A multifunctional shear apparatus for rocks subjected to true triaxial stress and high temperature in real-time

Deep engineering disasters,such as rockbursts and collapses,are more related to the shear slip of rock joints.A novel multifunctional device was developed to study the shear failure mechanism in rocks.Using this device,the complete shearedeformation process and long-term shear creep tests could be performed on rocks under constant normal stiffness(CNS)or constant normal loading(CNL)conditions in real-time at high temperature and true-triaxial stress.During the research and development process,five key technologies were successfully broken through:(1)the ability to perform true-triaxial compressioneshear loading tests on rock samples with high stiffness;(2)a shear box with ultra-low friction throughout the entire stress space of the rock sample during loading;(3)a control system capable of maintaining high stress for a long time and responding rapidly to the brittle fracture of a rock sample as well;(4)a refined ability to measure the volumetric deformation of rock samples subjected to true triaxial shearing;and(5)a heating system capable of maintaining uniform heating of the rock sample over a long time.By developing these technologies,loading under high true triaxial stress conditions was realized.The apparatus has a maximum normal stiffness of 1000 GPa/m and a maximum operating temperature of 300C.The differences in the surface temperature of the sample are constant to within5C.Five types of true triaxial shear tests were conducted on homogeneous sandstone to verify that the apparatus has good performance and reliability.The results show that temperature,lateral stress,normal stress and time influence the shear deformation,failure mode and strength of the sandstone.The novel apparatus can be reliably used to conduct true-triaxial shear tests on rocks subjected to high temperatures and stress.

A novel rapid cooling assembly design in a high-pressure cubic press apparatus

In traditional high-pressure–temperature assembly design, priority has been given to temperature insulation and retention at high pressures.This limits the efficiency of cooling of samples at the end of experiments, with a negative impact on many studies in high-pressure Earth andplanetary science. Inefficient cooling of experiments containing molten phases at high temperature leads to the formation of quench textures,which makes it impossible to quantify key compositional parameters of the original molten phase, such as their volatile contents. Here,we present a new low-cost experimental assembly for rapid cooling in a six-anvil cubic press. This assembly not only retains high heatingefficiency and thermal insulation, but also enables a very high cooling rate (∼600 ℃/s from 1900 ℃ to the glass transition temperature).Without using expensive materials or external modification of the press, the cooling rate in an assembly (∼600 ℃/s) with cube lengths of38.5 mm is about ten times faster than that in the traditional assembly (∼60 ℃/s). Experiments yielding inhomogeneous quenched melttextures when the traditional assembly is used are shown to yield homogeneous silicate glass without quench textures when the rapid coolingassembly is used.

A Novel High Temperature Apparatus for in situ Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction Studies of Molten Salt

This study demonstrates the design and application of a novel high temperature rotatory apparatus for insitu synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies of molten salts,facilitating investigation into the interaction between various structural materials and molten salts.The apparatus enables accurate detection of every phase change during hightemperature experiments,including strong reaction processes like corrosion.Molten salts,such as chlorides or fluo⁃rides,together with the structure materials,are inserted into either quartz or boron nitride capillaries,where X-ray diffraction pattern can be continuously collected,as the samples are heated to high temperature.The replacement re⁃action,when molten ZnCl2 are etching Ti3AlC2,can be clearly observed through changes in diffraction peak intensity as well as expansion in c-axis lattice parameter of the hexagonal matrix,due to the larger atomic number and ionic ra⁃dius of Zn2+.Furthermore,we investigated the high-temperature corrosion process when GH3535 alloy is in FLiNaK molten salt,and can help to optimize its stability for potential applications in molten salt reactor.Additionally,this high temperature apparatus is fully compatible with the combined usage of X-ray diffraction and Raman technique,providing both bulk and surface structural information.This high temperature apparatus has been open to users and is extensively used at BL14B1 beamline of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Analysis of strength characteristics of loess before and after freezing using a hollow cylinder torsional shear apparatus

