[CNKI]) were searched up to May 20, 2020. Eight eligible randomized controlled trials were included the present study. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and a meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager software. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and a subgroup analysis was performed to detect the sources of heterogeneity, identify the selection of acupuncture methods and explore its contributions to the weight loss effects. Results: Among 8 trials, 5 trials used auricular acupuncture and 2 trials used auricular acupressure, 1 trial used both types of intervention. Most commonly selected acupoints were Shenmen (TF4) and stomach (CO4). Treatment duration was six to twelve weeks, and total treatment session was six to twelve. Compared to the control groups, auricular acupuncture significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) and ghrelin. For the selection of acupuncture methods, both methods performed similarly in most outcome except waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), and triglycerides (TG). Conclusions: We found that auricular acupuncture can be effective for weight loss and controlling appetite. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity. So further vigorous and well-designed studies should be conducted to strengthen the evidence of the use of auricular acupuncture for obesity.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics, validity, and reliability of non-radiological assessment tools of scoliosis that have been studied so far. Methods: Electronic databases including Pubmed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Science On, RISS, OASIS were searched by keywords including 'scoliosis assessment', 'scoliosis screening', 'physical examination', 'functional measurement', 'photography', and 'smartphone'. Results: 32 articles using radiation-free assessments were identified from 1,011 records. The mostly used non-radiological methods were Surface topography, Scoliometer, Ultrasound, Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, and Photography. The other methods were Gait analysis, 3D depth sensor imaging, and Low intensity electromagnetic scan. Conclusions: It was found that non-radiological assessment tools might reduce the number of radiographs taken in scoliosis patients. To increase the reliability and validity, further research on the measurement tools of scoliosis will be needed.

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an arrhythmogenic disorder that has been linked to mutations in SCN5A, the gene encoding for the pore-forming α-subunit of the cardiac Na+ channel. Recently, novel SCN5A missense mutations (A385T and R504T) were identified in a BrS patient. Since the mutations are in the loop connecting transmembrane segments 5 and 6 in domain 1 (S5-S6 in DI) and segments 6 and 1 between domain 1 and 2 (DI-DII linker), it can lead to dysfunctional property of the Na+ channel. Here we aimed to characterize the electrophysiological properties of A385T and R504T. The wild-type (WT) and mutant SCN5A were transiently transfected in HEK293 cells, and the Na+ channel was analyzed using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. WT, A385T, R504T, and double mutant (A385T/R504T) showed no significant differences in the current density and the voltage-dependent activation. Unexpectedly, a rightward shift of the voltage-dependent inactivation was identified in the three groups of mutation. Besides, the recovery from inactivation of double mutant was faster than that of WT. These results suggest that, contrary to the expected mechanism of BrS, the mutations cause a gain-of-function of NaV1.5. However, the current densities of R504T and double mutant transfected with β-subunit SCN1B were significantly suppressed but A385T was not different from WT. The voltage dependent activation and inactivation of all mutants were not significantly different from WT. The recovery from inactivation of all mutants were slower than that of WT. These results suggest that R504T mutation of α-subunit SCN5A interacting with β-subunit SCN1B is responsible to pathophysiological function of novel BrS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.