The status quo and application of acupuncture therapy in Oman is introduced in this article. The gene -ral medical condition of Oman is comparatively backward. Function of local traditional medicine is limited. Indications of acupuncture in Oman are various pain syndromes and motor impairment after stroke. However, it is lack of systematic training and management of acupuncture practitioners. And the number of acupuncture clinic is comparatively inadequate. Therefore, qualified acupuncture training, publicity and cooperation with international organizations are highly recommended in the future.
Acupuncture Therapy ; trends ; Humans ; Oman

BACKGROUND:Human femur medul ary cavity has torsional anatomic structure. If the femur medul ary cavity’s torsional structure is copied to the stem of the prosthesis, the prosthesis wil transform the force loaded to torque between femur medul ary cavity and prosthesis stem, and the torque is transmitted to the proximal femur when the prosthesis is inserted in the medul ary cavity and load force on the prosthesis. OBJECTIVE:To optimize the force transmission of the proximal femur, and to avoid the stress shielding at the proximal end of the prosthesis. METHODS:We reconstructed a three-dimensional (3D) model of the femoral canal with the CT images of specimen femur and took the 3D model as the design model for prosthesis stem. The customized stem model and the proximal model of standard prosthesis could be put together to form customized prosthesis. We took advantage of robot grinding technology to manufacture the customized prosthesis, and matched it with specimen femur canal. Finite element analysis simulation and experimental methods were used to analyze the relationship between the loading force on the prosthesis and the micromotion of proximal end of the prosthesis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The simulation and experimental results showed that the torsional structure matching by femoral canal and stem could effectively transmit the force on the prosthesis to the proximal end of the prosthesis in the form of torque. The torsional fretting of the proximal end of the prosthesis was related to the movement of the handle body. However, stem micromotion can be control ed by varying the matching size between stem and medul ary cavity.

Objective To sum up the therapeutic results of 125 cases of tetralogy of Fallot(TOF),and ex- plore the optimal time and risk factors of opration,as well as perioperative management.Methods One hundred and thirth-one consecutive cases of TOF underwent corrective surgery.There were simple stenosis of infundibular portion in right ventricular outflow tract in 37 cases,stenosis of infundibulum and pulmonary valve in 14 cases,main pul- monary trunk and left/right pulmonary arteries stenosis in 74 cases,and pulmonary atresia in 5 cases.Autologousper- icardial conduit,or with waived were used for right ventricular outflow tract and right ventriculo-pulmonary artery connection.Other anomalies were corrected.Results The surgicalmortality was 4.0 %.The cause of death were se- rious low cardiac output syndrome(3 patients),respiratory function failure(1 patient),pericadial infection(1 pa- tient).Conclusion It is necessary to profonn corrective opration on younger TOF patients.Effetive prophylaxis and control of low cardiac output syndrome and pulmonary complication is a useful strategy.

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on macrophage activation after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation.

METHODSMouse BM MSCs were isolated and purified by adherence screening, and mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) were collected by sodium thioglycollate peritoneal injection, and the co-culture system was established by planting macrophages on the MSCs monolayer. The grouping of experiments: group A: MPM; group B: MPM + LPS; group C: MPM + LPS + MSC; group D: MPM + LPS + MSC supernatant. Cell culture supernatants were collected to detect the changes of TNF-alpha/TGF-beta and nitrogen monoxide (NO) after stimulating macrophages with LPS for 18 hours. At the same time Escherichia coli standard strain (ATCC25922) was added into the culture system and incubated for another 24 hours, macrophages were stained and phagocytosis were examined.

RESULTSThe concentrations of TNF-alpha and NO in culture supernatants were increased significantly to (147.4 +/- 37.1) pg/ml and (59.9 +/- 8.7) micromol/L respectively after macrophage activation, however, at the present of MSC, the concentration of TNF-alpha was dramatically decreased [(97.6 +/- 30.3) pg/ml, P = 0.032], and the concentration of NO was decreased to (50.9 +/- 29.5) micromol/L (P > 0.05). The concentrations of TNF-alpha and NO were further decreased after addition of MSC supernatants [(58.3 +/- 31.5) pg/ml and (-3.4 +/- 2.3) micromol/L respectively, P < 0.01]. There was no change in the phagocytic rate and phagoindex of macrophages after activation.

