Pretreatment with nano-silver extends the post-harvest longevity of gladiolus cut flowers by reducing free water mobility

The water content of cut flowers is a significant factor in their post-harvest quality.In this study,we examine the efficacy of silver nanoparticles(NS)on the longevity of cut gladiolus,with a focus on water state and distribution.We used Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance(LF-NMR)technology to identify three water fractions with different transverse relaxation times(T2)values:bound water T21(<10 ms),intermediate immobilized water T22(10-100 ms),and the slowest component free water T23(>10 ms).During the opening process,T23increased at stages 2 and 3 and then decreased,T22 decreased slowly,and T21 remained unchanged.Free water values were consistently higher than bound water and immobilized water and reached their maximum from stage 2 until stage 4,when the petals were extended and began to wilt.The vascular bundles responsible for transporting water had higher water content,as detected by proton density-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Bound water and free water with NS pretreatments in bracts were initially lower but then two days later the signal amplitude of each water state exceeded those of the control,indicating that the treatment enhanced the water-holding capacity over time.Furthermore,NS pretreatments reduced the free water mobility of the cut flowers and inhibited stem decay.Additionally,we found that NS can enter the stem and are primarily transported upward along the xylem with water using scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)technology.Overall,our findings indicate that NS pretreatment reduces free water in gladiolus cut flowers,enhancing their water retention and prolonging their vase life.

An Investigation of Moxibustion Treatment for Abscesses in the Song Dynasty:Focusing on the“Jiu Ai Tu”

Jiu Ai Tu(The Moxa Treatment)from the Song dynasty is the earliest surviving painting that focuses on the subject of acupuncture and moxibustion.This paper takes the medical activities depicted in the artwork as its research object and systematically analyzes the external treatment methods for abscesses during the Song dynasty reflected in Jiu Ai Tu.By examining the understanding of abscesses during that period,the paper explores the level of development in external medicine techniques.By analyzing the medical awareness and behaviors of patients when facing such severe illnesses,it aims to explore the societal cognition and experiences regarding health and disease.The paper attempts to present the folk medical ecology of the Song dynasty represented by Jiu Ai Tu.

The“Ukiyo”of Moxibustion Reflected in the Ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e(浮世絵)was a genre of popular art during the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan.Moxibustion,which was originally introduced from China,was also in its heyday and became one of the popular topics for ukiyo-e artists at that time.Using the images as historical evidence perspective,this article focuses on the moxibustion used in daily life in Japan depicted in the ukiyo-e arts.With the perspective of acu-moxa therapy,one may identify some specific issues in the acupoint selection,leading to the discovery of special application of moxibustion used by the group of yūjo(遊女)at that time.The article concludes by exploring gender issues in ukiyo-e arts and the implications of punishment attached to moxibustion treatment.

Effect of three-volt moxibustion with helium-neon laser irradiation on quality of care in patients with lumbar radiculopathy spondylosis

BACKGROUND Lumbar radiculopathy spondylosis is a relatively common orthopedic disease with a high incidence rate.It most commonly occurs in the lumbar 4-5 and lumbar 5-sacral 1 vertebrae,which account for approximately 95%of cases.It mostly occurs in people aged 30-50 years old and greatly affects their quality of life.AIM To determine the effect of triple-voltage acupuncture combined with helium-neon laser irradiation on the quality of care and improvement of symptoms in patients with lumbar radiculopathy spondylolisthesis.METHODS In this study,we selected 120 patients with lumbar radiculopathy spondylosis who were treated at our hospital between June 2019 to June 2020.The patients were divided into control and observation groups according to the random number table method,with 60 patients in each group.Patients in the observation group were treated with three-volt moxibustion combined with helium-neon laser irradiation,and those in the control group were treated with lumbar traction.After 1 month of treatment,the lumbar pain scores,lumbar spine motor functions,clinical treatment effects,and nursing satisfaction of the two groups were compared.RESULTS The results showed that acupuncture combined with laser irradiation significantly improved the patients'clinical symptoms,i.e.,reduced their low back pain,significantly lower numerical rating scale pain scores in the observation group than in the control group,and better lumbar spine motility than in the control group,compared to lumbar traction.In addition,they were cared for.The treatment effectiveness rate of the observation group was 95.5%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(81.67%).Satisfaction with care was higher than 90 points in both groups,but the difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION Our study provides a clinical rationale for the future treatment of patients with lumbar spine disease.However,further extensive research is needed for validation.

