Distribution of gene polymorphisms associated with aspirin antiplatelet in the Han NSTEMI population

Objective:To analyze the genotype and allele distribution characteristics of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918),PEAR1(rs12041331),and PTGS1(rs10306114)genes related to the antiplatelet pharmacological effects of aspirin,providing reference for individualized treatment of Chinese Han NSTEMI patients.Methods:A total of 107 Han patients with NSTEMI in Beijing Luhe Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The genotypes of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918),PEAR1(rs12041331)and PTGS1(rs10306114)were detected by fluorescence staining in situ hybridization.The frequency distribution and allele distribution of genotype were analyzed.The results were analyzed whether there were statistical differences in the distribution of related alleles between the Han NSTEMI population and some populations in the 1000 Genomes database.Results:In the Han NSTEMI population,the genotype frequencies of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918)locus were TT 97.20%,TC 2.80%and CC 0%,the allele frequencies were T 98.60%and C 1.40%.The genotype frequencies of PEAR1(rs12041331)locus were GG 42.06%,GA 44.86%and AA 13.08%,the allele frequencies were G 64.49%and A 35.51%.The genotypes at the PTGS1(rs10306114)locus were all AA(100%),no AG or GG genotype was found.Conclusion:In the NSTEMI population of Han nationality,the mutation at GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918)site related to aspirin antiplatelet pharmacology is rare,and there is no mutation at PTGS1(rs10306114)site.Wild homozygotes are dominant in these two gene loci,while mutations in PEAR1(rs12041331)are more common.Some of the findings in this study are similar to those in previous reports or other populations included in the relevant database;however,some results differ from previous reports or other populations。

Diabetic ulcer with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic skin ulcers are a risk factor for the development of skin tumors.In patients with diabetes,chronic refractory ulcers may also contribute to higher susceptibility to skin tumors.Timely surgical removal of chronic and nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers can effectively prevent progression to squamous cell carcinoma.Such cases may be misdiagnosed owing to currently insufficient clinical evidence.However,in cases of chronic ulcer wounds,it is crucial to enhance clinical awareness regarding their potential progression into malignant lesions.CASE SUMMARY An 84-year-old male patient with diabetes presented with a significantly ulcerated area on his foot.The ulcer had been present to varying degrees since 1996.Between 2012 and July 2019,even after receiving treatments such as herbal medicines or heat clearance and detoxification complete healing of the wound was not achieved.In July 2020,histopathological analysis confirmed a well-differentiated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.After the treatments,the ulcer wound healed slowly and did not expand.CONCLUSION Potentially malignant lesions in chronic ulcer wounds should be identified and treated in a timely manner to prevent their progression.

Dihydromyricetin-mediated inhibition of the Notch1 pathway induces apoptosis in QGY7701 and Hep G2 hepatoma cells

AIM To investigate whether Dihydromyricetin(DHM) inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by downregulating Notch1 expression.METHODS The correlation between Notch1 and Hes1(a Notch1 target molecule) expression in hepatoma samples was confirmed by q RT-PCR. In addition, MTT assays, flow cytometry and TUNEL analysis showed that DHM possessed strong anti-tumor properties, evidenced not only by reduced cell proliferation but also by enhanced apoptosis in QGY7701 and Hep G2 hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells. The expressions of Notch1, Hes1, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot.RESULTS Among the tested samples(n = 64), the expression levels of Notch1(75% of patients) and Hes1(79.7% of patients) m RNA in tumor tissues were higher than in the normal liver tissues. There was a negative correlation between the expression of Notch1 and the degree of differentiation and positively correlated with the Alpha Fetal Protein concentration. The viability of HCC cells treated with DHM was significantly inhibited in a dose and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was induced in Hep G2 and QGY7701 cell lines following 24 h of DHM treatment. After treatment with DHM, the protein expression of Notch1 was downregulated, the apoptosis-related protein Bax was upregulated and Bcl2 was downregulated. Notch1 si RNA further enhanced the anti-tumor properties of DHM. CONCLUSION Notch1 is involved in the development of HCC and DHM inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of Notch1.

