A Set of Acupuncture Needles in the Late Qing Dynasty Collected by George Souliéde Morant

In the early 20th century,French vice-consul George Souliéde Morant encountered acupuncture during his visit to China,and then brought it back to France.After more than a century,his collection was transported from Paris,France to Kunming,China,and later recognized as a Chinese national third-class precious cultural heritage.Currently housed in the Museum of Western Studies on Chinese Medicine at Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine,this set of instruments includes one needle holder converted from a fan-shaped holder,ten acupuncture needles,and eleven paper tags handwritten in English with names of diseases and body parts.This article attempts to present the foundational information and historical significance of this collection of this set of late Qing dynasty acupuncture instruments by reviewing the collection and related research on acupuncture instruments,consulting acupuncture professionals,measuring the detailed information of the set of instruments,and employing a method of translating and summarizing the content of the attached tags.

Study on Antibacterial Effects of Extracts from Pinus massoniana Lamb.Needles

[Objectives]To study the antibacterial effects of extracts from Pinus massoniana Lamb.needles.[Methods]In this experiment,the components from Pinus massoniana Lamb.needles were extracted by systematic solvent extraction method,and the antibacterial activity against four common bacteria,Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis,Aspergillus flavus and the antibacterial active component were examined for by punch method.[Results]Different solvent extraction rate was different,the rates of petroleum ether,chloroform,ethyl acetate,n-butanol,water extracts were 4.2%,16.7%,17.4%,21.1%,40.6%.All extracts showed inhibitory effect against test bacteria.It was observed that the inhibition of G+was stronger than G-,and the extracts had the best antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus while the weakest to Aspergillus flavus.The antibacterial activity of the components decreased in the order:ethyl acetate extract>n-butanol extract>chloroform extract>petroleum ether extract>aqueous phase.The extracts were stable under ultraviolet radiation(UV)light and long term storage.The antibacterial activity of the extracts was weaker with the increase of pH value when the pH value≤8.[Conclusions]It is inferred that the antibacterial components in the extract of Pinus massoniana needles are widely distributed,and the components with medium polarity or above are the main antibacterial components.

Numerical Investigations on Effects of Physical Parameters on Single Bubble Generation from Capillary Needles in Newtonian Liquids

The interphase mass,heat transfer efficiency,and flow resistance are strongly dependent on bubble size in gas-liquid two-phase systems,so it is very important for engineering applications to effectively control bubble size.In this paper,the formation,growth,and detachment of single bubbles in Newtonian liquids based on capillary needles were studied in detail using a volume of fluid method.The authors investigated the effects of gas injection velocity,gravitational level,surface tension coefficient,needle radius,and liquid-phase properties(liquid viscosity and density)on the process of bubble generation,and the effects of the above factors on bubble shape,detachment diameter,and time were analyzed.The results show that an increase in gas injection rate,liquid-phase viscosity,needle radius,and surface tension coefficient can lead to an increase in bubble detachment diameter;however,an increase in liquid-phase density and gravitational level can lead to a decrease in bubble detachment diameter.It is found that the effect of the liquid-phase viscosity on bubble detachment diameter and time is slight,but the effect of gravitational level on detachment diameter and time is significant.Among all the forces,buoyancy,surface tension,and pressure are the most important ones that control the generation of bubbles.

CHINESE HUAI TANG NINE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES: RESEARCH ON THE NEW NINE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES THERAPY AND THE NEEDLING INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

PART TWOThe Research on Chinese Huai TangNine Acupuncture Needles TherapyI The theoretical basis of ChineseHuai Tang Nine Needles Therapy.1) The kernel of the theoretical basis ofChinese Huai Tang Nine Needles Therapy.Chinese Huai Tang Nine Needles Therapyis to give full play to the treatment action of thespecifity and entirety of each needle. The speci-fity means that each needle has its own

Preparation of Paraffin Section of Pinus sylvestris Needles

[Objective] Taking Pinus sylvestris needles as materials, a set of test con-ditions suitable for the preparation of paraffin sections of Pinus sylvestris needles was determined. [Method] Based on the traditional method for paraffin sections preparation, steps including fixation, dehydration, adhering to slides and staining were investigated taking the structural characteristics of pine needles into considera-tion. [Result] 70% ethanol was used in the FAA fixative; before affixed on slides, the cut sections were first expanded in a 40 ℃ water bath and taken out by using Su-perfrost Plus slides, fol owed by drying in a 35 ℃ oven for 24 h; pine needles were cut into 8 μm thick sections; staining was achieved by immersion in eosin for 5 min and in hematoxylin for 1 min. [Conclusion] The conditions obtained above can en-hance the effect of fixation and dehydration; adhering to slides is easy to operate and the sections are not easy to drop; the dyeing effect is relatively preferable.

Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction Conditions of Polyphenols from the Needles of Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Ultrasonic extraction conditions of polyphenols from the needles of black pine(Pinus thunbergii) were optimized by single factors analysis and Box-Behnken experiment design. The results showed that both of ethanol concentration and ultrasonic time had a significant effect on polyphenol extraction, and there was significant interaction between any two variables in the three parameters of ethanol concentration, ultrasonic temperature and ultrasonic time. The optimal parameters for polyphenol extraction were the ethanol concentration of 52.67%, ultrasonic temperature at 49.21 ℃and ultrasonic time of 30.76 min. Under these conditions, the actual content of polyphenols was close to the predicted value. Therefore, the process can be used to extract polyphenols from black pine needles.

Reflectance features of water stressed Larix gmelinii needles

In recent years, Xing＇an larch （Larix gmelinii） has been seriously infected by pests and drought. In order to improve the accuracy of monitoring the damage to larch by remote sensing （RS） and to predict the health of the larch, We studied fire reflectance features of larch needles under different water conditions at the needle level by using the LIBERTY （Leaf Incorporating Biochemistry Exhibiting Reflectance and Transmittance Yields） model. Before applying the LIBERTY model, we recalibrated it for the needles of L. gmelinii based on ten field-measured spectral curves. After recalibration, LIBERTY can accurately model the needle reflectance spectra of L. gmelinii. Based on the recalibrated LIBERTY model, we extracted and analyzed the sensitive bands to needle water content by simulating the needle reflectance spectra under different drought conditions. Then, we established mathematical equations between the spectral indices （MSI, NDWI, and GVMI） and needle water content. Results show that the variations of larch needle water content can significantly change the needle spectra at the near-infrared and short-wave infrared bands. The higher the water content is, the higher the absorption peak is. We believe that our study will provide the theoretical basis and an optional method to investigate the forest water stress using multi-spectral or hyper-spectral remote sensing data.

Biomineralization of Zinc-Phosphate-Based Nano Needles by Living Microalgae

Up to now, chemical synthesis routes only provide restricted opportunities for the formation of structured nano particles. In contrast, living microorganisms generate nano materials of well defined shapes by the precise control of biomineralization. Here we reveal new principles for the generation of functional nano materials through the process of biomineralization. We used the detoxification mechanism of the unicellular alga Scenedesmus obliquus to generate a techno logically interesting zinc-phosphate-based nano material. The algae were incubated in media with a sublethal zinc concentration (6.53 mg Zn dm-3) for 4 weeks. Using BF-and ADF-STEM imaging combined with analytical XEDS we could show that nano needles containing phosphorus and zinc were formed inside the living cells. Further more, the cells incubated with zinc show a strong fluorescence. Our findings indicate that the algae used polyphosphate bodies for detoxification of the zinc ions, leading to the generation of intracellular zinc-phosphate-based nano needles. Beside the technological application of this material, the fluorescent cells can be used for labeling of e.g. biological probes. This new experimental protocol for the production of an inorganic functional material can be applied also for other substances.

Research on Scalp Acupuncture with long Needles plus Body Acupuncture to Treat Apoplectic Hemiparalysis

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Ischemic Apoplexy-Induced Sequelae Treated by Penetrating Puncture with Long Needles

In recent years, the author have treated 47 cases of ischemic apoplexy-induced sequelae with long needles to perform penetrating puncture, and achieved satisfactory results as reported in the following.

Effect of enpishin (press tack acupuncture needles) on autonomic function, WBC count and oxidative stress