Research progress and key scientific problems of traditional Chinese moxibustion

Moxibustion Moxibustion(written as“jiū(灸)”in Chinese),also known as“jiūruò(灸焫)”in ancient Chinese,was described in the ancient Chinese book Shuo Wen Jie Zi as having the meaning of burning and possessing the properties of fire,while sharing the same pronunciation as“jiǔ(久).”“Moxibustion is a method of curing diseases that uses lighted moxa to press and cauterize acupoints.”Moxibustion is a traditional external treatment method that involves the application of moxa wool or other materials,either directly or indirectly(such as through burning or fumigation),to stimulate specific points or areas on body surface.It is used for purposes such as prevention,treatment,rehabilitation,and health care.Moxibustion originated in ancient times,prevailed during the Qin and Han dynasties(221 B.C.E.–220 C.E.),experienced a period of decline during the Ming and Qing dynasties(1368–1912 C.E.),and was revitalized in the contemporary era.

Moxibustion at ST36 activates peritoneal macrophages in CTX-induced immunosuppression in mouse model via IFN-γ

Background:To explored whether moxa cone moxibustion can reduce peritoneal inflammation by increasing the content of peritoneal macrophages and B cells via interferon-gamma.Methods:The mice were randomly divided into three groups with six mice in each group:the control group,model group,and moxibustion group,and the model was established in mice using cyclophosphamide.In the moxibustion group,the mice received moxa cone moxibustion at Zusanli(ST36)for 7 days.Analysis of Peritoneal cell were detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence,the protein expression level in the peritoneal fluid were measured with mouse cytokine antibody arrays and verified by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay test,and RNA-Sequencing was used for peritoneal cell RNA analysis.Results:Our results showed that moxa cone moxibustion could reduce the loss of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells(P<0.05).With the cytokine array analysis and enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay test of peritoneal fluid,we found that IFN‐γwas up-regulated in moxibustion group(P<0.05).There were 169 genes were down-regulated in the model group and up-regulated in the moxibustion group while 19 genes that were up-regulated in the model group and down-regulated in the moxibustion group via RNA-sequencing.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of 188 intersect differentially expressed genes were found that the top 3 pathways with the highest enrichment of up-regulated genes included Hematopoietic cell lineage,Inflammatory bowel disease and Malaria.The differentially expressed genes visualization protein-protein interaction network shows the top 10 genes including Ifng,Grb2,CCR7,CTLA4,CXCR5,Foxp3,kit,PRF1,CD5 and klrg1.Conclusion:These findings showed that moxa cone moxibustion can alleviate chemotherapy-induced diarrhea by reducing the loss of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells in the peritoneal cavity,possibly through up-regulating inflammatory bowel disease signaling pathway via interferon-gamma to regulate the survival and function of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells.

Dendrobium offi cinale flowers flavonoids enriched extract protects against acute ethanol-induced gastric ulcers via AMPK/PI3K signaling pathways

Gastric ulcer is a widespread disease caused by various etiologies.Dendrobium offi cinale flowers exert several health benefits owing to their rich flavonoid content.In this study,protective effects and possible action mechanisms of D.offi cinale flowers’flavonoid enriched extract(DOFF)were assessed against gastric ulcer.The result of sodium nitrite-aluminum nitrate colorimetry showed that 52.34%of the total extractive was flavonoid,and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometer(UPLC-QTOF/MS)revealed the presence of 28 components in DOFF of which 14 belonged to flavonoids.In addition,in vivo assay revealed DOFF potential in reducing the formation of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions,with drop-in ulcer index from 64.33±8.76 to 32.00±4.47.Similar results were revealed in human gastric mucosal epithelia cells,with cells viability to increase from 27.2%to 61.6%post DOFF administration.To analyzed the protect effect of DOFF,we used Western blotting and immunofluorometric assay to revealed the expression levels of key proteins in cell pathways.The results showed that DOFF(320μg/mL)could increase the level of oxidation marker protein(HO-1),apoptosis regulatory protein(Bcl-2)and autophagy marker(LC3β)by 50.84%,43.85%,and 59.21%compared with ethanol-treated group respectively.Further analyzed of the mitochondrial activity and apoptosis pathway,we found that DOFF appeared to mitigate against ethanolinduced gastric mucosal injury via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 and PI3K/AKT autophagy signaling pathways.

