COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION ON ACPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF CLINICAL SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS WITH DZHUī (大椎GV14) IN COMMON COLD PATIENTS WITH HIGH FEVER

Objective To probe into the effective acupuncture treatment for high fever and other clinical relevant symptoms in common cold. Methods Based on randoming and multi-central clinical trial principle, the included 276 cases were randomized into experimental group （138 cases） and control group （138 cases） in statistics. Electric acupuncture on Dazhui（大椎 GV14） was applied in experimental group and the injection with antondine was in control group. The immediate antipyretic and clinical therapeutic effects were observed in 24 h. Results The body temperatures at different times in experimental group were all lower than those in control group after treatment （P〈 0.01 ）. The scores of relevant symptoms in 3- 24 h after treatment were lower than those in control group （P〈0.05）. The response time （1.42± 1.79） h in experimental group was shorter than that （3.44±5.10） h in control group （P〈0.05）. The response times for chills, soreness of limbs, headach and sweating in experimental group were shorter than those in control group （P〈0. 01 ）. The recovery times for chills and headache in experimental group were shorter than those in control group （P〈0.05）. The systematic therapeutic effects were different significantly between two groups in 24 h （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Acupuncture on Dazhui（大椎 GV14） had achieved definite effects on treatment for high fever in common cold. It released remarkably chills, soreness of limbs, headache and sweating and improved the systematic therapeutic effects on common cold.

Molecular Identification of Castanopsis hystrix,Castanopsis carlesii and Quercus griffithii Using ISSR-PCR Method

[Objective] This research aimed to develop molecular identification method for Castanopsis hystrix,Castanopsis carlesii and Quercus griffithii.[Method] DNA fingerprints of C.hystrix,C.carlesii and Q.griffithii were established by using ISSR-PCR method.Cluster Analysis was carried out by using UPGMA method based on Nei＇s genetic distances among each individual.[Result] Six polymorphic primers were selected from 50 ISSR primers for ISSR-PCR amplification,and totally 86 discernible DNA bands were amplified with 53 polymorphic bands,accounting for 61.2% of the total.The average number of DNA bands amplified by each primer was 10.75.Specifically,totally 5 primers had amplified differential bands and specific bands,which were able to accurately identify C.hystrix,C.carlesii and Q.griffithii.As calculated by DPS v3.01 software,the genetic distances among test materials were ranged from 0.166 67 to 0.809 52,with an average of 0.563 57.[Conclusion] ISSR-PCR method can be used to identify C.hystrix,C.carlesii and Q.griffithii effectively.

Habitat values for artificial oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis) reefs compared with natural shallow-water habitats in Changjiang River estuary

Oyster reefs have an equivalent, complex 3-dimensional structure to vegetated habitats and may provide similar functions in estuarine environments. Nevertheless, few studies have compared oyster reefs with adjacent natural shallow-water habitats. Here the resident benthic macroinvertebrate communities in an artificial oyster （Crassostrea ariakensis） reef and in adjacent natural estuarine shallow-water habitats （salt marsh, intertidal mudflat, and subtidal soft bottom） in the Changjiang （Yangtze） River estuary were described. The mean total densities and biomass, Margalef＇s species richness, Pielou＇s evenness and Shannon-Weaver biodiversity indices of the resident benthic macroinvertebrate communities differed significantly among the habitats. Significantly higher densities and biomass of benthic macroinvertebrates occurred in the oyster reef compared with the other three habitats. Ordination plots showed a clear separation in benthic macroinvertebrate communities among the four habitat types. The results demonstrated that the artificial oyster reef supported distinct and unique benthic communities, playing an important role in the complex estuarine habitat by supplying prey resources and contributing to biodiversity. In addition, the results suggested that the oyster reef had been restored successfully.

The influential point of bone should be Dàzhuī(大椎 GV 14) rather than Dàzhù(大杼 BL 11)

Objective The influential point of bone in acupuncture should be Dàzhuī（大椎 GV 14）, but it is wrongly believed as Dàzhù（大杼 BL 11） in the modern acupuncture literature and textbooks. This wrong academic theory has widely influenced acupuncture field domestically and abroad, and misguided acupuncture medicine theory and the treatment of acupuncture on bone diseases. This essay aims to clear up the misunderstanding and restore the academic status of ＂the influential point of bone is GV 14＂ in the acupuncture theory and the treatment on bone diseases.

