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.

Pyrophosphate-triggered nanoaggregates with aggregation-induced emission

Li, Chun-Tao,Xu, You-Liang,Yang, Jian-Gong,Chen, Yong,Kim, Hyeong Seok,Cao, Qian-Yong,Kim, Jong Seung Elsevier Sequoia 2017 Sensors and actuators. B Chemical Vol.251 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A novel tetraphenylethene-based probe bearing bis-imidazolium anion donors is herein reported for pyrophosphate anion recognition. This probe can self-assemble finite, small sphere nanoaggregates with very weak emission in aqueous solution, and changes into large rod-like nanoaggregates with strong aggregation-induced emission upon binding with the pyrophosphate anion.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A bis-imidazolium functionalized tetraphenylethene probe was prepared. </LI> <LI> This probe self-assemble finite small sphere nanoaggregates in aqueous solution. </LI> <LI> The probe can recognize pyrophosphate anion with strong aggregation-induced emission. </LI> <LI> The probe/pyrophosphate assembly can fluorescence assay alkaline phosphatase. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>A novel nanoaggregates for recognition of pyrophosphate anion with aggregation-induced emission in pure aqueous solution is introduced.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Homocysteine-targeting compounds as a new treatment strategy for diabetic wounds via inhibition of the histone methyltransferase SET7/9

Li Guodong,Li Dan,Wu Chun,Li Shengnan,Chen Feng,Li Peng,Ko Chung-Nga,Wang Wanhe,Lee Simon Ming-Yuen,Lin Ligen,Ma Dik-Lung,Leung Chung-Hang 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

In hypoxia and hyperglycemia, SET7/9 plays an important role in controlling HIF-1α methylation and regulating the transcription of HIF-1α target genes, which are responsible for angiogenesis and wound healing. Here, we report the Ir(III) complex Set7_1a bearing acetonitrile (ACN) ligands as a SET7/9 methyltransferase inhibitor and HIF-1α stabilizer. Interestingly, Set7_1a could engage SET7/9 and strongly inhibit SET7/9 activity, especially after preincubation with homocysteine (Hcy), which is elevated in diabetes. We hypothesize that Set7_1a exchanges ACN subunits for Hcy to disrupt the interaction between SET7/9 and SAM/SAH, which are structurally related to Hcy. Inhibition of SET7/9 methyltransferase activity by Set7_1a led to reduced HIF-1α methylation at the lysine 32 residue, causing increased HIF-1α level and recruitment of HIF-1α target genes that promote angiogenesis, such as VEGF, GLUT1, and EPO, in hypoxia and hyperglycemia. Significantly, Set7_1a improved wound healing in a type 2 diabetic mouse model by activating HIF-1α signaling and downstream proangiogenic factors. To our knowledge, this is the first Hcy-targeting iridium compound shown to be a SET7/9 antagonist that can accelerate diabetic wound healing. More importantly, this study opens a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of diabetic wounds by the inhibition of SET7/9 lysine methyltransferase activity.

International Aid for Wildlife Conservation, Local Environmental Governance and Local Sustainable Livelihoods: Case of the Caohai Nature Reserve in China

( Li-chun Chen ) 한국환경경제학회·한국자원경제학회(구 한국환경경제학회) 2017 한국환경경제학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.2017 No.경제학 공동

With the international community clearly interested in environmental protection associated with rural development, the number of international aid projects on natural resources management or biodiversity protection has significantly grown, more than the number of projects in other fields. This paper takes a case of development assistance for biodiversity protection and poverty reduction at Guizhou Province in China. It examines not only the role of development assistance in reducing poverty with a goal to protect wild birds and broader biodiversity, but also actual activities which took place. The purpose of this paper is to show, through case analysis, how international aid efforts with a main goal of protecting the ecosystem can overcome unique difficulties that arise due to the fact that they must also reduce poverty. This paper argues that community-based regional development can contribute to the development of agricultural communities while preserving both traditional society and the environment. Environmental protection based on resident participation and close connection with local communities is effective even in areas of China as long as local residents hove long conducted economic activities for their livelihood there.

Identification of MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for detecting ischemic stroke

Li Kexin,Shen Li,Zheng Pingping,Wang Yanjun,Wang Lijuan,Meng Xiaoli,Lv Yaogai,Xue Zhiqiang,Guo Xin,Zhang Anning,Pan Pan,Bi Chunli,Chen Yang,Feng Tianyu,Li Bo,Jin Lina,Yao Yan 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.1

Background: Increasing epidemic of ischemic stroke (IS) makes it urgent to understand the pathogenesis and regulatory mechanism, previous studies have described microRNAs (miRNAs) is part of the brain's response to ischemia. Objective: The aim of this study was to screen potential biomarkers for the prediction and novel treatment of IS. Methods: Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened from three newly diagnosed IS patients and three controls by RNA sequencing technology. Furthermore, target prediction databases were then used to analysis the target genes of different expressed miRNAs, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database were used to identify the functions and the main biochemical and signal pathways of differentially expressed target genes. Results: Our results revealed that 27 miRNAs were differentially expressed in IS, among which, hsa-miR-659-5p was the most highly increased and was first found to be associated with IS. In addition, KEGG pathway analyses showed that differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly significantly enriched in lysosome pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, spliceosome pathway, base excision repair pathway. Conclusions: miRNAs were involved in IS pathogenesis, and hsa-miR-659-5p, hsa-miR-151a-3p and hsa-miR-29c-5p as the three highest |log2FoldChange| regulation in this study, which may be the biomarkers of IS and need further study.