International Communication of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Popular in the West

With the development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)acupuncture and moxibustion,research on acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world is deepening.The concept of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West is formed.By investigating the localization of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world,this paper introduces several kinds of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West and concludes the spread of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West through hospitals and clinics,academic works,social organizations,education,and training.This paper provides a global vision developing domestic acupuncture and moxibustion and promoting academic prosperity and technical progress of world acupuncture and moxibustion system.

Recent Situation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Stomach Pain with Deficiency and Cold of Spleen and Stomach

Stomachache is one of the most common diseases of digestive system, among which stomach pain of deficiency cold of spleen and stomach is the most common. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy as an external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for relieving stomach pain due to deficiency of spleen and stomach, has the advantages of convenient operation, small adverse reactions and remarkable curative effect, which is easy for patients to accept. In this paper, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy such as moxibustion and warm acupuncture therapy for stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type is summarized to provide evidence-based basis for clinical treatment of stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type.

Clinical Efficacy of Needle Warming through Moxibustion Combined with Tuina on Retrogressive Knee Osteoarthritis

[Objectives] To study the clinical efficacy of needle warming through moxibustion combined with Tuina on retrogressive knee osteoarthritis, and to explore the effective treatment with traditional Chinese medicine characteristics.[Methods] 60 patients with retrogressive knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into control group ( n =30) and observation group ( n =30). The control group was treated with Tuina, while the observation group was treated with needle warming through moxibustion combined with Tuina. The clinical cure rate, pain score and knee symptom score were compared and analyzed.[Results] The clinical cure rate was 96.70% in the observation group and 73.30% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05). After one course of treatment, the VAS score and knee Lequesne score of the two groups were decreased ( P <0.05), and the decrease degree of the observation group was better than that of the control group ( P <0.05). The joint rest pain score, joint motion pain score, tenderness score, swelling score, morning stiffness score and walking ability score were higher than those in the treatment group ( P <0.05).[Conclusions] Needle warming through moxibustion combined with Tuina manipulation can significantly alleviate knee degenerative disease, eliminate inflammation, reduce edema, ease pain and improve the quality of life of patients.

Comparative Analysis of Metaphors of “Flowers” in English and Chinese Poetry from the Perspective of Cognitive Metaphor Theory

Poetry,as a crucial form of literary expression,often employs metaphor as a common rhetorical device.According to the perspective of cognitive metaphor theory,metaphor transcends its traditional linguistic boundaries and is recognized as a profound cognitive mechanism,manifesting as a broader cognitive phenomenon.This article is based on metaphorical examples of“flowers”in Chinese and English poetry,carefully selecting representative cases for in-depth analysis.The aim is to compare the imagery of“flowers”in Chinese and English poetry,observe their similarities and differences,thereby fostering a better understanding of poetry in both languages.Through this study,we not only delve into the intricacies of metaphor within poetry but also shed light on the distinct interpretations of the symbol of“flowers”in different cultural contexts,expanding our appreciation for the cultural diversity inherent in poetry.

Diversity and Application of Herbaceous Flowers in Urban Road Greening in Hefei City

In urban road greening,the planting of ground cover flowers is essential,and herbaceous flowers are an important part.Through the investigation on the diversity of herbaceous flowers in urban road green spaces of Hefei City,the types,colors,application frequency and planting of herbaceous flowers in urban road green spaces were statistically analyzed,and the application forms of herbaceous flowers in the road greening of Hefei City were studied.The characteristics and problems of herbaceous flowers in the road greening of Hefei City were found,and some development suggestions were put forward.

