ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe and evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) at auricular concha for primary insomnia (PI) and affective disorder.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 35 patients who met the diagnosis standard of PI in(5th edition) were included. The self-developed auricular vagus nerve stimulator (TENS-200A) was applied at auricular concha, 30 min per treatment, twice a day, 5 days a week for consecutive 4 weeks. The follow-up visit was conducted at the end of 6th week. The Pittsburg sleep quality index scale (PSQI), 17-items Hamilton depression scale (17HAMD) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) were applied for evaluation. The PSQI, HAMA and 17HAMD were observed before and after treatment; the safety was also observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared before treatment, the PSQI was significantly decreased to (13.20±3.61) at the end of 2nd week (<0.05); compared before treatment, the 17HAMD and HAMA were significantly decreased at the end of 4th week and 6th week (all<0.05). No adverse reaction was observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The taVNS could not only relieve PI symptoms, but also improve the depressive and anxiety symptoms, in addition, it may have positive long-term efficacy and safety.</p>
ABSTRACT
The effect of realgar nanoparticles (NPs) on endogenous small molecules in rat kidney was analyzed by mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.The relationship between the changes of metabolites and the nephrotoxicity of realgar NPs was also discussed to provide a basis for the further toxicity study and the clinical application of realgar NPs.SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups,including control group,three doses (40,200,1 000 mg/kg) of relegar and realgar NPs groups,respectly.After 28 days of continuous intragastric administration,all rats were sacrificed and their serum and kidney samples were collected.The toxic effect of realgar NPs on kidney tissues were examined by biochemical analysis and histopathologic examination,which revealed a dosedependent nephrotoxicity induced by realgar NPs.The LC-MS and GC-MS analysis were performed for the subsequent metabolomics study.A series of 32 metabolites were found to be altered significandy in the kindey of realgar NPs treated rats,and might serve as potential nephrotoxicity biomarkers.The results of metabolic pathway analysis indicated that the nephrotoxicity of realgar NPs might be associated with the disorders of the amino acids and phosphatidic acid metabolism.
ABSTRACT
Acupoints are surface reaction and treatment spots under the pathological conditions which have functions of diagnosis and treatment. For the study of acupoints, we can carry it out from the aspects of structure and function. The two aspects have a close relationship. Structure is the material basis of function, while function is the manifesta-tion of structure. Therefore, the study of acupoints is not only significant to reveal the essence of acupoint, but also has enormous value in the guidance of acu-moxibustion for clinical practice. Staring from the normality of structure and variability of function, we explored the essence of acupoints, and further revealed ordered regulation rule and its biological basis, so that the essence of acupuncture points will be illustrated with scientific evidences.
ABSTRACT
Objective To screen and identify the colonic adaptation-related proteins.Methods Totally 20 SD rats were equally randomized into 2 groups:ultra-short bowel group (90％ of intestine was resected) and control group (transection and then anastomosis of the intestine).After 21 days of feeding,two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed to separate the total protein from the colon mucous epithelial tissues.Then Image Master 2D Platinum software was use to analyze differential expressional proteins,which were further analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS and Mascot software to identify these proteins.Results The 2-DE patterns with high resolution were obtained from the colon mucous epithelial tissues of both groups.Four differentially expressed proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS:M2-PK,AGR2,proteasome activator complex subunit 1,and pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase.These proteins were involved in sugar and fat metabolism and cell proliferation.Conclusion The identified proteins may play important roles in the process of colonic adaptation through substance metabolism and by stimulating cell proliferation.