Efficacy of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine in treating depression:A randomized study

BACKGROUND Depression affects more than 350 million people worldwide.In China,4.2%(54 million people)of the total population suffers from depression.Psychotherapy has been shown to change cognition,improve personality,and enhance the ability to cope with difficulties and setbacks.While pharmacotherapy can reduce symptoms,it is also associated with adverse reactions and relapse after drug withdrawal.Therefore,there has been an increasing emphasis placed on the use of non-pharmacological therapies for depression.The hypothesis of this study was that acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine would be more effective than fluoxetine alone for the treatment of depression.AIM To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine for the treatment of patients with depression.METHODS This randomized controlled trial included patients with mild to moderate depression(n=160).Patients received either acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine(n=80)or fluoxetine alone(control group,n=80).Needles were retained in place for 30 min,5 times a week;three treatment cycles were administered.The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare functional magnet resonance imaging parameters,Hamilton depression rating scale(HAMD)scores,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)scores between the acupuncture group and control group.RESULTS There were no significant differences in HAMD or SDS scores between the acupuncture group and control group,before or after 4 wk of treatment.The acupuncture group exhibited significantly lower HAMD and SDS scores than the control group after 8 wk of treatment(P<0.05).The acupuncture group had significantly lower fractional Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuations values for the left anterior wedge leaf,left posterior cingulate gyrus,left middle occipital gyrus,and left inferior occipital gyrus after 8 wk.The acupuncture group also had significantly higher values for the right inferior frontal gyrus,right insula,and right hippocampus(P<0.05).After 8 wk of treatment,the effective rates of the acupuncture and control groups were 51.25%and 36.25%,respectively(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The study results suggest that acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine is more effective than fluoxetine alone for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate depression.

Influence of artificial luminous environment and TCM intervention on development of myopia rabbits

Objective:To explore the influence of artificial luminous environment and preventive function of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention based on "Theory of yin-yang clock" on myopia.Methods:A total of 45 New Zealand young rabbits were randomly divided into 5groups,9 for each group.Control group was exposed in natural light.Fluorescent group and full spectrum group were exposed in fluorescent light and full spectrum light,on which basis fluorescent TCM group and full spectrum TCM group were added with "Rizhong Yinyang Formulas",respectively.Optical parameters were measured and the influence of different lights on the serum and retinal dopamine(DA) levels as well as the retinal histopathological tissues was observed.Results:The spectrum of fluorescent light mainly focused at 420-490 nm with the peak value of wavelength near 450 nm,whereas that of full spectrum was wider(400-800 nm) with the peak value near 600 nm.After 4 and 12 weeks,fluorescent group was evidently lower in serum and retinal DA levels(P<0.01).and there was no significant difference among full spectrum group,fluorescent TCM group and full spectrum TCM group(P>0.05).Histopathological observation showed that there was significant difference in pigment epithelium layer,photoreceptor and nerve fiber layer between fluorescent group and control group,but the difference among the test groups was not significant.Conclusions:Fluorescent light has certain influence on retinal histological construction and visual performance.However,TCM intervention may have some degree of protective function on retina.

Hyponatremic encephalopathy due to polyethylene glycol-based bowel preparation for colonoscopy:A case report

