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

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on central insulin resistance related proteins of the rats suffering from diabetic cognitive decline, and analyze the underlying mechanism of moxibustion for cognition improvement. METHODS: Using the intraperitoneal injection of STZ combined with a high-fat diet, the rat model of diabetic cognitive decline were prepared. Twenty successfully-modeled rats were assigned randomly into a model group and a moxibustion group, 10 rats in each one. Besides, a blank group was set up with 10 rats collected. In the moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was applied to "Baihui" (GV20), "Shenting" (GV24) and "Dazhui" (GV14) at the same time, 20 min in each intervention, once a day, and 6 interventions were delivered weekly and the duration of treatment was consecutive 4 weeks. The random blood glucose was measured using glucometer, and the learning-memory ability was detected by water maze test. HE staining was used to observe the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal tissue, real-time PCR assay was to detect mRNA expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in the hippocampal tissue. The Western blot method was employed to detect the protein expression of IRS1, PI3K, AKT, phosphorylated IRS1 (p-IRS1), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) in the hippocampal tissue, and the ratio of p-IRS1/IRS1, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT was calculated separately. The immunofluorescence intensity of p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT was measured using immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the rats of the model group exhibited higher random blood glucose (P<0.001), longer escape latency (P<0.001), severe pathological damage in the hippocampus, lower mRNA expression of IRS1, PI3K, and AKT (P<0.001), reduced ratio of p-IRS1/IRS1, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT (P<0.001), and declined immunofluorescence intensity of p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.001). In comparison with the model group, for the rats of the moxibustion group, the random blood glucose decreased (P<0.05), the escape latency was shortened (P<0.01), the hippocampal pathological damage was attenuated, the mRNA expression of IRS1, PI3K and AKT increased (P<0.01), the ratio of p-IRS1/IRS1, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the immunofluorescence intensity of p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in the hippocampal tissue was strengthened (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION In diabetic rats experiencing cognitive decline, moxibustion can enhance the learning-memory ability, which may be attributed to modulating the protein expression of IRS1, PI3K, and AKT, and their phosphorylation, activating insulin signal transduction, and reducing central insulin resistance.
Animals ; Moxibustion ; Insulin Resistance ; Rats ; Male ; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/genetics* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/therapy* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*

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

Objective To analyze and verify the factors influencing the prediction model of suicidal ideation of burn patients in hospital based on international scale.Methods The clinical data of 194 burn patients treated in hospi-tal were retrospectively analyzed.General data questionnaire,ISI,HAMD,HAMA,ASDS and BSHS-B were used to evaluate the influencing factors of suicidal ideation.According to the presence or absence of suicidal ideation,the patients were divided into the suicidal ideation group and the non-suicidal ideation group.The baseline data be-tween the groups were compared,univariate screening of meaningful variables was conducted,and multivariate Lo-gistic regression modeling was further conducted.ROC analysis evaluated model differentiation,and internal verifi-cation was conducted.Results According to the baseline data analysis results,there were no statistically signifi-cant differences in age,BMI,years of education,smoking history,estimated percentage of burned area,head and neck burns,hip and perineal burns,and pain scores in the suicidal ideation group(21/194)compared with the non-suicidal ideation group(173/194).Gender(P=0.047),presence or absence of trunk burn(P=0.022),severity of burn(moderate burn:P=0.002;severe burn:P=0.458;extremely severe burn:P=0.169),ISI score(P=0.001),HAMD score(P=0.001),HAMA score(P＜0.001),ASDS score(P=0.003),BSHS-B score(P=0.011)had statistical significance.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of burn(moderate burn:OR=0.103,P=0.009;severe burn:OR=0.351,P=0.223;extremely severe burn:OR=0.103,P=0.095)and HAMA score(OR=1.136,P=0.007)were independent influencing factors for burn patients with suicidal ideation.The Logistic regression prediction model was established by two independent influ-encing factors.ROC analysis results showed that the model had good differentiation(AUC=0.880,95％CI:0.808-0.952,P＜0.001)and the internal verification accuracy was 79.38％.Conclusion The prediction model built on the basis of two independent influencing factors,burn severity and HAMA score,has a good predic-tion accuracy,which is helpful for clinicians to intervene as soon as possible for burn patients with suicidal ideation in hospital,in order to reduce the incidence and enrich clinical psychological research.

Objective:To access the therapeutic efficacy of newly-designed digital cholangioscope-assisted bedside one-stage lithotomy and biliary drainage for severe acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis.Methods:Data of 26 patients were retrospectively analyzed, who were admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU), Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, due to choledocholithiasis induced by severe acute cholangitis and underwent cholangioscope-assisted bedside one-stage lithotomy and biliary drainage from June 2020 to February 2022. Clinical outcomes were analyzed.Results:The time interval from disease onset to endoscopic intervention was 36.2±15.5 hours, with 7.2±4.9 hours from ICU admission to endoscopic intervention. Technical success rate was 100.0% in one-stage stone removal and biliary drainage. Except for one mild pancreatitis, no other complication occurred. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)Ⅱ and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores prior to endoscopic intervention were 25.2±6.6 and 11.9±3.5, respectively. APACHE Ⅱ scores at day 1, 3, and 7 after endoscopic intervention were 21.7±6.5, 17.2±6.8 and 12.7±7.7, respectively, and SOFA scores were 10.6±2.9, 8.4±3.0 and 5.4±3.7, respectively, all of them were lower than those before operation ( P<0.001). The lengths of ICU stay and total hospitalization were 9.7±5.0 days and 12.8±4.5 days, respectively. In-hospital mortality occurred in 3 (11.5%) patients. According to a 6-month follow-up, one patient died of pneumonia, and another died of acute myocardial infarction. No acute cholangitis re-occurred in those survivors. Conclusion:Newly-designed digital cholangioscope-assisted bedside one-stage lithotomy and biliary drainage demonstrate significant improvements in prognosis, highlighting its safety in managing severe acute cholangitis.

