INDIGESTION OF FOOD RETENTION IN CHILDREN TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE AND MASSAGE

Objective By acupuncture plus massage to treat poor appetite induced by indigestion of food retention in children to restore their normal appetite. Methods 476 cases of indigestion of food retention in children were treated by acupuncture plus massage. Results 385 of the 476 cases were cured, and 91 cases were improved by one treatment with a total effective rate of 100%. Conclusion Acupuncture plus massage provided remarkable therapeutic effects on indigestion of food retention in children.

Effect of indomethacin on electrical field stimulation-induced contractions of isolated transverse and longitudinal rat gastric fundus strips

AIM: To study the effects of indomethacin on the isolated transverse and longitudinal rat gastric fundus strips.METHODS: The strips were suspended in an organ bath containing oxygenated Krebs solution, and contractile responses to electrical field stimulation were recorded on a physiograph in an isotonic manner after administration of cumulative concentrations of indomethacin. The effects of indomethacin on the strips pretreated with KATP channel modulators, diazoxide and glybenclamide were studied.RESULTS: Treatment of the transverse strips with indomethacin resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibitory response. In longitudinal strips, biphasic responses were seen, which included a stimulatory response at low concentrations of indomethacin, followed by an inhibitory response at higher concentrations.Diazoxide pre-treatment inhibited the stimulatory response of longitudinal strips. Glybenclamide pre-treatment not only blocked inhibitory effect of the low concentrations of indomethacin on transverse strips, but also increased the amplitude of contractions. Moreover, the drug decreased the amplitude of contractions in longitudinal strips.CONCLUSION: Responses of the isolated longitudinal and transverse rat gastric fundus strips to indomethacin are not similar, and are influenced by KATP channel modulators.

Bcl-2 degradation is an additional pro-apoptotic effect of polo-like kinase inhibition in cholangiocarcinoma cells

To examine the influence on apoptotic mechanisms following inhibition of polo-like kinases as therapeutically approach for cholangiocellular cancer treatment.METHODSAs most cholangiocarcinomas are chemotherapy-resistant due to mechanisms preventing tumor cell death, we investigated the effect of Cisplatin on cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA) cell lines KMCH-1 and Mz-Ch-1. Polo-like kinases (PLK) are important regulators of the cell cycle and their inhibition is discussed as a potential therapy while PLK inhibition can regulate apoptotic mediators. Here, cells were treated with PLK inhibitor BI6727 (Volasertib), Cisplatin, and in combination of both compounds. Cell viability was assessed by MTT; apoptosis was measured by DAPI staining and caspase-3/-7 assay. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to measure expression levels of apoptosis-related molecules Bax and Bcl-2.RESULTSThe cell viability in the CCA cell lines KMCH-1 and Mz-Ch-1 was reduced in all treatment conditions compared to vehicle-treated cells. Co-treatment with BI6727 and cisplatin could even enhance the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin single treatment. Thus, co-treatment of cisplatin with BI6727 could slightly enhance the cytotoxic effect of the cisplatin in both cell lines whereas there was evidence of increased apoptosis induction solely in Mz-Ch-1 as compared to KMCH-1. Moreover, PLK inhibition decreases protein levels of Bcl-2; an effect that can be reversed by the proteasomal degradation inhibitor MG-132. In contrast, protein levels of Bax were not found to be altered by PLK inhibition. These findings indicate that cytotoxic effects of Cisplatin in Mz-Ch-1 cells can be enhanced by cotreatment with BI6727.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, BI6727 treatment can sensitize CCA cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis with proteasomal Bcl-2 degradation as an additional pro-apoptotic effect.