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.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Induces Apoptosis through Inhibition of the EpoR-Mediated JAK2/STAT5 Signalling Pathway in the TF-1/Epo Human Leukemia Cell Line

Li, Jing,Wei, Qiang,Zuo, Guo-Wei,Xia, Jing,You, Zhi-Mei,Li, Chun-Li,Chen, Di-Long Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Ginsenoside Rg1 is one effective anticancer and antioxidant constituent of total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG), which has been shown to have various pharmacological effects. Our previous study demonstrated that Rg1 had anti-tumor activity in K562 leukemia cells. The aim of this study was designed to investigate whether Rg1 could induce apoptosis in TF-1/Epo cells and further to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we found that Rg1 could inhibit TF-1/Epo cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in vitro in a concentration and time dependent manner. It also suppressed the expression of EpoR on the surface membrane and inhibited JAK2/STAT5 pathway activity. Rg1 induced up-regulation of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and C-PAPR protein and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and AG490, a JAK2 specific inhibitor, could enhance the effects of Rg1. Our studies showed that EpoR-mediated JAK2/STAT5 signaling played a key role in Rg1-induced apoptosis in TF-1/Epo cells. These results may provide new insights of Rg1 protective roles in the prevention a nd treatment of leukemia.

An Interpretative Study on Nurses' Perspectives of Working in an Overcrowded Emergency Department in Taiwan

Li-Chin Chen,Chun-Chih Lin,Chin-Yen Han,Chun-Lan Hsieh,Chiung-Jung (Jo) Wu,Hwey-Fang Liang 한국간호과학회 2018 Asian Nursing Research Vol.12 No.1

Purpose: This study aims to gain in-depth understanding of nurses' perspectives of working in an overcrowded emergency. Methods: Symbolic interactionism and Charmaz’s construction of grounded theory were used. Purposive sampling at the start of the study and a further theoretical sampling by snowball technique were used to recruit 40 registered nurses (RN) to participate in in-depth, semi-structured interviews betweenMay and November, 2014. Data analysis included analytic techniques of initial, focused and theoretical coding. Results: Study findings showed searching for work role is derived by the themes of Finding the role of positioning in Emergency Department (ED), Recognizing causes of ED overcrowding, and Confined working environment. Nurses' work experience which represents the RNs not gained control over their work, as care actions influenced by the problematic overcrowded circumstance of the ED environment. Conclusion: The findings fill a gap in knowledge about how RNs experience their work role in the context of an overcrowded Emergency Department in Taiwan. Arising from the study result include taking account of nurses' perspectives when planning staff/patient ratios, strategies to reduce waiting time and ensure that clients receive appropriate care.

Ligand-Receptor Recognition for Activation of Quorum Sensing in Staphylococcus aureus

Li-Chun Chen,Li-Tse Tsou,Feng-Jui Chen 한국미생물학회 2009 The journal of microbiology Vol.47 No.5

The accessory gene regulator (agr) locus controls many of the virulence toxins involved in Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis, and can be divided into four specificity groups. AgrC is the only group-specific receptor to mediate both intra-group activation and inter-group inhibition. We studied the ligand-receptor recognition of the agr system in depth by using a luciferase reporter system to identify the key residues responsible for AgrC activation in two closely related agr groups, AgrC-I, and AgrC-IV. Fusion PCR and site-directed mutagenesis were used to screen for functional residues of AgrC. Our data suggest that for AgrC-IV activation, residue 101 is critical for activating the receptor. In contrast, the key residues for the activation of AgrC-I are located at residues 49~59, 107, and 116. However, three residue changes, T101A, V107S, I116S, are sufficient to convert the AIP recognizing specificity from AgrC-IV to AgrC-I.

Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Human Papillomavirus Infections in Women Attending Hospitals in Chaozhou of Guangdong Province

Chen, Qiang,Luo, Zhao-Yun,Lin, Min,Lin, Qi-Li,Chen, Chan-Yu,Yang, Chun,Xie, Long-Xu,Li, Hui,Zheng, Jia-Kun,Yang, Li-Ye,Ju, Gui-Zhi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. Limited epidemiologic data of HPV prevalence are available for women attending hospitals in southern China. This study aimed to evaluate the profiles of HPV infection and cytology status in gynecological outpatients in Chaozhou City. Methods: A total of 2833 eligible women were enrolled. The HPV GenoArray test was used for HPV detection and genotyping. Nearly one half of the HPV positive women received liquid-based cytology test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the predictable effects of age and genotype for categories of abnormal cytology. Results: The prevalence of overall, high-risk, and low-risk HPV infection were 24.5%, 19.5% and 8.4%, respectively. A U-shaped age-specific prevalence curve was observed in overall HPV and high-risk HPV, but not in low-risk HPV, which declined with age increasing. The 6 most common high-risk HPV type in descending order, were types 52, 16, 58, 18, 68, and 33. Age and HPV genotype were both important determinants of abnormal cytology incidence, the older women (>45 years) and those infected with HPV type 16 and/or 18 having the highest risk for abnormal cytology. Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis that second-generation HPV prophylactic vaccines including HPV-52 and -58 may offer higher protection for women residing in Chaozhou and neighboring cities in Guangdong.