[Risk assessment of occupational noise exposure in an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise]

Objective: To investigate the risk of occupational hearing loss caused by noise exposure in an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise. Methods: In June 2019, an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise in Huizhou City was selected to conduct occupational hygiene field investigation, and occupational health investigation and occupational hazards detection were carried out in the workplace. 395 workers with 8-hour working day equivalent sound level (L(ex·8 h)) ≥85 dB (a) were selected as the research objects. The occupational noise exposure risk assessment method was used to assess the noise exposure risk of L(ex·8 h)≥85 dB (a) , and the risk of high-frequency hearing loss and occupational noise deafness caused by noise exposure were evaluated when the working years were 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40. Results: When the exposure years were less than or equal to 30 years, the risk of high-frequency hearing loss of bearing pedestal final examiners was medium risk, and the risk of other positions was acceptable; the highest risk of noise deafness was the bearing pedestal final examiner, and the risk classification was higher, and the other types of work were negligible risk and acceptable risk. When the exposure years are more than 30 years, the risk classification of high-frequency hearing loss of bearing pedestal final inspection workers is high-risk, and the risk classification of other types of work is medium risk; the highest risk of noise deafness is the bearing pedestal final inspection workers, and the risk classification is higher risk, and the other types of work are medium risk. Conclusion: The enterprise should pay attention to the risk of occupational hearing loss caused by noise exposure, especially the bearing pedestal final inspection workers, and strengthen the hearing protection of noise exposed people.

Moxibustion combined with characteristic lifestyle intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of abdominal obesity: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Abdominal obesity occurs when excessive visceral and subcutaneous fat is built up around the abdomen and stomach, which negatively impacts human health. Moxibustion, arose from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been widely applied in the treatment of abdominal obesity. Several studies have shown the positive effects of moxibustion in prevention and treatment of endocrine issues and excess body weight. In this context, our study aims to examine the safety and efficacy of the combination of moxibustion and characteristic lifestyle intervention of TCM in the treatment of abdominal obesity.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study will be a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial conducted from September 2020 to January 2022 that includes 150 participants who have abdominal obesity and meet the eligibility criteria. The participants will be randomly divided into 3 groups in a 2:2:1 allocation ratio. The intervention group will receive moxibustion combined with characteristic lifestyle intervention of TCM; the other group will receive moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the control group will receive lifestyle intervention only. Eight-week moxibustion sessions will be provided to participants assigned to the 2 intervention groups. The characteristic lifestyle intervention of TCM will also last 8 weeks, whereas the lifestyle intervention will last 12 weeks including 8-week treatment period, 4-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is the waist circumference measured by a tape measure. The secondary outcomes include obesity-related indicators, serum biochemical indexs, blood pressure, conversion score of physical symptoms, and measurement of the scale. Adverse events will be recorded during the treatment and follow-up period.

DISCUSSION

The results are expected to provide clinical evidence for the application of the combination of moxibustion and characteristic lifestyle intervention of TCM in patients with abdominal obesity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04501198, Registered on 9 June 2020.

[Moxibustion therapy in prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): construction and application of non-contact diagnosis and treatment mode]

OBJECTIVE

To establish and promote the non-contact doctor-patient interactive diagnosis and treatment mode based on mobile internet for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with moxibustion therapy, and to observe the feasibility and effectiveness of the model in the pandemic.