This paper aims to comprehensively analyze the influence of the principal stress angle rotation and intermediate principal stress on loess's strength and deformation characteristics. A hollow cylinder torsional shear apparatus was utilized to conduct tests on remolded samples under both normal and frozen conditions to investigate the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of loess under complex stress conditions. The results indicate significant differences in the internal changes of soil particles, unfrozen water, and relative positions in soil samples under normal and frozen conditions, leading to noticeable variations in strength and strain development.In frozen state, loess experiences primarily compressive failure with a slow growth of cracks, while at normal temperature, it predominantly exhibits shear failure. With the increase in the principal stress angle, the deformation patterns of the soil samples under different conditions become essentially consistent, gradually transitioning from compression to extension, accompanied by a reduction in axial strength. The gradual increase in the principal stress axis angle(α) reduces the strength of the generalized shear stress and shear strain curves.Under an increasing α, frozen soil exhibits strain-hardening characteristics, with the maximum shear strength occurring at α = 45°. The intermediate principal stress coefficient(b) also significantly impacts the strength of frozen soil, with an increasing b resulting in a gradual decrease in generalized shear stress strength. This study provides a reference for comprehensively exploring the mechanical properties of soil under traffic load and a reliable theoretical basis for the design and maintenance of roadbeds.

Comparison of the analgesic effects between electro-acupuncture and moxibustion with visceral hypersensitivity rats in irritable bowel syndrome

AIM To observe whether there are differences in the effects of electro-acupuncture(EA) and moxibustion(Mox) in rats with visceral hypersensitivity. METHODS EA at 1 m A and 3 m A and Mox at 43?℃ and 46?℃ were applied to the Shangjuxu(ST37, bilateral) acupoints in model rats with visceral hypersensitivity. Responses of wide dynamic range neurons in dorsal horns of the spinal cord were observed through the extracellular recordings. Mast cells(MC) activity in the colons of rats were assessed, and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor(5-HT3R) and 5-HT4Rexpressions in the colons were measured.RESULTS Compared with normal control group, responses of wide dynamic range neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord were increased in the EA at 1 m A and 3 m A groups(1 m A: 0.84 ± 0.74 vs 2.73 ± 0.65, P < 0.001; 3 m A: 1.91 ± 1.48 vs 6.44 ± 1.26, P < 0.001) and Mox at 43?℃ and 46?℃ groups(43?℃: 1.76 ± 0.81 vs 4.14 ± 1.83, P = 0.001; 46?℃: 5.19 ± 2.03 vs 7.91 ± 2.27, P = 0.01). MC degranulation rates and the expression of 5-HT, 5-HT3 R and 5-HT4 R in the colon of Mox 46?℃ group were decreased compared with model group(MC degranulation rates: 0.47 ± 0.56 vs 0.28 ± 0.78, P < 0.001; 5-HT: 1.42 ± 0.65 vs 7.38 ± 1.12, P < 0.001; 5-HT3R: 6.62 ± 0.77 vs 2.86 ± 0.88, P < 0.001; 5-HT4R: 4.62 ± 0.65 vs 2.22 ± 0.97, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The analgesic effects of Mox at 46?℃ are greater than those of Mox at 43?℃, EA 1 m A and EA 3 m A.

Eficacy of Electro-acupuncture in Treatment of Functional Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Functional constipation(FC)is a chronic discasc that significantly afcts the life quality of patients.Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of FC for many years,but its effectiveness has not been scientifcally assessed.The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture(EA)in relieving the symptoms,mental states and quality of life(QOL)of FC patients.A total of 96 FC patients were randomly allocated into EA,mosapride&sham EA group(MS)and mosapride control group(MC).In the EA group,patients were treated with 16 sessions of needling at Quchi(LI1I)and Shangjuxu(ST37)bilaterally,5 times a week in the first 2 weeks,and 3 times a.week in the last 2 weeks.In the MC group,patients were treated with 5 mg mosapride citrate three times a day for 4 weeks.In the MS group,patients underwent sham EA and the same mosapride citrate treatment as in the MC group.The primary outcome was the number of weekly spontaneous bowel movements(SBMs).The secondary outcomes included stool consistency,intensity of defecating difficulty,36-Item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-36),Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS),and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life(PAC-QOL).The results showed that as compared with the baseline,EA significantly improved the weekly SBMs,stool consistency and intensity of defecating difficulty(P<0.05).It also partly ameliorated the PAC-QOL,SF-36,SDS and SAS scores when compared with MC or MS group(P<0.05).However,no significant difference was observed between MS and MC groups in bowel function outcomes and QOL scores.It was concluded that EA could effectivcly improve bowel function,mental states and QOL of FC patients.

