This work was supported by the National Nature Foundation of China (grant number 82004504) and the Chinese Medicine Administration of Sichuan Province (grant number 2021MS199).

1. Software installation
<ol>
	<li>RevMan software installation
	<ol>
		<li>Go to RevMan&#39;s official website (see Table of Materials), and according to the configuration of the computer system, select the compatible software version, and download it in the form of an exe file.</li>
		<li>Double-click to run the exe file: Next &#62; Select the appropriate installation path &#62; Next &#62; Finish.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>EndNote software installation
	<ol>
		<li>Go to EndNote&#39;s official website (see Table of Materials) to download the installation package compatible with the computer&#39;s version as a ZIP file.</li>
		<li>Decompress the ZIP file within a local folder. Double-click to start the installer.</li>
		<li>Configure the installation options: Next &#62; Welcome to Endnote X9 &#62; I would like a 30-day free trail &#62; Next &#62; I accept the license agreement &#62; Next &#62; Typical &#62; Next &#62; Finish.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Literature search and screening
<ol>
	<li>Create the retrieval strategy. Determine the search terms according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The details of the retrieval strategy for this study are provided in Supplementary File 1.</li>
	<li>Perform a literature search through various databases (common databases: Pubmed, CBM, Web of Science, CNKI, Cochrane Library, VIP, Embase, and Wan fang; see Table of Materials). Take PubMed as an example:
	<ol>
		<li>Go to the PubMed database website.</li>
		<li>Enter the retrieval strategy based on the Pubmed search rules. 
		NOTE: In this study, the query might be (&#34;insomnia&#34; OR &#34;restlessness&#34; OR &#34;sleeplessness&#34; OR &#34;wakefulness&#34; OR &#34;inability to sleep&#34;) AND (&#34;Medicine, Chinese Traditional&#34; OR &#34;Traditional Chinese Medicine&#34; OR &#34;Zhong Yi Xue&#34; OR &#34;Chinese Traditional Medicine&#34; OR &#34;Chinese patent medicine&#34; OR &#34;Shugan Jieyu Capsules&#34;). In this query, the operator &#34;AND&#34; indicates that the studies must have all the keywords, the operator &#34;OR&#34; indicates that the studies must have at least one of the keywords, and the parentheses indicate the order of these logical operations. The literature search time for this study was up to February 21, 2022 (Supplementary Figure 1A).</li>
		<li>Download all the retrieved literature: Save &#62; PubMed &#62; Create file (Supplementary Figure 1B).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Perform the literature screening. 
	NOTE: Take Pubmed as an example using Endnote.
	<ol>
		<li>Import the retrieved literature: File &#62; Import &#62; Options &#62; Import Options &#62; PubMed (NLM) &#62; Import (Supplementary Figure 2A).</li>
		<li>Create inclusion and exclusion groups: My Groups &#62; Create group set or Create group. For example, the exclusion groups contain inappropriate interventions, inappropriate patients, duplication of literature, etc. (Supplementary Figure 2B).</li>
		<li>Remove the duplicates: All References &#62; References &#62; Find Duplicates &#62; Cancel. Then, all the duplicate literature is selected. Drag all the selected documents to the left side of the &#34;Trash&#34; to exclude them. After automatically eliminating the duplicate literature, manually check again to eliminate any duplicate literature (Supplementary Figure 2C).</li>
		<li>For literature screening, firstly, read the titles and abstracts of the studies to delete any that do not meet the inclusion criteria, and then further read the full texts to determine whether each study is included.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Consider performing a manual search of the referenced works in the selected studies to increase the search&#39;s exhaustiveness.</li>
	<li>Consider reaching out to the corresponding authors of the literature to request any missing or unclear data to maximize study inclusion and avoid uncertainty in the data collection. 
	NOTE: The literature search and screening must be performed by two or more independent researchers. Final decisions should be made after discussion, or a third researcher must judge in the case of disagreement.</li>
	<li>Use Microsoft Word to create a PRISMA flowchart44 documenting the number of studies retrieved or excluded for each reason (Supplementary File 2).</li>
</ol>
3. Data extraction
<ol>
	<li>Create an Excel extraction spreadsheet containing a list of specific information to be extracted for each literature. For example, this information could include the first author, year of publication, sample size (experimental group/control group), gender, patient age, intervention, duration of treatment, and medication use in the experimental and control groups.</li>