METHODS

A total of 43 first-line medical staff and 149 suspected and confirmed cases with COVID-19 [18 cases in medical observation period, 17 cases of mild type (cold dampness and stagnation in the lung), 24 cases of ordinary type (cold-dampness accumulated in the lung) and 90 cases in recovery period (qi deficiency of spleen and lung)] were included. A non-contact doctor-patient interactive diagnosis and treatment platform was established for the treatment of COVID-19 with indirect moxibustion plaster based on mobile internet. By the platform, the patients were instructed to use indirect moxibustion plaster in treatment. For the first-line medical staff and patients in the medical observation period, Zusanli (ST 36), Qihai (CV 6) and Zhongwan (CV 12) were selected. For the mild cases (cold dampness and stagnation in the lung) and the cases of ordinary type (cold-dampness accumulated in the lung), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) were selected. In the recovery period (qi deficiency of spleen and lung), Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Geshu (BL 17), Zusanli (ST 36) and Kongzui (LU 6) were used. The treatment was given once daily for 40 min each time. The intervention lasted for 10 days. After intervention, the infection rate and the improvement in the symptoms and psychological status of COVID-19 were observed in clinical first-line medical staff and COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS

In 10 days of intervention with indirect moxibustion plaster, there was "zero" infection among medical staff. Of 43 first-line physicians and nurses, 33 cases had some physical symptoms and psychological discomforts, mainly as low back pain, poor sleep and anxiety. After treatment, regarding the improvements in the symptoms and psychological discomforts, the effective rate was 78.8% (26/33) and the curative rate was 36.4% (12/33). Regarding the improvements in psychological discomforts, the effective rate was 58.3% (14/24) and the curative rate was 37.5 (9/24). Of 149 patients, 133 cases had the symptoms and psychological discomforts. After treatment, regarding the improvements in the symptoms and psychological discomforts, the effective rate was 81.2% (108/133) and the curative rate was 34.6% (46/133). Regarding the improvements in psychological discomforts, the effective rate was 76.5% (52/68) and the curative rate was 57.4 % (39/68).

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to apply the indirect moxibustion plaster technique based on mobile internet to the treatment COVID-19. This mode not only relieves the symptoms such as cough and fatigue, improves psychological state, but also possibly prevents the first-line medical staff from COVID-19.

[Analysis on the theory and clinical ideas of acupuncture and moxibustion for the prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019]

Acupuncture and moxibustion has a wealth of experience in the prevention and control of epidemic disease since ancient times, which was used for all kinds of acute infectious diseases in modern times and its efficacy has been clearly and reliably reported. This article proposes the theoretical feasibility and reliability of acupuncture and moxibustion interventional prevention and treatment by discussing the recognition of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the perspective of acupuncture and moxibustion. The unique "acupuncture and moxibustion program" for COVID-19 is presented including treatment in different stages, selecting acupoints by distinguishing meridians, applying needle technique by various methods. The article also proposes a new understanding of acupuncture and moxibustion at related acupoints on the surface of the body that can directly affect the "moyuan" to treat the disease.

Effect and Safety of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A for Injection in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke of Blood Stasis Syndrome: A Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multiple-Dose, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect and safety of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A for Injection (HSYAI) in treating patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and blood stasis syndrome (BSS).

METHODS

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose, active-controlled phase II trial was conducted at 9 centers in China from July 2013 to September 2015. Patients with moderate or severe AIS and BSS were randomly assigned to low-, medium-, high-dose HSYAI groups (25, 50 and 70 mg/d HSYAI by intravenous infusion, respectively), and a control group (Dengzhan Xixin Injection (, DZXXI) 30 mL/d by intravenous infusion), for 14 consecutive days. The primary outcome was the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ⩽1 at days 90 after treatment. The secondary outcomes included the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ⩽1, Barthel Index (BI) score ⩾95, and BSS score reduced ⩾30% from baseline at days 14, 30, 60, and 90 after treatment. The safety outcomes included any adverse events during 90 days after treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 266 patients included in the effectiveness analysis, 66, 67, 65 and 68 cases were in the low-, medium-, and high-dose HSYAI and control groups, respectively. The proportions of patients in the medium- and high-dose HSYAI groups with mRS score ⩽1 at days 90 after treatment were significantly larger than the control group (P<0.05). The incidences of favorable outcomes of NIHSS and BI at days 90 after treatment as well as satisfactory improvement of BSS at days 30 and 60 after treatment in the medium- and high-dose HSYAI groups were all significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was reported among the 4 groups in any specific adverse events (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HSYAI was safe and well-tolerated at all doses for treating AIS patients with BSS. The medium (50 mg/d) or high dose (75 mg/d) might be the optimal dose for a phase III trial. (Registration No. ChiCTR-2000029608).

