Short-Term Effects of Combining Moxibustion Therapy and Gua sha on Post-Multiple Cerebral Infarction Rehabilitation.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of combined moxibustion therapy and Gua sha on enhancing functional independence, reducing fall risk, and alleviating pain in patients undergoing post-rehabilitation for multiple cerebral infarctions. Methods: In a prospective clinical trial, 67 patients diagnosed with multiple cerebral infarctions (age range: 40 to 93 years) were enrolled. Baseline health characteristics included a median hospital stay of 10 days, prevalent medical conditions such as hypertension (64.18%), and various comorbidities like spondylosis (17.91%) and heart disease (14.93%). Patients received moxibustion treatment daily for 20-30 minutes on specific acupoints of the upper and lower extremities. Additionally, Gua sha therapy targeting the the head, back, chest, abdomen, and selected acupoints was administered twice a week with an interval of 3 to 4 days. Assessments included Barthel Index (BI) for functional independence, Morse Fall Scale (MFS) for fall risk, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity before and after the intervention. Results: After one week of rehabilitation, significant improvements were observed in the patient's functional independence, as indicated by a median BI score of 100 (IQR: 95-100), compared to the pre-rehabilitation median score of 95 (IQR: 90-100). The MFS score also showed a significant decrease after rehabilitation, with a median score of 35 (IQR: 35-45) compared to the pre-rehabilitation median score of 45 (IQR: 35-45). Additionally, pain intensity significantly decreased, with a median VAS score of 0 (range: 0-2) after rehabilitation, compared to the pre-rehabilitation median score of 0 (range: 0-3). Conclusion: Combined moxibustion therapy and Gua sha demonstrated positive effects on functional independence, fall risk reduction, and pain alleviation in post-rehabilitation for multiple cerebral infarctions. These findings suggest the potential of moxibustion and Gua sha as complementary interventions in stroke rehabilitation. The observed improvements in functional independence, fall risk, and pain underscore the potential benefits of these therapies for patients with multiple cerebral infarctions. Further exploration could delve into long-term effects, larger-scale trials, and mechanistic studies to elucidate the underlying pathways of efficacy.

Strategies for overcoming therapeutic inertia in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To systematically investigate the effect of interventions to overcome therapeutic inertia on glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We electronically searched for randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies published between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2019 evaluating the effect of interventions on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) control. Characteristics of included studies and HbA1c difference between intervention and control arms (main outcome) were extracted. Interventions were grouped as: care management and patient education; nurse or certified diabetes educator (CDE); pharmacist; or physician-based. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies including 22 243 individuals were combined in nonlinear random-effects meta-regressions; the median (range) duration of intervention was 1 year (0.9 to 36 months). Compared to the control arm, HbA1c reduction ranged from: -17.7 mmol/mol (-1.62%) to -4.4 mmol/mol (-0.40%) for nurse- or CDE-based interventions; -13.1 mmol/mol (-1.20%) to 3.3 mmol/mol (0.30%) for care management and patient education interventions; -9.8 mmol/mol (-0.90%) to -6.6 mmol/mol (-0.60%) for pharmacist-based interventions; and -4.4 mmol/mol (-0.40%) to 2.8 mmol/mol (0.26%) for physician-based interventions. Across the included studies, a reduction in HbA1c was observed only during the first year (6 months: -4.2 mmol/mol, 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.2, -2.2 [-0.38%, 95% CI -0.56, -0.20]; 1 year: -1.6 mmol/mol, 95% CI -3.3, 0.1 [-0.15%, 95% CI -0.30, 0.01]) and in individuals with preintervention HbA1c >75 mmol/mol (9%). CONCLUSIONS: The most effective approaches to mitigating therapeutic inertia and improving HbA1c were those that empower nonphysician providers such as pharmacists, nurses and diabetes educators to initiate and intensify treatment independently, supported by appropriate guidelines.

[The Application of Gold-immunochromatographic Test Strip Reader in Serum Antibody Detection in Echinococcosis].

One hundred and fifty-nine serum samples from hydatid disease patients and 80 serum samples from patients with other liver diseases were detected by gold-immunochromatographic assay, and read by naked eyes and the gold-immunochromatographic test strip reader. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of eye-based method was 92.4% (147/159), 85.0% (68/80), and 89.9% (215/239), which was lower than that of the reader detection (95.6%, 93.7%, 95.0%, respectively). While, its false negative rate (7.5%, 12/159) and false positive rate (15.0%, 12/80) was higher than that of the reader detection (4.4% and 6.3%, respectively).

