Cylindrical aperture three-dimensional synthetic aperture imaging with pulsed terahertz waves.

In this paper, we report a three-dimensional synthetic aperture imaging method with pulsed terahertz waves realized by a terahertz time-domain spectrometer. In contrast to synthetic aperture imaging systems operating at microwave or millimeter-wave frequencies where the frequency of the transmitter is scanned in the frequency domain, in our imaging system, all the frequency components are contained in a single terahertz pulse that can be generated and detected by photoconductive antennas. The image algorithm was analyzed theoretically and confirmed numerically using the finite-difference time-domain method.

Understanding the Relationship Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function and the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: A Preclinical Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Background: Cerebral blood flow and vascular structures serve as the fundamental components of brain metabolism and circulation. Acupuncture, an alternative and complementary medical approach, has demonstrated efficacy in treating cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the impact of acupuncture on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function remain uncertain.

Disease spectrum and strategy of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of encephalopathy.

The paper presents the summary of the spectrum of encephalopathy treated with acupuncture and moxibustion and the analysis on the existing questions in its clinical research, and proposes the potential strategies on treatment of encephalopathy with acupuncture and moxibustion. The spectrum of encephalopathy includes 23 diseases of central nervous system (superspinal center) and 33 kinds of mental and behavioral disorders. There are three problems in clinical research of acupuncture and moxibustion for encephalopathy, i.

Understanding the mechanism of acupuncture in acute cerebral infraction through a proteomic analysis: protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background: Acute cerebral infarction (ACI), being the predominant form of stroke, presents challenges in terms of the limited effectiveness of various treatments in improving the neurological function. Although acupuncture shows promise in addressing ACI, the availability of high-quality evidence regarding its efficacy, safety, and underlying mechanism remains insufficient. In this study, we design a multicenter, prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial with the aim of evaluating the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for ACI, making an attempt to unveil the molecular mechanisms by proteomic.

The light and hypoxia induced gene ZmPORB1 determines tocopherol content in the maize kernel.

Tocopherol is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant beneficial for both human health and plant growth. Here, we fine mapped a major QTL-qVE1 affecting γ-tocopherol content in maize kernel, positionally cloned and confirmed the underlying gene ZmPORB1 (por1), as a protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase. A 13.

[Construction of a core outcome set in clinical research of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of adhesive capsulitis].

This study aims to construct the core outcome set for the clinical trials of adhesive capsulitis treated with acupuncture and moxibustion. Using systematic review, semi-structured interview, Delphi questionnaire survey, analytic hierarchy process and expert consensus meeting, the primary outcomes are obtained, i.e.

Assessment of reporting quality in randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for labor pain.

Objective: To evaluate the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for labor pain, and to explore relevant factors for facilitating reporting transparency and integrity for future RCTs.

Method: Eight Chinese and English databases were systematically searched from their inception until August 31, 2021. General characteristics and methodological quality of the included reports were evaluated based on the CONSORT statement and the STRICTA guidelines.

Adverse Reaction of Acupuncture and Antihypertensive Drugs for Treatment of Essential hypertension: A Protocol for Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hypertension, as a high risk factor of cardiovascular disease, has led to a significant upward trend in the population and incidence of the disease. Hypertension patients need to take antihypertensive drugs for life, and therefore people gradually pay more attention to the adverse reactions of antihypertensive drugs. This study protocol outlines a plan to assess the adverse reaction of the different antihypertensive drugs and acupuncture in order for clinical application.

Molecular Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Regulating Cerebral Arterial Contractile Protein in Rats with Cerebral Infarction Based on MLCK Pathway.

Objective: To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on the vasoconstriction of cerebral artery smooth muscle cells after cerebral infarction.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups by a random number table: the model group (n=24), the EA group (n=24), and the normal group (n=6). The model and the EA groups were divided into different time subgroups at 0.

[Scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training for balance dysfunction in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial].

Objective: To explore the effect of scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training on balance ability and motor function in stroke patients with balance dysfunction.

Methods: A total of 105 stroke patients with balance dysfunction were randomly divided into a combined group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a scalp acupuncture group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a suspension training group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The scalp acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture at bilateral suboccipital lateral line, parietal midline, upper 1/5 line of anterior oblique line of parietal and temporal and line 1 of the parietal lateral line on the opposite side of hemiplegia.

Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Vasomotor Symptoms in Rats with Acute Cerebral Infarction Based on Phosphatidylinositol System.

Objective: To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on vasomotor symptoms in rats with acute cerebral infarction, by observing the changes in the expression of factors related to the phosphatidylinositol (PI) system.

Methods: Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups by a random number table: the control group (n=6), the model group (n=18) and the EA group (n=18). The EA group was given EA treatment at Shuigou (GV 26) instantly after modeling with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method, while the model and control groups were not given any treatment.

[Electroacupuncture of "Shuigou"(GV26) improves neurological function by promoting angioge-nesis and Shh signaling in ischemic cerebral tissue of rats with cerebral infarction].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Shuigou" (GV26) on the activities of sonic hedgehog(Shh) signaling molecules (Shh, Ptch, Smo，Gli and Gli2) in ischemic brain tissues in rats with cerebral ischemia (CI), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CI.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group(=10), sham operation group (=90), model group(=90) and EA group (=90). The CI model was established by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO).

Efficacy evaluation and mechanism study of electroacupuncture intervention in acute phase of IFP: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Previous studies had already reported the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment for idiopathic facial nerve palsy (IFP) in a recovery phase; however, the initial use of electroacupuncture in the acute phase remains controversial. Hence, in the present study, we will add electroacupuncture intervention based on oral prednisone tablets in the acute phase of IFP and compare the clinical effects with simple oral prednisone tablets. Besides, the prognosis and safety will be evaluated.

