[Mechanisms of moxibustion preconditioning underlying improving learning-memory ability by regulating polarization of microglia via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in AD rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion preconditioning on learning-memory ability, Toll like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signal pathway related proteins and microglia in rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD), so as to explore its possible mechanisms underlying improvement of AD.

Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, sham operation, AD model and pre-moxibustion groups, with 9 rats in each group. Moxibustion was applied to "Baihui"(GV20), "Shenshu"(BL23) and "Zusanli"(ST36) for 15 min, once daily, 6 days as a course of treatment for 3 courses.

[Involvement of miR-126-3p via mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway in effect of electroacupuncture on angiogenesis in rats with cerebral ischemia].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on miRNA-126-3p and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathway in rats with cerebral ischemia (CI), so as to explore the underlying mechanism of EA on angiogenesis.

Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, EA group and EA+inhibitor group (inhibitor group), which were further divided into 3, 7 and 14 d subgroups, with 12 rats in each sub-group. The CI model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery.

[Effects of pre-moxibustion on expression of phosphorylated Tau protein and related protein kinases in hippocampal CA3 region of AD rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of pre-moxibustion at "Baihui"(GV20), "Shenshu"(BL23) and "Zusanli"(ST36) on expression of Tau protein and related protein kinases as glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), etc. in the hippocampal CA3 region of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying prevention and treatment of AD cognitive impairment.

Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control, sham operation， model and pre-moxibustion，with 9 rats in each group.

Sensory Assessment and Regression Rate of Bilateral Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Volunteers.

Background And Objectives: The analgesic effect and duration of a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block remain controversial. Transversus abdominis plane blocks are effective for somatic/incisional pain but do not provide analgesia for visceral pain from intra-abdominal procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the area and extent of cutaneous sensory blockade and the regression of dermatomal anesthesia after bilateral oblique subcostal TAP block.

Knockdown of asporin affects transforming growth factor-β1-induced matrix synthesis in human intervertebral annulus cells.

Background/objective: Asporin is associated with osteoarthritis and lumbar disk degeneration. Previous studies in chondrocytes showed that asporin can bind to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and downregulate matrix biosynthesis. However, this has not been studied in intervertebral disk (IVD) cells.

[Evaluation of safety and anesthetic effect for ultrasound-guided cervical plexus block].

Objective: To observe the influences upon the degree of diaphragmatic excursion during deep cervical plexus block at the third cervical vertebra (C3) and compare the safety and anesthetic effect of modified cervical plexus block by ultrasonic guidance and blocking of cervical plexus at one point.

Methods: Part I: 30 patients of ASA (American society of anesthesiologists) I-II scheduled for thyroid surgery were selected for bilateral cervical plexus block at C3 and bilateral skin nerve branches via ultrasonic guidance. Diaphragmatic excursion was recorded.

Downregulation of protein kinase Cα was involved in selenite-induced apoptosis of NB4 cells.

We revealed in our previous research that sodium selenite induced obvious apoptosis of human leukemia NB4 cells, with reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) involved. In the present study, we revealed protein kinase Ca (PKCalpha) was dramatically downregulated in selenite-induced apoptosis, which was mediated by ROS. Besides, we confirmed PKCalpha played an antiapoptotic role through its effects on ERK1/2 and Akt, while its downregulation was attributed to caspase-3 and PP2Ac under the regulation of ROS.