Ampelopsin induces apoptosis by regulating multiple c-Myc/S-phase kinase-associated protein 2/F-box and WD repeat-containing protein 7/histone deacetylase 2 pathways in human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Ampelopsin (AMP), a plant flavonoid, has been reported to inhibit cell growth and/or induce apoptosis in various types of tumor. The aim of the present study was to assess the apoptosis-inducing activity of AMP in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells and the associated underlying mechanism. A549 cells were incubated with different concentrations of AMP in culture medium. Cell growth and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, western blotting and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to examine the time-dependent changes in protein expression. Certain changes in apoptotic protein expression were detected following exposure to AMP, including X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein release, reduced B-cell lymphoma 2, myeloid cell leukemia 1 and survivin expression levels, increased Bcl-2-associated X protein expression levels and cleaved-poly ADP ribose polymerase expression. The results revealed that AMP was a potent inhibitor of A549 cell proliferation. The c-Myc/S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) and histone deacetylase (HDAC)1/2 pathways were found to exert an important role in AMP-induced A549 cell apoptosis, as increased levels of c-Myc mRNA and reduced levels of c-Myc/Skp2 and HDAC1 and 2 proteins following AMP treatment were observed. The levels of F-box and WD repeat-containing protein 7α (Fbw7α), Fbw7ß, Fbw7γ, phosphorylated-(p-)c-Myc (Thr58) and glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) proteins involved in c-Myc ubiquitin-dependent degradation were also analyzed. Following exposure to AMP, the expression levels of Fbw7α, Fbw7γ and GSK3ß were reduced and p-c-Myc (Thr58) expression levels were increased. The results suggest that AMP exerts an anticancer effect, which is associated with the degradation of c-Myc, Skp2 and HDAC1 and 2. The ability of AMP to induce apoptosis independently of Fbwα and Fbw7γ suggests a possible use in drug-resistant cancer associated with Fbw7 deficiency. Understanding the exact underlying mechanism requires further investigation of the association between c-Myc and Fbw7α/γ reversal, and analysis of whether Thr58 phosphorylation of c-Myc is dependent on GSK3ß.

Wogonin has multiple anti-cancer effects by regulating c-Myc/SKP2/Fbw7α and HDAC1/HDAC2 pathways and inducing apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549.

Wogonin is a plant monoflavonoid which has been reported to inhibit cell growth and/or induce apoptosis in various tumors. The present study examined the apoptosis-inducing activity and underlying mechanism of action of wogonin in A549 cells. The results showed that wogonin was a potent inhibitor of the viability of A549 cells. Apoptotic protein changes detected after exposure to wogonin included decreased XIAP and Mcl-1 expression, increased cleaved-PARP expression and increased release of AIF and cytochrome C. Western blot analysis showed that the activity of c-Myc/Skp2 and HDAC1/HDAC2 pathways, which play important roles in tumor progress, was decreased. Quantitative PCR identified increased levels of c-Myc mRNA and decreased levels of its protein. Protein levels of Fbw7α, GSK3ß and Thr58-Myc, which are involved in c-Myc ubiquitin-dependent degradation, were also analyzed. After exposure to wogonin, Fbw7α and GSK3ß expression decreased and Thr58-Myc expression increased. However, MG132 was unable to prevent c-Myc degradation. The present results suggest that wogonin has multiple anti-cancer effects associated with degradation of c-Myc, SKP2, HDAC1 and HDAC2. Its ability to induce apoptosis independently of Fbw7α suggests a possible use in drug-resistance cancer related to Fbw7 deficiency. Further studies are needed to determine which pathways are related to c-Myc and Fbw7α reversal and whether Thr58 phosphorylation of c-Myc is dependent on GSK3ß.

Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth via intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