Effect of electro-acupuncture on substance P, its receptor and corticotropin-releasing hormone in rats with irritable bowel syndrome

AIM： To investigate the effect and mechanism of electro-acupuncture lEA） at ST25 and ST37 on irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） of rats. METHODS： A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group and EA group. A rat model of IBS was established by constraining the limbs and distending the colorectum of rats. Rats in EA group received bilateral EA at ST25 and ST37 with a sparse and intense waveform at a frequency of 2/50 Hz for 15 min, once a day for 7 d as a course. Rats in normal and model groups were stimulated by distending colorectum （CR）. An abdominal withdrawal reflex （AWR） scoring system was used to evaluate improvements in visceral hypersensitivity. Toluidine blue-improved method, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay were used to observe mucosal mast cells （MC）, changes of substance P （SP） and substance P receptor （SPR） in colon and change of corticotropin-releasing hormone （CRH） in hypothalamus. RESULTS： The threshold of visceral sense was significantly lower in model group than in normal group,and significantly higher in EA group than in model group. The number of mucosal MC was greater in model group than in normal group and significantly smaller in EA group than in model group. The CRH level in hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in model group than in normal group, which was remarkably decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. The SP and SPR expression in colon of rats in model group was decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSION： EA at ST25 and ST37 can decrease the number of mucosal MC and down-regulate the expression of CRH in hypothalamus, and the expression of SP and SPR in colon of rats with IBS.

Effect of electro-acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian on somatostatin and expression of somatostatin receptor genes in rabbits with gastric ulcer

AIM： To discuss the protective effect of electroacupuncture at the Foot-Yangming Meridian on gastric mucosal lesion, somatostatin （SS） and the expression of SS receptor genes （SSR1mRNA） in rabbits with gastric ulcer and to further explore the relative specificity of meridians and viscera at gene expression level. METHODS： Forty rabbits were randomly divided into control group （A）, gastric ulcer model group （B）, FootYangming Meridian group （C）, Foot-Shaoyang Meridian group （D） and Foot-Taiyang Meridian group （E）. The gastric ulcer model was prepared by infusing alcohol into stomach. Groups C-E were treated with electroacupuncture at points along the above meridians using meridian stimulating instruments for 7 days respectively. By the end of treatment, the index of gastric ulcer was determined, the amount of epidermal growth factor（EGF） and somatostatin was measured by radioimmunoassay （PJA）. SS-R1mRNA expression in gastric mucosa was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS： The value of EGF in model group was obviously lower（73.6±14.8 vs 91.3±14.9 pg/mL, P〈 0.01） than that in control group. The index of gastric ulcer, content of SS and expression of SSRtmRNA in gastric mucosa were significantly higher than those in control group （24.88 ± 6.29 vs 8.50 ± 2.98 scores, P〈 0.01; 2978.6 ± 587.6 vs 1852.4 ± 361.7 mIU/mL, P〈 0.01; 2.56±0.25 vs 1.04±0.36, P〈0.01） . The value of EGF in Foot-Yangming Meridian group was higher than that in model group（92.2±6.7 vs 73.6±14.8 pg/mL, P〈 0.01）. The index of gastric ulcer, content of SS and expression of SS-R1mRNA in gastric mucosa were significantlylower than those in control group（10.88±3.23 vs 24.88±6.29 scores, P〈0.01; 1800.2±488 vs 2978.6±587.6 mIU/mL, P 〈 0.01; 1.07±0.08 vs 2.56±0.25mIU/mL, P〈0.01）. Compared to the model group, the content of SS and expression of SSRlmRNA in gastric mucosa in Foot-Shaoyang Meridian group decreased （2441.0±488. vs 2978.6± 587.6 mIU/mL, P〈 0.05; 1.73±0.16 vs 2.56±0.25 mIU/mL, P〈0.01）. But the above parameters in Foot-Taiyang Meridian group did not improve and were significantly different from those in Footoyangming Meridian group （P〈0.05） CONCLUSION： Electro-acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian can protect gastric mocusa against injury. The mechanism may be releted to the regulation of brain-gut peptides and the expression of SSRtmRNA.