Kalshiolin A, new lignan from Kalimeris shimadai

The Asian plant Kalimeris shimadai has been used as food and ethnologic medicine for over a thousand years. In this study, we isolated and identified one new lignan, kalshiolin A (1), and 12 known lignans (2-13). The structures were characterized by the comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic data (HR-ESI-MS, IR, 1D, and 2D-NMR) and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined from ECD calculations. The new compound 1 was also screened for cytotoxic activity but did not show significant potency (IC50 35.9-43.3 μM) against A549, MDA-MB-231, MCF7, KB, and KB-VIN cell lines.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

Kalshinoids A-F, Anti-inflammatory Sesquiterpenes from Kalimeris shimadae

In a study of the potential anti-inflammatory constituents from Kalimeris shimadae, six new sesquiterpenes, kalshinoids A-F (1-6), together with 21 known compounds (7-27), were isolated. The structures and absolute configurations of the new compounds were discerned from extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of kalshinoids A, B, E, and F were established by ECD calculations. Furthermore, the identified compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activity as assessed by inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in THP-1 cells. Three sesquiterpenes [kalshinoid F, 4(15)-eudesmen-1β,7,11-triol, and 4α,10α,11-trihydroxy-1βH,5βH-guai-7(8)-ene] reduced levels of TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and were more potent than dexamethasone. These natural sesquiterpenes merit further investigation as possible anti-inflammatory agents.

[Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Chinese communities]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients under community management programs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on T2DM patients in eight communities in Wuhan and Changshu cities. Data would included questionnaire, body measurement, blood testing and clinical examination. The criterion of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was under the combination of symptoms with five physical examinations. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influential factors. Results: The overall prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 71.2% among the diabetic patients who were managed in primary care health services in the two cities. The binary logistic regression method identified older age (≥60 years, OR=2.39, 95%CI:1.95-2.94), longer diabetic duration (≥10 years, OR=1.25, 95%CI: 1.02-1.54), and worse postprandial glucose control (2 h postprandial plasma glucose >10.0 mmol/L: OR=1.65, 95%CI:1.33-2.04) (all P<0.05) as risk factors for the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, while higher education level was protective factor (compared to patients with education levels of primary school or below, OR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.41-0.66; OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.44-0.79; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.44-0.94 for those with education levels of junior high school, senior high school, and college, respectively). Conclusions: High rates of diabetic peripheral neuropathy among T2DM patients suggested the urgent need for early screening and standardized management at the community levels. It is necessary to promote appropriate screening techniques and methods to identify the peripheral neuropathy, in the primary health service institutions.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6  GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35}  cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180  MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38}  cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75  MeV/c^{2}-3.0  GeV/c^{2}.

[Effect of electroacupuncture combined with treadmill exercise on body weight and expression of PGC-1α， Irisin and AMPK in skeletal muscle of diet-induced obesity rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) plus treadmill exercise on the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator 1α(PGC-1α), Irisin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle of diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying body reduction promotion.

METHODS

Forty-two male SD rats were divided into normal diet (control, n＝10), high fat diet (model), EA, treadmill exercise and EA plus treadmill exercise (combination) groups (n＝8 in each of the latter 4 groups). The obesity model was established by feeding the rats with high fat diet. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Tianshu" (ST25) for 30 min, 5 times per week for a total of 8 weeks. Rats of the treadmill exercise group were forced to perform exercise on a treadmill (16 m/min) for 30 min, 5 times per week for a total of 8 weeks. Rats in the combination group received the above-mentioned two methods. During the treatment, rats in the control group were fed with normal fodder, rats in other groups were fed with high fat fodder, and their body weight was measured once a week. The expression levels of PGC-1α， fibronectin type Ⅲ domain containing 5 (FNDC5), AMPK mRNA and protein of skeletal muscle were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot，respectively.

