Current state of research about acupuncture for the treatment of COVID-19: A scoping review

Chen Chen,Jie Zhan,Hao Wen,Xiaojing Wei,Lu Ding,Chenyang Tao,Cui Li,Peiming Zhang,Yuyuan Tang,Jing-chun Zeng,Li-ming Lu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.-

Background Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of COVID-19. The research community has responded rapidly and has already published many research articles about this topic. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library as well as CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. The dates of publication, language of publication, methodological characteristics and the key findings were analyzed separately. The data are presented as bar graphs, structured tables and figures. Results In this scoping review, 16 research articles were included: 7 case reports, 6 observational studies, 1 review, 1 RCT and 1 nonrandomized clinical trial. The majority of the articles (81.3%) were published by Chinese scholars, 12.5% articles were by scholars in the United States, and 6.3% articles were by scholars in Iran. The included studies reported that acupuncture could alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 patients, shorten their hospitalization days, and is effective for the elderly. There were no side effects reported. The most frequent acupoints used were LI4, PC6, ST36 and KI3. They reported many obstacles in implementing acupuncture therapy for treating COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Acupuncture has a good effect for the treatment of COVID-19, but high-quality evidence support is still lacking. Coupled with the difficulties that acupuncturists experienced during the process of treatment, the promotion of acupuncture treatment for COVID-19 faces many obstacles. Background Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of COVID-19. The research community has responded rapidly and has already published many research articles about this topic. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library as well as CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. The dates of publication, language of publication, methodological characteristics and the key findings were analyzed separately. The data are presented as bar graphs, structured tables and figures. Results In this scoping review, 16 research articles were included: 7 case reports, 6 observational studies, 1 review, 1 RCT and 1 nonrandomized clinical trial. The majority of the articles (81.3%) were published by Chinese scholars, 12.5% articles were by scholars in the United States, and 6.3% articles were by scholars in Iran. The included studies reported that acupuncture could alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 patients, shorten their hospitalization days, and is effective for the elderly. There were no side effects reported. The most frequent acupoints used were LI4, PC6, ST36 and KI3. They reported many obstacles in implementing acupuncture therapy for treating COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Acupuncture has a good effect for the treatment of COVID-19, but high-quality evidence support is still lacking. Coupled with the difficulties that acupuncturists experienced during the process of treatment, the promotion of acupuncture treatment for COVID-19 faces many obstacles.

Factors Predicting the Effi cacy of Adefovir Dipivoxil on Treatment-Naïve Chronic Hepatitis B Patients at 48 Weeks

Li-Chun Wang,En-Qiang Chen,Xiao-Feng Zhu,Zhong-Hua Xiong,Li Liu,Lu Xu,Xue-Zhong Lei,Cong Liu,Hong Tang 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2011 Gut and Liver Vol.5 No.4

Background/Aims: To reveal possible factors predicting the effect of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and optimize the utilization of ADV. Methods:In total, 168 treatment-naïve CHB patients were enrolled,including 117 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients and 51 HBeAg-negative patients who met the inclusion criteria. All patients were treated with ADV 10 mg per day for 48 weeks. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to investigate baseline factors, and responses at weeks 12and 24 were analyzed as predictive values. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that baseline HBeAg status and HBV DNA levels signifi cantly affected the virological response (VR) (p<0.05), baseline ALT levels were an independent predictor of serological response (SR) (p<0.05) and the body mass index (BMI) may affect the biochemical response (BR)(p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the VR and SR between patients with a primary nonresponse (PNR) at week 12 and those with a VR at week 12 (p<0.01). Additionally, the VR was significantly different between patients with HBV DNA lower than 10^3 copies/mL at week 24 and those with greater than 10^3 copies/mL (p<0.01). Conclusions: Patients with negative HBeAg, lower HBV DNA levels and higher ALT values at baseline are more suitable for ADV treatment, whereas patients with lower BMIs may be more amenable to ALT normalization. Adjustments for treatment strategy should be considered if PNR at week 12 or HBV DNA ≥103 copies/mL at week 24 is observed.