	<li>Ensure that two reviewers independently conduct the data extraction and make the final decision after discussion or after a judgment by a third researcher when there is disagreement.</li>
	<li>Summarize the outcome indicators that reflect the effectiveness and safety of the treatment of insomnia with Shugan Jieyu capsules in the two groups. Extract the sample size and composition ratio for the outcome indicators of dichotomous variables; however, extract the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. 
	&#8203;NOTE: When two or more included studies mention the same outcome index, extract the specific data of that outcome index. For example, this could include the total clinical effectiveness rate, PSQI score, adverse effects, etc.</li>
</ol>
4. Risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence
<ol>
	<li>Use the Cochrane Risk Assessment Manual45 to evaluate the risk of bias (RoB) of the included literature.
	<ol>
		<li>Divide the evaluation grades into unclear, low, and high risk based on seven aspects: random sequence generation, blinding of participants and personnel, allocation concealment, incomplete outcome data, blinding of outcome assessment, selective reporting45, and other biases (other biases refer to the potential risk of bias in the included studies, such as in relation to the age of the participants, co-interventions, etc.).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Produce quality evaluation charts.
	<ol>
		<li>Create a new file. Open the RevMan software: File &#62; New &#62; Next, and then select an appropriate type of systematic evaluation: systematic evaluation &#62; Intervention review &#62; fill in the title &#62; Next &#62; Full review &#62; Finish (Supplementary Figure 3A).</li>
		<li>Add the included literature: Studies and references &#62; References to studies &#62; Included studies &#62; Add Study (Supplementary Figure 3B). Enter the study ID (e.g., Xiao Juan 2017)24.</li>
		<li>Enter the quality evaluation results: Tables &#62; Characteristics of studies &#62; Characteristics of included studies. Select the literature to be evaluated, and enter the evaluation result and basis for each item (Supplementary Figure 3C). 
		NOTE: If the RoB is &#34;Unclear risk&#34;, enter &#34;Unclear risk&#34; in the text box after it; otherwise, it cannot be displayed in the quality evaluation chart.</li>
		<li>Create a graph of the RoB: Figures &#62; Add Figure &#62; Risk of bias graph or Risk of bias summary &#62; Save (Supplementary Figure 4A).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Use the GRADE guidelines46 to assess the quality of evidence, and generate a summary sheet in which the results of each study included in the meta-analysis are classified based on evidence quality. 
	NOTE: The overall quality is downgraded according to five factors (risk of bias, indirectness, imprecision, inconsistency, and publication bias) and upgraded according to three factors (large effect size, negative bias, and dose-effect relationships). The GRADE guidelines classify the quality of evidence as high, medium, low, and very low, reflecting the degree of confidence that the effect estimates are correct.</li>
	<li>Ensure that two reviewers independently assess the risk of bias and quality of the evidence and that disagreements are resolved by discussion or by an adjudicator.</li>
</ol>
5. Meta-analysis
<ol>
	<li>Start the meta-analysis by using RevMan software: Data and analyses &#62; Add Comparison, then add a comparison and enter the name of the control group &#62; Finish.</li>
	<li>Add the outcome indicators: Add Outcome &#62; select the variable type (&#34;Dichotomous&#34; for dichotomous variables; &#34;Continuous&#34; for continuous variables) &#62; Next, and then enter the outcome indicators (e.g., &#34;Total clinical effectiveness&#34;, &#34;PSQI overall score&#34;) &#62; Finish (Supplementary Figure 4B).</li>
	<li>Add the study data: Add Study Data, then select the literature &#62; Finish (Supplementary Figure 5A).</li>
	<li>Create forest plots47: Enter the extracted data &#62; FE or RE &#62; Forest Plot&#160;(Supplementary Figure 5B). 
	NOTE: Due to the non-homogeneity of the population and intervention, random effect models were used to combine all the effect sizes in this study.</li>
</ol>

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

In the present study, a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu capsules for treating insomnia was conducted, and the following results were observed. In the experimental group, using Shugan Jieyu&#160;capsules in combination with conventional Western medicine improved the overall clinical effectiveness for patients with insomnia and resulted in higher PSQI scores. Additionally, the Shugan Jieyu capsules group showed improvements in clinical outcomes, such as sleep latency, night awakenin...