Electro-acupuncture Combined with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improves Learning and Memory Function of Rats with Cerebral Infarction by Inhibiting Neuron Cell Apoptosis

This study examined the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy at different time windows on learning and memory ability of rats with cerebral infarction and the underlying mechanism.Two hundred SD rats were randomly divided into four groups:normal group,sham-operated group,model group and EA+TMS group,and each group was then divided into five sub-groups in terms of the different time to start treatment post operation:6,12,24,48 and 72 h.Cerebral infarction models were established in the model and the EA+TMS groups by left middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R).After treatment for 14 d,the Morris water maze test was applied to examine the spatial learning and memory abilities of rats.In infarcted area,the expression of caspase-3 was immunohistochemically detected,and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA.The results showed that in EA+TMS group compared with model group at the same treatment time windows,the escape latency was substantially shortened,the expression of caspase-3 was considerably decreased and the expression level of Bcl-2 mRNA significantly increased (P<0.05).In the EA+TMS sub-groups,the escape latency was shortest,the expression level of caspase-3 lowest,and the expression level of Bcl-2 mRNA highest at the treatment time window of 24 h.It was concluded that EA combined with TMS can promote neurological function of rats with cerebral infarction by increasing the expression level of Bcl-2 mRNA and decreasing the expression of caspase-3.The best time window is 24 h after perfusion treatment to ischemia.

Effect of Electro-acupuncture Stimulation of Ximen(PC4) and Neiguan(PC6) on Remifentanil-induced Breakthrough Pain Following Thoracal Esophagectomy

The clinical analgesic effect of electro-acupuncture（EA） stimulation（EAS） on breakthrough pain induced by remifentanil in patients undergoing radical thoracic esophagectomy, and the mechanisms were assessed. Sixty patients（ASAⅢ） scheduled for elective radical esophagectomy were randomized into three groups： group A（control） receiving a general anesthesia only; group B（sham） given EA needles at PC4（Ximen） and PC6（Neiguan） but no stimulation; and group C（EAS） electrically given EAS of the ipsilateral PC4 and PC6 throughout the surgery. The EAS consisting of a disperse-dense wave with a low frequency of 2 Hz and a high frequency of 20 Hz, was performed 30 min prior to induction of general anesthesia and continued through the surgery. At the emergence, sufentanil infusion was given for postoperative analgesia with loading dose of 7.5 μg, followed by a continuous infusion of 2.25 μg/h. The patient self-administration of sufentanil was 0.75 μg with a lockout of 15 min as needed. Additional breakthrough pain was treated with dezocine（5 mg） intravenously at the patient＇s request. Blood samples were collected before（T1）, 2 h（T2）, 24 h（T3）, and 48 h（T4） after operation to measure the plasma β-EP, PGE2, and 5-HT. The operative time, the total dose of sufentanil and the dose of self-administration, and the rescue doses of dezocine were recorded. Visual Analogue Scale（VAS） scores at 2, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively and the incidence of apnea and severe hypotension were recorded. The results showed that the gender, age, weight, operative time and remifentanil consumption were comparable among 3 groups. Patients in EAS group had the lowest VAS scores postoperatively among the three groups（P〈0.05）. The total dose of sufentanil was 115±6.0 μg in EAS group, significantly lower than that in control（134.3±5.9 μg） and sham（133.5±7.0 μg） groups. Similarly, the rescue dose of dezocine was the least in EAS group（P〈0.05） among the three groups. Plasma β-EP levels in EAS group at T3（176.90±45.73） and T4（162.96±35.00 pg/mL） were significantly higher than those in control（132.33±36.75 and 128.79±41.24 pg/mL） and sham（136.56±45.80 and 129.85±36.14 pg/mL） groups, P〈0.05 for all. EAS could decrease the release of PGE2. Plasma PGE2 levels in EAS group at T2 and T3（41±5 and 40±5 pg/mL respectively） were significantly lower than those in control（64±5 and 62±7 pg/mL） and sham（66±6 and 62±6 pg/mL） groups. Plasma 5-HT levels in EAS group at T2（133.66±40.85） and T3（154.66±52.49 ng/mL） were significantly lower than those in control（168.33±56.94 and 225.28±82.03） and sham（164.54±47.53 and 217.74±76.45 ng/mL） groups. For intra-group comparison, plasma 5-HT and PGE2 levels in control and sham groups at T2 and T3, and β-EP in EAS group at T3 and T4 were significantly higher than those at T1（P〈0.05）; PGE2 and 5-HT levels in EAS group showed no significant difference among the different time points（P〉0.05）. No apnea or severe hypotension was observed in any group. It was concluded that intraoperative ipsilateral EAS at PC4 and PC6 provides effective postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing radical esophagectomy with remifentanil anesthesia and significantly decrease requirement for parental narcotics. The underlying mechanism may be related to stimulation of the release of endogenous β-EP and inhibition of inflammatory mediators（5-HT and PGE2）.