BACKGROUND Adequate bowel preparation is critical for colonoscopy screening.At present,the most widely used intestinal cleaner recommended at home and abroad is Polyethylene glycol(PEG).Intestinal cleansers can cause electrolyte disturbances and hyponatremia.However,hyponatremic encephalopathy due to hyponatremia induced by PEG solution,although rare,can lead to serious irreversible sequelae and even death.CASE SUMMARY In this report,we discuss a case of neurological dysfunction due to hyponatremia,also known as hyponatremic encephalopathy,observed in a 63-year-old woman who underwent PEG-based bowel preparation for colonoscopy.She was eventually transferred to our intensive care unit for treatment due to her Glasgow Coma Scale score of 9/15(Eye opening 2;Verbal response 1;Motor response 6)and abnormal laboratory tests.CONCLUSION Physicians should be thoroughly familiarized with the patient’s history before prescribing PEG for bowel preparation,and timely identification of patients with hyponatremic encephalopathy is essential as delayed treatment is associated with poor neurological outcomes.An intravenous infusion of 3%sodium chloride is recommended at the onset of early symptoms.The goal of treatment is to adequately treat cerebral edema while avoiding serum sodium correction beyond 15 to 20 m Eq/L within 48 h of treatment to prevent osmotic demyelination syndrome.

Effect of adjuvant salvia miltiorrhiza and ligustrazine therapy on renal function, renal blood perfusion as well as CTGF and TGF-β1 content in patients with chronic renal failure

Objective:To analyze the effect of adjuvant salvia miltiorrhiza and ligustrazine therapy on renal function, renal blood perfusion as well as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 content in patients with chronic renal failure.Methods:80 patients with chronic renal insufficiency treated in our hospital between March 2013 and March 2016 were selected for study and randomly divided into observation group (n=40) and control group (n=40). Control group received conventional therapy and observation group received conventional + adjuvant salvia miltiorrhiza and ligustrazine therapy. After 3 months of treatment, differences in renal function indexes, illness-related indexes, renal blood perfusion, CTGF and TGF-β1 content, and so on of two groups of patients were determined. Results: After 3 months of treatment, serum urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr),β2 microglobulin (β2-MG), intermedin (IMD), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), cystatin C (CysC), CTGF and TGF-β1 content as well as 24 h urine albumin excretion rate (UAER) level in urine of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group (P<0.05) while glomerular filtration rate (GFR) level and serum adiponectin (APN) content were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05);renal perfusion parameters renal cortex Tmax (ATc) and medulla Tmax (ATm) levels of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group while cortex peak intensity change (ΔAc), medulla peak intensity change (ΔAm) and peak intensity (PI) levels were significantly higher than those of control group.Conclusions:Adjuvant salvia miltiorrhiza and ligustrazine therapy can effectively control the overall condition of patients with chronic renal failure, and plays a positive role in improving renal function and increasing renal blood perfusion.

Effects of yiqi yangyin huoxue therapy on IgA nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue therapy (YYHT) for the treatment of IgA nephropathy. Methods Databases articles about YYHT in treating IgAN patients were searched through February 2018. Comparisons were YYHT alone or YYHT in combination with western medicine as experimental intervention, and western medicine as the control. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Cochrane collaboration tool was used for assessing risk of bias to evaluate methodologies. RevMan 5.3 software was applied to analyze the data of included trials. Results A total of 21 studies involving 1473 patients were included. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that YYHT alone or YYHT in combination with western medicine were more efficacious than only western medicine in decreasing proteinuria [MD =-0.41, 95% CI (-0.53,-0.29), P < 0.00001] and the urine red blood cells [MD =-7.46, 95% CI (-9.28,-5.64), P < 0.00001]. There also showed improvement in the clinical total effective rate [OR = 2.78, 95% CI (2.14, 3.61), P < 0.00001] between the two groups. Some of the included trials did not report the adverse events. Conclusions Current evidence shows that YYHT can reduce proteinuria and urine red blood cells and improve the total efficacy rate. Since poor quality and publication bias of some included trials, more evidence-based medicine studies needed to define the role of YYHT in the treatment of IgAN.