Original Article : Factors Predicting the Effi cacy of Adefovir Dipivoxil on Treatment-Naive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients at 48 Weeks

( Li Chun Wang ),( En Qiang Chen ),( Xiao Feng Zhu ),( Zhong Hua Xiong ),( Li Liu ),( Lu Xu ),( Xue Zhong Lei ),( Cong Liu ),( Hong Tang ) 대한간학회 2011 Gut and Liver Vol.5 No.4

Background/Aims: To reveal possible factors predicting the effect of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and optimize the utilization of ADV. Methods: In total, 168 treatment-naive CHB patients were enrolled, including 117 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients and 51 HBeAg-negative patients who met the inclusion criteria. All patients were treated with ADV 10 mg per day for 48 weeks. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to investigate baseline factors, and responses at weeks 12 and 24 were analyzed as predictive values. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that baseline HBeAg status and HBV DNA levels signifi cantly affected the virological response (VR) (p<0.05), baseline ALT levels were an independent predictor of serological response (SR) (p<0.05) and the body mass index (BMI) may affect the biochemical response (BR) (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the VR and SR between patients with a primary nonresponse (PNR) at week 12 and those with a VR at week 12 (p<0.01). Additionally, the VR was significantly different between patients with HBV DNA lower than 103 copies/mL at week 24 and those with greater than 103 copies/mL (p<0.01). Conclusions: Patients with negative HBeAg, lower HBV DNA levels and higher ALT values at baseline are more suitable for ADV treatment, whereas patients with lower BMIs may be more amenable to ALT normalization. Adjustments for treatment strategy should be considered if PNR at week 12 or HBV DNA ≥103 copies/mL at week 24 is observed. (Gut Liver 2011;5:478-485)

Traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19 pandemic and emerging challenges: An online cross-sectional survey in China

Chun-Li Lu,Ruo-Xiang Zheng,Xue Xue,Xiao-Wen Zhang,Xue-Han Liu,Xin-Yan Jin,Feng-Lan Pu,Hui-Di Lan,Min Fang,Ling-Yao Kong,Merlin Willcox,Bertrand Graz,Joelle Houriet,Xiao-Yang Hu,Jian-ping Liu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.-

Background We aimed to investigate use of infection control behaviours, preventative and therapeutic interventions, and outcomes among respondents to an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods The survey was designed by an international team, translated and adapted to simplified Chinese, including 132 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation recommended by guidelines. It was distributed and collected from February to May 2021, with data analysed by WPS spreadsheet and wjx.cn. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics and clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatments, preventative behaviours and interventions, and their associated outcomes. Results The survey was accessed 503 times with 341 (67.8%) completions covering 23 provinces and four municipalities in China. Most (282/341, 82.7%) respondents reported no symptoms during the pandemic and the majority (290/341, 85.0%) reported having a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test at some point. Forty-five (13.2%) reported having a respiratory infection, among which 19 (42.2%) took one or more categories of modern medicine, e.g. painkillers, antibiotics; 16 (35.6%) used TCM interventions(s); while seven respondents combined TCM with modern medicine. All respondents reported using at least one behavioural or medical approach to prevention, with 22.3% taking TCM and 5.3% taking modern medicines. No respondents reported having a critical condition related to COVID-19. Conclusion We found evidence of widespread use of infection control behaviours, modern medicines and TCM for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory symptoms. Larger scale studies are warranted, including a more representative sample exploring TCM preparations recommended in clinical guidelines. Background We aimed to investigate use of infection control behaviours, preventative and therapeutic interventions, and outcomes among respondents to an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods The survey was designed by an international team, translated and adapted to simplified Chinese, including 132 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation recommended by guidelines. It was distributed and collected from February to May 2021, with data analysed by WPS spreadsheet and wjx.cn. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics and clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatments, preventative behaviours and interventions, and their associated outcomes. Results The survey was accessed 503 times with 341 (67.8%) completions covering 23 provinces and four municipalities in China. Most (282/341, 82.7%) respondents reported no symptoms during the pandemic and the majority (290/341, 85.0%) reported having a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test at some point. Forty-five (13.2%) reported having a respiratory infection, among which 19 (42.2%) took one or more categories of modern medicine, e.g. painkillers, antibiotics; 16 (35.6%) used TCM interventions(s); while seven respondents combined TCM with modern medicine. All respondents reported using at least one behavioural or medical approach to prevention, with 22.3% taking TCM and 5.3% taking modern medicines. No respondents reported having a critical condition related to COVID-19. Conclusion We found evidence of widespread use of infection control behaviours, modern medicines and TCM for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory symptoms. Larger scale studies are warranted, including a more representative sample exploring TCM preparations recommended in clinical guidelines.