The Study on the Spatial Narrative in Jin Yucheng’s Flowers of Shanghai

Spatial narrative,as a unique literary narrative technique,focuses on advancing the plot and shaping characters through meticulous portrayal of space,providing readers with rich visual and perceptual experiences.This paper examines the spatial narrative utilized in Jin Yucheng’s novel,Flowers of Shanghai.Through an in-depth analysis of the spatial narrative techniques in the novel,this paper asserts that such an exploration has far-reaching consequences in broadening research perspectives and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between literature and geography.Furthermore,the paper explores the unique aspects of narrative perspective,narrative structure,and narrative time in Flowers of Shanghai,and how these elements perfectly combine with spatial narrative to create a fascinating literary world for readers.The aim of this study is to deeply explore the artistic value and literary charm of the novel through a comprehensive interpretation of the spatial narrative in Flowers of Shanghai.

Effects of different moxibustion durations on lumbar disk herniation:a clinical study

Objective:To explore the best duration of moxibustion on lumbar disk herniation(LDH).Methods:A total of 88 patients were randomly divided into control group and 15-min,30-min,and 45-min moxibustion groups.The control group was treated with conventional therapy,while the other 3 groups were intervened with different moxibustion durations.Low back pain,dysfunction,lumbar function,and effective rates were evaluated before,in the first week and second week of intervention.Results:In low back pain,compared with the control group,the score of the 15-min group had no significant difference,but it was significantly lower in the 30-min and 45-min groups.In dysfunction and lumbar function,compared with the control group,the scores of the 15-min,30-min,and 45-min groups were significantly higher,and the scores of the 30-min and 45-min groups were significantly higher,but there was no significant difference between the 30-min and 45-min group.In effective rates,there was no significant difference between the control group and 15-min group;the effective rates of the 30-min and 45-min groups were significantly higher than those of the control group.Conclusions:Moxibustion has good therapeutic effect on LDH with specific moxibustion time.

Study on Skin Care Efficacy of the Active Ingredients in Camellia Japonica Flowers at High and Low Altitudes

The active ingredients of Camellia japonica flowers(CJF)at high and low altitudes,as well as their skin care efficacy were compared.The dried red CJF at high and low altitudes were ultrasonically extracted with 70%ethanol,and these extracts were concentrated and then diluted to a constant volume.The content of total flavonoids,total polyphenols and total proteins was tested and analyzed.In addition,DPPH free radical scavenging,inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end products,and inhibitory activity against elastase was measured to compare their skin care efficacy in anti-oxidation,anti-glycation,anti-wrinkling and firming.The results showed that,based on the dry weight of CJF,the content of total flavonoids and total proteins of the CJF at high altitude was approximately 1.5 times of the CJF at low altitude,while the content of total polyphenols was approximately 2.4 times that of the CJF at low altitude.The skin care efficacy of CJF at high altitude was significantly better than that of the CJF at low altitude.This work could provide theoretical basis for the selection and application of Camellia japonica flowers in the field of cosmetics.

Exploring the Effect of Qi Cross-Shaped Moxibustion on the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function after Hip Fracture in the Elderly

Objective:To explore the effect of Qi cross-shaped moxibustion on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in elderly hip fracture patients after surgery.Methods:62 elderly hip fracture surgery patients were selected as the base analysis sample,enrolled in January 2023-May 2024,and divided into an observation group(n=31)and a control group(n=31)using the digital table random draw scheme.The patients in the control group underwent conventional dietary intervention,and the patients in the observation group underwent Qi cross-shaped moxibustion intervention,comparing the gastrointestinal function recovery time and quality of life scores(PAC-QOL)of patients with constipation between the two groups.Results:The gastrointestinal function recovery time of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the PAC-QOL score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group after the intervention(P<0.05).Conclusion:Qi cross-shaped moxibustion can shorten the recovery time of gastrointestinal function and improve the quality of life of elderly hip fracture patients after surgery,and it has the value of promotion and application.

