Objective To explore the value of immunofluorescent technique for clinical diagnosing Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD),Becker muscular dystrophy(BMD) and Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy(LGMD).Methods Immunofluorescent technique was applied,and the expressions of Dys1,Dys2,Dys3 monoclonal antibodies and ?-,?-,?-sarcoglycan(SG) polyclonal antibodies against dystrophin,?-SG,?-SG,?-SG in musculomembranes of frozen section specimens from 25 patients(10 cases of DMD,4 cases of BMD and 11 cases of LGMD) were detected.Results 10 DMD patients had negative staining of dystrophin,and 4 BMD patients had discontinuous or a patchy positive staining pattern.All LGMD patients had positive dystrophin staining.There was one patient presented negative staining of ?-SG and ?-SG,respectively.Conclusions Detecting of dystrophin by immunofluorescent technique is special and helpful in diagnosing and classifying DMD/BMD.At present,SG may not be used in diagnosing the LGMD patients.

Objective To report a rare case of M3r subtype of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)with 3'-end of RARα (3'RARα) submicroscopic deletion, and the characters of morphologic, cytogenetic,molecular genetic and molecular biology studies. Methods Chromosomes of bone marrow (BM) cells were prepared with direct method and short-term culture method, and R-banding technique was used for karyotypic analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays were performed on fixed BM cells using the following specific DNA probes: CEP X/Y alpha satellite DNA probe, LSI PML-RARα dual-color dual-fusion and LSI RARα dual-color break apart probes. A quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect the PML-RARα transcript. A multiplex nested RT-PCR was also performed, which may simultaneously detect the fusion genes derived from 29 chromosomal aberrations in acute leukemia including PML-RARα, PLZF-RARα and NPM-RARα fusion transcripts. Results R-banding analysis revealed a karyotype of 45,X,-Y[6]/46,XY[8], FISH using CEP X/Y probe further confirmed Y-chromosome loss. FISH analysis with RARα dual-color break apart probe demonstrated a deletion of the entire 3'-end of one allele of RARα gene. Cytogenetic, FISH and RT-PCR analyses showed no PML-RARα,PLZF-RARα, NPM-RARα, NuMA-RARα and STAT5b-RARα rearrangements. Conclusion A new RARαrearrangement involving 3'RARα submicroscopic deletion in APL without X-RARα fusion has been identified.FISH analysis with RARα dual-color break apart probe is a useful method for characterization of this abnormality, but its molecular consequences remain to be elucidated.

Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on expression of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and Nogo-A in brain after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Methods 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group and electroacupuncture group, and the latter two were modeled as middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion with nylon monofilament suture. Electroacupuncture was performed 90 min after modeling in the electroacupucture group at acupoints of Neiguan (PC06), Shuigou (DU26), Sanyinjiao (SP06), Baihui (DU20), for 30 min, once a day. The sham group and the model group were conventionally fed in cages without any intervention. 8 rats of each group were assessed with Longa's score, and the expressions of GAP-43 and Nogo-A were detected with immunohistochemistry 7 d and 14 d after modeling respectively. Results The sham group presented no neurological symptoms. There was not different in Longa's score between the model group and the electroacupuncture group 7 d after modeling (P>0.05), but was different 14 d after modeling (P<0.05). GAP-43 positive cells was not found in the sham group, but could be found around cerebral ischemia 7 d after modeling, which decreased 14 d after modeling in the model group. GAP-43 positive cells increased significantly in the electroacupuncture group compared with the model group at each time (P<0.01). Nogo-A positive cells was few found in the sham group, and was more in the model group (P<0.01). The expression of Nogo-A decreased significantly in the electroacupuncture group compared with the model group at each time (P<0.01). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve neurological function of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats, which may be associated with the increase of GAP-43 and descrease of Nogo-A in peri-infarct regions

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of electromyography biofeedback on dystonia after hepatolenticular degeneration.Methods 40 patients with dystonia after hepatolenticular degeneration were divided into treatment group (n=20) and control group (n=20).All patients were treated with copper-cleaning, clonazepam and benzhexol hydrochloride etc., and acupuncture. The treatment group wastreated with electromyographic biofeedback in addition. They were assessed with modified Ashworth scale, modified Barthel index, and ankledorsiflexion active range of motion. Results The lower extremities function of all patients improved after treatment (P<0.05) and thetreatment group improved more than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Electromyography biofeedback is more effective to improvethe lower extremities function and activity of daily living in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration following dystonia.

