ABSTRACT
In 2011, the FDA approved ipilimumab, the first immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI), targeting CTLA-4, opening the field of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT). ICIs can induce durable clinical responses and improve survival in selected population. However, significant challenges still remain, including mechanisms of resistance, patient selection, management of serious immune-related adverse events, and rational therapeutic combinations. This review surveys the current understanding of response and resistance to ICIs and proposes a path forward to improving efficacy and minimizing toxicities.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the material basis of conduction along meridian.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty SD rats(30 males,30 females) were randomly assigned into a normal group,an acupuncture group,a verapamil blocking group and a 0.9%NaCl blocking group(control group),15 rats in each one. Fluo 3-AM(calcium fluorescence probe) was injected at the observation part in femoral stomach meridian of foot-(meridian part) and the approaching femoral meridian part(non-meridian part) in the normal group and the acupuncture group,and then incubation was applied. In the verapamil blocking group,verapamil was injected at local meridian part and non-meridian part,and in the control group 0.9%NaCl was injected. Then Fluo 3-AM was injected at the meridian part and non-meridian part in the two groups,and incubation was implemented. Caimaging changes in cells were recorded for more than 20 min after injection of every part in each group respectively. After the above operations in the last three groups,acupuncture was used at "Zusanli"(ST 36) immediately,with electroacupuncture for one min,then Caimaging changes in cells at the meridian and non-meridian parts were recorded for more than 20 min.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the normal group, Cafluorescence intensity at the meridian part was higher than that at the non-meridian part. In the acupuncture group,after acupuncture Cafluorescence intensity at the meridian part was obviously higher than before,but the change before and after acupuncture was not apparent at the non-meridian part. After verapamil blocking local calcium channel and acupuncture,the Cafluorescence of the meridian part did not strengthen,and the change of that before and after acupuncture at the non-meridian part was not obvious. In the control group,after injecting 0.9%NaCl at local part,Cafluorescence intensities of the meridian and non-meridian parts showed no obvious change,so was that before and after acupuncture.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The voltage-gated calcium channel at the meridian part is highly correlated with its tissue cells exciting conduction.</p>
ABSTRACT
The key to performing spreading moxibustion on the Du meridian and the characteristics of its application are investigated. Summer is the time suitable for spreading moxibustion on Du meridian. The performance on Du meridian points has special requirements for every procedure: selecting moxibustion materials, spreading medication, igniting moxa and cleaning moxibustion sores. There are five large characteristics in the clinical application. The first is accumulating heat and focusing on warm-unblocking; the second is regulating both the whole body and local parts; the third is timing the treatment and making adaptations;the fourth is selecting high-quality materials and guarantee the performance;the fifth is focusing on health maintenance and strengthening nursing. Spreading moxibustion on the Du meridian has a wide area of performance, large moxa cones, a long time, sufficient fire power, strong warm-unblocking force, quick and convenient treatment and a remarkable effect. Mastering the key to the performance and the characteristics of the clinical application can further rich acupuncture and moxibustion treatments and give full play to the role of old and traditional moxibustion.