Observation on the Nursing Effect of Ginger Moxibustion on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Heart Failure Due to Yang Qi Deficiency

Objective:To evaluate the nursing measures and effects of ginger moxibustion in the treatment of heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)with gastrointestinal symptoms.Methods:86 patients with heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms who were admitted to the hospital between January 2023 and January 2024 were selected and divided into 43 cases in each group by random number table grouping;Group I implemented integrated care,while Group II adopted conventional care.The indicators of care were compared between the two groups.Results:After the nursing care,the digestive symptom scores of Group I were lower than those of Group I,and the psychological scores were lower than those of Group II(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ginger moxibustion can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and enhance the psychological health of patients with heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)with gastrointestinal symptoms.

A study on the treatment of chloasma with moxibustion based on the theory of“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”

Background:“Yang Transforming Qi and Yin shaping”comes from“Plain Question Yin and Yang should be like the theory”.Chinese medicine believes that the imbalance of yin and yang is the cause of human diseases.One of the strengths of TCM in treating diseases is holistic regulation.The theory of“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”implies a strong holistic view.Chloasma,one of the common skin diseases,seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients due to its unclear etiology,difficult treatment and easy recurrence.The occurrence and development of chloasma are closely related to internal organs.This paper is based on the theory of internal meridian,“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”which attaches importance to the concept of“Yang Qi”,from a new understanding of the pathogenesis etiology of chloasma.Methods:The author believes that the incidence of the disease is the deficiency of Yang Qi,which can’t promote the movement of Qi and blood to nourish the face,resulting in tangible material condensation,so proposes that this disease needs to be promoted by Yang transforming Qi and warm to dissipate.Moxibustion belongs to the fire,and its warming effect can dissipate the tangible evil.Results:Combined with clinical practice and the theory of internal meridian,the author elaborated that moxibustion is one of the effective methods for treating chloasma,which provides a new way of thinking for the treatment of chloasma.Conclusion:“Yang Transforming Qi and Yin shaping”can be used to guide the treatment of chloasma.

Analysis of the Clinical Effect of Chinese Medicine Combined with Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Insomnia

Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia.Method:80 patients with primary insomnia were selected as the study sample,with 20 cases randomly selected as the control group and the rest as the observation group.The control group was treated with ordinary western medicine,while the observation group patients were treated with traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion based on this syndrome differentiation.The comparison items were treatment effect,sleep quality,mental health,quality of life,specific sleep indicators,cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitters.Result:The treatment effectiveness showed that the observation group had a higher treatment effectiveness rate than the control group(P<0.05);The results of sleep quality showed that after treatment,the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group in seven dimensions:sleep quality,sleep time,sleep onset time,sleep efficiency,sleep disorders,hypnotic drugs,and daytime dysfunc‐tion score(P<0.05);The quality of life results showed that after treatment,the observa‐tion group had higher scores than the control group in eight dimensions:physiological function,physiological function,physical pain,health status,energy,social function,emotional function,and mental health(P<0.05);The results of slow wave sleep time and fast eye movement sleep time showed that after treatment,the HAMA and HAMD scores of the physiological mechanism in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);The results of cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter indica‐tors show that after treatment,glutamateγ-The peak systolic blood flow velocity of ami‐nobutyric acid,vertebral artery,and basilar artery in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical treatment of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia patients can significantly improve the clinical treatment effect,and improve the cerebral hemorrhage and neurotransmitter status of patients,promote the improvement of their physical and mental status,can more significantly improve the quality of sleep,reduce sleep difficulties,reduce the dosage of sleeping pills,which has important clinical application value.

Historical review and reflections on the participation of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of epidemics in the People’s Republic of China (from 1950 until now)

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, both the Communist Party and the government have placed great emphasis on the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been actively involved in combating major epidemics such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and COVID-19. This article conducts a historical review of these three significant cases to elucidate how the acupuncture community has effectively utilized its unique advantages and characteristics through theoretical discussions, clinical practices, experimental research, as well as receiving administrative leadership and political support from the Communist Party of China and government. We provide an objective evaluation of their effectiveness while summarizing historical experiences to serve as a reference for future utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in epidemic relief efforts. Additionally, propose four suggestions: strengthening Party leadership and enhancing political support;timely summarization of experiences to establish programs and systems;deepening scientific research by integrating experimental findings with clinical practice;focusing on public awareness campaigns and education to solidify grassroots foundations.