Metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis reveal the differential efficacy of areca nut and charred areca nut in treating constipation.

Background: Areca nut (AN) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Charred AN (CAN) is a processed product of AN with similar therapeutic effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of AN and CAN for constipation via metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis.

[Exploration on sensation positioning method of heat-sensitive moxibustion: the inheritance and development of ashi method].

From original concept and literature of acupoint, the concept and clinical significance of ashi method is discussed, which clarifies that the essence of ashi method is to locate the acupoints by patients' sensitivity on force. The clinical application of heat-sensitive moxibustion has illustrated that positioning method of this therapy is based on the appearance of heat-sensitive moxibustion sensation. Although both types are based on patients' feeling, positioning method of heat-sensitive moxibustion stands on a new angle and uses a new method to locate acupoint.

[Biochemical markers of age-related changes in bones turnover and bone mineral density in healthy Chinese men].

Objective: To determine the relationship between bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collegen(NTX) and bone mineral density in healthy men aged 20-80.

Methods: BAP and NTX of 389 healthy men were measured by ELISA. BMD at the lumbar spine and the hip as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

[Serum leptin with bone mineral density and body fat mass in males].

Objective: To determine the relationship of serum leptin concentration and bone mineral density(BMD), body fat mass in males.

Methods: Plasma concentrations of leptin in 350 Chinese males, aged 20 to 80 years were measured with ELISA; BMD values at lumbar spine, hip and total body BMD, and body composition, including lean tissue mass (LTM) and fat tissue mass (FTM), were measured using dual-energy-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The relationship between changes in serum leptin concentration with age, body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, and BMD values at 5 skeletal sites was fit by 10 regression models, and the models giving the best fit were selected.