Acupuncture as a vital component of traditional medical systems of the Far East has been used to restore and maintain health for over three millennia. However, the neurobiological correlates of this therapy remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the effect of enpishin acupuncture (press tack needles (PTN)) on autonomic function, WBC count, and oxidative stress between subjects that received either verum or placebo PTN treatment. Twenty men (mean(SD) age: 36.7(5.1) years) who provided oral consent were randomized to receive either verum PTN (n = 9) or placebo PTN (n = 11). Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT) was used to select the acupoints for each participant. Autonomic function and oxidative stress level were analyzed before and after the treatment via heart rate variability (HRV) and free radical analysis system (FRAS4), respectively. Pre- and post-treatment WBC count was also evaluated. Verum PTN group had a statistically significant increase (p = 0.008) in Ln TP, an index of overall autonomic activity. Subjects in this group also had a significantly greater (p = 0.006) variation in Ln TP than the placebo PTN group in response to the treatment. Similarly, Ln HF of subjects receiving verum PTN showed a marked increase (p = 0.0026) after the treatment. Moreover, a significantly greater (p < 0.001) variation in mean Ln HF before and after the treatment was noted in the verum group than the placebo group, reflecting a greater parasympathetic activation in the former. In contrast, sympathetic activity was not significantly influenced by verum PTN based on the lack of observed changes in LF/HF ratio. In addition, both groups failed to demonstrate significant variations in pre- and post-treatment mean Ln LF/HF ratio. Further, no significant intergroup difference was found with regard to mean variation in Ln LF/HF ratio. Verum PTN did not induce significant changes in WBC count and markers of oxidative stress, namely reactive oxygen species (ROM) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP). However, a comparison of variations in pre- and post-treatment mean WBC count showed a significant difference (p = 0.020) between the two treatment modes: verum group showed a slight increase (225 ± 384.5), while placebo group showed a minimal decrease (–190 ± 272.6). Our findings suggest that PTN increases overall autonomic activity, particularly the parasympathetic function.

Susuk: Charm needles in orofacial soft tissues

Purpose of the Study: To understand the reasons for charm needle insertions, chemical constituents of charm needles and their significance to magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods: Confidential interviews were used to collect information from charm needle wearers. Two attempts at surgical removal of charm needles were carried out. Charm needle samples were chemically analyzed using EPMA method. A review of literature on the possible complications of charm needles in relation to MRI was made. Results: Patients had varied reasons for wearing charm needles including to be physically attractive, to overcome personal problems and for protection. Charm needles were made of gold alloy consisting of gold (85.2%-88.6%), copper (9.3%-10.8%) and trace elements of aluminium and silver. As such, MRI may not be a hazard to charm needle wearers given the fact that gold is non-ferromagnetic. However, artefacts may potentially distort the MR imaging. Conclusion: A tactful manner in handling these patients may be to ignore the needles unless a clinical need warrants intervention. The surgical removal of these needles may be a straightforward procedure, but the localization is usually a challenging task. At present, the pertinent literature does not contain carefully controlled studies that demonstrate the absolute safety of charm needle exposure to powerful magnetic fields.

Bevel Tip Deformation in New and Used Dental Needles

Objectives: To evaluate quantitatively deformation of the angle of the horizontal plane of the bevel tip in new dental needles and in dental needles used in clinical procedures. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 360 dental needles from four different manufacturers. The needles were divided into four groups (90 per group): Group 1, Monoject;Group 2, DLP;Group 3, Badiject, and Group 4, Zeyco. The new and used needles were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy to evaluate quantitatively the deformation on the bevel. Results: All groups showed a significantly statistical difference between new needles and needles used for one or two injections

A New Taxoid from the Needles of Taxus × media Hicksii

A new taxoid with 5/716 taxane skeleton, named taxamedin A (1) was isolated from the needles of Taxus x media Hicksii. Its structure was elucidated by spectal analysis

Traveling Needles

AROUND 2,400 years ago, there was a wellknown Chinese doctor named Bian Que. He traveled from place to place, practicing medicine and curing patients. One day while passing through the ancient Chinese state of Guo, he heard about the sudden death of the state＇s prince. The news led him to inquire about the case with an official close to the deceased monarch.

Response of Pinus koraiensis seedling growth to different light conditions based on the assessment of photosynthesis in current and one-year-old needles