CONCLUSIONSMSCs can inhibit the activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages after stimulating with LPS but has no influence on the phagocytosis.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cells, Cultured ; Coculture Techniques ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Macrophage Activation ; drug effects ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; immunology ; metabolism ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDProstate stromal cells are known to regulate epithelial growth as well as support and maintain epithelial function. However, how stromal cells regulate epithelial cells and what differences among various histological/pathological prostate stromal cells in prostate cancer progression still remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the different phenotypes of human various histological/pathological prostate stromal cells, and their role in tumor promotion.

METHODSThe different phenotypes of the human normal prostatic peripheral zonal primary stromal cells (NPPF), transitional zonal primary stromal cells (NPTF), and prostate cancer associated primary stromal cells (CAF) were examined with growth curves and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) assay. The different effects on prostate cancer cell line C4-2B by NPPF, NPTF, and CAF were examined with MTT assay and Annexin V-FITC assay. The gene expression of different histological/pathological prostate stromal cells was profiled by microarray and hierarchical cluster analysis.

RESULTSThe growth rate of NPPF, NPTF and CAF gradually increased, followed by decreasing apoptosis. In vitro stromal-C4-2B cell line co-culture models, the proliferation and apoptosis of C4-2B cell line were differently affected by human various histological/pathological prostate stromal cells. CAF showed the most powerful effect to C4-2B cell line, as opposed to a weakest effect of NPTF. Microarray and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes of CAF and NPPF were less than NPPF and NPTF, or CAF and NPTF. This was consistent with clinical observations that prostate cancer mostly derived from the peripheral zone and does not usually occur in the transitional zone.

CONCLUSIONNPPF, NPTF and CAF possess extremely different biological characteristics and gene expression, which may play an important role in genesis and development of prostate cancer.

Adult ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cluster Analysis ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Prostate ; cytology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; pathology ; Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine (N) and epirubicin (E) as the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).

METHODSFrom September 2001 to December 2004, 158 patients with LABC were treated with NE chemotherapy before operation. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy containing vinorelbine (N), 25 mg/m(2) (days 1 and 8) and epirubicin (E), 60 mg/m(2) (days 1) was administered every 3 weeks for three cycles before local treatment.

RESULTSResponse in the breast: the clinical objective response was 81.6% [23.4% (37/158) cCR and 58.2% (92/158) PR], 16.5% (26/158) SD and 1.9% (3/158) PD. Pathological complete response was found in 29 cases (18.3%). Eighteen cases (26.5%) who have positive FNA result in the axillary lymphnode before chemotherapy showed negative result in the surgery specimen. The most common toxicities were neutropenia, alopecia and nausea/vomiting. Neutropenia grade 3 - 4 was reported in 111 patients (70.3%) and there was no toxic deaths.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of vinorelbine and epirubicin is a very active and well-tolerated regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the LABC.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Epirubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Treatment Outcome ; Vinblastine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives

OBJECTIVETo clone the cDNA sequence of squalene synthase gene from Paris polyphylla, and characterize the biological features of the obtained SQS.

METHODUsing homology cloning and RACE technique, a full-length cDNA sequence of PpSQS gene was isolated from P. polyphylla. The obtained sequence was analyzed by bioinformatics softwares. A plasmid [named pET-30b (+)-PpSQS] was constructed for prokaryotic expression the recombinant PpSQS.

RESULTThe full-length cDNA of PpSQS gene is 1 498 bp, which contains a 1 212 bp ORF. Sequence analysis indicated that PpSQS encoded 403 amino acids residues with a calculated molecular weight (MW) of 46.36 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.83. SDS-PAGE results showed that the recombinant PpSQS was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) by inducing with 1 mmol x L(-1) IPTG.

CONCLUSIONThe full-length cDNA sequence of PpSQS gene was obtained from P. polyphylla, and its molecular features were consisted with classic SQS in plant. The recombinant PpSQS was successfully expressed in E. coli.

Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase ; genetics ; Liliaceae ; enzymology ; Phylogeny ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of surgical treatments of partial atrioventricular septal defect in 60 patients. METHODS: From April 1999 to April 2004, 60 patients of partial atrioventricular septal defect were operated. Fifty-eight patients were performed with suture of the cleft of mitral valve and the other 2 were given mitral valve replacement; For closure of primum ASD, 53 patients with pericardial patches and 7 with Dacron patches. Coronary sinus was baffled to left atrium with kirklin procedure in 35 cases and baffled to right atrium with McGoon procedure in other 25 cases. Correct the accompanying cardiac deformity at the same time. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 3.3% (2/60) due to low cardic output syndrome. The incidence rate of complete atrioventricular block was 8.00% (2/ 35) in the group with Kirklin procedure and 6.06% (2/25) in the group with McGoon procedure. There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The follow-up was from 1 month to 5 years, and there was no late death. All cardiac function were improved except middle mitral regurgitation in 1 patient. CONCLUSION Reasonable operative design, refined procedures, avoiding damage to conducting bundles and proper perioperative management are the key points in improving theraeutic effect.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment of ventricular septal defect with patent ductus arteriosus. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 102 cases of ventricular septal defect combined with patent ductus arteriosus who underwent surgical treatment. Preoperative ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) showed ventricular septal defect combined with patent ductus arteriosus in 82 cases and ventricular septal defect in 20 cases. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 4.9% (5/102). The reasons for death included low cardiac output syndrome (1 case), pulmonary hypertension crisis (2 cases) and respiratory failure (2 cases). In the remaining patients,the perioperative complications included lung infection (7 cases), pulmonary atelectasis (5 cases), hydrothorax (1 case), and pulmonary hypertension crisis (2 cases); and all the 15 patients recovered lastly. The pulmonary hypertension of all living patients decreased to some degree. The therapeutical effectiveness was satisfactory. CONCLUSION Ventricular septal defect with patent ductus arteriosus is easy to be confused with ventricular septal defect clinically. At the same time,it is diffcult to form a correct diagnosis in some patients by UCG preoperatively. To prevent the occurrence of perfusive lung, it is important to reinforce preoperative diagnosis and exploration during operation. Because pulmonary hypertension in patients with ventricular septal defect with patent ductus arteriosus emerges early and develops quickly, it tends to result in organic pulmonary hypertension which can make patients lose operation chances and influence the long-term therapeutical effect. Surgical operation should be performed as soon as possible. Optimal operative timing and proper perioperative management play important roles in surgical results.
Abnormalities, Multiple ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Female ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Retrospective Studies

S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), which plays a role in cell cycle regulation, is commonly overexpressed in a variety of human cancers and associated with poor prognosis. However, its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is not well understood. In this study, we examined the clinical significance of Skp2, with a particular emphasis on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), in NPC cases in South China, where NPC is an epidemic. Additionally, we explored the function of Skp2 in maintaining a cancer stem cell-like phenotype in NPC cell lines. Skp2 expression was assessed for 127 NPC patients using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry and analyzed together with clinicopathologic features, OS, and DFS. Skp2 expression was detectable, or positive, in 75.6% of patients. Although there was no correlation between Skp2 and any clinicopathologic factor, Skp2 expression significantly portended inferior OS (P = 0.013) and DFS (P = 0.012). In the multivariate model, Skp2 expression remained significantly predictive of poor OS [P = 0.009, risk ratio (RR) = 4.06] and DFS (P = 0.008, RR = 3.56), and this was also true for clinical stage (P = 0.012 and RR=3.201 for OS; P = 0.002 and RR=1.94 for DFS) and sex (P = 0.016 and RR=0.31 for OS; P = 0.006 and RR = 0.27 for DFS). After Skp2 knockdown, a colony formation assay was used to evaluate the self-renewal property of stem-like cells in the NPC cell lines CNE-1 and CNE-2. The colony formation efficiency in CNE-1 and CNE-2 cells was decreased. In Skp2-transfected CNE-1 and CNE-2 cells, side population (SP) proportion was increased as detected by flow cytometry. Skp2 is an independent prognostic marker for OS and DFS in NPC. Skp2 may play a role in maintaining the cancer stem cell-like phenotype of NPC cell lines.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; Cell Line, Tumor ; China ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neoplastic Stem Cells ; pathology ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; S-Phase Kinase-Associated Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Sex Factors ; Survival Rate ; Tissue Array Analysis ; Transfection ; Young Adult