healthy subjects were analyzed by using the network parameters such as node strength and clustering coefficient. The experimental results showed that there are obvious differences in the characteristics of intermuscular coupling in the six time-frequency scales. Specifically, the triceps brachii (TB) had relatively high coupling strength with the middle deltoid (MD) and posterior deltoid (PD), and the intermuscular function was closely connected. However, the biceps brachii (BB) was independent of other muscles. The intermuscular coupling network had scale differences. MVMD-Copula MI can quantitatively describe the relationship of multi-scale intermuscular coupling strength, which has good application prospects.
Arm ; Electromyography ; Exercise ; Humans ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Upper Extremity