Proteomic and Immunological Identification of Diagnostic Antigens from Spirometra erinaceieuropaei Plerocercoid

Yan Lu,Jia-Hui Sun,Li-Li Lu,Jia-Xu Chen,Peng Song,Lin Ai,Yu-Chun Cai,Lan-Hua Li,Shao-Hong Chen 대한기생충학열대의학회 2021 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.59 No.6

Photo-induced antifouling polyvinylidene fluoride ultrafiltration membrane driven by weak visible light

Ting Wang,Ling-li Jiang,Lu-lu Huang,Li-guang Wu,Chun-juan Li,Jing Cai 한국공업화학회 2020 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.89 No.-

To enhance the performance of ultrafiltration membranes, a polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) blendingmembrane with photo-induced antifouling performance was fabricated. La3+- and Yb3+-doped titaniumdioxide-reduced graphene oxide (TiO2-RGO) composites were initially prepared by adsorption-phasesynthesis coupled with solvothermal reduction. The doped TiO2-RGO composites were then blendedwith the PVDF materials. The results showed that adding well-distributed, doped, and hydrophilic TiO2-RGO improved the pore structures and surface polarity of the blending membranes, thus improving theirpermeation and antifouling performance. After addition of doped TiO2-RGO with photocatalytic activity,the antifouling performance of the resulting blending membranes increased under weak visible-lightirradiation. The agglomerated doped TiO2-RGO in the polymeric matrix reduced the hydrophilicity andporosity of the resulting membranes, thereby decreasing their water permeability and antifoulingperformance. Solvothermal reduction through ethylene glycol also improved the photocatalytic activityof Yb-doped TiO2-RGO and enhanced the affinity between doped TiO2-RGO and PVDF. These two effectssimultaneously increased the water permeability and photo-induced antifouling performance of theblending membranes. Theflux recovery rate of the blending membranes containing Yb-doped TiO2-RGOtreated by ethylene glycol exceeded 69% after illumination. In particular, theflux recovery rate ofmembranes reached about 96% after illumination coupling with washing.

Risk Factors for Anxiety in Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Li-Min Xin,Lin Chen,Zhen-Peng Ji,Suo-Yuan Zhang,Jun Wang,Yan-Hong Liu,Da-Fang Chen,Fu-De Yang,Gang Wang,Yi-Ru Fang,Zheng Lu,Hai-Chen Yang,Jian Hu,Zhi-Yu Chen,Yi Huang,Jing Sun,Xiao-Ping Wang,Hui-Chun 대한정신약물학회 2015 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.13 No.3

Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors related to anxiety in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: This study involved a secondary analysis of data obtained from the Diagnostic Assessment Service for People with Bipolar Disorders in China (DASP), which was initiated by the Chinese Society of Psychiatry (CSP) and conducted from September 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011. Based on the presence or absence of anxiety-related characteristics, 1,178 MDD patients were classified as suffering from anxious depression (n=915) or non-anxious depression (n=263), respectively. Results: Compared with the non-anxious group, the anxious-depression group had an older age at onset (t=−4.39, p<0.001), were older (t=−4.69, p<0.001), reported more lifetime depressive episodes (z=−3.24, p=0.001), were more likely to experience seasonal depressive episodes (χ2=6.896, p=0.009) and depressive episodes following stressful life events (χ2=59.350, p <0.001), and were more likely to have a family history of psychiatric disorders (χ2=6.091, p=0.014). Their positive and total scores on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the 32-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) (p<0.05) were also lower. The logistic regression analysis indicated that age (odds ratio [OR]=1.03, p<0.001), a lower total MDQ score (OR=0.94, p=0.011), depressive episodes following stressful life events (OR=3.04, p<0.001), and seasonal depressive episodes (OR=1.75, p=0.039) were significantly associated with anxious depression. Conclusion: These findings indicate that older age, fewer subclinical bipolar features, an increased number of depressive episodes following stressful life events, and seasonal depressive episodes may be risk factors for anxiety-related characteristics in patients with MDD.

Prenatal exposure to phencyclidine produces abnormal behaviour and NMDA receptor expression in postpubertal mice

Lu, Lingling,Mamiya, Takayoshi,Lu, Ping,Toriumi, Kazuya,Mouri, Akihiro,Hiramatsu, Masayuki,Kim, Hyoung-Chun,Zou, Li-Bo,Nagai, Taku,Nabeshima, Toshitaka Oxford University Press 2010 International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Vol.13 No.7

Experimental and Numerical Study on Flexural Performance of a Novel Steel-Encased Concrete Composite Beam

Li-Lin Cao,Ye-Jun Li,Manicka Dhanasekar,Chun-Hua Lu 대한토목학회 2021 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.25 No.5

This paper presents a novel configuration of high strength U-shaped steel-encased concrete composite beam (HUCB) in which shear studs connect concrete and U-shaped steel at top flanges and bottom plate. The junction surface of upper slab and lower portion is strengthened by evenly distributed inserted circular rebar. Two steel reinforcements are arranged in the composite beam along the longitudinal direction to reduce the deformation of encased concrete and provide adequate bending capacity under fire condition. Based on the flexural experiments of five specimens, the test failure pattern, load-deflection relation curves, sectional strain distribution at different height and ultimate flexural performance of the HUCB were obtained and are reported in this research. The experimental results show that the HUCB has high ductility and excellent flexural performance. According to test results of five specimens, new calculation formulae were presented to theoretically analyze the flexural capacity of the HUCB. The theoretical analysis values of flexural capacity according to the proposed calculation formulae are consistent with the test results of all specimens. A three-dimensional finite element model is also established to investigate structural performance of the proposed novel composite beam. Test results of five specimens verify the accuracy and validity of finite element analysis results. Parametric studies of the HUCB under positive bending moment are carried out to further analyse the influence of concrete compressive strength, yield strength of U-shaped steel plate and flange width of concrete slab on the flexural performance of the proposed new composite beam.

Measurement of TOF of fast neutrons with ²³⁸U target

Li, Meng,Guan, Yuanfan,Lu, Chengui,Zhang, Junwei,Yuan, Xiaohua,Duan, Limin,Yang, Herun,Hu, Rongjiang,He, Zhiyong,Wei, Xianglun,Ma, Peng,Gan, Zaiguo,Yang, Chunli,Zhang, Hongbin,Chen, Liang,Qiu, Tianli Korean Nuclear Society 2021 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.53 No.6

We developed a Dual-PPACs detector for fast neutron measurements that consists of two sets of PPAC: conventional PPAC and fission PPAC. A²³⁸U(U₃O₈) coating is placed in the fission PPAC's anode, which is used as the neutrons conversion layer. An experiment was performed to measure neutron time-of-flight (TOF) in which ²⁵²Cf spontaneous fission source was used. An excellent time resolution of 164ps has been observed at 6 mbar in isobutene gas. With the excellent time resolution of Dual-PPACs detector, exact neutron energy can be extracted from the timing measurement. The experimental detection efficiency was 1.9 × 10^-7, consistent with the efficiency of 2.5 × 10^-7 given by a Geant4 simulation. Ultimately, the results show that the Dual-PPACs detector is a suitable candidate for measuring fast neutrons in the future CiADS system.