RESULTS

After modeling, the body weight was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the expression levels of PGC-1α and FNDC5 mRNA and protein, AMPK mRNA and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) protein in the skeletal muscle were considerably decreased in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.05). Following the treatment, the body weight was significantly down-regulated, while the expression levels of PGC-1α and FNDC5 mRNAs and proteins, AMPK mRNA and p-AMPK protein were obviously up-regulated in the EA, treadmill exercise and combination groups relevant to the model group (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of EA plus treadmill exercise was significantly superior to those of both simple EA and simple treadmill exercise in down-regulating the body weight, as well as in up-regulating the expression of PGC-1α and FNDC5 mRNAs and proteins, AMPK mRNA, and p-AMPK protein (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both EA and treadmill exercise can significantly increase the expression of PGC-1α， FNDC5 and p-AMPK in skeletal muscle of DIO rats, suggesting their efficacy in restoring fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle cells and improving mitochondrial function, which may contribute to their function in body reduction. The therapeutic effect of EA plus treadmill exercise is better than that of simple EA and simple treadmill exercise.

[Comparison of therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding in redu-cing serum leptin and insulin levels in simple obesity patients]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of simple obesity.

METHODS

Simple obesity patients were randomized into EA group (7 men and 36 women, 21－42 years in age) and catgut embedding group (4 men and 37 women, 22－41 years in age). EA (4 Hz/20 Hz, a tolerable strength) was applied to main acupoints Zhongwan (CV12), bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Daheng (SP15), Daimai (GB26), Shuidao (ST28), Zhigou (TE6), Yinlingquan (SP9), Zusanli (ST36), Fenglong (ST40), and Sanyinjiao (SP6), and some auxiliary acupoints for 30 min, once every other day for 30 times. Subcutaneous catgut-embedment was performed in the same acupoints. Nine to 11 acupoints were used every time, once every 10 days for 6 times. Before and after the treatment, fasting serum leptin and insulin (INS) contents were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the correlation between the leptin, INS and the body mass index (BMI) was analyzed, respectively.

RESULTS

Following the treatment, the serum leptin and INS concentrations and BMI in both groups were significantly decreased in comparison with those of their own pre-treatment (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the levels of serum leptin and INS after the treatment (P>0.05). There were positive correlations between the decreased BMI and serum leptin/INS contents in both EA and catgut embedding groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Both catgut embedding and EA interventions have a positive effect in reducing body weight of simple obesity patients, which may be related to its effects in down-regulating serum leptin and INS levels and in correcting leptin resistance and insulin resistance.

[Electroacupuncture Relieves Obesity by Up-regulating PGC-1 α/UCP-1 Signaling in White Adipose Tissue in Diet-induced Obesity Rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the activities of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha/uncoupling protein-1 (PGC-1 α/UCP-1) signaling pathway in white adipose tissue(WAT)of diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats, so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in body weight loss.

METHODS

Thirty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal diet (control, n＝10), high fat diet (model), sham EA-acupoint and EA groups (n＝8 in each of the latter 3 groups). The obesity model was established by feeding the rats with high fat diet containing lard oil, sugar, albumen powder, cholesterol, salt and sodium cholate for 12 weeks. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Tianshu" (ST 25) or sham acupoints (about 5 mm beside ST 36 and ST 25) for 30 min, once daily, 5 times per week for a total of 8 weeks. During the treatment, all rats were fed with normal diet, and their body weight and length were measured once a week for calculating the Lee's index. The contents of serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were measured by using biochemical methods. The immunoactivity of PGC-1 α and UCP-1 in the abdominal WAT was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