A Chinese Compound Prescription Ding Xin Recipe Combined with Amiodarone for Treating Premature Ventricular Complexes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ding Xin Recipe(DXR)combined with amiodarone in patients with PVCs.Methods A total of360patients with PVCs across7centers in China were randomly assigned in a1:1:1ratio to receive up to8weeks of amiodarone combined with DXR placebo(amiodarone group),DXR combined with amiodarone placebo(DXR group),or DXR combined with amiodarone(DCA group)from July2012to December2013.Randomization was conducted according to a centralized randomization schedule prepared by an independent steering committee.Staff and patients at all sites were masked to treatment allocation.All patients received best-evidence advice.The primary outcome was the efficacy for treating PVCs,with efficacy assessed by the reduction of premature ventricular contractions.Other outcome measures included PVCs-related symptom scores.All data were analyzed by intention to treat.Results The efficacy for treating PVCs in the DCA group(90.7%)significantly increased compared with that in the amiodarone group(72.3%)and the DXR group(73.9%).The frequency,the degree,and the duration per week of heart palpitations,chest tightness,shortness of breath and fatigue improved significantly in the DCA group in comparison with the amiodarone group and the DXR group(P<0.05),while no significant difference was observed in the improvement of insomnia among the three groups(P>0.05).With regard to laboratory parameters for safety,there were no clinically relevant changes in the three groups.Conclusion The present study demonstrates that DXR combined with amiodarone is significantly more effective than DXR or amiodarone alone for treating PVCs.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease presenting as Korsakoff syndrome caused by E196A mutation in PRNP gene:A case report

BACKGROUND Prion diseases are a group of degenerative nerve diseases that are caused by infectious prion proteins or gene mutations.In humans,prion diseases result from mutations in the prion protein gene(PRNP).Only a limited number of cases involving a specific PRNP mutation at codon 196(E196A)have been reported.The coexistence of Korsakoff syndrome in patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD)caused by E196A mutation has not been documented in the existing literature.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old Chinese man initially presented with Korsakoff syndrome,followed by rapid-onset dementia,visual hallucinations,akinetic mutism,myoclonus,and hyperthermia.The patient had no significant personal or familial medical history.Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed extensive hyperintense signals in the cortex,while positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed a diffuse reduction in cerebral cortex metabolism.Routine biochemical and microorganism testing of the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)yielded normal results.Tests for thyroid function,human immunodeficiency virus,syphilis,vitamin B1 and B12 levels,and autoimmune rheumatic disorders were normal.Blood and CSF tests for autoimmune encephalitis and autoantibody-associated paraneoplastic syndrome yielded negative results.A test for 14-3-3 protein in the CSF yielded negative results.Whole-genome sequencing revealed a diseasecausing mutation in PRNP.The patient succumbed to the illness 11 months after the initial symptom onset.CONCLUSION Korsakoff syndrome,typically associated with alcohol intoxication,also manifests in CJD patients.Individuals with CJD along with PRNP E196A mutation may present with Korsakoff syndrome.

Acupuncture Therapy for the Treatment of Optic Nerve Atrophy

Objective: Optical Nerve Atrophy is one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide. The condition is linked to several pathologies, which contribute to the damage of the optic nerve. The presence of a tumor on the optic nerve, improper formation of the optic nerve, glaucoma, hereditary and central nervous system diseases, and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy promote deterioration of the optic nerve. The purpose of this review is to examine the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for ONA. Method: Clinical trials (case control-trials), and randomized control trials (RCTs) were assessed to observe the efficacy of acupuncture as well as the safety of acupuncture, needling manipulation, and acupoints selection. The data collected in this research include scientific research papers from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PUBMED library, National Library of Medicine (NLM), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and other literature library date present. Ophthalmoscope, OCT, pupils test, ocular alignment, nystagmus, and visual acuity check were the diagnostic tools used for ONA in the included study. ONA treatment has been a challenge to ophthalmologists over the past decades. At present, western approaches have no fixed treatment mechanism for the condition. Early diagnosis, the use of magnifying lenses, and reduction of increased fluid around the spinal cord and brain are the multiple disciplinary approaches used in western medicine for ONA. On the other hand, Acupuncture, a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, which stimulates the body’s natural healing ability to promote physical and emotional well-being, has reported some significant treatment effects for ONA. Result: The overall result shows that Acupuncture greatly improved patients’ visual acuity, visual field, and visual function in the included study. Acupuncture acting alone showed significant superiority over other treatments for optical nerve atrophy. Acupuncture combined with medication could improve a patient’s condition more rapidly than medications alone. Conclusion: Optic nerve atrophy is a threatening condition to the vision, which is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Acupuncture has improved the condition of patients with ONA more effectively than other treatment mechanisms in the included study. However, more clinical trials need to be carried out to substantiate stronger evidence of acupuncture for ONA.