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in maintaining sleep, and premature or intermittent waking1, which can cause discomfort and disrupt daily functioning. According to the China Sleep Study Report (2022), over 300 million Chinese people suffered from sleep disorders in 2021, with a prevalence of insomnia among adults as high as 38.2%2.
Western medicine for insomnia treatment typically involves psychological therapies or medication3. Psychotherapies, such as simple insomnia behavior therapy and cognitive insomnia behavior therapy, aim to modify the behaviors that contribute to sleep difficulties. Sedative-hypnotic drugs, which act quickly to induce sleep, are also commonly used to treat insomnia4. However, these drugs can have toxic side effects, including respiratory depression, hypotension, and excessive sedation. The prolonged usage of these drugs can lead to dependence, resulting in significant harm and burden to the patients and their families5,6,7. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), insomnia is referred to as &#34;no sleep&#34; or &#34;sleeplessness&#34; and is believed to result from deficiencies in organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart, as well as dysfunction of the heart and mind8. In the history of traditional Chinese medicine, several experts have described the mechanisms underlying insomnia; specifically, insomnia is thought to occur due to disorder of the function of the internal organs, the loss of harmony between the qi and blood, and the disorder of yin and yang, which lead to a loss of nourishment or the disturbance of the heart and mind. The basic pathological alternation of insomnia is the loss of yang and yin9. Utilizing the active ingredients of TCM and following the principles of TCM compounding for complex conditions, research10,11,12,13 has shown that TCM plays a critical role in preventing and treating insomnia. One example of a TCM treatment for insomnia is the Shugan Jieyu capsule14, which comprises Hypericumperforatum L15,16 and Acanthopanax senticosus17.
Acanthopanax senticosus18,19, a traditional Chinese herb, has been used for tonifying the middle qi and kidney and calming the mind. It has been found to effectively improve symptoms such as insomnia, excessive dreaming, and neurasthenia. Hypericum perforatum20, another traditional Chinese herb, has demonstrated antidepressant properties, with its active components potentially possessing similar antidepressant effects to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAS) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but with better tolerability. The combination of Hypericum perforatum and Acanthopanax senticosus has been found to regulate neurotransmitters, improve neuronal synaptic plasticity, and clinically relieve insomnia caused by mental illness; indeed, it improves the sleep quality and cognitive function of patients with liver-depression type insomnia21,22. Syndrome differentiation is a unique characteristic of TCM. The Shugan Jieyu capsule containing Hypericum perforatum and Acanthopanax senticosus is formulated to treat insomnia caused by stagnation of liver qi. It has been reported to be effective in improving the condition and safety of patients21,22. Combining these two herbs has been proven to relieve depression, calm the mind, soothe the liver, and strengthen the spleen23,24,25. However, there currently needs to be more conclusive evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu capsules in treating insomnia.
There are various forms of Chinese herbal medicine for treating insomnia, including decoction, patent medicine, plaster, and auricular point sticking26. Previous research has examined the effect of traditional Chinese herbs on insomnia using meta-analyses. It has been found that traditional Chinese herbs significantly improve the symptoms of patients with primary insomnia, are superior to placebo, and have promising potential for research and development27,28. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of the Shugan Jieyu capsule in treating insomnia through a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis in order to provide clinical evidence and guidance for using these capsules.