Small-bowel perforation caused by fish bone

A diagnosis of small-bowel perforation, caused by a sharp or pointed foreign body, is rarely made preoperatively because the clinical symptoms are usually nonspecific and can mimic other surgical conditions, such as appendicitis and diverticulitis. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who experienced severe pain in the right iliac fossa and fever for about five days before arrival at our hospital. The presumptive diagnosis was acute purulent appendicitis and an emergency appendectomy was planned. Swelling and erythema were noted in a segment of the small bowel in the lower right abdomen. A tiny pointed object was found penetrating the inflamed portion of the bowel, which proved to be a sharp fish bone (gray snapper). The bone was removed, followed by segmental resection of the terminal ileum and ascending colon. The postoperative course was uneventful.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON HYPOTHALAMIC MECHANISMS OF ANALGESIA INDUCED BY FOUR KINDS OF ACUPUNCTURE THERAPIES IN ADJUVANT ARTHRITIS RATS

Objective.. To compare the mechanisms of analgesia induced by four kinds of acupunture therapies at the trypothalamic level in adjuvant arthritic rats. Methods： Forty-eight SD rats were randomized into normal, model, electroacupuncture （EA）, filiform needle （FN）, pricking blood-letting （BL） and point injection （PI） groups, with 8 cases in each. EA （20-100 Hz, 2-4 V and duration of 20 min）, FN, BL PI were respectively applied to “Kunlun” （昆仑 BL 60）. Arthritis model was established by injecting complete Freund＇s adjuvant （0.1 mL） into the rat＇s right foot pad. Behavioral reactions, pain threshold （latancy of tail flick to heat stimulation） and local swelling severity （foot volurne） were detected; the cordents of β-endorphin （β-EP） and α- drenocortiootropin （ACTH） were assayed with radioimmunoassay; and the expression of pro-opi-omelanocortin （POMC） mRNA in hypot were determined with hybridization method. Results： The pain threshold was significantly enhanced by all the four kinds of acupuncture therapies, and the effects of EA and PI were more obvious （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. The severity of local swelling was markedly alleviated by all the four kinds of acupuncture therapies （ P〈 0.01 ） without significant differences among them （P 〉 0.05）. The content of β-EP in the hypothalamus was obviously elevated by EA and FN （P〈 0.05, P 〈 0.01 ）, and the effect of EA was more obvious, but no marked effect of BL or PI on β-EP was found （ P 〉0.05）. The content of ACTH in hypothalamus was considerably elevated by PI （P〈0.05）, but not by the other three therapies. The expression of PCMCmRNA in hypothalamus was significantly strengthened by EA and FN （P〈0. 01）, but not by the other two therapies. Conclusion：EA, flliform needle, blood-letting and point-injection all can produce analgesic effect in adjuvant arthritis rats, the effect of EA and filiform needie may be related to their resultant increase of hypothalamic β-EP, and that of point-injectiON related to the increase of hypothalamic ACTH level.

Nerve-pathways of acupoint Fengch'ih in rat by anterograde transport of HRP

AIM: To study the nervous-pathways of Fengch'ih acupuncture by means of anterograde transport of aqueous solution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). METHODS: Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 1, 2,3,4, and 5 d groups, and every group had 10 animals. HRP (30% aqueous solution) was injected into a Fengch'ih. Serial, transverse or capital, 40 urn sections of the cervical spinal ganglia, cervical and thoracic spinal cord segment and brain were cut on a cryotome. Sections were incubated for HRP histochemistry according to the tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Part of the sections were counterstained with neutral red. RESULTS: After 1 d of survival times, many labeled cell bodies were found in 1-4 cervical spinal ganglia, anterior horn of 1-4 cervical spinal cord, ventromedial division of facial nucleus, accessory facial nucleus ipsilaterally. With increasing survival times, the intensity of labeled cells were slightly decreased. CONCLUSION: Fengch'ih may bring into full play its effect by correlation of posterior ear branch of facial nerve and anterior branch of 2-3 cervical nerve with 1-4 cervical the anterior horn of the spinal cord, ventromedial division of facial nucleus, accessory facial nucleus.