After modeling, the Lee's index, serum TC and TG contents were significantly increased, and the levels of serum HDL-C, and PGC-1 α and UCP-1 immunoactivity in WAT considerably decreased in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.05). Following the treatment, the Lee's index, TC and TG contents were significantly down-regulated while HDL-C and PGC-1 α and UCP-1 immunoactivity were obviously up-regulated in the EA-acupoint group relevant to the model group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

EA can effectively reduce the body weight and adipose content in obesity rats, which may be closely related to its effect in up-regulating PGC-1 α/UCP-1 signaling in WAT, suggesting an efficacy of EA in promoting the browning of WAT.

Mechanisms of Acupuncture Therapy for Simple Obesity: An Evidence-Based Review of Clinical and Animal Studies on Simple Obesity

Simple obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with rapidly growing morbidity and mortality which imposes an enormous burden on individual and public health. As a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has shown the positive efficacy in the management of simple obesity. In this article, we comprehensively review the clinical and animal studies that demonstrated the potential mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for simple obesity. Clinical studies suggested that acupuncture regulates endocrine system, promotes digestion, attenuates oxidative stress, and modulates relevant molecules of metabolism in patients of simple obesity. Evidence from laboratory indicated that acupuncture regulates lipid metabolism, modulates inflammatory responses, and promotes white adipose tissue browning. Acupuncture also suppresses appetite through regulating appetite regulatory hormones and the downstream signaling pathway. The evidence from clinical and animal studies indicates that acupuncture induces multifaceted regulation through complex mechanisms and moreover a single factor may not be enough to explain the beneficial effects against simple obesity.

[Electroacupuncture Reduces Body Fat by Down-regulating IL-6 and Vimentin in Abdominal White Adipose Tissue of Diet-induced Obesity Rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on IL-6 and vimentin protein expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) of diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats, so as to reveal its mechanism underlying losing weight.

METHODS

Thirty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal (control, n＝10), model, sham-EA and EA groups (n＝8 in each of the latter 3 groups). The obesity model was established by feeding the rats with high fat diet. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilate-ral "Zusanli "(ST 36) and "Tianshu "(ST 25) for 30 min, 5 times per week for a total of 8 weeks. For sham-EA group, two sham points (about 5 mm lateral to ST 36 and to ST 25) were only punctured with filiform needles but without electrical stimulation. Du-ring EA treatment, all rats were fed with normal fodder, and their body weight were measured once a week. Histopathologic changes (diameters of adipose cells) of abdominal WAT were observed under microscope after sectioning and H．E. staining, and the expression levels of IL-6 and vimentin in the WAT were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the body weight, diameter of fat cells and the expression levels of IL-6 and vimentin in the WAT were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05). Following EA, the body weight, diameter of fat cells and the expression levels of IL-6 and vimentin proteins were considerably down-regulated in the EA group (P<0.05), rather than in the sham-EA group relevant to the model group (P>0.05)．.

CONCLUSION

EA intervention can effectively down-regulate the expression of IL-6 and vimentin in WAT of DIO rats, which may contribute to its action in reducing body fat by relieving chronic inflammation.

[Regularity of Acupoint Selection for Simple Obesity Treated by Acupoint Catgut Embedding Based on Complex Network Technology]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the core acupoints and acupoint combinations of catgut embedding for simple obesity based on the complex network technology.

METHODS

Articles about acupoint catgut embedding for simple obesity were collec-ted from databases of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from 1980 to 2016 by using keywords "simple obesity" "obesity" "acupoint embedding" "acupuncture" and "traditional Chinese medicine"， followed by constructing a database of acupoint prescription. Acupoint node (one node means an acupoint) weighted complex network was constructed by using complex network technique, followed by conducting centrality analysis and clustering analysis about the nodes using Matlab 2014, a software for revealing the core acupoint node and compatibility relations. At last, theresults (complex network diagram) were displayed using software Gephi 0.9.1.