Clinical Study of Electro-acupuncture Treatment with Different Intensities for Functional Constipation Patients

Functional constipation （FC） is a common functional bowel disorder disease that affects life quality of a large number of people. This study aimed to explore the impact of different intensities of electro-acupuncture （EA） treatment for FC patients. Totally, 111 patients with FC meeting the Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to different intensities of EA groups （low and high intensity of EA groups） and medicine-controlled （MC） group. In EA groups, patients were treated with EA at quchi （Llll） and shangjuxu （ST37） bilaterally for 4 weeks, 5 times/week in the first 2 weeks, and 3 times/week in the last 2 weeks. In MC group, 5 mg mosapride citrate was administered orally 3 times/day for 4 weeks. Spontaneous bowel movement frequency each day was recorded using a consti- pation diary. Self-rating anxiety scale （SAS） and self-rating depression scale （SDS） were used to assess the patients＇ psychological state. Cortisol （CORT）, substance P （SP）, and vasoactive intestinal polypep- tide （VIP） were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks after treatment. As compared with the baseline, there was statistically significant increase in stool frequency every week （P〈0.01）, but there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups. As compared with the baseline, after 4 weeks of EA therapy, the scores of SDS and serum levels of CORT were decreased significantly in low intensity of EA group （P〈0.01）, and the serum levels of SP and VIP were increased significantly （P〈0.05）; the scores of SAS and SDS and serum levels of CORT were decreased significantly in high intensity of EA group （P〈0.05）, and the serum levels of SP and VIP were increased significantly （P〈0.05）; the serum levels of CORT and VIP were increased significantly in MC group （P〈0.05）. As compared with MC group, after 4 weeks of treatment, the serum levels of SP were signifcicantly in- creased in low intensity of EA group （P〈0.01）. Low and high intensities of EA could increase the stool frequency, improve the FC patient＇s anxiety and depression, reduce the serum levels of CORT, and in- crease the serum levels of SP and VIP effectively. It is concluded that both low and high intensities of EA are effective for FC patients, but there is no significant difference between the low and high intensi- ties of EA.

Optimal stimulation parameters for Renzhong (DU 26) electro-acupuncture for improving motor function in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion

The selection of electro-acupuncture parameters remains poorly unified between clinical studies. The present study observed the effects of electro-acupuncturing Renzhong （DU 26） with different stimulation parameters on motor function recovery following middle artery occlusion injury in rats. Results showed an optimal stimulation parameter for Renzhong electro-acupuncture that was low frequency and mild current （2 Hz, 1 mA） significantly improved cortical excitability and conductive function, and promoted recovery in a rat model of motor function in middle artery occlusion. Frequency had a greater impact than current or interaction, and played a critical role in electro-acupuncture therapy.