Objective To observe the effects of PTD-hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) induced murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) maturation on T lymphocyte proliferation in vitro.Methods Bone marrow derived DCs isolated from BALB/c mice were cultured with recombinant granu|ocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rGM-CSF) and recombinant interleutin-4 (rIL-4)for 5 days.Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a,HBcAg and PTD-HBcAg were added to induce DCs maturation.The distribution and localization of intracellular immunofluorescence were observed by confocal microscopy,and DCs phenotypes were analyzed by flow cytometry.The level of IL-12 p70 in the supernatant was detected by enzyme linked immunosorhent assay (ELISA).The proliferation of T lymphocytes was performed by using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8).All data were analyzed using t test.Results DCs were cultured and identified successfully.Recombinant PTD-HBcAg could penetrate into DCs cytoplasm while recombinant HBcAg was detected on the surface of cells.DCs surface molecules,such as CD80,CD86 and major histocompability complex (MHC) II were upregulated by PTDHBcAg;IL-12 p70 levels induced by 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L recombinant PTD-HBcAg were (142.50±18.31) ng/L and (124.30±15.12) ng/L,respectively,which were significantly higher than those induced by recombinant HBcAg [(42.31±4.21 ) ng/L,t = 9.234 and 9.045,respectively,P＜0.05].The proliferation of T lymphocytes induced by PTD-HBcAg was much higher than that in HBcAg group or positive control TNF-a group.Conclusions PTD-HBcAg could penetrate membrane of DCs and promote the differentiation and maturation of DCs.PTD-HBcAg could up-regulate the expressions of costimulatory molecules on cell surface of DCs,and enhance the ability of DCs on stimulating T lymphocytes proliferation and IL-12 p70 production.

Objective To investigate the effects of gene silencing of Fas-associated death domain (FADD) with synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) on apomorphine-induced contralateral rotation,and the expression of Fas and caspase-8 in rat models of parkinsonism. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:control group,Parkinson' s disease (PD) group,FADD siRNA group,FADD siRNA positive control group and FADD siRNA negative control group. Synthetic FADD siRNA sequences,siRNA positive sequences or siRNA negative sequences were infused into right substantianigra of midbrain using RNA interference and stereotactic techniques before parkinsonian rat model establishment.Apomorphine-induced contralateral rotations of the rats were observed after the injection.The protein and mRNA expression levels of FADD,Fas and caspase-8 were measured by Western blot and RT-PCR.Results In the control group,no rotation was observed after injecting apomorphine; however,in the rest groups,the number of rats respectively was 12 (12/14),3 (3/13),4 (4/15) and 11 ( 11/14 ) in apomorphine-induced contralateral rotation,which had significant statistical differences ( x2 ＝ 18.56,P =0.000).In parkinsonian substantia nigra,marked increases in the protein and mRNA levels of FADD,Fas and caspase-8 were observed,compared with control group.Furthermore,compared with PD group,FADD protein and mRNA levels were strongly suppressed by administration of FADD siRNA in FADD siRNA group. FADD siRNA administration also resulted in great attenuation of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced increases in expression and activation of caspase-8.However,no decrease in expression of Fas was observed in FADD siRNA group and FADD siRNA positive control group,compared with PD group.Conclusion Our results suggest that death receptor signaling pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of PD.FADD siRNA is effective against this pathway and it may,at least in part,provide a potential neuroprotective effect.

Objective To investigate the changes of cardiac structure and function in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD).Methods From March 2010 to February 2011,90 HLD patients who did not receive formal treatment (observation group) and 30 healthy people (control group) were collected and analyzed with color Doppler echocardiography in the Institute of Neurology,Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Based on the clinical manifestations,cases were divided into hepatic type group (n =31),brain type group (n =42) and brain-visceral type group (n =17).According to the Child-Pugh classification,patients were divided into Child A group (n =71),Child B group (n =10) and Child C group (n =9).Results (1) The left atrial diameter ((28.00 ± 3.11),(29.62 ± 3.44) mm) and left ventricular diameter ((45.69 ± 3.75),(47.10-± 4.73) mm) of HLD patients in brain-visceral type group and hepatic type group were larger than that of the control group ((24.86 ± 2.63),(41.93 ±3.56) mm;t =3.143,4.761,P=0.018,0.000;t=3.764,5.167,P=0.018,0.000).The left atrial diameter and left ventricular diameter of hepatic type group were significantly larger than the brain type group (26.06 ± 3.68,43.34 ± 3.88;t =3.557,P =0.000;t =3.751,P =0.001).The value of E/A in the hepatic type group (1.57 ± 0.37) was significantly lower than the control group (1.93 ± 0.20;t =-0.352,P =0.006).(2) The left atrial diameter ((31.29 ± 1.70),(34.67 ± 1.97) mm) and left ventricular diameter ((48.29 ± 2.81),(53.67 ± 2.67) mm) of Child B and C groups were significantly larger than the control group ((24.86 ± 2.63),(41.93 ± 3.56) rm;t =6.429,9.810,P =0.000,0.000;t =6.357,10.738,P =0.000,0.000),and the Child A group ((26.42 ± 3.05),(43.89 ± 3.76) rm;t=4.871,8.252,P=0.000,0.000;t =4.399,8.780,P=0.003,0.000).The value of E/A of Child B and C groups (1.58 ± 0.32,1.26 ± 0.39) was lower than that of the control group (t =-0.347,0.662,P=0.020,0.000);At the same time,the value of E/A of Child C group was significantly lower than that of Child A group (1.80 ± 0.33;t =-0.530,P =0.000).Conclusions The HLD patients may have cardiac structural and functional changes,mainly manifested as left atrial and left ventricular enlargement and cardiac diastolic dysfunction,whereas a serious impact has not yet been found in systolic function.And the changes of cardiac structure and function were related to the degree of liver cirrhosis in patients with HLD.