AIM: To investigate the anti-tumor function of ginsenoside Rg3 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and in vivo, and its mechanism. METHODS: Hep1-6 and HepG2 cells were treated by Rg3 in different concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL) in vitro. After incubation for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, cell viability was measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling. Caspase-3 activity was measured by chromophore p-nitroanilide and flow cytometry. Bcl-2 family proteins were ascertained by Western-blotting. Mitochondria membrane potential was detected by 5, 5', 6' 6' - tetrachloro-1, 1', 3, 3' - tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide. Forty liver tumor-bearing C57Bl6 mice were divided randomly into 4 groups for intra-tumor injection of saline, ginsenoside Rg3, cyclophosphamide (CTX) and ginsenoside Rg3 + CTX combination. RESULTS: The survival time was followed up to 102 d. The mice in the Rg3 + CTX group showed significant increased survival time compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Rg3 could inhibit HCC cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in vitro in the concentration and time dependent manner. It also induced mitochondria membrane potential to decrease. Caspase-3 activation can be blocked by the inhibitor z-DEVD-FMK. Bax was up-regulated while Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL were down-regulated after Rg3 treatment. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that Rg3 alone or combined with CTX inhibited tumor growth in vivo and prolonged mouse survival time by inducing HCC cell apoptosis via intrinsic pathway by expression alterations of Bcl-2 family proteins.

[Continuous observation of canal aberrations in S-shaped simulated root canal prepared by hand-used ProTaper files].

PURPOSE: To observe the formation of canal aberrations in S-shaped root canals prepared by every file of hand-used ProTaper. METHODS: Fifteen S-shaped simulated resin root canals were selected. Each root canal was prepared by every file of hand-used ProTaper following the manufacturer instruction. The images of canals prepared by S1, S2, F1, F2 and F3 were taken and stored, which were divided into group S1, S2, F1, F2 and F3. One image of canal unprepared was superposed with the images of the same root canal in these five groups respectively to observe the types and number of canal aberrations, which included unprepared area, danger zone, ledge, elbow, zip and perforation. SPSS12.0 software pakage was used for Fisher's exact probabilities in 2x2 table. RESULTS: Unprepared area decreased following preparation by every file of ProTaper, but it still existed when the canal preparation was finished. The incidence of danger zone, elbow and zip in group F1 was 15/15, 11/15, 4/15, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in group S2(2/15,0,0) (P<0.001). Ledge appeared after prepared by F2, and increased sharply in group F3. None perforation was found in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of canal aberrations begins to increase after prepared by finishing files of ProTaper.The presence of unprepared area suggests that it is essential to rinse canal abundantly during complicated canal preparation and canal antisepsis after preparation.

[Investigation of influence on apical sealability generated by root canal sealer placement].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of sealer placement on apical sealability in root canal treatment. METHODS: 100 extracted single root canal teeth were selected. All canals were prepared by manual Protaper instrument in a step-back way. The samples were divided into 5 groups randomly. A group: 30 samples, sealer placement by chief gutta percha; B group: 30 samples, sealer placement by K file; C group: 30 samples, sealer placement by spreader; D group: 5 samples, a positive control; E group: 5 samples, a negative control. There were 2 subsets in each experimental group which were obturated by lateral gutta percha with or without sealer. Glucose oxidase method was used to measure the apical leakage at the 1st 2nd, 4th, 7th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th day of the experiment. RESULTS: Apical sealability varied with different sealer placement methods (F=4.832, P=0.001). Sealer placement by chief gutta percha (A group) had the best instant apical sealability. However, lateral gutta percha with or without sealer didn't affect the apical sealibility. CONCLUSION: Placing the same kind sealer in different ways can affect the apical sealability. There were no significant differences of the apical leakage no matter the lateral gutta percha with or without sealer. In order to get better instant apical sealability and simplify the clinic operation, placing the sealer with a chief gutta percha while the lateral gutta percha without sealer is recommended.

[Effect of absorption enhancers on nasal ginsenoside Rg1 delivery and its nasal ciliotoxicity].

AIM: The enhancing activity and safety of several absorption enhancers were evaluated as potential nasal absorption enhancers to increase intranasal absorption of ginsenoside Rg1. METHODS: Nasal circulatory perfusion test in vivo had been employed to investigate the effect of absorption enhancers for nasal mucosa absorption of ginsenoside Rgl in rats. The safety of the absorption enhancers were evaluated by testing cilia movement of the in situ toad palate model, the hemolysis of erythrocyte membrane of the rabbit, leaching of protein and LDH from the mice nasal mucosa and the effect on cilia structural and specific cellular changes of nasal mucosa. RESULTS: Absorption enhancers were necessary to facilitate ginsenoside Rg1 absorption by nasal mucosa. Among the absorption enhancers 1% sodium deoxycholate had great effect to facilite ginsenoside Rgl absorption by nasal mucosa; 1% dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and 1% azone had moderate effect to facilitate ginsenoside Rg1 absorption by nasal mucosa; 1% Tween-80, 2% beta-cyclodextrin, 0.5% borneol (dissolved in paraffin liquid), 0.5% chitosan, 5% hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 0.1% EDTA had low effect to facilitate ginsenoside Rgl absorption by nasal mucosa. 1% sodium deoxycholate, 1% azone and 1% dipotassium glycyrrhizinate had serious nasal toxicity; 1% Tween-80, 2% beta-cyclodextrin, 5% hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin had moderate nasal toxicity; 0.5% borneol (dissolved in paraffin liquid), 0.5% chitosan and 0.1% EDTA have little nasal toxicity. CONCLUSION: 0.5% borneol and 0.5% chitosan were the promising candidates having a good balance between enhancing activity and safety for nasal ginsenoside Rg1 delivery.

