The application of the strip-shaped cymba conchae orthosis in the nonsurgical correction of complex auricular deformity

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using a strip-shaped cymba conchae orthosis for the nonsurgical correction of complex auricular deformities. Methods: Clinical data were collected from 2020 to 2021 for 6 patients who underwent correction using a stripshaped cymba conchae orthosis. The indications, corrective effects, and complications associated with use of the orthosis were analyzed. Results: There were four indications for treatment: cryptotia with helix adhesion;cryptotia with grade I microtia;cryptotia with excessive helix thickness;and auricular deformity beyond the treatment time window(≥6 months). Excellent corrective effects were observed in all 6 patients. Complications occurred in one patient, who recovered after symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: The use of a strip-shaped cymba conchae orthosis alone or combined with a U-shaped helix orthosis presents a feasible approach for correcting complex auricular deformities or deformities beyond the treatment time window in pediatric patients.

Ear keloid and epidermal cyst following auricular cartilage harvest for rhinoplasty:A case report

BACKGROUND This case report highlights a rare instance of concurrent keloid and epidermal cyst development at an ear cartilage harvest site following rhinoplasty in a 25-year-old woman.Both conditions,which typically stem from skin trauma,seldom occur together,demonstrating the exceptional characteristics of this case.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent successful surgical removal of both the keloid and the epidermal cyst.Postoperative treatment included the use of silicone sheets,gel,and oral tranilast to reduce scarring.No recurrence was observed over a 6-mo follow-up period,indicating effective management of the condition.CONCLUSION The effective management of complex skin trauma cases underscores the need for individualized treatment strategies in plastic surgery.

Effect of Head Meridian Massage Combined with Auricular Acupoint Plaster on Patients with Insomnia

Objective:To study the effect of head meridian massage combined with auricular acupoint plasters on patients with insomnia.Methods:The sample consisted of 50 cases,and all of them were admitted to Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to December 2023.The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group,with 25 cases in each group.The observation group was treated with a combination of head meridian massage and auricular acupoint plaster while the control group underwent conventional nursing care.The improvement of sleep quality and nursing effect were used as evaluation criteria to compare the clinical effects of the nursing programs.Results:After nursing intervention,the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score of the observation group,which was 7.17±1.41 points was lower than that of the control group(9.04±1.96 points),(t=3.8724,P<0.05).The total efficacy was 96.00%for the observation group and 76.00%for the control group(2=4.1528,P<0.05).Conclusion:Head meridian massage combined with auricular acupoint can improve the sleep quality of patients with insomnia.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Auricular Acupoint Pressure Patch Combined with Modified Huangqi Decoction in Treating Diabetic Nephropathy

Objective:To explore the efficacy of auricular acupoint pressure patch combined with modified Huangqi Decoction in treating diabetic nephropathy.Methods:60 patients with diabetic nephropathy treated in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected for this study.The patients were randomly divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 30 patients in each group.Among them,the control group was treated with conventional Western medicine,while the experimental group was treated with auricular acupoint pressure patches combined with modified Huangqi Decoction.The patients’fasting blood glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2hPG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),urinary protein quantification,urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr),and other indicators were detected and recorded before and after treatment.Results:Before treatment,there was no statistically significant difference in the FPG,the 2hPG,and the HbA1c between the two groups of patients(P>0.05);after treatment,the FPG,the 2hPG,and the HbA1c of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no statistically significant difference in the urinary protein quantification,the BUN,and the SCr between the two groups of patients(P>0.05);after treatment,the urinary protein quantification,BUN,and SCr of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The experimental group showed better improvement in symptoms such as fatigue,backache,and frequency of nocturia(P<0.05).Conclusion:Auricular acupoint pressure patch combined with modified Huangqi Decoction effectively treats diabetic nephropathy and it helps control blood sugar and renal function indicators and improve clinical symptoms,therefore improving the patients’quality of life.

Advances of Research on Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Nervous System Diseases

As a new type of nerve regulation technology, Vagus Nerve Stimulation is currently used in the treatment of nervous system diseases. Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation has become one of the research hotspots in this field, because there is no implantation risk. However, there is no unified standard for the treatment parameters of aVNS for nervous system diseases. In this paper, the research progress of the anatomical structure and parameters of the vagus nerve and its role in nervous system diseases are reviewed to provide basis for further research.

RAPD analysis of genetic diversity of nine strains of Auricularia auricular cultivated in Heilongjiang Province

Polymorphism of nine strains （CF05, CF09, 29, 916, AU9, Chang10, Chang7, 8808 and AU. Japanese） of A. auricular cultivated in Heilongjiang Province were analyzed by RAPD （Random Amplication polymorphic DNA）. Thirteen primers were selected from forty PCR primers with 10bp long random primer. The results showed that nine strains of A. auricular have a high level of genetic diversity and the percentage of DNA polymorphic was 96.05. The genotypes of 9 strains of Auricularia auricular were identified by the fingerprints from primer 27 and primer 46 by RAPD analysis. The results are helpful for quickly identifying strains of A. auricular in its early breeding time, and also provides a powerful theoretic basis to differentiate strains （Auricularia auricular） whose morphology is very similar in breeding programs of edible fungus.