[Research progress on mechanisms of bidirectional regulation of acupuncture].

Bidirectional regulation is one of the key function of acupuncture. The stimulator, mediator and receptor are the basis while the specificity of acupoints and the multi-target regulation of receptors receiving stimulation signals are the essential link of the bidirectional regulation of acupuncture. The possible mechanisms of bidirectional regulation of acupuncture are discussed in 4 aspects, i.

[Effect of manual acupuncture of "Shuigou" (GV26)"Neiguan" (PC6) on neurological function and expression of apoptosis-related factors in brain tissues surrounding hematoma in intracerebral hemorrhage rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Shuigou" (GV26) and "Neiguan" (PC6) on neurological function and expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in brain tissues around the intracerebral hematoma in rats with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), so as to explore its possible mechanisms underlying improvement of ICH.

Methods: Ninety-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, model, acupoint and non-acupoint (24 rats in each group). The ICH model was established by injection of the rat's autologous blood into the caudate nucleus.

[Acupotomy combined with acupuncture therapy in treatment of sensory impairment in the recovery stage of cerebral infarction: a randomized controlled trial].

Objective: To compare the therapeutic effect on sensory impairment in the recovery stage of cerebral infarction between the combined treatment of acupotomy and acupuncture therapy (for regaining consciousness and opening the orifices) and the simple application of acupuncture therapy.

Methods: A total of 80 patients with cerebral infarction in the recovery stage were randomized into an observation group (40 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (40 cases, 1 case dropped off). On the basis of the conventional treatment of internal medicine, in the control group, acupuncture therapy was adopted at Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc.

Phenotypic Plasticity Contributes to Maize Adaptation and Heterosis.

Plant phenotypic plasticity describes altered phenotypic performance of an individual when grown in different environments. Exploring genetic architecture underlying plant plasticity variation may help mitigate the detrimental effects of a rapidly changing climate on agriculture, but little research has been done in this area to date. In the present study, we established a population of 976 maize F1 hybrids by crossing 488 diverse inbred lines with two elite testers.

Gentle Manual Acupuncture Could Better Regulate Gastric Motility and Vagal Afferent Nerve Discharge of Rats with Gastric Hypomotility.

The variation of stimulus intensity of manual acupuncture (MA) may produce diverse acupuncture effects. However, the intensity-effect relationship and the underlying mechanism of MA are still elusive. In this study, the effects of MA regulation of gastric motility were investigated after lifting-thrusting MA treatment with four different frequencies (1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz, and 4 Hz) at ST36.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on morphology of neovascularization and expression of angiogenesis-related factors in ischemic brain tissue of cerebral ischemia rats].

Objective: To observe the change of neovascular morphology and angiogenesis related factors in the ischemic cerebral area after cerebral infarction and the intervention effect of electroacupuncture (EA).

Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into model group(=90), EA group(=90), sham operation group(=90) and control group(=10). The first three groups were further divided into 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 7 d and 12 d subgroups(=10 in each subgroup).

[Selection of optimized treatment plan of acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis].

Objective: To select the optimized treatment plan of acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis by using multiple indexes decision-making method based on the clinical evidence.

Methods: The randomized control trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis in the CNKI database, CBM database, WANFANG database, VIP database, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase published before December 31, 2017 were comprehensively collected. The modified Jadad scale was used to evaluate the quality of the RCTs.

The Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Zhike-Houpu Herbal Pair on Depressive Behaviors and Hippocampal Serotonin 1A Receptors in Rats After Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress.

Objective: Zhike-Houpu herbal pair (ZKHPHP) is a well-known Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. Recently, many researchers have found that some of the compounds of ZKHPHP such as meranzin hydrate and magnolol have antidepressant effects. However, little is known about the antidepressant mechanism of ZKHPHP.

Acupuncture for balance dysfunction in patients with stroke: A systematic review protocol.

Background: Balance dysfunctions in stroke survivors are common and have significant impact on functional independence and rehabilitation. As a crucial technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture has been used widely for balance dysfunctions after stroke, although its effective evidence is not clear. Hence, we plan this systematic review protocol to evaluate the value of its efficacy and safety for balance dysfunctions after stroke.

[Analysis on the diversity and refactoring of acupuncture-moxibustion theory based on the polymorphism of clinical thought].

By analyzing the acupuncture clinical thinking polymorphism in the ancient and modern time，it is shown that the guidance theory systems of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy are on the diversity. Classic meridian system is part of the important composition of acupuncture theory system，and it is not the only one guidance for clinical acupuncture. In the ancient time, acupoints were according to local lesion, classical meridian therory, acupoint indication and effect, the disease, the syndrome, cold-hot and deficiency-excess features, pulse, time and season, meridian's - , and needling instrument, etc.

[Essential characteristics and clinical treatment regularity of acupuncture therapy].

As an external therapy, acupuncture has its own essential characteristics and clinical treatment regularity. The nature, the unique view and feasible factor of acupuncture are different totally from those of the internal therapy with Chinese herbal medicine. The thought of the internal therapy does not benefit the essential characteristics of acupuncture clinical practice, named the external therapy is used for either the external disorders or the internal disorders.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture on Expression of Apelin-APJ System of Cerebral Vascular Endothelial Cell in Rats with Cerebral Infarction].

Objective: To observe the regulation of APJ and its ligand Apelin on the angiogenesis pathway after cerebral infarction and the intervention effect of acupuncture.

Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into model group(=90), electroacupuncture(EA) group(=90), sham operation group(=90) and control group(=10). The first three groups were further divided into 1,3,6,9,12,24 h and 3,7, 12 d subgroups(=10 in each subgroup).