A new species and a newly recorded species of Metacosma Kuznetzov(Lepidoptera:Tortricidae) from China

Two species of the genus Metacosma are discussed: Metacosma bispinalis sp. nov. is described as new, and M. miratorana Kuznetzov, 1988 is redescribed and newly reported from China. Photographs of adults and genitalia are provided, along with a key to all known species of Metacosma.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON TROPISM-DISTRIBUTION OF TETRAMETHYLPYRAZINE AND THE CONTENT OF cAMP IN ARTHRITIS RATS

Objective： To verify two hypotheses： 1 ） Acupuncture can increase the re-distribution of tetramethylpyrazine （ligustrazine） hydrochloride （TMPH） to the target organs in adjuvant arthritic rats. 2） Cyclic Adenosine-3＇, 5＇-menophesphete （cAMP） is one of the guidance cues involved in this event. Methods： A total of 40 Wistar rats were randomized into blank control （BC）, model （MO）, medication （ME）, Acupuncture （Acu） and Acu＋ ME groups, with 8 cases in each group. Arthritis model was established by subcutaneous injection of complete Freund＇ s adjuvant （0.1 mL） into the rat＇ s foot pad. Electrcacupuncture （ 15 Hz, 0.2-0.3V） was applied to bilateral “Daling”（大陵 PC 7）, “Taichong” （太冲 LR 3） and “Xiguan” （膝关 LR 7） for 20 min, and the contents of TMPH in the heart, liver, kidney and the foot （affected focus） tissues and the contents of cAMP in the heart and liver tissues were determined with high performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay techniques respectively. Results： Oornpared with medication group, the TMPH contents in the heart, liver, kidney and the affected foot tissues in Acu-ME group was obviously higher （ P〈0.05, P〈0.01 ）. In comparison with ME and Acu groups, the cAMP contents in the heart and liver in Acu＋ ME group was also significantly higher （P〈 0.05, P 〈 0.01 ）. No significant differences were found between ME and Acu ＋ ME groups in TMPH content of kidney and between Acu＋ ME and BC groups in cAMP contents in both liver and heart tissues. Conclusion： Acupuncture may promote the target-tropism distribution of ligustrazine, and cAMP may play an important role in it.

小刺

吃鱼的时候，小刺要比大刺麻烦，因为大刺很容易发现，小刺则必须下很大的工夫才能清除。 做人，小毛病要比大毛病难于改正，因为人的差错，很容易见到，小缺点却必须格外留意才会发现。

小刺狷—我的最爱

“姥姥，拜托了!您就给我抓一只小刺猬吧!就一只，求求您了……”我又在电话里哀求姥姥为我抓小刺猬了，不瞒你说，姥姥家住锦州的乡下，那里有很多刺猬，前年秋天，我还在她家的菜地里看见了五六只呢!终于有一天，姥姥来我家了，她拎了个神神秘秘的小纸箱子，

Treatment on 65 cases of pediatric functional dyspepsia by pricking needling with filiform needles

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of pricking needling by filiform needles in trea ng pediatric func onal dyspepsia. Methods Pricking needling was carried out on the 65 children with func onal dyspepsia on Shàngwǎn（上脘 CV 13）,Zhōngwǎn（中脘 CV 12）,Xiàwǎn（下脘 CV 10）,Guānyuán（关元 CV 4）,Tiānshū（天枢 ST 25） at both sides,Zúsānlǐ（足三里 ST 36） at both sides and Sìfèng（四缝 EX-UE 10）. The treatments were carried out once every three days for totally three times,and the clinical efficacy was observed. Results Fiftyeight cases were cured,eff ec ve in 7 cases and no invalid case; the cure rate was 89.2% and the total eff ec ve rate was 100%. Conclusion Treatments on pediatric functional dyspepsia by pricking needling with filiform needles are simple and convenient,the therapeutic efficacy is accurate,and it deserves further generaliza on.

Specific oxidation of honokiol by Cunninghamella echinulata

Among 37 species of microbial strains, Cunninghamella echinulata AS 3.3400 were found to possess the ability to transform honokiol to （R）-magnolignan C （1） and （S）-magnolignan C （2） by regio-specific oxidation. Among them, 1 was a new compound. The structures of two compounds were determined by the analyses of CD, MS and NMR spectroscopic data.