Hyaluronic acid injection in the auricular base for the aesthetic correction of lying ears:A retrospective study

Background Ears play an important role in facial profiles.Lying ears are not perceived favorably in Asian cultures;therefore,surgical procedures are implemented to adjust this defect.However,surgery has complications and requires recovery time.We introduced a hyaluronic acid(HA)injection technique to aesthetically improve ear prominence.Methods This retrospective study examined 25 Chinese patients aged 20-47 years with congenital lying ears who received HA injections in the auricular base at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital and Hangzhou Yijie Medical Cosmetology Clinic between November 2019 and December 2022.The average injection volume was 6.32±1.22 mL in the auricular base unilaterally,and the follow-up time ranged from 6 to 24 months.Morphological measurement data were recorded.Two-dimensional(2D)and three-dimensional(3D)images were obtained to evaluate the effects.Results All patients showed improvements in ear prominence.The cranioauricular angle(CAA)increased from 22.24°±4.53°to 65.90°±5.38°immediately post-injection and was maintained at 49.18°±4.74°6 months later.The ear projection(EP)increased from 14.75±2.72 mm to 26.26±2.94 mm immediately post-injection and was 22.51±2.68 mm after 6 months.No serious complications were noted.Conclusion HA injection in the auricular base effectively corrected the lying ears and aesthetically optimized the facial profile.It also had a face-lift effect that made the face look younger and more compact.The injection procedure was minimally invasive and required no recovery period.The effect was maintained for a long time and was satisfactory.

Retrospective Analysis of the Effect of Auricular Acupuncture on Pain and Gastrointestinal Motility Recovery After Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Objective:To investigate the effect of auricular acupuncture on postoperative pain and gastrointestinal motility recovery after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic radical surgery for colorectal cancer in our hospital from April 2020 to December 2021 were collected.Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria,76 patients were included in the retrospective analysis.Depending on whether they received auricular acupuncture or not,the patients were divided into two groups:46 patients in the experimental group(auricular acupuncture)and 30 patients in the control group.The differences between the two groups were analyzed.Results:The time to first flatus of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group(52.2±7.36 h versus 66.3±7.83 h;P<0.001).Similarly,the time to first defecation of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group(76.3±7.76 h versus 86.1±10.79 h;P<0.001).The time to first fluid intake of the auricular group was significantly shorter than that of the control group(90.4±8.92 h versus 107.3±9.66 h,P<0.001).Compared with the control group,the experimental group scored significantly lower on the visual analogue scale on postoperative days 2 and 3(P<0.001).Conclusion:Auricular acupuncture is an effective traditional Chinese medicine external treatment method.It can promote gastrointestinal motility recovery in patients after laparoscopic radical surgery for colorectal cancer and also reduce postoperative pain and discomfort.Furthermore,this therapy is easy to operate and well-accepted by patients.Therefore,it should be strongly promoted in clinical practice.

Meta analysis on the effectiveness of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in the treatment of depression/anxiety disorders in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective:We used meta-analysis to explore the clinical efficacy of auricular point therapy combined with modern medicine in improving depression/anxiety in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods:We searched CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu,CBM,The Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase through computer to build a randomized controlled trials of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in the treatment of depression/anxiety disorders in China and abroad since 2022.Two evaluators independently screened the studies,extracted and cross-checked the key data in the studies independently after determining the included studies,and then evaluated the quality of the studies respectively.Finally,we used RevMan 5.3 platform for statistical processing of data.Results:This meta-analysis included a total of 12 clinical randomized controlled trials,including a total of 899 patients.The results showed that the observation group was more effective in reducing the scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale,self rating Anxiety Scale,self rating Depression Scale,Pittsburgh sleep quality index score of maintenance hemodialysis patients.In addition,there was no statistical difference between the observation group and the control group in improving the total clinical effective rate.Conclusion:The observation group has a more obvious effect on the improvement of anxiety or depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients.However,due to the limitation of the quantity and quality of the included studies,the real efficacy of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in improving anxiety or depression disorder after maintenance hemodialysis still needs to be supported by more carefully designed and standardized multi-center,large-sample clinical studies.