Effects of cecropin-XJ on growth and adherence of oral cariogenic bacteria in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Cecropin-XJ belongs to cecropin-B, which is the most potent antibacterial peptide found naturally. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cecropin-XJ on growth and adherence of oral cariogenic bacteria. METHODS: Four oral cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Actinomyces viscosus and Actinomyces naeslundii) were chosen for this experiment. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and reductive percent of bacterial growth were used to assay the antibacterial activity of cecropin-XJ. Mammalian cytotoxicity of cecropin-XJ was tested with human periodontal membrane fibroblasts by tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. The bacterial morphological changes induced by cecropin-XJ were examined on scanning electron microscope (SEM). The influence of cecropin-XJ on bacterial adhesion to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (S-HA) was measured by scintillation counting. RESULTS: The MICs of cecropin-XJ for inhibition of the growth of four bacteria ranged from 4.0 to 42.8 micromol/L with the highest susceptible to A. naeslundii and the lowest susceptible to L. acidophilus. At pH 6.8, 5.5 and 8.2, 1/2 MIC of cecropin-XJ reduced the number of viable bacteria by 40.9%, 67.8% and 32.8% for S. mutans and by 28.1%, 57.2% and 37.9% for L. acidophilus. The activities against S. mutans and L. acidophilus increased at pH 5.5 compared with pH 6.8 (P < 0.01, respectively). In present of 50% saliva, 1/2 MIC of the peptide decreased the direct count of viable cells by 29.2% and 14.4% for S. mutans and L. acidophilus, respectively (P < 0.01 and P > 0.05, respectively), whereas almost no reduction counts were detected in the presence of 20% serum for both bacteria (P > 0.05, respectively). Mammalian cytotoxicity of cecropin-XJ from 1.0 to 100 micromol/L exhibited no cytotoxicity against human periodontal membrane fibroblasts (P > 0.05). Bacterial morphological changes induced by MIC of cecropin-XJ examined on SEM showed cell surface disruption. Furthermore, the ability of A. naeslundii adhesion to S-HA decreased significantly with MIC of cecropin-XJ for 10 and 20 minutes (P = 0.001 and 0.000, respectively), and S. mutans, A. viscosus to S-HA decreased significantly with MIC of cecropin-XJ for 20 minutes (P = 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cecropin-XJ exhibited bactericidal action against cariogenic pathogens, and the antibacterial activity enhanced in the acid environment. The results also demonstrate that cecropin-XJ prevents S. mutans and actinomyces adsorption to S-HA. These findings suggest that Cecropin-XJ may have potential to prevent caries.

[Anesthetic efficacy of 2% mepivacaine in conservative dentistry].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of 2% mepivacaine in conservative dentistry. METHODS: The patients who needed cavity preparation or access to pulp chamber received local infiltration with 2% mepivacaine. Anesthesia time, anesthetic efficacy and cardiovascular system influences were assessed. 3% lidocaine with epinephrine served as control. RESULTS: In experiment group, the anesthesia effects were quicker and anesthesia duration was longer than that in control group. Doctors highly appreciated the anesthetic efficacy. Two groups did not show any evident change in blood pressure and heart rate. CONCLUSION: 2% mepivacaine is a safe and efficacious local anesthetic drug in conservative dentistry.

[Simulation of effects to tropospheric ozone over South East Asia and south China from biomass burning].

The ozone variation led by biomass burning in Spring 2000 over South East Asia and South of China region was simulated with a combined regional climate model and atomospheric chemical model. It was found that ozone was added by the pollutant of biomass burning both over source area and down wind area. The ozone of lower troposphere was affected by the pollutant over source area, so did the ozone in middle troposphere over down wind area. An ozone increase of 9.0-12.0 x 10(-2) g/m2 over South of China was found. The range of ozone increase between 1000-900 hPa over source area was more than 36 x 10(-9) m3/m3.