The inclusion criteria for this study were defined using the population, intervention or exposure, comparison, outcome(s) (PICO) framework29. The inclusion criteria for this study were as follows: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or semi-RCTs that enrolled patients diagnosed with insomnia30; (2) studies in which the experimental group received Western medicine in combination with Shugan Jieyu capsules, while the control group received Western medicine alone (Western medicines include alprazolam tablets31, risperidone32, estazolam tablets33, aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets34, mirtazapine35, escitalopram oxalate tablets36, eszopiclone tablets37, zopiclone tablets38, and fluoxetine dispersible tablets39); (3) studies published in Chinese or English; (4) studies in which the primary outcomes were the overall clinical effectiveness and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)40. According to the &#34;Diagnostic Effectiveness Criteria for Chinese Medicine Evidence&#34;41 and the &#34;Guidelines for Clinical Research on New Chinese Medicines&#34;42, effective clinical outcomes are defined as patients being clinically documented as cured or showing efficacious results. The secondary outcomes identified include sleep latency, sleep duration, nighttime awakening, nightmares with excessive dreaming, daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, and sleep quality, all evaluated by the PSQI scale and the frequency of adverse events. Among these outcome measures, sleep latency, sleep duration, nighttime awakening, nightmares, daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, and sleep quality are all evaluated using the PSQI scale43.
The exclusion criteria were defined according to the PICO framework. The exclusion criteria for this study were as follows: (1) studies unrelated to insomnia; (2) duplicate published research; (3) non-randomized controlled trials; (4) non-clinical patient studies, such as preclinical and animal model studies; and (5) case reports, comments, conferences, reviews, and dissertations.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Endnote</td><td>Clarivate</td><td>Free trial version</td><td>EndNote is a widely used reference management tool to help you collect, organize, and share your references. Official website: https://endnote.com/downloads</td></tr><tr><td>Microsoft Excel</td><td>Microsoft</td><td>Official Version</td><td>Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet software with an intuitive interface, excellent computing capabilities and charting tools, is one of the most popular data processing software for personal computers.</td></tr><tr><td>Microsoft Word</td><td>Microsoft</td><td>Official Version</td><td>Microsoft Word offers a number of easy-to-use document creation tools, as well as a rich set of features for creating complex documents, as well as text formatting or image manipulation.</td></tr><tr><td>Revman</td><td>Cochrane collaboration</td><td>Official Version</td><td>Review Manager (RevMan) is the international Cochrane Collaboration&#039;s proprietary software for systematic reviewers to produce and maintain Cochrane systematic reviews. Official website: https://training.cochrane.org/online-learning/core-software-cochrane-reviews/revman/revman-5-download/download-and-installation</td></tr><tr><td>&lt;strong&gt;Database websites&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>CBM</td><td></td><td></td><td>http://www.sinomed.ac.cn/</td></tr><tr><td>CNKI</td><td></td><td></td><td>https://www.cnki.net/</td></tr><tr><td>Cochrane Library</td><td></td><td></td><td>https://www.cochranelibrary.com/</td></tr><tr><td>Embase</td><td></td><td></td><td>https://www.embase.com/</td></tr><tr><td>Pubmed</td><td></td><td></td><td>https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/</td></tr><tr><td>VIP</td><td></td><td></td><td>http://www.cqvip.com/</td></tr><tr><td>Wan fang</td><td></td><td></td><td>https://www.wanfangdata.com.cn/</td></tr><tr><td>Web of Science</td><td></td><td></td><td>http://www.webofscience.com/</td></tr></tbody></table>

meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of shugan jieyu capsules for the treatment of insomnia

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu capsules for treating insomnia by searching seven databases up to February 21, 2022. The study was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the risk of bias assessment tool. This article describes in detail how to retrieve and screen the literature. The detailed steps for conducting the meta-analysis are also included in the protocol. Fourteen studies were found to be eligible, including 1,283 insomnia patients (644 with and 639 without Shugan Jieyu capsules at baseline). The meta-analysis showed a better total clinical effectiveness (odds ratio [OR]: 5.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.56 to 9.15) and a lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (mean difference [MD]: &#8722;2.95, 95% CI: &#8722;4.97 to &#8722;0.93) with combined Shugan Jieyu capsules and Western medicine compared to Western medicine alone. The secondary outcomes showed that the Shugan Jieyu capsule group had significantly reduced adverse reactions and improvements in sleep duration, night awakening, nightmares with excessive dreaming, daytime sleepiness, and low energy. Further multicenter randomized trials must be encouraged to provide more concrete evidence on whether Shugan Jieyu capsules are beneficial in routine clinical practice.

Search results 
A total of 1,117 studies were identified from databases, including 204 in Chinese and 913 in English. After eliminating 392 duplicates, 725 studies remained. After reading the titles and abstracts, 31 studies remained. Eventually, 14 studies were included through reading the full texts. The search process and selection procedure are shown in Figure 1.
Study characteristics 
The characteristics of the incl...

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Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia

The presented protocol describes an investigation strategy and systematic review to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu capsules for treating insomnia.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu capsules for treating insomnia by ...

meta-analysis-effectiveness-safety-shugan-jieyu-capsules-for

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992 Views.  Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The presented protocol describes an investigation strategy and systematic review to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu capsules for treating insomnia.

Video: Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia

Evaluating the Anti-depression Effect of Xiaoyaosan on Chronically-stressed Mice

In addition to the standardized use of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, the usage of traditional Chinese medicine has lead to an overall improvement of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the mouse depressive model, observe the behavior changes associated with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and then evaluate the anti-depression effect of Xiaoyaosan. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, a model group, a treatment group with Xiaoyaosan, and a treatment group with fluoxetine. All mice were individually kept in cages, and depression was induced in the mice by exposing them to several designed manipulations of CUMS for 21 days, as described in the protocol. Mice in the control group and model group received 0.5 mL of distilled water, while mice in the treatment groups received either Xiaoyaosan (0.25 g/kg/day) or fluoxetine (2.6 mg/kg/day). The drugs used in the study were given intragastrically daily during the entire three weeks. To estimate the depressive-like behaviors, a series of parameters including the coat state, body weight, open field test score, and sucrose preference test score were recorded. Data analysis showed that behaviors of model mice were significantly changed compared to behaviors of mice in the control group, which were improved by the treatment of Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine. The current findings demonstrated the anti-depression effects of Xiaoyaosan on the behaviors of CUMS-induced mice and revealed that compounds from the Xiaoyaosan prescription may be worthwhile for treating depression, considering their beneficial effects on depressive-like behaviors.

Here, we present a protocol to establish the mouse depressive model, observe the behavior changes associated with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and evaluate the anti-depression effect of Xiaoyaosan.

In addition to the standardized use of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, the usage of traditional Chinese medicine has lead to an overall ...

Behavior

Moxibustion Strategies for Mice

The field of moxibustion research is expanding, with a rapid increase in publications in recent years. Moxibustion is a therapy that ignites moxa on the skin of humans, with an increase in peripheral skin temperature and localized redness. During this treatment, the recipient must remain still to prevent scalding and expose intervention sites for easy manipulation; however, maintaining a fixed posture during moxibustion is a big challenge for animals. Thus, manipulating moxibustion in small animals, such as mice, can lead to several difficulties for researchers. In addition, an uncomfortable posture for animals can lead to fear and resistance to moxibustion, increased risk of injury, diminished animal welfare, and less valid research data. An efficient, comfortable moxibustion method is needed to protect animal welfare and minimize the adverse effects on experimental results. However, moxibustion methods are highly variable and often have limited efficacy. More importantly, an uncomfortable moxibustion posture might cause a stress response, such as those observed with anxiety, fear, and anger, which could influence the research data. Therefore, strategies for animal moxibustion that inflict the least harm possible during the intervention are required. This protocol introduces a mouse tethering method for moxibustion intervention, minimizing mouse discomfort and improving study efficiency. Essential strategies for tethering mice and application of moxibustion are highlighted, and the structure of the tethering instrument is described.

The present protocol describes a moxibustion application method for mice, with the benefits of reducing mouse fearfulness, guaranteeing their welfare, and improving efficiency for researchers.

The field of moxibustion research is expanding, with a rapid increase in publications in recent years. Moxibustion is a therapy that ignites moxa on the ...