Cloning and Sequence Analysis of ras Promoter from Auricuralia auricular Strain YBS-3

[Objective] The ras promoters were cloned from genomic DNA of Auricuralia auricular so as to provide promoters for breeding better species by genetic technology. [Method] PCR was used to clone promoters with the genomic DNA of A. auricular strain YBS-3 as template,and then the sequences of four ras promoters were obtained. The analysis of promoter sequences was made by three promoter analysis software：Promoter prediction,Place and TFSEARCH ver.1.3. [Result] Four fragments contained core elements of promoter including TATA-box and CAAT-box,and many other important cis-elements such as GATA BOX,GCGC BOX,CCAAT BOX1,etc. At the same time,there was at least one transcriptional start site in these sequences. And several transcription factor binding sites were detected in these sequences. [Conclusion] Four promoter fragments all had promoter function theoretically.

Self-experience of buried seeds at auricular points in depressive patients with sleep disorder: a qualitative research

Objective To explore the self-experience of burying seeds at auricular points in depressive patients with sleep disorder,so as to seek possible approaches to improve the quality of care.Methods Eleven patients involved in a three-week randomized controlled clinical trial were purposefully interviewed by the experienced,qualified counselor.The process of thematic analysis was applied in this study,the self-experience was discussed and recorded,transcribed,and analyzed accordingly.Results Four themes related to self-experience were extracted,these included the deficiency in relevant support,passive acceptance,distrust,expectation and further advice.Conclusion There was an urgent demand of humane care and emotional support,which might improve compliance of the treatment to some extent in terms of health education.Additionally,medical practitioners should provide the patient with comprehensive support,professional health education,as well as standardize training program for TCM operator and control the operation’s quality.

STUDY ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT AND MECHANISMS OF AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE FOR TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN THE RABBIT

In the present study, fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentration and serum insulin concentration and changes of the ultramicrostructure of the pancreatic islet cells are used as the indexes to evaluate the therapeutic effect of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) and to analyze its mechanisms in the rabbit. Thirty-two rabbits are randomly divided into control, model, acupuncture and medication groups with 8 cases being in each group. DM model is established by intravenous injection of 4% Alloxan (150 mg/kg). Otopoints used are low-resistance points of Yidan (MA-SC 6), Neifenmi (MA-IC 3), Jiaogan (MA-AH 7), Fei (MA-IC 1), Wei (MA-IC), Shen (MA-SC), etc.. In medication group, the animals are fed with glybenzcyclamide, (1.25 mg/kg/day). The treatment of both groups is given once daily, 20 sessions altogether. Results display that after 2 courses of treatment (20 sessions), in comparison with pre-treatment and model group, FBG contents in acupuncture and medication groups decreased significantly (P<0.01), while insulin contents of acupuncture and medication groups increased remarkably (P<0.05). No significant differences between acupuncture and medication groups in FBG and insulin contents. Accordingly, electron microscopic observation shows some improvements in partial organells as lysosome being fewer, reduction of the nucleolar swelling, etc. in both acupuncture group and medication group. It shows that restoration of the structure of islet β-cells of the pancreas, increase of the synthesis and release of insulin as well as the activity of insulin may contribute to the effect of auricular acupuncture in lowering blood glucose level in DM rabbits.

Extraction,Physiochemical Properties and Antibacterial Activities of Polysaccharides from Auricularia auricular

[Objective] To explore the optimal conditions for extracting polysaccharide from Auricularia auricular, and to study its physiochemical properties and antibacterial activities. [ Method] The extraction conditions for Auricularia auricular polysaccharides were optimized by orthogonal test, and its physiochemical characteristics and antagonistic activities on bacteria and molds were tested. I-Result] The optimized condition was with sample to liquid ratio of 1 ： 50, temperature of 90 ℃ and extraction time of 2.5 h. Under the optimized condition, the yield of pelysaccharide was 7.3%, with polysaccharide content of 77.81%. Containing aldose and amylase, the polysaccharides of Auncu/aria auricular was soluble in water. The inhibitory effect on bacteria was significantly stronger than on molds that the minimum diameter of inhibition zone for bacteria is 12.7 mm, while 7.9 mm for the molds. [ Conclusion] This study provides scientific basis for the development and utilization of Auricularia auricular polysaccharides.

Effects of electroacupuncture at auricular concha area on the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia rats

Backgroud:The electroacupuncture of auricular concha area(EA-ACR)proved to have a good regulatory effect on insomnia and the release of melatonin,which is most closely related to sleep.However,there is little research to demonstrate the relationship between EA-ACR and melatonin.The objective of present study is to observe the effects of EA-ACR on the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia rats.Methods:The study divided 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats randomly into three groups:12 in blank group,12 in model group,and 12 in EA-ACR group.By using PCPA intraperitoneal injection for 2 days,insomnia model was established.EA-ACR group was treated for 28 days.We observed the effects of EA-ACR on the rats'behavioral changes,open-field test and weight during the experiment.After the experiment,the rat tail and heart blood were collected,and the melatonin was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared with the blank group,28–30 hours after PCPA intraperitoneal injection,the circadian rhythm of sleep and the total sleep time of model rats decreased.Compared with the model group,electrical stimulation in the ear concha region could effectively reverse the behavioral changes of rats,and increase the trend of weight growth(P=0.010),the crossing score(P=0.014),vertical motion score(P=0.015)and the level of plasma melatonin secretion(P=0.020)with the trend showing a rhythmic pattern(0–60 minutes upward,60–120 minutes downward,120–150 minutes upward).Conclusion:EA-ACR can improve the quality of life(weight),ameliorate exploring irritable and anxiety behaviors in PCPA-induced insomnia rats.The underlying effects of EA-ACR may be excited on the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in PCPA-induced insomnia rats.