Spatial and seasonal distribution of macroinvertebrates in high altitude reservoir (Beyler Reservoir, Turkey)

A highland reservoir in the West Black Sea region of Turkey which belongs to the Mediterranean climatic zone was examined.Both littoral and profundal zones were sampled from October 2009 to September 2010,to determine taxonomic composition,biodiversity and abundance of benthic invertebrates as well as the seasonal variation of these measures.A total of 35 taxa were identified,of which 12 belong to Chironomidae and 10 to Oligochaeta groups.The highest diversity and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates were found at the littoral stations.Macroinvertebrates showed significant positive correlations with water temperature and NO_2 and NO_3 concentrations,and negative correlation with dissolved oxygen.

Three heavy manipulations therapy at Dàzhuī (大椎 GV 14) for difficult diseases

With introduction of three heavy manipulations therapy at Dazhui （大椎 GV 14） for unclear enunciation case of acute cerebral infarction, acute attack case of chronic asthmatic bronchitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis case of motor neuron disease, ankylosing spondylitis case and chronic fatigue syndrome case, it is confirmed thatDazhui （大椎 GV 14） combined with three heavy manipulations therapy of blood-letting acupuncture, cupping and moxibust-ion has efficacy for external and endogenous wind, promoting and tonifying yang- qi, strengthening the body timely, removing wind and dampness, and relieving the pain and spasm in the clinical practice.

Does Procambarus Clarkii （Girard, 1852） Represent a Threat for Estuarine Brackish Ecosystems of Northeastern Adriatic Coast （Italy）？

The ongoing expansion of P. clarkii in the aquatic environments of northern Italy, where it is very common and abundant in most of the streams, lakes and reservoirs, led us to worry about the possibility of invasion into the estuarine and lagoonal brackish environments of the Adriatic coast, which is important not only for their peculiar fauna and flora and high biodiversity, but also for fishing and aquaculture. We carried out laboratory tests to investigate whether this species could live, moult and breed in water with different salinity levels. Several stocks of adult individuals, acclimated before the laboratory experiments, were maintained and monitored daily for a long period （100 days） in glass aquaria with water salinity varying from 5 to 33 ppt. They not only survived during the whole experiment period in levels up to 25 ppt, but also they regularly moulted and mated. These results confirmed that the species could invade the estuarine and brackish environments of the Adriatic coast, with all the implied consequences for the native species of both vertebrates and invertebrates and for human livelihoods.

Functional Feature of“Five Yang Acupoints”in Governor Vessel

Governor Vessel is one of eight extraordinary Meridians, and been also called ＂the sea of Yang Meridians＂. It masters the Yin and Yang of the body cooperating with Conception Vessel. Acupoints on Governor Vessel have been used widely in clinic. The author expounded the functional feature of Yaoyangguan （GV 3）, Mingmen （GV 4）, Zhiyang （GV 9）, Dazhui （GV 14） and Baihui （GV 20）, which can show the characteristic of Governor Vessel and provide reference for clinical application.

Moxibustion therapy improving delayed memory deficits via promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis of hippocampus in a vascular dementia rat model

Objective:To investigate the alteration of delayed memory and its relationship with neurogenesis and angiogenesis in vascular dementia(VD)rats after moxibustion therapy.Methods:Two hundred adult male SPF Wistar rats were chosen for the experiment.Thirty-six rats were randomly selected as the sham operation group.Except for rats in the sham operation group(n=36),the others were made into VD models by bilateral comm on carotid arteries occlusi on(BCCAo).After modeli ng,the 108 survived rats were ran domly divided into 3 groups:a model group,a neural stem cells(NSCs)plus endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs)moxibustion group and a NSCs moxibustion group.Co-transplanted implant was transplanted into the rats in the NSCs plus EPCs moxibustion group,and the rats in the NSCs moxibustion group were transplanted by NSCs only.The NSCs plus EPCs moxibustion group and the NSCs moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion therapy at Baihui(GV 20),Dazhui(GV 14)and Shenting(GV 24),(each group was divided into 3 subgroups by the treatment course as 1,2 and 3 courses).Every group was measured by Morris water maze to evaluate its delayed memory after 3 treatment courses and the rat's brain was taken out after perfusion of 4%paraformaldehyde one day after 1,2 and 3 treatment courses,respectively.Marker protein expression was detected by laser con focal microscope to an a lyze the effect on neuroge nesis and an gioge nesis.Results:VD rats showed delayed memory in Morris water maze test 3 d after ischemic injury.After 3 courses of moxibustion therapy,VD-induced delayed memory deficits were improved in the NSCs plus EPCs moxibustion group and the NSCs moxibustion group.The expressions of nestin,doublecortin(DCX)and CD34 increased significantly in the two moxibusiton groups after every treatment course(all P<0.05),which might contribute to the neurogenesis and angiogenesis in hippocampus.In addition,compared with the rats in the NSCs moxibustion group,the expressions of nestin,DCX and CD34 increased significantly in the NSCs plus EPCs moxibustion group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can reverse VD-induced delayed memory deficits,which may be related to the promotion of neurogenesis and angiogenesis.