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

Recording of the epidural electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) in small animals, like mice and rats, has been pivotal to study the homeodynamics and circuitry of sleep-wake regulation. In many laboratories, a cable-based sleep recording system is used to monitor the EEG and EMG in freely behaving mice in combination with computer software for automatic scoring of the vigilance states on the basis of power spectrum analysis of EEG data. A description of this system is detailed herein. Steel screws are implanted over the frontal cortical area and the parietal area of 1 hemisphere for monitoring EEG signals. In addition, EMG activity is monitored by the bilateral placement of wires in both neck muscles. Non-rapid eye movement (Non-REM; NREM) sleep is characterized by large, slow brain waves with delta activity below 4 Hz in the EEG, whereas a shift from low-frequency delta activity to a rapid low-voltage EEG in the theta range between 6 and 10 Hz can be observed at the transition from NREM to REM sleep. By contrast, wakefulness is identified by low- to moderate-voltage brain waves in the EEG trace and significant EMG activity.

The recording of electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) in freely behaving mice is a critical step to correlate behavior and physiology with sleep and wakefulness. The experimental protocol described herein provides a cable-based system for acquiring EEG and EMG recordings in mice.

Recording of the epidural electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) in small animals, like mice and rats, has been pivotal to study the ...

Neuroscience

Estrogen-Like Effect of Bazi Bushen Capsule in Ovariectomized Rats

This study aims to show the estrogen-like effect of Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS), a Chinese herbal compound, in ovariectomized mice. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: a sham-operated group, a model group (OVX), a progynova group, and BZBS groups (1, 2, and 4 d/kg/d). An ovariectomy was performed on all rats except those in the sham-operated group. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning, hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection were performed after 4 months of BZBS treatment. As a result, compared with the OVX group, rats treated with BZBS showed an increased number and area of trabecular bone and bone marrow cells, and a decreased number of adipose cells. The bone volume, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness of the right tibia in the medication groups increased and the trabecular space decreased. The 17&#946;-estradiol and serum calcium levels in the medication groups were elevated, but the levels of serum phosphorus, sclerostin, &#946;-CTX, and TRACP-5b were decreased. In the medication groups, the RANKL and sclerostin levels were decreased, while the osteoprotegerin (OPG) level was increased. In conclusion, this protocol systematically evaluated the therapeutic effects and potential molecular mechanisms of Chinese herbal compounds in ovariectomized rats with a variety of techniques.

Presented here is a protocol to show that Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS) can regulate the RANKL/OPG signaling pathway in the ovariectomized rodent model through its estrogen-like effect.

This study aims to show the estrogen-like effect of Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS), a Chinese herbal compound, in ovariectomized mice. Female Sprague-Dawley ...

Acupuncture Stimulation of Ears to Alleviate Sleeping Disorders in COPD Patients

Auricular Acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Sleep Disorders

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by persistent and irreversible airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. It has a wide spectrum of complications, and sleep disorders, as part of it, are common in severe cases, especially in elderly patients. Long-term lack of sleep may lead to the aggravation of the original disease, reducing patients' quality of life. Benzodiazepines are mainly used for symptomatic treatment of COPD combined with sleep disorders. However, such drugs have the side effect of respiratory central inhibition and could probably aggravate hypoxia symptoms. Auricular acupuncture is a special method of treating physical and psychosomatic dysfunctions by stimulating specific points in the ear. This article explains the specific methods of clinical operation of auricular acupuncture in detail, including assessment of patient eligibility, medical devices used, acupuncture points, course of treatment, post-treatment care, responses to emergencies, etc. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment scale (CAT) were used as the observational index of this method. So far, clinical reports have proved that auricular acupuncture has a definite curative effect in the treatment of COPD combined with sleep disorders, and its advantages of simple operation, few adverse reactions are worthy of further study and promotion, which provide a reference for the clinical treatment of such diseases.

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders 

This protocol introduces an effective method to improve the sleep condition of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and alleviate cough symptoms by using auricular acupuncture techniques to percutaneously stimulate specific acupoints in the patients' ears.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by persistent and irreversible airflow limitation and chronic ...