RESULTS

A total of 238 articles (all in Chinese) including 278 acupoints (of which 115 are meridian acupoints) were collected. The top 15 core acupoints are Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Fenglong (ST 40), San-yinjiao (SP 6), Quchi (LI 11), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Guanyuan (CV 4), Pishu (BL 20), Qihai (CV 6), Shenshu (BL 23), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Daheng (SP 15), Shuifen (CV 9), and Ganshu (BL 18), mainly distributing in the abdomen, lower limbs and back. Those acupoints with the highest core degree are attributed to the Stomach Meridian, Conception Vessel, Bladder Meri-dian, Spleen Meridian and Large Intestine Meridian. Regarding the compatibility of these acupoints, ST 25 and CV 12 have the highe-st correlation frequency, followed by ST 25 and ST 36, and ST 40 and ST 25, indicating the principle of different combinations being regional acupoints and meridian acupoints.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of simple obesity with catgut embedding, top 15 core acupoints as ST 25, ST 36, CV 12, ST 40, etc, and acupoint recipes as ST 25 and CV 12, ST 25 and ST 36, ST 40 and ST 25 are most frequently used in clinical practice.

The WT1/MVP-Mediated Stabilization on mTOR/AKT Axis Enhances the Effects of Cisplatin in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by a Reformulated Yu Ping Feng San Herbal Preparation

Chemo-resistance is an obstacle in therapy of lung cancer. Alternative therapy of using herbal medicine has been proposed to resolve this obstacle. Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS), a common Chinese herbal medicinal mixture, has been reported to show anti-drug resistance on cisplatin (DDP), a common lung cancer drug. To optimize the anti-cancer function of YPFS, different Chinese herbal extracts having known function to overcome lung cancer were screened in combining with YPFS, as to increase the efficacy of DDP in drug resistance lung cancer cell, A549/DDP. Amongst these herbal extracts, Ginkgo Folium exhibited the most promoting sensitized effect. This revised herbal formula, named as YPFS_+GF, promoted the DDP-induced toxicity by over 2-fold as compared to that of YPFS alone; this potentiation was confirmed by inducing cell apoptosis. The anti-drug resistance of YPFS, triggered by an increase of intracellular concentration of DDP, was accompanied by an increased expression and activity of WT1, which consequently decreased the transcript level of MVP. In addition, the MVP-mediated downstream effector mTOR2/AKT was disrupted after application of YPFS_+GF in DDP-treated A549/DDP cell: this disruption was characterized by the decline of mTORC2 components, e.g., Rictor, p-mTOR, as well as the phosphorylation level of its downstream protein AKT. The disruption on mTORC2/AKT could be reversed by mTORC2 inducer insulin and promoted by mTORC2 inhibitor PP242. Thus, the anti-drug resistance of YPFS_+GF in DDP-treated lung cancer cells might be mediated by the down regulation of WT1/MVP axis, as well as the downstream anti-apoptotic pathway of mTORC2/AKT signaling. Herbal medicine is one of the main adjuvant therapies in non-small cell lung cancer, and this novel herbal formula supports the prescription of traditional Chinese medicine in cancer treatment.

Transcriptional activation of ENPP1 by osterix in osteoblasts and osteocytes

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is the main source of extracellular pyrophosphate. Along with tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), ENPP1 plays an important role in balancing bone mineralisation. Although well established in pre-osteoblasts, the regulating mechanisms of ENPP1 in osteoblasts and osteocytes remain largely unknown. Using bioinformatic methods, osterix (Osx), an essential transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation and osteocyte function, was found to have five predicted binding sites on the ENPP1 promoter. ENPP1 and Osx showed a similar expression profile both in vitro and in vivo. Over-expression of Osx in MC3T3-E1 and MLO-Y4 cells significantly up-regulated the expression of ENPP1 (p < 0.05). The consensus Sp1 sequences, located in the proximal ENPP1 promoter, were identified as Osx-regulating sites using promoter truncation experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway was demonstrated to be responsible for ENPP1 promoter activation by Osx. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was confirmed to have synergistic effects with Osx in activating ENPP1 promoter. Taken together, these results provided evidence of the regulating mechanisms of ENPP1 transcription in osteoblasts and osteocytes.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36}  cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5  GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2  GeV/c^{2}.