Objective To analyze the normal anatomy and variation of arteries around ankles in Chinese adults in and around Shaanxi province. Methods Aged 18-82 (48±15) years, 522 males and 557 females who came to Xijing Hospital for medical treatment or for a healthy check were randomly recruited to participate in this study. Their arteries around ankles were assessed by high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound. Then the anatomy and variation of the arteries were analyzed. Results There were totally 213 arterial variations in 175 subjects, including variations at single ankle in 137 subjects and variations at both sides in 38 subjects. The rate of arterial variation at ankle in persons was 16.2%(175/1 079) and was higher in females than that in males (21.5%, 120/557,χ2=24.028, P=0.000). The rate of arterial variation at ankle in limbs was 9.9%(213/2 158). There was no signiifcant difference for the rate of arterial variation between the left (5.1%, 109/2 158) and right (4.8%, 104/2 158) ankles (χ2=0.129, P=0.701). In variations of arteries at ankles, there were 131 cases with small posterior tibial arteries and peroneal arteries extending to the bottoms of feet, i.e., posterior tibial arteries substituted by peroneal arteries (typeⅠ, 6.1%, 131/2 158), 69 cases with small anterior tibial arteries and peroneal arteries extending to the dorsums of feet, i.e., anterior tibial arteries substituted by peroneal arteries (typeⅡ, 3.2%, 69/2 158), and 13 cases with both small anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and peroneal arteries extending to both the dorsums and bottoms of feet, i.e., both anterior and posterior tibial arteries substituted by peroneal arteries (typeⅢ, 0.6%, 13/2 158). There was no signiifcant difference in each type of variation rates between left and right sides. The rates of typeⅠvariation were 6.0%(65/1 079) and 6.1%(66/1 079) at the left and right ankles respectively (χ2=0.010, P=0.928);the rates of typeⅡvariation were 3.6%(39/1 079) and 2.8%(30/1 079) at the left and right ankles respectively (χ2=1.213, P=0.271);the rates of typeⅢvariation were 0.5%(5/1 079) and 0.7%(8/1 079) at the left and right ankles respectively (χ2=0.697, P=0.404). Conclusions Ultrasound can be used to depict anatomy and variation arteries around ankles. There is a high prevalence of anatomic variation of ankle arteries in population in and around Shaanxi province. Therefore it will be helpful for diagnosis vascular abnormalities with the knowledge of characteristics of normal anatomy and variation of ankle arteries.

Objective: To study the protective effect of vitamin E in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods: We prospectively studied 206 CAD patients with elective PCI in our hospital and divided them in 2 groups: Treatment group, the patients received oral vitamin E combining vinous hydration,n=102 and Control group, the patients received vinous hydration only,n=104. CIN was deifned by at 48h after contrast media injection, serum cretinin increased up to 25% from the baseline, or reached 44.2 μmol/L. Excluding the other kidney injury factors, the renal functions at 48 h before and after PCI were compared, the occurrence rate of CIN were also compared between 2 groups.
Results:①Overall, there were 19/206 (9.22%) patients suffered from CIN, the occurrence rate in Treatment group (4.90%) was lower than Control group (13.46%), χ2=4.506,P=0.034. For patients with hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, anemia and mehran risk score<10, the occurrence rate of CIN in Treatment group was lower than Control group,P<0.05.②Compared with pre-operative condition, at 48 h post-operation,Control group showed increased serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (Bun) and decreased creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), allP<0.05.③At 48 h post-operation, compared with Control group, Treatment group presented decreased Scr (86.72 ± 17.73) μmol/L vs (95.13 ± 21.67) μmol/L and increased Ccr (96.75 ± 27.23) ml/min vs (90.70 ± 17.85) ml/min, allP<0.05.④Multivariate regression analysis revealed that elder than 75 years of age (OR=7.278, 95% CI 5.158-11.480), diabetes (OR=3.919, 95% CI 1.330-8.200), chronic kidney disease (OR=6.325, 95% CI 2.137-16.816) and mehran risk score>10 (OR= 4.461, 95% CI 1.589-14.724) were the independent risk factors for CIN occurrence, allP<0.05.
Conclusion: Short-term application of vitamin E may reduce the risk of CIN occurrence at certain degree in CAD patients after PCI.