Observation on clinical effects of acupuncture plus cupping therapy for cervical radiculopathy

Objective：To observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus cupping therapy and Western medication alone for cervical radiculopathy.Methods：A total of 139 patients with cervical radiculopathy were randomly divided based on the random digital table into an acupuncture-cupping group（70 cases） and a Western medication group（69 cases）.In the acupuncture-cupping group,Fengchi（GB 20）（bilateral）,Dazhui（GV 14）,Jianjing（GB 21）（bilateral） and Jiaji（EX-B 2） points of the neck [bilateral,midpoint between Fengchi（GB 20） and Dazhui（GV 14）] were punctured.After the arrival of the needling sensation,bilateral Fengchi（GB 20） and Jianjing（GB 21） were linked with electric stimulation and the rest acupoints were manipulated with the moderate needling technique.In the retaining of the needles,TDP lamp radiation was used.After acupuncture,the cupping therapy was applied to the local area.The treatment was given once every other day,20 d for a course.After one course,the therapeutic effects were observed.The Western medication group was treated by oral administration of Meloxicam（Mobic）,7.5 mg,once a day,with water and liquid after meal.The therapeutic effects were observed after 20 d.Results：The total effective rate was 92.8% in the acupuncture-cupping group and 73.9% in the Western medication group,with a statistical difference between the two groups（P〈0.05）.After treatment,the scores of the clinical symptoms of the two groups were obviously declined（P〈0.01）,and the score of the clinical symptoms of the acupuncture-cupping group was better than that of the Western medication group,with a statistical difference（P〈0.05）.Conclusion：Acupuncture plus cupping therapy was more effective than administration of Meloxicam tablets alone in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy.

Theoretic analysis of Professor Shao Jing-ming's ‘Three-acupoint and Five-needle Method’ for asthma

＆#39;Three-acupoint and Five-needle Method＆#39; is a summary of Prof. Shao Jing-ming＆#39;s clinical experience in the treatment of asthma for years. It is used to alleviate asthma during seizure and to improve the pulmonary functions, strengthen the body constitution and prevent recurrence in the remission stage. This article introduces the theoretic source and basic principle, and concrete operating method, i.e. puncturing bilateral Feishu （BL 13）, Dazhui （GV 14） and bilateral Fengmen （BL 12）, and adding acupoints based upon pattern identification, in combination of moxibustion and cupping therapy for promoting the clinical application of this method.

Effects of acupuncture on the number of associated protein phosphorylation in brain tissues of MCAO rats based on protein microarray technique

Objective： To investigate the effects of acupuncture on the number of associated phosphorylated proteins in brain tissues of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） rats, based on the protein microarray technique. Methods： The MCAO model was prepared according to the modified occlusion method using occlusion lines. Forty healthy Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into 4 groups using the lottery method： a sham operation group, a model group, a control point group and an acupoint group, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the sham operation group and the model group only received binding without acupuncture. Rats in the acupoint group received acupuncture at Dazhui （GV 14）, Baihui （GV 20） and Shuigou （GV 25）; rats in the control point group received acupuncture at non-acupoint control points. The needle was twisted once for 1 min after insertion and another time in the middle of the 30 min needle retaining. Acupuncture was conducted once every 12 h for 6 consecutive times. At the end of the experiment, the neurological impairment score was collected, and cells of the ischemic brain tissues were extracted. The protein phosphorylation of the related signaling was detected using the 720 phosphorylated antibody microarray technique, and the differentially expressed proteins between groups were screened. Results： The neurological impairment scores after 72 h of treatment： compared with the sham operation group, the scores of the model group, the control point group and the acupoint group were significantly increased （P〈0.01）; compared with the model group, the scores of the acupoint group and the control point group were significantly decreased （P〈0.01,P〈0.05）; the score of the acupoint group was better than that of the control point group （P〈0.05）. The results of the protein microarray： compared with the sham operation group, 48 proteins showed up-regulated phosphorylation （≥1.5 times） in the model group and the down-regulated was 28; compared with the model group, 35 proteins showed up-regulated phosphorylation in the control point group, and the down-regulated was 24. There were 29 proteins showing up-regulated phosphorylation in the acupoint group and the down-regulated was 51. The numbers of proteins involved in the function and signal transduction pathways were also different. Conclusion： Acupuncture at Dazhui （GV 14）, Baihui （GV 20） and Shuigou （GV 25） can effectively repair brain injury. The ischemic injury of brain tissue may be caused by imbalance of a variety of proteins, and acupuncture can promote brain tissue repair by multi-functional and multi-channel regulation of the protein disorders.