Application of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of juvenile localized scleroderma with skin ulcer: a case report

Background:Juvenile Localized Scleroderma(JLS)is a rare pediatric rheumatic disease characterized by inflammation and skin sclerosis.The side effect of consensus-recommended medications and the risk of disability posed challenges to the JLS treatment.We intend to demonstrate the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in treating JLS with skin ulcers and reducing the dose of glucocorticoid.Method:Here we report a case of a 13-year-old male with JLS who took oral methotrexate tablets of 10 mg/week and methylprednisolone of 6 mg/day for over six months without significant effect and suffered from skin ulcers on the dorsal feet one month after drug cessation.Subsequently,the patient was treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine of low-dose glucocorticosteroid,adjusted Shenqi Huoxue formula and Jinshe Xiaoyan formula,etc.Results:After integrated treatment,the patient’s dorsal feet ulcers healed and the skin sclerosis and hyperpigmentation improved significantly.Conclusions:This case report suggests that integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine can be used as an effective treatment for JLS.

RIPK1 plays a crucial role in maintaining regulatory T-Cell homeostasis by inhibiting both RIPK3-and FADD-mediated cell death

Regulatory T(T_(reg))cells play an essential role in maintaining immune balance across various physiological and pathological conditions.However,the mechanisms underlying T_(reg)homeostasis remain incompletely understood.Here,we report that RIPK1 is crucial for T_(reg) cell survival and homeostasis.We generated mice with T_(reg) cell-specific ablation of Ripk1 and found that these mice developed fatal systemic autoimmunity due to a dramatic reduction in the Treg cell compartment caused by excessive cell death.Unlike conventional T cells,Treg cells with Ripk1 deficiency were only partially rescued from cell death by blocking FADD-dependent apoptosis.However,simultaneous removal of both Fadd and Ripk3 completely restored the homeostasis of Ripk1-deficient Treg cells by blocking two cell death pathways.Thus,our study highlights the critical role of RIPK1 in regulating Treg cell homeostasis by controlling both apoptosis and necroptosis,thereby providing novel insights into the mechanisms of Treg cell homeostasis.

Mechanical sensor PDLIM5 promotes the osteogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells through microfilament alterations

Bone regeneration is a multifaceted,abstract,and wellcoordinated physiological progression of bone formation that participates in continuous regeneration and remodeling throughout life.However,when it comes to complex clinical situations requiring extensive bone regeneration,such as massive bone defects caused by injuries,infection,or tumor removal,traditional methods do not often yield good treatment strategies or protocols due to their limitations.

Clinical observation of acupuncture combined with medication for mild-to-moderate depression