Ginkgetin induces autophagic cell death through p62/SQSTM1-mediated autolysosome formation and redox setting in non-small cell lung cancer

Promoting cell death by autophagy could be a novel treatment for cancer. The major player in autophagy, p62, serves as a good therapeutic target. Ginkgetin, a biflavonoid from Ginkgo biloba leaves, exhibited promising anticancer activity in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, with an IC50 lower than that of cisplatin. This anticancer effect of ginkgetin was illustrated in a xenograft nude mouse model. Ginkgetin induced autophagic cell death in A549 cells, and this effect was markedly reversed by chemical and genetic approaches. Ginkgetin showed potential binding affinity to p62. Upregulation of p62 through chemical and genetic means decreased cell death, lysosome acidification, and autophagosome formation, which consequently disrupted autolysosome formation. In addition, the decreased autophagy induced by p62 overexpression increased Nrf2/ARE activity and the oxygen consumption rate and decreased on formation of reactive oxygen species. These phenomena were exhibited in a reciprocal manner when p62 was knocked down. Thus, p62 may be a potential target in ginkgetin-induced autophagic cell death, and ginkgetin could be developed as a novel anticancer drug.

A new sesquiterpene from Kalimeris integrifolia

A new sesquiterpene kalinturoside A (1), and 17 known compounds friedelan-3-ol (2), 24-ethyl-5a-cholesta-7, 22(E)-dien-3-one (3), friedelin (4), syringaresinol (5), α-spinasterol (6), ciwujiatone (7), syringic acid (8), scopoletin (9), apocynin (10), 1-(3-hydroxy-4, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (11), apigenin (12), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (13), stigmasterol-3-O-β-d-glucopy-ranoside (14), bidenoside C (15), citrusin (16), irioresinol A (17) and syringaresinol-4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (18) were isolated from the herbs of Kalimeris integrifolia. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and MS. All of the compounds were isolated from this genus for the first time.

[Inhibition of G9a attenuates cell proliferation via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in lung adenocarcinoma]

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of G9a inhibitor BIX-01294 on attenuating cell proliferation in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: Treated with BIX-01294, the growth and proliferation of A549 cells were detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay, and its impact on cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. By Western blot, we explored the alterations in the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and the G9a catalysate, H3K9me and H3K9me2. In addition, in the pretreatment with caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, we detected the apoptotic dependence of BIX-01294 attenuating impact on A549 cell proliferation. Results: Compared with the control group, the histone methyltransferase G9a inhibitor BIX-01294 attenuated cell proliferation in A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. There were 42.5±8.7 colonies after BIX-01294 (10 μmol/L) treatment for 7 days, while 172.7±23.0 colonies in the control group, with a statistical significance (P<0.05). After treatment with BIX-01294 (10 μmol/L) for 24 hours, the cell apoptotic rate was(47.6±8.4)%, with a significant difference in comparison with the control group [(7.2±3.6)%, P<0.05]. The expression of G9a catalysate, H3K9me and H3K9me2 was downregulated, the same with anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, while the proteins in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, Bax, Bak and cleaved caspase-9, were upregulated, so was the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, and there was no alteration in the expression of cleaved caspase-8, which is a protein related with death receptor apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, after Z-VAD-FMK pretreatment, the cell apoptotic rate was decreased significantly, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins were downregulated. Conclusions: Our results indicate that BIX-01294 can attenuate cell proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma, and it can be considered as one of the underlying mechanisms, the apoptosis may be induced by activating mitochondrial pathway.