Features of intervertebral disc degeneration in rat's aging process

Objective:The age-related change is important part of degenerative disc disease. However,no appropriate animal model or objective evaluation index is available. This study aimed to investigate the features of intervertebral disc degeneration in aging process of rats. Methods:22-month-old Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were used as spontaneously occurring intervertebral disc degeneration models and 6-month-old rats as young controls. Expression of collagen types II and X was measured by immunohistochemistry. Degenerations of intervertebral discs were scored according to Miyamoto's method. Numbers and areas of afferent vascular buds were measured. The thicknesses of non-calcified and calcified layers were measured and statistically analyzed. Results:There were less collagen type II expression and more collagen type X expression in the calcified layer of the cartilage endplates and nucleus pulposus in the rats of the aged group than in the young control. There were fewer and smaller afferent vascular buds in the rats of the aged group than in the young control group. The ratio of the non-calcified to the calcified layers in the rats of the aged group significantly decreased,compared with that of the young control group(P<0.01) . Conclusion:Rats can spontaneously establish intervertebral disc age-related degeneration. The expression of collagen types II and X,numbers and areas of afferent vascular buds,the ratio of the non-calcified to the calcified layers,and water and glycosaminoglycan contents in the nucleus pulposus are sensitive indexes of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Clinical Observation on Effects of Scraping Therapy for Headache Due to Common Cold

Objective： To observe the real-time effect of scraping therapy for headache due to common cold. Methods： Forty-five patients with headache caused by cold were included to receive scraping therapy, and asked to take hot water and a good rest after treatment. Visual Analog Scale （VAS） score was recorded before and after the scraping treatment. The patients were visited again at the second day to inspect the development of the disease, including whether the headache was relapsed or aggravated; how long it was between the relapse or aggravation and the scraping treatment; patients＇ behavior after the scraping treatment. Result： The VAS score ofpre-treatment was 6.45±1.95, and it was 1.43±0.65 after treatment. The results had statistical significance. In the revisit among the 45 patients, there were 39 patients whose headache didn＇t relapsed or aggravated. For the left 6 patients who got relapsed or aggravated headache, researcher found that they did not follow the doctor＇s order well. Conclusion： Scraping therapy has obvious real-time effect on headache caused by cold. However, whether the patients can follow the doctor＇s advice is a key factor in the relapse of headache.

Methodology and cohort profile for the Hangzhou Lumbar Spine Study: a study focusing on back health in a Chinese population

Back pain is a worldwide health problem, adding a tremendous burden to modern societies. However, little information on back health is available in China, even though a quarter of the world＇s population is Chinese. To enhance knowledge in this area, we designed and initiated the Hangzhou Lumbar Spine Study, which is a cross-sectional study of a general sample of mainland Chinese with focusing on disc degeneration, Modic changes, endplate lesions, and back pain. The study consists of a structured questionnaire to measure back pain history and lifetime exposure to suspected risk factors, magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine, bone mineral density study of the spine and hip, and DNA sample analysis. Here we briefly introduce the study methodology, report the test-retest reliability of the questionnaire, and describe the cohort profile to date. Since May 2014, 301 randomly selected subjects（male/female, 122/179; mean age, 51.0 years; range, 20–87 years） have been recruited. Tests-retests of the questionnaire, completed by 40 participants, revealed good reliability. To our knowledge, the Hangzhou Lumbar Spine Study is the first population-based epidemiological study conducted to characterize lumbar spinal phenotypes and back pain, their interaction, and their associations with lifetime environmental exposure, in mainland Chinese. Epidemiological information obtained from a reliable questionnaire, magnetic resonance（MR） imaging data, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry（DXA） measurements, and DNA analysis may serve as a valuable reference for future studies on back health, particularly for mainland Chinese.

Role of brain serotonin in modulating fish behavior

The organization of the brain serotonergic system appears to have been highly conserved across the vertebrate subphylum. In fish as well as in other vertebrates, brain serotonin （5-HT）, mainly acts as a neuromodulator with complex effects on multiple functions. It is becoming increasingly clear that acute and chronic increase in brain 5-HT neurotransmission have very different effects. An acute 5-HT activation, which is seen in both winners and losers of agonistic interactions, could be related to a general arousal effect, whereas the chronic activation observed in subordinate fish is clearly linked to the behavioral inhibition displayed by these individuals. Fish displaying diver- gent stress coping styles （proactive vs. reactive） differ in 5-HT functions. In teleost fish, brain monoaminergic function is also related to life history traits.

