Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulation plus horse-riding squat exercise in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and optimize the combining protocol. Methods: Based on a 2×2 factorial design, 120 eligible KOA patients were randomized into a manipulation group (group A1B2), a manipulation plus horse-riding squat group (group A1B1), a sitting knee-adjustment group (group A2B2 group), and a sitting knee-adjustment plus horse-riding squat group (group A2B1), with 30 cases in each group. The intervention was conducted three times a week, lasting for four weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) was taken as the major measure for efficacy evaluation (including three component scores, pain, stiffness, and daily function, and total score). Results: The three component scores (pain, stiffness, and daily function) and the total score of WOMAC showed significant differences after the intervention in the four groups (P<0.05). There were significant inter-group differences in the WOMAC stiffness score amongst the four groups after the intervention (P<0.05). In group A1B1, the step length, stride, walking speed, and knee joint flexion angle changed significantly after treatment (P<0.05). After the intervention, the step length changed significantly in group A1B2 (P<0.05), and the walking speed changed significantly in group A2B1 (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the step length, stride, walking speed, or knee joint flexion angle among the four groups (P>0.05). The extensor peak torque at 180 °/s changed significantly in group A1B2 after treatment (P<0.05). Neither the intra-group nor the inter-group comparisons of the four groups revealed significant differences in the other isokinetic muscle strength parameters (P>0.05). The main effect of manipulation showed significant in affecting the WOMAC pain and total scores (P<0.05). The main effect of horse-riding squat exercise showed significant in affecting the WOMAC pain and stiffness scores (P<0.05). Conclusion: The four treatment protocols all can improve the symptoms of KOA, for instance, relieving pain and stiffness, and enhancing daily function. Group A2B1 produces the most eminent effect in relieving joint stiffness. The main effects of both manipulation and horse-riding squat exercise are significant in reducing pain. Besides, the main effect of horse-riding squat exercise is significant in relieving joint stiffness.

Objective To discuss how to protect the intracranial vertebral artery and posterior inferior cerebellar artery by observing and measuring the intracranial vertebral artery in the surgery adopt far lateral approach. Methods Mimicking far lateral approach, 20 adult cadaveric heads connected to neck fixed with 10% formalin were dissected. Intracranial segment of the vertebral arteries and their main branches were exposed and measured under operating microscope. Results The intracranial vertebral artery joined with the contralateral one into the basilar artery after traveling through the atlanto-occipital sulcus. The relationship between the vertebral artery and the hypoglossal nerve is close. Thirty sides (75%) of the vertebral arteries traveled to pons medulla sulcus in front of the hypoglossal nerve roots and 2 sides (5%) behind the hypoglossal nerve roots, while 8 sides (20%) traveled among the hypoglossal nerve roots; 70% of the vertebral arteries were contacted to the hypoglossal nerve roots, 30% of which compressed the hypoglossal nerve. The main branches of intracranial segment of the vertebral arteries were the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries, the anterior spinal arteries, the posterior meningeal arteries,and some perforating arteries. Posterior inferior cerebellar arteries all originated from the intracranial vertebral artery were the largest vertebral artery's branches; their trip was mostly loop-shaped and they had close relationship with Ⅸ, Ⅹ, Ⅺ cranial nerves. The starting points of the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries were different, even in the same specimen, but most of them originated from the upper 1/3intracranial vertebral artery. No anterior inferior cerebellar artery was noted originated from the vertebral artery in our specimen. Anterior spinal arteries originated from the vertebral arteries joined with the branches of the bilateral vertebral arteries and traveled down through the tortuous anterior median fissure to supply the spinal cord. Conclusion Being familiar with the characteristics and anatomic vertebral arteries variations of the intracranial vertebral artery and its branches can contribute to identify and protect the intracranial segment of the vertebral artery and its main branches in the surgery adopt far-lateral approach.

Objective To study the effect of massage on the foot reflection area on the sleep quality of post-stroke patients with insomnia .Methods A total of 60 post-stroke patients with insomnia were divided into the treatment group and the control group , each with 30 cases.The treatment group received massage on the foot reflection area while the control group adopted the traditional methods .PSQI was used to compare sleep quality between two groups.Results The time to fall asleep, sleep time and arousals was respectively (39.5 ±16.9)min, (6.07 ±1.28)h,(2.0 ±0.9)time in the treatment group,(46.5 ±16.0)min,(5.21 ±0.64)h,(2.7 ± 0.6 ) time in the control group , and the differences were statistically significant ( t =6.381 , 3.291 , 3.546 , respectively;P<0.05).The PSQI score was(8.56 ±2.90)in the treatment group and (12.69 ±1.58) in the control group , with statistically significant difference ( t=0.938 ,P<0.05 ) .Conclusions Massage on the foot reflection area is effective to improve sleep quality of post-stroke patients with insomnia .