Objective:To evaluate a newly designed basket fit for digital cholangioscope in non-radiation endoscopic lithotomy for common bile duct stones.Methods:Seventy-eight patients who underwent non-radiation endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones at Zhongda Hospital Southeast University between February and October 2021 were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial, and were randomly assigned into the new basket group ( n=35) and the conventional basket group ( n=43) by drawing lots. Procedures of cholangioscope-based biliary exploration and stone removal by baskets, volume of water irrigation, time lengths of biliary exploration, stone removal and whole endoscopic procedure, and adverse events were compared. Results:Compared with the conventional basket group, the new basket group needed less biliary explorations (1.08±0.28 VS 2.30±0.51, t=-12.535, P<0.001), smaller volume of water irrigation (46.14±11.89 mL VS 78.62±10.09 mL, t=-13.052, P<0.001), and shorter time of biliary exploration and stone removal (9.69±2.97 min VS 12.67±2.51 min, t=-4.815, P<0.001) and whole endoscopic procedure (30.17±7.19 min VS 33.44±6.69 min, t=-2.076, P=0.041). The incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the two groups [5.7% (2/35) VS 11.6% (5/43), χ2=0.826, P=0.363]. Conclusion:This newly designed basket can facilitate digital cholangioscope-guided non-radiation endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones with the advantages of shorter operation time, less exploration time of choledochoscopy and smaller volume of water irrigation.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of digital cholangioscopy-assisted non-radiation endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for common bile duct stones.Methods:Clinical data of patients who underwent digital cholangioscopy-assisted non-radiation ERCP for common bile duct stones from May 2019 to September 2021 were reviewed. The baseline data, the success rate of cannulation, the one-time success rate of endoscopic stone removal, the operation time, total hospital stay, complications, and recurrence of bile duct stones were analyzed.Results:A total of 170 patients were included, and bile duct stones were detected in 156 (91.8%) patients with the long diameter of 7.7±4.1 mm under preoperative imaging examination. Bile duct stones were detected under choledochoscopy and were successfully removed by using digital cholangioscopy through non-radiation ERCP. The success rate of cannulation was 100.0% (170/170) . The one-time success rate of endoscopic stone removal was 96.5% (164/170), and 6 patients (3.5%) received secondary stone removal for large stones (long diameter>30 mm).The time of biliary exploration and whole non-radiation ERCP were 9.6±2.7 min (6-24 min) and 35.9±17.3 min (13-85 min), respectively. The total hospital stay was 6.3±2.2 days (5-10 days). Postoperative pancreatitis occurred in 3 patients (1.8%), all of whom were mild and resolved after symptomatic treatment. No recurrence of bile duct stones was seen in any patient over 1-month postoperative follow-up.Conclusion:Digital cholangioscopy-assisted non-radiation ERCP is safe and effective for common bile duct stones without ray exposure, which is worth of promotion.

Objective:To identify effective biomarkers for glioma patients.Methods:The mRNA expression profiles of 464 glioma patients with complete clinical follow-up information were downloaded from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify gene modules related to World Health Organization (WHO) grading of glioma, and univariate and multivatiate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify gliomas survival-related genes.Results:In weighted gene co-expression analysis, the module Brown was significantly positively correlated with glioma WHO stage ( r=0.55, P<0.05). In univariate analysis, five genes (TAGLN2, IGFBP2, METTL7B, ARAP3, PLAT) that were most significantly associated with clinical prognosis were selected for multivariate survival analysis, and the prognosis model was established to calculate the risk score. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) confirmed that the risk score had high accuracy in predicting the 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rate of glioma patients. The above survival analysis results were verified in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Conclusions:We use mRNA expression profiles to establish prognostic markers for gliomas to assess the overall survival of patients with glioma.

This study was aimed to establish a suitable consistency evaluation system according to the existing problems in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the development of Chinese medicine industry.Based on the particularity of TCM,combined with the advanced technology of TCM quality evaluation through the construction of TCM quality consistency evaluation system,this study explored a new quality evaluation method for seeking new breakthrough.The results showed that a new quality evaluation model of TCM using multiple indexes,which included "trait evaluation + chemical evaluation + biological evaluation" to achieve the consistency of TCM by effective combinations.It was concluded that the exploration provided some references for the evaluation of quality consistency of TCM.

Objective: To investigate the expression changes of TNF ? mRNA after brain explosive injury in dogs. Methods: With the brain explosive injury model we had developed, nuclei acid in situ hybridization with an antisense RNA probe and computer image analysis were used to detect the dynamic changes of TNF ? mRNA in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and up brain stem after brain injury. Results: The expression of TNF ? mRNA could be found in several regions of normal dog's brain tissues, and the expression became more obvious and widespread following explosive injury to the brain. In all of the brain regions, the expression changes of cerebral contussive area and hippocampus were more significant. TNF ? mRNA expression increased significantly at 30 min and reached maximum at 1 h after the explosive injury, and then decreased gradually, which was higher than normal's. More expression were detected in the ipsilateral hemisphere than contralateral hemisphere. Conclusion: The expression of TNF ? mRNA in basal condition implicate that TNF ? may play an important role in neural function. It is suggested that TNF ? may play an important role in traumatic brain injury. [