Scalp acupuncture is a therapeutic procedure that involves inserting needles into the scalp to treat various medical conditions, including pain and neurological and psychological disorders. The inter-system variability of scalp acupuncture limits secondary analysis and evidence synthesis, delaying its inclusion into evidence-based healthcare policies and establishment as a treatment intervention recognized by Western medicine. This scoping review aimed to identify the range of scalp acupuncture systems, systematically collect and summarize information on their general, anatomical, and clinical characteristics, and build a framework for understanding scalp acupuncture systems. This review included all English-language publications on scalp acupuncture applied to treat any health condition in humans. Extensive searches were conducted across bibliographic databases, journals, trial registries, and supplementary sources. The detailed general, anatomical, and clinical application characteristics of 19 scalp acupuncture systems were extracted. Data were collected and analyzed using charting and image manipulation software. Framework synthesis was performed using the Standard International Acupuncture Nomenclature Scalp Acupuncture as an a priori framework. The review revealed that the heterogeneity related to scalp acupuncture methods can be attributed to the high variability among the theoretical bases of different systems, intersystem mismatch in anatomical locations of treatment points and areas on the scalp, and inconsistencies in the methods used for locating them. These discrepancies in anatomical and clinical features have limited the synthesis and development of a framework for scalp acupuncture. Discussion and agreement on the anatomical locations of scalp stimulation areas, identification of methods for precise positioning of acupuncture areas on the scalp, and further exploration of theoretical bases will aid in the standardization of scalp acupuncture and improve the quality of research in this area.

Introduction: Growing evidence suggests that acupuncture can improve pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. The treatments used in research vary considerably. It remains unclear which treatment could be recommended for clinical practice. This research project aimed at clarifying how acupuncture could be used when treating this condition. Methods: This research comprised two phases: a systematized literature review to extract acupuncture treatment details from published research, and an e-Delphi study to gain knowledge about details as used by expert acupuncturists. Review: Four databases were searched using predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted based on the STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) criteria. e-Delphi: Purposeful sampling from colleagues and international experts. An open first round gathered qualitative data, analyzed with the Framework method. In rounds 2 and 3, experts rated statements to build group consensus, defined as a rating of ≥5 on a 7-point Likert scale by ≥70% of the experts. The strength of agreement was graded using the median score and interquartile range. Results from the literature review and the e-Delphi were compared using the STRICTA items. Results: The literature review (n = 29 unique studies) found a wide range of treatment details with little agreement. The e-Delphi of international experts (n = 20) resulted in agreement on 94 statements (such as key factors for effectiveness); disagreement on a further 29 (such as acupressure); and absence of consensus on 55 statements (such as the number of needle insertions). A comparison of the review and e-Delphi results found little agreement. Conclusions: Details of acupuncture treatment for endometriosis-related pelvic pain were presented. In the absence of acupuncture guidelines for this condition, the researchers of this e-Delphi recommend using the treatment details on which experts agreed as guidance for good practice. The effectiveness of these guidelines should be evaluated in future research. Study registration: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS00022215, June 30, 2020, retrospectively registered.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex lifelong disorder. While previous research reported on the effectiveness of acupuncture for PCOS symptoms, robust information on how PCOS is treated in community clinical practice remains sparse. This study explores how practitioners with training and certification in biomedicine and acupuncture for menstrual and reproductive health, American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) Fellows, approach the treatment of people with PCOS within the acupuncture clinic setting. Between February and March 2020, ABORM Fellows (n = 346) received a link to an online survey collecting characteristics of point selection, rationale, treatment frequency, and outcome measures used. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was coded, checked for interrater reliability, and analysed using a qualitative descriptive approach. One hundred and twenty-seven ABORM Fellows responded (36.7%). Practitioners reported a pragmatic approach to the treatment of PCOS in their acupuncture clinics, consistent with practising using a partnership model, especially with respect to treatment timings and frequency, often dictated by their patients’ practical and financial considerations. Acupuncture points SP6 (Sanyinjiao), SP9 (Yinlingquan), LR3 (Taichong), EX-CA-1 (Zigong), and CV4 (Guanyuan) were commonly used, following a combination of rationales provided including Drain Damp, Tonify the Spleen, and both Qi and blood movement. Local anatomy, timing of ovulation, and knowledge from research literature on acupuncture for PCOS also influenced point selection rationale. When treating PCOS in clinical practice, ABORM Fellows rely on both traditional and modern aspects of acupuncture and biomedicine to inform diagnosis, treatment, and outcome measures.