Objective:To discuss the clinical efficacy and plausible mechanism of Tiao Yang Qu Xie(regulating Yang to eliminate pathogenic factors)needling method plus paroxetine in treating mild-to-moderate depression.Methods:Sixty-six patients with mild-to-moderate depression were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method,each consisting of 33 cases.Another 25 healthy subjects were recruited as a healthy group.The control group took oral paroxetine tablets for treatment,and the observation group received additional acupuncture treatment 3 times weekly.Both groups underwent 4-week treatment.Before treatment,after 2-week and 4-week treatment,and 2 weeks after treatment(follow-up),the patients were assessed using the Hamilton depression scale-17-item(HAMD-17),self-rating depression scale(SDS),self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern element identification scale for depression.The two groups each randomly contributed 25 cases to detect the protein content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)before treatment and after 4-week treatment,and compared with the healthy group.Results:After 2-week treatment,the markedly effective and total effective rates were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05);after 4-week treatment,the observation group significantly surpassed the control group in comparing the markedly effective rate(P<0.05).After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment and at the follow-up,the HAMD-17 total score and sleep disorder factor score were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05);the anxiety-somatic score was lower in the observation group than in the control group after 2-week treatment(P<0.05).After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment and at the follow-up,the observation group was lower than the control group in comparing the scores of SDS,SAS,and TCM pattern element identification scale for depression(P<0.05).After 4-week treatment,the observation group had an increased serum BDNF protein content,higher than that in the control group(P<0.05)and had no significant difference compared to the healthy group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Compared to the use of oral paroxetine alone,acupuncture plus paroxetine can produce more significant efficacy in treating mild-to-moderate depression and act faster in improving sleep disorder and anxiety-somatic symptoms;increasing the serum BDNF protein content may be a part of the mechanism underlying its antidepressant actions.

Anti-hemorrhoidal activity of Lian-Zhi-San,a traditional Chinese medicine,in an experimental hemorrhoidal model in rats

Objective:Hemorrhoidal disease(HD)is the most common proctological disease,with an estimated prevalence rate of 4.4%,and a peak in individuals between 45 and 65 years of age.This study was done to evaluate whether Lian-Zhi-San(LZS),a clinically used anti-hemorrhoidal ointment could alleviate the inflammatory injury,with its associated changes of inflammatory cytokines and morphology of anorectal tissues,in an experimental model of HD in rats.Methods:HD was induced by croton oil preparation(COP)applied to the anorectal region.Rats were then treated with cotton swabs soaked in LZS ointment,water or white vaseline,twice a day for 7 d.At the end of the experiment,HD was evaluated by measuring hemorrhoidal and biochemical parameters along with histopathological observations.Results:In this study,COP induced a significant increase in the macroscopic severity score,anorectal coefficient and Evans blue extravasation,compared to normal rats.Additionally,it greatly enhanced the expression and secretion levels of some important inflammation-related cytokines along with marked histological damage,compared to normal rats.Rats treated with LZS ointment experienced significantly ameliorated Evans blue extravasation(P<0.05),decreased macroscopic severity score(0.86±0.14 vs.1.65±0.16)and the anorectal coefficient(P<0.01);its use also attenuated tissue damage and inhibited the expression and secretion levels of inflammation-related cytokines(interleukin-1 b,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a).Conclusion:This study validates a preliminary understanding of the use of LZS ointment to treat inflammatory factors and tissue damage in an experimental model of HD in rats.

rherapeutic efficacy observation on acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis （PAR）. Methods： A total of 154 PAR patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 78 cases in the treatment group received acupuncture at meridian points, while 76 cases in the control group received acupuncture at non-meridian points. The treatment was done every other day, 3 times a week for a total 4 weeks. The total nasal symptom score （TNSS）, the total non-nasal symptom score （TNNSS） and the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire （RO, LQ） were measured before the treatment and after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, as well as 1 month and 3 months after the treatment to compare the clinical effect between the two groups. Results： After 4 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate in the treatment group was 92.3%, versus 76.3% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference （P〈0.05）. Intra-group comparisons of TNSS, TNNSS and R0.L0. scores after 4 weeks of treatment showed statistically significant differences （all P〈0.05）. Between-group comparisons of TNSS, TNNSS and RQLQ score after 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up visits showed statistically significant differences （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture is effective for PAR, and acupuncture at meridian points can produce a better effect than acupuncture at non-meridian points.