Effect of manual acupuncture on bowel motility in normal kunming mouse

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of acupuncture on motility of jejunum and distal colon at different acupoints on normal Kunming mice.METHODS:The jejunal and colorectal motor activity of forty Kunming mice were recorded by the intra-intestinal capsule.The capsules contained with distilled water were placed into the cavities of jejunum and distal colon.The changes of bowel were compared with the background activity recorded before any stimulation.The chosen acupoints were as follows:Zusanli(ST 36) on the lower legs,Tianshu(ST 25) on the mid-lower abdomen.RESULTS:Manual acupuncture(MA) at Zusanli(ST36) significantly promoted the motility of jejunum and distal colon(manifested as increased change rate of average amplitude and increased change rate of mean area under the contractile curve) of normal Kunming mice(P < 0.01).MA atTianshu(ST25) significantly inhibited the motility of jejunum(manifested as decreased change rate of average amplitude,decreased change rate of mean area under the contractile curve,and the reduced frequency) of normal Kunming mice(P < 0.01),while significantly increased the distal colonic motility(manifested as increased amplitude and increased mean area under the contractile curve) of normal Kunming mice(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:MA at specific acupoints[Zusanli(ST 36),Tianshu(ST 25)]has different effects on the motility of jejunum and distal colon,which might involve the segmental innervations of the related nerve.

Sonic hedgehog signaling in kidney fibrosis: a master communicator

The hedgehog signaling cascade is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that regulates multiple aspects of embryonic development and plays a decisive role in tissue homeostasis. As the best studied member of three hedgehog ligands, sonic hedgehog(Shh) is known to be associated with kidney development and tissue repair after various insults. Recent studies uncover an intrinsic link between dysregulated Shh signaling and renal fibrogenesis. In various types of chronic kidney disease(CKD), Shh is upregulated specifically in renal tubular epithelium but targets interstitial fibroblasts, thereby mediating a dynamic epithelialmesenchymal communication(EMC). Tubule-derived Shh acts as a growth factor for interstitial fibroblasts and controls a hierarchy of fibrosis-related genes, which lead to the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in renal interstitium. In this review, we recapitulate the principle of Shh signaling, its activation and regulation in a variety of kidney diseases. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which Shh promotes renal fibrosis and assess the efficacy of blocking this signaling in preclinical settings. Continuing these lines of investigations will provide novel opportunities for designing effective therapies to improve CKD prognosis in patients.

Effects of Acupuncture on Expressions of the Transcription Factors NF-E2,YB-1,LRG47 in the SAMP10 Mice

Objective: To explore the mechanism of acupuncture for delaying aging. Methods: Using the senescence accelerated mouse pattern SAMP10 and the normal aging mice SAMR1 as models and applying RT-PCR and digoxin (DIG)-labeled Northern blot technique to observe expressions of NF-E2, YB-1, LRG47 genes in the forebrain, cortex and hippocampus in a 8-month old SAMR1 control group, a 8-month old SAMP10 control group, a 8-month old SAMP10 acupuncture group and a 8-month old SAMP10 non-point stimulation group. Results: In the SAMP10 control group, the expressions of NF-E2, YB-1 and LRG47 were down-regulated in the forebrain, cortex and hippocampus, and after acupuncture they were up-regulated and tended to normal. Conclusion: The brain aging of the SAMP10 mice is related with abnormal expressions of NF-E2, YB-1 and LRG47 genes; and acupuncture can regulate the expressions of NF-E2, YB-1 and LRG47 genes, strengthening the functions of erythrocyte series, increasing the proliferation of cells and enhancing the cellular immune function in anti-bacteria, hence delaying aging.