Influence of Ren and Du meridian electro-acupuncture on neural stem cell proliferation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia injury

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that electro-acupuncture at the Ren meridian could improve proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells in cerebral-ischemic rats. However, there are few reports on the influence of electro-acupuncture at the Du meridian on neural stem cell proliferation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the influence of electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians on neural stem cell proliferation in the subventricular zone and altered signal transduction in cerebral ischemia rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2006 to February 2008. MATERIALS： Mouse anti-rat bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） monoclonal antibody was provided by Sigma, USA; mouse anti-rat nestin monoclonal antibody and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK） specific inhibitor PD98059 were provided by Calbiochem, Germany; acupuncture needle was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. METHODS： A total of 126 rats were randomly assigned to four groups： model （n = 36）, Du meridian （n = 36）, Ren/Du meridian （n = 36）, and Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 （n = 18）. Rats in the Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 group were observed on days 7 （n = 6） and 14 （n = 12） after cerebral ischemia injury. Rats in the model, Du meridian, and Ren/Du meridian groups were observed on days 7, 14, and 28 after cerebral ischemia injury, with 12 rats per group at each time point. Thread occlusion was used to establish middle cerebral artery occlusion models. Electro-acupuncture was performed at Renzhong （DU 26） and Baihui （DU 20） acupoints in the Du meridian group, as well as Chengjiang （RN 24）, Guanyuan （RN 4）, Renzhong, and Baihuiacupoints in the Ren/Du meridian and Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 groups 2 days after model establishment. In addition, electro-acupuncture stimulation with disperse-dense waves was performed, with 30 Hz disperse wave, 100 Hz dense wave, and 5 V intensity for 20 minutes. Rats in the Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 group were treated with 0.2 pg PD98059 injection into the subventricular zone, 2 pL per rat. Rats in the model group were not treated with electro-acupuncture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： BrdU/nestin immunofluorescent staining was used to detect proliferating neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of cerebral ischemia rats; Western blot was used to determine phosphorylated ERK1 and 2 （pERK1/2） expression in the subventricular zone. RESULTS： On days 14 and 28 after cerebral ischemia, there were significantly more BrdU-positive and BrdU/nestin-positive cells in the Ren/Du meridian group compared with the Du meridian group （P 〈 0.05）. PD98059 decreased the number of BrdU-positive and BrdU/nestin-positive cells induced by electro-acupuncture at the/：ten and Du meridians （P 〈 0.05）. On days 7, 14, and 28 after treatment, pERK1/2 expression was significantly greater in the Du meridian and Ren/Du meridian groups compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05）. The promoting effect of electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians on ERK1/2 phosphorylation was superior to electro-acupuncture at the Du meridian alone on day 14 after model induction （P 〈 0.05）. However, PD98059 completely abolished the promoting effect of electro-acupuncture at Ren/Du meridians on pERK1/2 expression （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians increased proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells, which was related to activation of the ERK pathway in a rat model of cerebral ischemia injury.

Pre-ischemia electro-acupuncture potentiates the expression of Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in rat brains

The expression of the anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 is known to confer protective effects on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.The current study investigated the expression levels of Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in response to multiple pre-ischemia electro-acupuncture at acupoints Zusanli（ST36）and Fengchi（GB20） stimulation.Rats were divided into five groups：uninjured,control,non-acupoint,GB20 and ST36. Rats in the non-acupoint,GB20 and ST36 groups received 30 minutes（3 times or 18 times）of electro-acupuncture stimulation before experimental cerebral ischemia was induced.Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 were found to be significantly increased in the ST36 groups with either 3 or 18 electro-acupuncture treatments（P〈0.05）.The production was higher with 18 electro-acupuncture treatments in the ST36 groups（P〈0.05）.In the GB20 groups,significant increase was only observed in transforming growth factor-beta 1 with 18 electro-acupuncture treatments（P〈0.05）.No significant elevation of the level of transforming growth factor-beta 1 was observed in the non-acupoint groups.However,the production of Bcl-2 increased with 18 treatments in the non-acupoint groups（P〈0.05）.The data suggest that multiple pre-ischemia electro-acupuncture at ST36 was effective in conferring neuroprotective effect on the brain by means of upregulation of Bcl-2 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 and the effect was increase with the number of treatment.

THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE AT NEIGUAN AND FIVE SHU POINTS OF TWELVE REGULAR MERIDIANS AT DIFFERENT TIME ON SYSTOLIC TIME INTERVAL OF NORMAL YOUNG ADULTS

The influence of electro-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6)and five shu points of twelve regular meridians at different time on systolic time interval (ST I) of normal young adultswere studied with 6×6 Latin square design in this work.In 12 groups according to 12 regular merldlans,the STIs were measured respectively just before and after electro-acupuncture on Neiguan andfive shu points at 00:00,04:00,08:00,12:00,16:00 and 20:00 of a day.It was found thatexcept the PEPI and PEPI/LVETI ratio among Shenmen(HT 7),Shaochong(HT 9)and Neiguan,Guanchong(TE)and Yemen(TE 2)points,the effects of electro-acupuncture at Neiguan pointand five shu points of twelve regular meridians on the indices of STI of normal young adults wereshowing no slgnificant differences.There also was no difference in different sex.But the indices ofSTI were changed when electroacupuncture on the different points of different meridians at differenttime.

Effect of electro-acupuncture on basic fibroblast growth factor protein and mRNA expression in hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats

BACKGROUND： Spleen deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the functional disorder of spleen, pancreas, intestines, and nervous system in modern medicine. OBJECTIVE; To test whether electro-acupuncture could alter basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, in vivo animal experiment was performed at the National LeveI-B Laboratory of Clinical Cell Molecule and Biology in Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, between March and November in 2008. MATERIALS： Reserpine injection was produced by Guangdong Bangmin Pharmaceutical Co. Rhubarb extract granule preparation was produced by Guangdong Yifang Pharmaceutical. Huanqiu Brand sterile acupuncture pin was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. Huatuo Brand electroacupuncture instrument （type SDZ-II） was purchased from Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China. METHODS： A total of 96 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control （n = 32） and induction （n = 64） groups. Spleen deficiency was induced via intraperitoneal injection of reserpine and intragastric administration of rhubarb. The successful models were randomized into two groups： model and electro-acupuncture, with 32 rats in each group. Electro-acupuncture was administered at Zusanfi （ST 36） and Sanyinjiao （SP 6） acupoints using a condensation wave and rarefaction （condensation wave 15 Hz） at a strength of 6-15 V for 20 minutes, once per day. The appearance of a slight shiver in the corresponding locus was taken as the standard. According to electro- acupuncture time points, each group was assigned to four subgroups at 7, 14, 28, and 49 days, respectively, with eight rats in each subgroup. Immunohistochemical staining, image analysis, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed at different time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. RESULTS： After 7 days of electro-acupuncture therapy, bFGF protein and mRNA expression significantly increased compared with the model and control groups （P 〈 0.05）. After 14 days, bFGF protein and mRNA expression decreased until 28 days, where levels were then equal to the model group and greater than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. After 49 days, the above indices remained increased in the electro-acupuncture group compared to the model and control groups （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Continuous electro-acupuncture maintained a high level of bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats.

Electro-acupuncture at Zusanli(ST 36) to improve lower extremity motor function in sensory disturbance patients with cerebral stroke A randomized controlled study of 240 cases

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that sensory transduction is a way to introduce needle sensation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the influence of electro-acupuncture at the ＂Zusanll＂ （ST 36） point on lower extremity motor function in various sensory disturbance patients with cerebral stroke. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, clinical study was performed at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Centre from September 2006 to June 2008. PARTICIPANTS： Patients with first-time cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, or with a stroke history, but no neurodysfunction （single damage）, were selected for this study. The subjects were right-handed and disease state was stable. A total of 240 inpatients were randomly assigned to the following groups： electro-acupuncture （n = 124） and control （n = 116）. The two groups were further assigned into sub-groups： no sensory disturbance, superficial sensory disturbance, deep sensory disturbance, and deep and superficial sensory disturbance. METHODS： On the basis of routine limb function training, the acupoint Zusanliwas utilized in all patients from the electro-acupuncture group. Perpendicular acupuncture was 3.0-4.0 cm deep. An electric acupuncture instrument was connected when patients developed the needle sensation, deqi. A stimulation pattern consisting of distant and dense waves of 50 Hz was used to elicit slight dorsal foot extension. Acupuncture was administered 5 times per week, 30 minutes per session, for 6 weeks in total. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： FugI-Meyer assessment （FMA） was used to evaluate lower extremity motor function; Ver.1.0 gait analysis to estimate gait （step frequency, step speed, and step scope）; lower extremity Composite Spasticity Scale （CSS） to estimate muscle spastic degree. RESULTS： Following treatment, motor function improved in both groups. Compared with the control group, FMA score, step speed, step frequency, and step scope were increased in the electro-acupuncture group, but there was no difference in lower extremity CSS scores between the electro-acupuncture and the control groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the control group, Zusanli （ST 36） electro-acupuncture improved motor function indices as follows： FMA score, step frequency, step speed, and step scope of patients with no sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05-0.01）, step frequency of patients with superficial sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05）, and step frequency and step speed of patients with deep sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Zusanfi （ST 36） electro-acupuncture effects on lower extremity motor function in stroke patients were improved with no muscle tone rise. Therefore, this form of treatment can be used in convalescent treatment, Moreover, effects were different according to various sensory disturbance types, which suggested that sensory input influenced acupuncture effects.