Efficacy observation of auricular point sticking in combination with a healthy diet for simple obesity in children

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of combining auricular point sticking and a healthy diet to treat simple obesity in children aged 6–9 years old.Methods A total of 190 eligible obese kids were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method,with 95 cases in each group.The observation group was intervened by auricular point sticking plus guide on a healthy diet,while the control group was only provided with the guide on a healthy diet.The therapeutic efficacy was observed after intervention for three consecutive months,as well as the changes in body mass(BM),body mass index(BMI),waist circumference(WC),hip circumference(HC),and subcutaneous fat thickness.Results After the 3-month intervention,the total effective rate was 91.6%in the observation group,versus 74.7%in the control group,and the between-group difference was statistically significant(P<0.01);in both groups,the BM,BMI,WC,HC,and subcutaneous fat thickness all decreased significantly(P<0.05),and were lower in the observation group than in the control group,showing statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Auricular point sticking plus a healthy diet is safe and effective in treating simple obesity in children,producing more significant efficacy than healthy diet intervention alone.

Herbal formula of Bushen Jianpi(补肾健脾方)combined with sorafenib inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth by promoting cell apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of an herbal formula of Bushen Jianpi(补肾健脾方,BSJP)combined with sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in vitro and in vivo,and to study the underlying mechanisms of action.METHODS:BSJP,a mixture of 12 raw herbs,was extracted in 70%alcohol/30%water and freeze-dried into a powder.The in vitro effects of BSJP alone,sorafenib alone,and their combination on cell survival,apoptosis,and cell cycle distribution were evaluated in HCC cell lines HCCLM3,HepG2,and SMMC-7721.The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),caspase-3,and caspase-9 in HCCLM3 cells was measured using Western blots after drug administration.The in vivo effects of BSJP and sorafenib were evaluated in a tumor surgical resection model using 4-week old male athymic BALB/c nude mice injected with HCCLM3 cells.Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues was performed to evaluate the effects of BSJP alone,sorafenib alone,and their combination on the expression of caspase-3,caspase-9,and Bcl-2.RESULTS:BSJP decreased the survival rate of HCC cell lines,and the combination of BSJP and sorafenib further decreased the survival rate.BSJP significantly promoted cell apoptosis and blocked cell-cycle progression in HCCLM3,HepG2,and SMMC-7721 cells in a dose-dependent manner.Furthermore,the administration of BSJP and sorafenib inhibited the growth of HCCLM3 cell xenografts in nude mice,with no reduction in body weight.In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that BSJP combined with sorafenib could significantly decrease the expression of Bcl-2.CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that the herbal formula of BSJP is a potential HCC antitumor agent.

nvolvement of collagen-binding heat shock protein 47 in scleroderma-associated fibrosis

Uncontrolled fibrosis of skin and internal organs is the main characteristic of scleroderma, and collagen is a major extracellular matrix protein that deposits in the fibrotic organs. As the chaperone of collagen, heat shock protein 47 （HSP47） is closely related with the development of fbrosis. To explore the potential func- tion of HSP47 in the pathogenesis of scleroderma, the clinical, in vivo and in vitro studies were performed. In clinical, the increased mRNA level of HSP47 was observed in the skin fibroblasts and PBMC from scle- roderma patients, and the enhanced protein level of HSP47 was also detected in the skin biopsy and plasma of the above patients. Unexpectedly, the enhanced levels of HSP47 were positively correlated with the presence of anti-centromere antibody in scleroderma patients. Moreover, a high expression of HSP47 was found in the skin lesion of BLM-induced scleroderma mouse model. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that HSP47 knockdown could block the intracellular and extracellular collagen over-productions induced by exogenous TGF-13. Therefore, the results in this study provide direct evidence that HSP47 is involved in the pathogenesis of scleroderma. The high expression of HSP47 can be detected in the circulatory system of scleroderma patients, indicating that HSP47 maybecome a pathological marker to assess the progres- sion of scleroderma, and also explain the systemic fibrosis of scleroderma. Meanwhile, collagen over-ex- pression is blocked by HSP47 knockdown, suggesting the possibility that HSP47 can be a potential therapeutic target for scleroderma.