The role of microglia in thalamic reticular nucleus in acupuncture regulating cognitive deficits in insomnia rats

Objective:To explore the mechanism of acupuncture in regulating cognitive deficits in insomnia rats by observing the effect of acupuncture on microglia in thalamic reticular nucleus(TRN).Methods:Thirty rats were randomly divided into a control group,a model group and an acupuncture group,with 10 rats in each group.The insomnia model was established by intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)once a day for 2 d.Rats in the control group were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of normal saline.Rats in the acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan(PC 6)and Zusanli(ST 36)for 5 consecutive days.The CLOCKLAB 2 data acquisition system was used to dynamically observe the sleep of the rats throughout the experiment.The cognition of rats was evaluated by event-related potentials(ERPs).After intervention,brain tissue was extracted.Immunofluorescence was used to test the fluorescence expression in TRN region.The concentrations of interleukin(IL)-1βand tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αwere detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:After intraperitoneal injection of PCPA suspension,the spontaneous activity in light period of rats in the model group and acupuncture group increased significantly compared with the control group(both P<0.01).After acupuncture treatment,the rats in the acupuncture group had much less spontaneous activity during the light period than those in the model group(P<0.01),and the results indicated that acupuncture could effectively improve the sleep quality of insomnia rats.Compared with the control group,rats in the model group showed that the P3 latency,the average optical density of microglia,and the concentrations of IL-1βand TNF-αincreased significantly(all P<0.05),and the P3 amplitude decreased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,rats in the acupuncture group presented that the P3 latency,the average optical density of microglia,and the concentrations of IL-1βand TNF-αwere significantly decreased(all P<0.05),and the amplitude of P3 was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture possesses an ability to improve the cognitive state in insomnia rats.The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the microglial activation,diminishing the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators like IL-1βand TNF-α,and promoting the recovery of central nervous system function.

Nie-pinching the spine,puncturing Sifeng(EX-UE 10)plus Chinese herbs for pediatric anorexia due to dysfunction of spleen in transportation:a randomized controlled trial

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Nie-pinching the spine,puncturing Sifeng(EX-UE 10)plus Chinese herbs in treating pediatric anorexia due to dysfunction of spleen in transportation.Methods:A total of 64 kids were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method,with 32 cases in each group.Patients in both groups received Jian Pi Kai Wei(strengthening spleen and stomach)powder according to pattern differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In addition,patients in the observation group received Nie-pinching the spine and puncturing Sifeng(EX-UE 10).Nie-pinching the spine was applied twice a week,and puncturing Sifeng(EX-UE 10)was performed once a week,with 2 weeks counted as 1 course of treatment.After 2 courses of treatment,the body mass index(BMI),peripheral blood leptin level and the microelements Zn,Fe and Se were compared at different time points(before treatment,after the first and second courses of treatment),as well as the therapeutic efficacy and onset time.Results:After 2 courses of treatment,31 cases in each group were evaluated.After the 1st course and the 2nd course,the BMI and serum Zn,Fe and Se levels in the observation group increased significantly(all P<0.05),the leptin level decreased substantially(both P<0.05);the BMI in the control group showed a substantial rise(P<0.05),while the Zn,Fe and Se levels slightly increased showing no statistical significance(all P>0.05),and the leptin level decreased but the difference showed no statistical significance(P>0.05).After the 1st and the 2nd courses of treatment,the BMI,serum Zn,Fe and Se levels increased more significantly(all P<0.05),and the serum leptin level decreased more significantly(both P<0.05)in the observation group than in the control group.After the 2nd course,the total effective rate and recovery rate in the observation group were both higher than those in the control group(both P<0.05),together with a quicker onset time(P<0.05).Conclusion:Nie-pinching the spine,puncturing Sifeng(EX-UE 10)plus Chinese herbs is effective for pediatric anorexia due to dysfunction of spleen in transportation.It can decrease leptin,increase Zn,Fe and Se levels,alleviate apositic symptoms and increase BMI in the kids.