Abstract Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most popular type of lung cancer. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) is considered to be a carcinogen, and Sulfotanshinone IIA sodium (STS) has been proved to have anticancer effect. However, their role in LUAD and its underlying mechanism remains unclear.Objective: To figuring out the roles of eEF2K and STS in angiogenesis of LUAD and their underlying mechanism.Methods: The mRNA levels of genes were detected by qRT-PCR. The levels of proteins were measured by Western blot. The secretion of IL-6 was assessed by ELISA. The proliferation and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected by EdU assay and tubule formation assay, respectively.Results: Our results illustrated that eEF2K knockdown-LUAD cells synergize STS inhibited the proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs, eEF2K knockdown synergized STS inhibited the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in LUAD cells, and eEF2K knockdown-LUAD cells synergized STS to inhibit the proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs, which were dependent on IL-6 secretion and Transglutaminase 2 (TG2). Moreover, eEF2K knockdown-LUAD cells synergized STS inhibited IL-6/STAT3/VEGFR2 pathway depended on TG2. Conclusion: Our research ultimately illustrated that eEF2K knockdown synergized STS to inhibit the angiogenesis of LUAD via TG2/IL-6/VEGFR2 pathway.

BackgroundAcupuncture is a popular treatment for women’s health. Several trials and meta-analysis have been published in recent years on key women’s health conditions but it is unclear if this has led to any changes in clinical practice or referrals from other health professionals. The aim of this survey was to explore if, how, and why, aspects of acupuncture practice have changed since our survey in 2013.MethodAn online cross-sectional survey of registered acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners in Australia and New Zealand. Questions covered the practitioner demographics and training, women’s health conditions commonly treated, modalities used, sources of information and continuing education (CE) (e.g. webinars), changes in clinical practice, and referral networks.ResultsOne hundred and seventy registered practitioners responded to this survey, with 93% reporting treating women’s health in the last 12 months. The majority of respondents were from Australia (60%), held a bachelors level qualification (60%), and used a traditional Chinese medicine framework (86%). Most practitioners incorporated other modalities in addition to acupuncture. Most practitioners’ referral networks were predominantly based on word of mouth for menstrual, fertility and pregnancy related conditions, with referrals from medical practitioners being much less common. More than half (57%) reported having changed their women’s health practice in the past 12 months; just over a quarter of those who changed treatment (27%) reported it was due to research findings. The most commonly used sources of information/CE used to inform treatment were webinars and conferences, while peer-reviewed journal articles were the least commonly used source.ConclusionAcupuncture practitioners in Australia and New Zealand commonly treat women’s health conditions, but this is usually the result of women seeking them out, rather than being referred from a medical practitioner. The majority of practitioners did report changing their women’s health practice, but peer reviewed academic articles alone are not an ideal medium to convey this information since practitioners favour knowledge obtained from webinars and conferences. Academics and other clinician researchers should consider alternative means of disseminating knowledge beyond traditional academic publications and conferences, special interest groups may assist in this and also help improve research literacy.

Environmentalist are sceptical towards the burgeoning interests of consumers in GM crops and the products are under careful observation of the scientific researchers and policymakers present all around the globe. The objective of the paper is to examine the Developing Nation consumers intention towards GM Food as a purchase choice. To elucidate the role played by determinant factors such as Environmentalism and Emotional Involvement followed by factors from TPB was used to determine the consumer intentions. The study has exploited the hypermarket trends of Indian city, Chandigarh, which is capital to states of Haryana and Punjab, by using a cross-sectional survey comprising of 744 number of consumers. Result shows that among the five determinant factors, Attitude, Environmentalism and Perceived Behavioral Control are the key determinants that play a substantial role in influencing consumers to purchase GM Food. The findings of the study will prove beneficial in augmenting the adoption of GM Food by increasing social desirability and meeting the food security demand of India.

Abstract Background Acupuncture is growing in popularity as a treatment option for women’s health worldwide with reported increasing usage in the last ten years. A significant number of clinical trials and meta-analysis are now published on aspects of women’s health treatment with acupuncture. The aim of this survey was to explore if, how and why, aspects of acupuncture practice has changed since our last survey in 2013. Method An online cross-sectional survey of registered acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners in Australia and New Zealand. Questions covered the practitioner demographics and training, women’s health conditions commonly treated, modalities used, sources of information and continuing education (CE) (e.g. webinars), changes in clinical practice, and referral networks. Results One hundred and seventy registered practitioners responded to this survey, with 93% reporting treating women’s health in the last 12 months. The majority of respondents were from Australia (60%), held a bachelors level qualification (60%), and used a traditional Chinese medicine framework (86%). Most practitioners incorporated other modalities in addition to acupuncture. Most practitioners’ referral networks were predominantly based on word of mouth for menstrual, fertility and pregnancy related conditions, with referrals from medical practitioners being much less common. More than half (57%) reported having changed their women’s health practice in the past 12 months; just over a quarter of those who changed treatment (27%) reported it was due to research findings. The most commonly used sources of information/CE used to inform treatment were webinars and conferences, while peer-reviewed journal articles were the least commonly used source. Conclusion Acupuncture practitioners in Australia and New Zealand commonly treat women’s health conditions, but this is usually the result of women seeking them out, rather than being referred from a medical practitioner. The majority of practitioners did report changing their women’s health practice, but peer reviewed academic articles alone are not an ideal medium to convey this information since practitioners favour knowledge obtained from webinars and conferences. Academics and other clinician researchers should consider alternative means of disseminating knowledge beyond traditional academic publications and conferences, special interest groups may assist in this and also help improve research literacy.