Identification and Validation of Reference Sites in the Andhi Khola River,Nepal

Reference conditions having no or only minor anthropogenic disturbances, are a basic requirement for ecological studies in rivers. To study ecological impact of a dam, two sites were pre-classiifed as reference or least disturbed in the Andhi Khola River, Nepal, using Rapid Field Bioscreening （RFB） protocol. Biological （macroinvertebrates） and physico-chemical samples were collected in the month of January and February 2013. Multi-habitat sampling （MHS） was employed in sample collection of macro-invertebrates fauna. Validation of the pre-classiifed sites was done using several indices viz. Nepalese biotic score （NEPBIOS）, Biological monitoring working party （BMWP）, Hindu-Kush Himalayan biotic score （HKHBIOS）, Hilsenhoff （HILSENHOFF） ＆ National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index （NSFWQI）. The NEPBIOS, HKHBIOS, HILSENHOFF, RFB ＆ NSFWQI indices predicted the river quality at al two sites as good with quality class Ⅱ. Only BMWP/ASPT water quality index predicted the river quality at al two sites as Excelent with quality class Ⅰ. Hence preselected sites with quality of rank Ⅱ i.e. good qualities were validated as reference sites. The study demonstrated that the multi-metric approach is suitable for application in the monitoring and assessment of rivers where dams are built to produce hydropower.

Bugs beneath the surface： the functional significance of soil macroinvertebrates to landscape health in Australia＇s tropical savannas

Soil macroinvertebrates play an important role in sustaining production and biodiversity in Australia＇ s tropical savannas. For example, termites, through their foraging and nesting activities, recycle nutrients and carbon and produce soil pores that facilitate water infiltration. The challenge ahead is to quantitatively understand the relationships and processes that drive this. What roles do different species and functional groups of macroinvertebrates play in various landscape processes？ What are the effects of different land management practices （e.g., domestic cattle grazing, fire） on these relationships, and the consequences for landscape health？ This paper presents preliminary results from studies in northern Australia, that examine the effects of land condition and domestic cattle grazing on soil macroinvertebrates, and the potential for termites to be used as a tool to restore soil function in degraded areas. In northern Australia, increased degradation seems to be associated with declines in the diversity and activity of macroinvertebrates. Termites appear to be one of the most resilient groups, with some species capable of maintaining activity in degraded landscapes.

Soil Nitrogen Availability Is Reflected in the Bacterial Pathway

Measurements of concentrations of easily extractable soil nitrogen(N) were carried out on samples collected at the Heron Wood Reserve,Scotland,concurrently with investigations of N associated with total microbial biomass and the abundances of bacteria,fungi,and invertebrates.Soil biota at the studied site appeared to be limited by N.There was a remarkable difference between the ambient(i.e.,easily extractable N) and biomass nitrogen.The abundance data of bacteria,protozoa and nematodes significantly negatively correlated with ambient N but showed positive correlations with the total microbial N content.There were,however,remarkable differences between the correlation patterns exhibited by the fungal and the bacterial pathways,as fungi did not show any correlations with chemical variables.These differences should be taken into account whilst interpreting biological interactions both at this important site and elsewhere.

Effect of scraping therapy on Interleukin-1 in serum of rats with lumbar disc herniation

OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of scraping therapy on the Interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels of rats with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: Fifty male rats were devided into a blank group (A), a sham operation group (B), a model group (C), a scraping group (D), and a drug group (E). The rats in the group B were treated with sham operation, and groups C, D and E were made into the LDH model by operation. After operation group C were treated with no interventions, D were given scraping and E were fed with azathioprine Then the IL-1 levels of different groups were detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay method. And the transplanted coccygeal vertebra discs were observed by pathological section. RESULTS: The IL-1 levels in the groups C, D, and E were significantly higher than those in the groups A and B (all P<0.01), which proved the operationwas successful.The IL-1 levels in the groups D and E at different periods had statistical significance (F= 414.158, P<0.01). The treatment periods and interventions have interation (F=46.613, P<0.01). Multiple comparison results showed that the IL-1 levels in the groups D and E was significantly lower than that in the group C (P<0.01), while the IL-1 levels between the groups D and E had no statistical significance (P>0.05). Moreover, pathological section indicated that immuno-inflammatory response was hardly found in coccygeal vertebra discs in the groups A and B, while local immuno-inflammatory responses of the groups D and E were much lighter than that of the group C. CONCLUSION: Scraping therapy could inhibit the immuno-inflammatory responses in the rats with LDH caused by transplantation of autologous nu cleus pulposus.