Study of Neuropathways of Acupuncture Effect on Functional Regulation and Disease Treatment

Objective： To reveal the neuropathways of acupuncture effect on regulation of autonomic functions, treatment of diseases and the relationship between treating acupoint and certain target tissue or organ. Methods： it is reviewed for the authors＇ studies of characteristics of afferent nerve response, somato-sympathetic reflex （one of the somato-autonomic reflexes） and glutamate derived central modulation, target tissue and organ responses to somatic stimulation of acupuncture or electrical shock in rats and mice. Results and Conclusion： An electrical discharge from the nerve afferent serving Zusanli （ST 36） was recorded by applying manual acupuncture or electroacupuncture to Zusanli （ST 36）. Such process could be replaced by applying electric shock directly to the afferent nerve assumingly. Somatic electrical stimulation of the afferent nerve e.g. tibia nerve can reflexively elicit an electrical discharge from autonomic efferent nerve e.g. sympathetic nerve that is defined as somato-sympathetic reflex. The reflex can be modulated by an excitatory neurotransmitter of glutamate in the central pathways. On the other hand, somatic stimulation of Zusanli （ST 36）, etc. by electroacupuncture showed that there were inhibitory modulation of somatic sensory input from target tissue of the inflammatory pain in the hind paw of the mouse and visceral sensory input from target organ of the colorectum hyperagesia in the irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） rat. Spinal GABA and NMDA receptors were proved to be involved in the former and latter processes, respectively.

Immunotherapy using IL-2 and GM-CSF is a potential treatment for multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of interleukin （IL）-2 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor （GM-CSF） co-administrated with antibacterial agents isoniazid （INH） and rifampin （RIF） to treat a mouse model of tuberculo- sis （TB） infection. A drug-susceptible TB strain, H37Rv was used to infect mice and the effectiveness of IL-2 and GM-CSF was initially evaluated based on survival rate, bacterial counts in lungs and spleens and the pathological condition of the lungs. Next, the therapeutic effect of the immunotherapy regimen was assessed in multidrug-resistant strain OB35-infected mice. In the H37Rv infection model, 1L-2 and GM-CSF monotherapies reduced bacterial numbers in the lungs by 0.82 （P〈0.01） and 0.58 （P〈0.05） lg colony-forming units （CFU）, respectively, and in the spleens by 1.42 （P〈0.01） and 1.22 （P〈0.01） lg CFU, re- spectively, compared with the untreated group. Mice receiving immunotherapy developed fewer lesions in the lungs compared with mice receiving antibacterial therapy alone. In the OB35 infection model, immunotherapy with either cytokine resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial load in the lungs and spleens and less severe lesions in the lungs compared with the untreated or antibacterial therapy treated mice. Notably, mice receiving immunotherapy with both cytokines had a 30% survival rate which was higher than that in other treated groups, and had significantly less CFUs in the lungs and spleens （1.02 and 1.34 lg CFU） compared with antibacterial therapy alone （P〈0.01）. This study demonstrated that immunotherapy with both IL-2 and GM-CSF may be useful to treat multidrug resistant tuberculosis （MDR-TB）.

Clinical observation on pricking at Sìfèng (四缝 EX-UE 10) combined with Chinese herbs for infantile malnutrition

Objective To explore the best clinical treatment for infantile malnutrition. Methods Three hundred and forty-three patients were randomly divided into a pricking at Sìfèng （四缝 EX-UE 10） group （priking group, n=105）, a Chinese herbs group （n=85） and a pricking and Chinese herbs group （n=153）. The improvements of the clinical symptoms of all three groups were evaluated after the treatment. Results The results of these treatments for all the patients were satisfying. The effective rate of the pricking and Chinese herbs group, which was 98.7 % （151/153）, was superior to that of 94.3 % （99/105） （P0.05） in the pricking group and 91.8% （78/85） in the Chinese herbs group （P0.01）, while no differences in effective rate were found between the pricking group and the Chinese herbs group （P0.05）. Conclusion The pricking at Sìfèng （四缝 EX-UE 10） combined with Chinese herbs is the best treatment for infantile malnutrition.