Treatment of microtia:past,present and future

The purpose of this review article is to review the reconstructive method available for the treatment of microtia and highlight the recent advances.The well established technique developed by Brent and Nagata are still must widely performed procedure for microtia reconstruction.Various modification of this technique has been reported in the literature.Synthetic framework is seen as an alternative to autogenous costal cartilage framework because of ease of the procedure.More recently,tissue engineering is seen as the most promising treatment.This article gives an overview of the current practice in the field of microtia reconstruction and summarizes the recent surgical developments and relevant tissue engineering research.

Contemporary solutions for patients with microtia and congenital aural atresia-Hong Kong experience

Managing microtia patients is always a challenge. Multidisciplinary approach, good family support, well established doctorepatient rela-tionship and well organised patient-support groups are the essential elements for success. With the advancement of implantable hearing devices, more options will be available for the microtia patients. Otologists play a leading role in the whole management process. They not only provide proper guidance to the patients in choosing the correct path of the treatment, but also play a key role in organising and maintaining a cost-effective multidisciplinary rehabilitation team for the microtia patients.

Optimization of Extraction Technology of Auricularia auricula Polysaccharide

[Objective]This experiment aimed to study the extraction technology of Auricularia auricula polysaccharide（APS）.[Method] Polysaccharide yield was regarded as studying target.Based on the single factor experiment results,orthogonal experiment design was applied to study the effect of liquid-solid ratio,extraction time,extraction temperature on polysaccharide yield.[Result]The results showed that extraction temperature was an important factor that affects the yield of crude polysaccharide,the optimal technology condition of water extraction way was liquid-solid ratio of 1：70（g：ml）,4-hour extraction time with temperature at 100 ℃.[Conclusion] The yield of Auricularia auricular polysaccharide was 42.56% under the above mentioned condition.

Antibacterial and antibiofi lm activity of peptide PvGBP2 against pathogenic bacteria that contaminate Auricularia auricular culture bags

Bacteria contamination in Auricularia auricular culture bags reduces yield and increases the risk of food safety.In this study,5 species of bacteria,mainly gram-positive bacteria including three species of Bacillus spp.,Arthrobacter arilaitensis and Staphylococcus warneri,were isolated and identifi ed from bacteria-contaminated A.auricular culture bags.An in silico predicted antimicrobial peptide from theβ-1,3-glucan-binding protein sequence of Penaeus vannamei,designated Pv GBP2(FLKLGRKSRYGMLKL),was screened and its antibacterial effect and mechanism of action on the isolated Bacillus spp.explored.The minimal inhibitory concentrations(MIC)of Pv GBP2 on Bacillus spp.were 15.6–31.25μg/m L.Peptide Pv GBP2 could inhibit Bacillus subtilis in A.auricular culture bags to maintain growth and yield of A.auricular.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)revealed that Pv GBP2 kills bacteria by perforating the cell wall,destroying membrane integrity and resulting in the leakage of intracellular solutes.In addition,Pv GBP2 inhibits biofi lm formation by B.subtilis by 90.6%at 1×MIC.Thus,peptide Pv GBP2 could be potentially applied as an antibacterial agent to control bacterial infection of A.auricular cultivation and the spread of foodborne pathogens.

Temporoparietal Fascia Flaps for Surgical Treatment of Cartilage Exposure After the First-Stage Microtia Reconstruction

Significant improvements have been achieved in microtia reconstruction using an autogenous costal cartilage framework.However,complications such as skin necrosis and cartilage exposure often destroy the final contour of the reconstructed auricle.Local fascia flaps are commonly used in salvage surgery because of their reliability and satisfactory results.Here,we report the case of a 26-year-old woman with multiple skin necroses and cartilage exposure on day 21 after the first-stage microtia reconstruction.The exposure area was covered by a temporoparietal fascia flap as a single-stage procedure.The most essential subunits survived,and the esthetic concours were harmonious and natural at 12 months postoperatively.Temporoparietal fascia flaps are recommended as the surgical treatment for multiple skin necroses and cartilage exposure in microtia reconstruction.The axial-pattern temporoparietal fascia flap is reliable for salvage auricular reconstruction and ensures satisfactory results at long-term follow-up.