As one of the three major five-leaved pines in the northern hemisphere, Pinus koraiensis is the most important dominant tree species in the natural mixed-broadleaved Korean pine forests. However, the regeneration of P koraiensis under the canopy of secondary forest stands is poor because of the light limitation. This study was conducted to understand how P koraiensis seedlings adapt to different light intensities and what would be the optimum light level for their establishment and growth. Three repetition plots with four light intensities （15%, 30%, 60% and 100% of the natural incident irradiances, achieved by suspending layers of black nylon net above and surrounding the plots） were set up under natural climate conditions in a montane region in eastern Liaoning Province, Northeast China. A total of 80 P koraiensis seedlings with similar height and root collar diameter were transplanted into four plots. After one year of acclimation to the specific light conditions, the seasonal variations of the photosynthetic variables and needle traits of the current and one-year-old needles, and the growth parameters were observed under four light intensities. The results indicated that： （1） The seedling at 60% treatment exhibited the greatest growth, which agreed with the response of the light-saturated photosynthetic rates （Amax） and the dark respiration rate （Rd） in the current and one-year-old needles, i.e., Rd at 60% treatment was significantly lower than that at 100% treatment, but Amax did not differ between the seedlings at 100% and 60% treatments. （2） The P. koraiensis seedlings have a certain photosynthetic plasticity to adapt the light conditions by adjusting their needle traits and regulating the physiological processes, because Amax, Rd, light saturation point and compensation point, the needle mass area, needle nitrogen and chlorophyll contents were significantly （p〈0.05） correlated with the light intensities. Especially, Am,x at 100% and 60% treatments was significantly higher （p〈0.05） than that at 30% and 15% treatments for both current and one-year-old needles. （3） The needles of different ages played a commutative role during the growing season, i.e., the one-year-old needles played a major role for the photosynthesis in the early growing season; the current year needles did in the later growing season. This ensured the effective photosynthesis throughout the growing season. These findings suggest that P. koraiensis is the in-between heliophilous and shade-tolerant tree species at least for the seedlings up to 8 years.

Comparison of Methods for Protein Extraction from Pine Needles

Extraction of proteins from pine needles for proteomic analysis has long been a challenge for scientists. We compared three different protein extraction methods including sucrose, Tris-HCl and trichloroacetic acid （TCA）/acetone （TCA method） to determine their efficiency in separating pine needle proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis （SDS-PAGE） and two-dimensional PAGE （2D-PAGE）. Proteins were then separated by SDS-PAGE. Among three methods the method using sucrose extraction buffer showed the highest efficiency and highest quality in separating proteins. In addition, clearer and more stable strips were detected by SDS-PAGE using sucrose extraction buffer. When the proteins extracted using sucrose extraction buffer were separated by 2D-PAGE, more than 300 protein spots, with isoelectric points （PI） ranging from 4.0 to 7,0 and molecular weights （MW） from 6.5 to 97.4 kD, were observed. This confirmed that the method with sucrose extraction buffer was an efficient and reliable method for extracting proteins from pine needles.

Age-related variations of needles and twigs in nutrient,nonstructural carbon and isotope composition along altitudinal gradients

The biochemical and physiological properties of alpine woody plants responding to elevation are associated with needles and twigs age.However,the interactions with elevation were not well studied.In this study,we investigated age-related(current,one-year and two-year old)functional traits of Abies faxoniana in needles and twigs with elevation(2500 m,2750 m,3000 m,3250 m,and 3500 m a.s.l)at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.The macro-elements(C,N,P,K,Ca,and Mg),nonstructural carbons(soluble sugar,sucrose,and starch)and isotope composition(δ13C)were measured in needles and twigs of adult A.faxoniana trees(breast height diameter about 30 cm).There were significant age,elevation and their interaction effects on these traits(except forδ13C).Compared with twoyear-old needles and twigs,the current and one-yearold tissues possessed higher concentrations of P and K,lower Ca concentrations,as well as a lowerδ13C values and C:P and N:P ratios in needles.The current-year twigs generally had higher sucrose concentration and sucrose:starch ratio than the old ones.This study suggested that more nutrients were invested to young needles and twigs to cope with elevation for A.faxoniana than the old ones.

Evaluation of vascular puncture needles with specific modifications for enhanced ultrasound visibility:In vitro study

AIM: To determine which modification to a vascular puncture needle results in increased visualization during ultrasound (US)-guided vascular puncture. METHODS: We evaluated US images of a phantom made of degassed gelatin and each of the following four modified versions of a commercially available vascular puncture needle (18 G): re-cut needle, dimple needle, rough-surface needle (rough over the sections of needle located 3-6 mm from the tip), and a needle with four side holes (side holes covered by the sheath). An unmodified commercially available puncture needle was used as a control. Five interventional radiologists evaluated image quality according to the following classification grade:?I, invisible; II, poor; III, moderate; IV, good; V, excellent. RESULTS: The highest score for needle visualization was obtained for the needle with four side holes. The re-cut needle scored the same as the control. Multiple comparisons were conducted using overall evaluation scores among the commercially available needle, dimple needle, rough-surface needle (3-6 mm), and the needle with four side holes. A significantly higher score was obtained for the needle with four side holes (P < 0.05/6). CONCLUSION: The needle with four side holes was prominently visualized and gained a significantly higher score (compared with the other needles) in a phantom evaluation.