Objective: To investigate the effects of low molecular weight heparin(LMWH) on vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) expression of early diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Ninety-five male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control rats, STZ-induced diabetic rats and diabetic rats treated with LMWH. The renal tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical staining after 1,2,4,6,and 8 weeks’ treatment respectively to quantify the VEGF expression. Results: Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated an increasing in VEGF positive cells in diabetic rats. It was found that there were significant differences in VEGF staining intensity between diabetic rats and normal control rats and between LMWH treated rats and untreated diabetic rats after two weeks treatment. Conclusion: The inhibition of VEGF expression may be one of the mechanisms of LMWH’s renal protective effects on early diabetic nephropathy.

Objective To observe the effect of ultrafine herb moxibustion on nasal mucosal remodeling in rats with allergic rhinitis. Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into control group (Group D) and modeling group. When successfully induced by intraperitoneal injection, aerosol inhalation and nasal spray of ovalbumin, the modeling group were randomly subdivided into modeling group (Group A), fluticasone propionate group (Group B) and ultrafine herb moxibustion group (Group C). Comparisons were made between the groups in respect of HE staining, transmission electron microscopy and counts of EOS. Results (1) Compared with Group D, Group A had significant elevation in counts of EOS (P<0.01);mucosal epithelium swelling, apparent angiotelectasis and eosinophilic infiltrated by HE staining; incomplete mucosal surface with deformity cilia, swelling mitochondria and partial loss of the mitochondria ridge by TEM . ( 2 ) Counts of EOS in Groups B and C were significantly decreased than in Group A (P<0.05, and P<0.01). Those in Group C were significantly decreased than in Group B (P<0.05), and there was insignificant difference in the counts between Group C and Group D (P=0.539). The HE staining Group B showed mild telangiectasia, with EOS scattered. The HE staining in Group C showed epithelial minor swelling and no telangiectasia. TEM showed mucosal surfaces in Groups B and C were complete, the quantity of cilia and microvillus increased apparently and cell junctions were normal. Normal endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were evident in Group C. Conclusion The ultrafine herb moxibustion can relieve the clinical symptoms, slow down and even reverse the nasal mucosal remodeling.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic transverse release of the iliotibial band through peritrochanteric space for the treatment of external snapping hip.Methods:A total of 30 patients (12 males and 18 females) with bilateral external snapping hip underwent arthroscopic transverse release of the iliotibial band through peritrochanteric space in Department of Sports Medicine, Senior Department of Orthopaedics, the Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed from May 2021 and June 2022. The average age was 32.5±8.2 years (range, 17-51 years). At the same time, 30 patients who underwent arthroscopic external release of the iliotibial band through the external surface of the iliotibial band (external iliotibial band group) were selected as control group, including 13 males and 17 females, aged 29.5±6.8 years (range, 11-45 years). The visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Harris hip score (mHHS), and gluteal muscle contracture disability scale (GDS) were compared between the two groups at preoperative, 6 months postoperative, and final follow-up.Results:All patients successfully completed the operation and were followed up for 17.5±3.3 months (range, 12-25 months). The VAS scores of the two groups at the last follow-up were lower than those before operation ( P<0.05). The mHHS scores before operation, 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up in the peritrochanteric space group were 76.5 (67.0, 85.5), 98.5 (94.8, 100.0) and 100.0 (97.0, 100.0), respectively, and those in the external iliotibial band group were 80.5 (70.0, 86.0), 100.0 (96.0, 100.0) and 100.0 (99.5, 100.0). The differences in mHHS scores between the two groups were statistically significant for intragroup comparisons ( P<0.05); of these, 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up were greater than preoperatively, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05); the differences at 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in mHHS scores between groups at different time points ( P>0.05). The GDS before operation, at 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up were 47.0 (35.8, 64.5), 90.0 (81.0, 94.0) and 93.5 (89.8, 98.0) in the peritrochanteric space group, and 51.0 (38.0, 64.5), 50.0 (81.0, 94.0) and 93.5 (89.8, 98.0) in the external iliotibial band group, respectively. The differences in GDS between the two groups were statistically significant for intragroup comparisons ( P< 0.05); of these, 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up were greater than preoperatively, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05); the differences at 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in GDS between groups at different time points ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Arthroscopic transverse release of the iliotibial band through peritrochanteric space for the treatment of external snapping hip can effectively reduce hip pain and improve hip function, with satisfactory clinical results, and can be used as an alternative treatment to transverse release through the external surface of the iliotibial band.