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Viral Encephalitis Treatments

The Adjuvant Efficacy of Angong Niuhuang Pill in the Treatment of Viral Encephalitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of Angong Niuhuang Pill (ANP) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of viral encephalitis. Seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, SinoMed, CNKI, VIP and WanFang) were included for literature retrieval from inception to July 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing ANP plus conventional therapy with conventional therapy alone were eligible. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for evaluating efficacy and safety. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessments were performed for analyzing the inconclusiveness of findings. 13 studies involving 1045 cases were included for meta-analysis. Adjuvant treatment with ANP increased the probability of the total effective rate by 17% compared with conventional treatment (Risk ratios (RR) = 1.17, 95%CI [1.08, 1.27]). The disappearance time of clinical syndromes and signs was significantly decreased after adjuvant treatment with ANP, including the time of defervescence (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1.59, 95%CI [-2.09, -1.09]), the time of consciousness recovery (WMD = -1.79, 95%CI [-2.06, -1.51]), the time of headache disappearance (WMD = -1.51, 95%CI [-1.93, -1.08]), the time of tic disappearance (WMD = -1.88, 95%CI [-2.39, -1.36]). The adjuvant efficacy of ANP for treating viral encephalitis (VE) appears to improve the total effective rate and shorten the disappearance time of clinical syndromes. More high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to support our findings.

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment

Here, we present a protocol to analyze the effectiveness and safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in the treatment of viral encephalitis.

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of Angong Niuhuang Pill (ANP) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of viral encephalitis. Seven ...

Assessing Sleep Quality and Cognitive Function in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Cognitive symptoms and sleep disturbance (SD) are common non-mood-related symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). In clinical practice, both cognitive symptoms and SD are related to MDD progression. However, there are only a few studies investigating the connection between cognitive symptoms and SD in patients with MDD, and only preliminary evidence suggests a significant association between cognitive symptoms and SD in patients with mood disorders. This study investigates the relationship between cognitive symptoms and sleep quality in patients with major depressive disorder. Patients (n = 20) with MDD were enrolled; their mean Hamilton Depression Scale-17 score was 21.95 (&plusmn;2.76). Gold standard polysomnography (PSG) was used to assess sleep quality, and the validated THINC-integrated tool (the cognitive screening tool) was used to evaluate cognitive function in MDD patients. Overall, the results showed significant correlations between the cognitive screening tool's total score and sleep latency, wake-after-sleep onset, and sleep efficiency. These findings indicate that cognitive symptoms are associated with poor sleep quality among patients with MDD.

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Here, we present a protocol that investigates the relationship between cognitive symptoms and sleep quality in patients with major depressive disorder. The THINC-integrated tool and polysomnography were used to evaluate cognitive symptoms and sleep quality.

Cognitive symptoms and sleep disturbance (SD) are common non-mood-related symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). In clinical practice, both ...

Acupoint and Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders in AECOPD Patients

Acupoint Application Combined with Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation, which is not fully reversible and progressive. Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) refers to acute changes in respiratory distress, cough, and sputum in COPD patients at baseline levels. Sleep disorders are a very common complication in patients with AECOPD. At present, long-term use of sedative-hypnotics alone has many side effects, such as mental and physical dependence and cognitive impairment. While the efficacy of other special intervention methods is not clear, and the cost is high, there is an urgent need for effective and safe treatment in clinics. Acupoint application and ear plaster therapy are considered the characteristic therapies of traditional Chinese medicine. They have the advantages of small side effects, high safety, and simple procedure. This study will elucidate in detail the specific process and efficacy of the two treatment methods for AECOPD complicated with sleep disorders, including medical devices used, selection of acupoints, procedure, and posttreatment care. This study is intended to provide a new reference for the clinical treatment modality of this type of disease.

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD &#8212; A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach

The present protocol describes the specific process and efficacy of the acupoint application combined with ear plaster therapy for sleep disorders in a patient with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including medical devices, selection of acupoints, operating methods, and posttreatment care.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation, which is not fully reversible and ...

Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview

Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA&#39;s interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry. While benzodiazepines are effective and fast-acting, they come with adverse effects, including sedation, impaired coordination, and a risk of dependence. Long-term use of benzodiazepines is not recommended due to these side effects.
2. Buspirone (Buspar):
Buspirone has a great affinity for serotonin receptors, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2, promoting serotonergic neurotransmission to relieve anxiety. Compared to benzodiazepines, buspirone does not provide immediate relief and typically takes 2-4 weeks to work. It also causes less sedation and cognitive malfunction than benzodiazepines but may lead to additional side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
3. Antidepressants:
Antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), elevate serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. By prolonging neurotransmission, these drugs mitigate anxiety symptoms. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these drugs typically take effect in 4-6 weeks. SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly prescribed as long-term therapies, due to their effectiveness in treating various anxiety disorders. Side effects may include headache, sexual dysfunction, headaches, nausea and dizziness, and sedation.
4. &#946;-Adrenoceptor Antagonists (&#946;-Blockers):
&#946;-Blockers help reduce tremors and lower heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline. The only &#946;-Blocker used off-label for anxiety is propranolol (Inderal). It is used when physical anxiety symptoms, such as trembling and palpitations, are prominent. However, it can cause side effects like fatigue, dizziness, and hypotension. Notably, it is not FDA-approved for anxiety as It also does not directly treat the psychological components of anxiety. However, it is used to reduce symptoms of stage fright or performance anxiety (e.g. tremors, tachycardia)&#160; and is not appropriate for long-term treatment. 
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Anxiolytic drugs, including benzodiazepines, buspirone, antidepressants, and &#946;-Blockers, provide valuable therapeutic options for individuals struggling with anxiety disorders. Healthcare professionals must carefully evaluate the patient&#39;s specific symptoms and medical history when prescribing these medications.

Anxiolytic drugs effectively manage anxiety disorders by alleviating symptoms like excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors.
Anxiolytics encompass ...

Pharmacology

Anxiolytics, Sedatives and Hypnotics

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. These disruptions result in sleepiness, mood disturbances, and impaired performance. Insomnia can be transient (lasting a few days), short-term (a few weeks), or chronic (more than three months).
&#160;Management of insomnia involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle modifications, and pharmacotherapy if needed. Good sleep hygiene includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding certain activities close to bedtime, such as exercise and caffeine intake. CBT for insomnia aims to reshape thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to insomnia. Techniques include stimulus control to establish strong sleep cues, sleep restriction to improve sleep efficiency, and relaxation training to reduce anxiety and promote restfulness.
In addition, sedative-hypnotics may be used to manage severe insomnia under medical supervision. These are a class of drugs that induce or maintain sleep. Sedative-hypnotics are further categorized into benzodiazepines (BZDs), barbiturates, and non-benzodiazepines (also known as &#34;Z-drugs&#34;). These drugs all act on different allosteric sites on the GABAA channel.
BZDs increase the inhibitory actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA), a neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability and induces sleep. However, BZDs have potential side effects, including dependency and withdrawal symptoms, and their long-term use for insomnia is discouraged. Barbiturates, another class of sedative-hypnotics, should be avoided where possible, due to their high risk of addiction and overdose. Z-drugs and melatonin receptor agonists are newer classes of sleep-inducing drugs. Z-drugs (e.g., zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone) are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics that selectively act on GABAA receptors, promoting sedation and effectively treating insomnia. In contrast, melatonin receptor agonists (e.g., ramelteon) mimic the action of melatonin by targeting melatonin receptors in the brain&#39;s suprachiasmatic nucleus, aiding in the regulation of circadian rhythms and improving sleep onset, especially in patients with delayed sleep phase disorder or chronic insomnia. They are therapeutically effective and preferred over BZDs and barbiturates because they have a lower risk of abuse and risk of dependence with fewer side effects than conventional hypnotics.
In conclusion, understanding the sleep cycle and the complexities of insomnia is crucial for effective management. This involves a comprehensive approach, combining lifestyle modifications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and carefully monitored pharmacotherapy when necessary.

The sleep cycle comprises multiple stages, progressing from wakefulness to light sleep and finally into deep sleep, concluding with the Rapid Eye Movement ...