Effect of Electro-acupuncture in Treating Patients with Lingual Hemangioma

Objective： To explore the clinical effect of electro-acupuncture （EA） in treating patients with lingual hemangioma （LHG）. Methods： EA therapy was applied on 36 patients by directly inserting the platinum needles into LHG through a trocar with plastic insulating cannula to protect the normal tissues and connecting the needles with the electro-chemical therapeutic apparatus of model ZAY-B. Then electricity was given until the tumor body got contracted and rigid. The result was assessed 6 months after EA was started. Results： All patients were treated effectively, namely, the effective rate was 100%, with the therapeutic effect reaching grade Ⅰ in 29 patients （80.6%）, grade Ⅱ in 7 （19.4%）, and all having the function of tongue recovered to normal. Conclusion： EA shows special superiorities in treating LHG, proved to bring a- bout less injury and quick recovery and being simple in operation. Especially when applied on huge LHG, it could not only remove the tumor, but also preserve the function of the tongue, so it is a brand-new approach that is likely to be accepted by patients.

Progress of Animal Research on Electro-acupuncture Treatment for Depression

This paper summarized the Chinese literatures in the previous 5 years about the pre-clinical animal researches on the application of electro-acupuncture(EA) treatment for depression,searched in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI).The efficiency of EA treatment for depression and the mechanism of it were discussed,to shed light on new ideas and new fronts for the further research on depression in clinical or pre-clinical fields.

Effects of electro-acupuncture on Noxa and caspase-3 expression in hippocampal CA1 region of a vascular dementia rat model

BACKGROUND：Noxa, a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family, has been shown to induce the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and to mediate hypoxic cell death in a rat model of cerebral ischemia. This suggests that Noxa could participate in apoptosis during vascular dementia （VD）. OBJECTIVE： To detect Noxa and caspase-3 expression after electro-acupuncture in VD rats to further validate the mechanism of electro-acupuncture-induced effects in the treatment of VD. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled study was performed at the Center for the Neurobiology of Fujian Medical University between January 2006 and March 2007. MATERIALS： A total of forty adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats were included in this study. The following equipment was used： confocal laser scanning microscope （Sp5, Leica, Germany）, water maze （Bejing Suntendy Science and Technology Co., Ltd., China）, and SDZ-II electronic acupuncture treatment instruments （Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China）. METHODS： Thirty-eight rats with sufficient learning and memory abilities were selected by Morris water maze criteria. Twelve rats received sham-surgery; the remaining 26 rats were used to establish a VD model by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries. The rats that survived the occlusion procedure were randomly assigned into an electro-acupuncture group （n = 11） and a VD model group （n = 12）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Neuropathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining of the hippocampus and expression of Noxa and caspase-3 in the hippocampal CA1 region was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscope following immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS： Expressions of Noxa and caspase-3 in the electro-acupuncture group and sham-operated group were less than in the VD model group （P 〈 0.01）. Electro-acupuncture reduced the amount of apoptotic neurons in hippocampal CA1 area of rats with VD. The average latency in the Morris water maze test was significantly shorter, and escape strategies improved from edge and random searches to more linear swim pathways in the electro-acupuncture group compared with the VD model group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Electro-acupuncture can improve learning and memory ability and inhibit the occurrence of apoptosis by blocking expression of Noxa and caspase-3 in the hippocampal CA1 region of VD rats.