The effect of induction temperature on aggregation of consensus interferon-alpha expressed by Pichia pastoris was investigated. The cell growth and cIFN level were analyzed and compared when Pichia pastoris was grown at 30,25,20 degrees C during induction phase, using 5.0L fermentor. The result suggested that the cell growth was not affected much under the different induction temperature, but the protein level declined markedly with the decrease of the induction temperature. The total protein ammount induced at 20 degrees C was 67.8 percent of that at 30 degrees C. SDS-PAGE and native-PAGE as well as Western blotting analysis were further conducted. The electrophoresis results revealed that cIFN formed aggregates after secreted into media when protein was induced at 30 degrees C but this problem can be restored by decreasing the induction temperature to 20 degrees C. cIFN monomer in supernatant arrived at 570mg/L and bioactivity of fermentation broth reached 1.05 x 10(9) IU/mL at 20 degrees C of induction temperature. The amount of cIFN monomer and bioactivity in supernatant elevated 7.2 and 38.7 times, respectively, when the induction temperature was controlled at 20 degrees C instead of conventional 30 degrees C.
Fermentation ; Humans ; Interferon Type I ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Interferon-alpha ; Pichia ; genetics ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical significance of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for evaluating the treatment outcome of nerve-mediated syncope (NMS) in children.

METHODSTwenty-eight children with NMS confirmed by a head-up tilt table test (HUTT) (12 males and 16 females, aged 6-13 years) and with a chief complaint of unexplained syncope or pre-syncope between February 2010 and August 2012, were included in the study. These children received health education combined with therapy using oral rehydration salts solution and were then reexamined for clinical symptoms as well as HUTT and ABPM results.

RESULTSOf 28 NMS cases, 22 were vasodepressive type, 5 were mixed type, and 1 was cardioinhibitory type. The follow-up showed that 27 (96%) of all cases had improved clinical symptoms, and 18 (64%) had improved HUTT results. The ABPM follow-up revealed no significant changes in 24-hour mean systolic pressure, 24-hour mean diastolic pressure, daytime mean systolic pressure, daytime mean diastolic pressure, nighttime mean systolic pressure, nighttime mean diastolic pressure, day-night difference of systolic pressure, and day-night difference of diastolic pressure after treatment (P>0.05). The percentage of children with a dipper blood pressure pattern increased from 29% (8/28) before treatment to 50% (14/28) after treatment; the percentage of children with a non-dipper blood pressure pattern decreased from 71% (20/28) before treatment to 50% (14/28) after treatment.

CONCLUSIONSAs an effective, objective and non-invasive monitoring means, ABPM is of some clinical significance for evaluating the treatment outcome of NMS in children.

Adolescent ; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory ; Child ; Female ; Health Education ; Humans ; Male ; Rehydration Solutions ; administration & dosage ; Syncope ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Tilt-Table Test ; Treatment Outcome

Since the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia(NCP), hospitals have taken the fight against the virus as its own responsibility, and keep standing in the front line of epidemic prevention and control. The continuous input of anti-epidemic forces in hospitals also brings challenges to the medical supplies support, including the management of protective supplies and the maintenance of medical equipment. In the face of increasing security pressure, the medical materials support team broke the game on multiple fronts. Firstly, the team implements active material procurement strategy, sets material distribution priority according to risk level, releases materials uniformly based on stock and use, and implements traceability management of donated materials to ensure material supply. Secondly, centralized allocation management of equipment, emergency installation, advanced maintenance and emergency maintenance work is effectively completed. Thirdly, disinfection strategies for items and equipment are developed safely and effectively with the aid of disinfection equipment functions. At last, personnel management and training have been strengthened. These measures have provided strong support for the orderly prevention and control of the epidemic.

OBJECTIVETo explore the gene mutation type of an inherited coagulation factor VII deficiency pedigree.

METHODSFVII:Ag, FVII:C, FVIIa were detected to classify deficiency type. FVII gene mutations were analysed in the proband and her family members by DNA directly sequencing. Biostructural pathology of the identified mutation was analysed by molecular modeling.

RESULTSHomozygosity of C-->T transition at position 11514 in exon 8 resulting in Thr359Met was identified in the proband, and heterozygosity for Thr359Met was confirmed in her parents, her son and some other family members. Thr359Met induces CRM-deficiency. It is found by computer simulated molecular model that the replacement of Thr by Met which has a larger and longer side chain might cause steric hindrance, and change the number of H-bonds.

CONCLUSIONSHomozygous missense mutation Thr359Met was found in a pedigree of hereditary FVII deficiency. This mutation might change the configuration of protein molecule and result in severe FVII deficiency.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Factor VII ; genetics ; Factor VII Deficiency ; genetics ; Female ; Homozygote ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

The expression of human clotting factor VIII gene was observed in transgenic off spring of mice through artificial insemination with sperm as carriers. Female mice were impregnated through artificial insemination by introducing sperm carrying pRC/RSV-hF VIII BD, which contained human F VIII BD (B-domain deleted) cDNA (hF VIII BD c DNA), into the uteri. During the fourth week after the birth of new-born mice, PCR was used to screen hF VIII BD cDNA positive transgenic mice, then blood of which was collected for detecting the antigen and Anti-hF VIII inhibitors, simultaneously, the transcription and expression of hF VIII BD cDNA were investigated by Northern blot and Western blot. The results showed that 7 became pregnant of 20 inseminated mice, and 11 new-born mice came into the world, out of which 9 survived at last. Three hF VIII BD cDNA-positive-transgenic mice had been screened out by PC R, in which the antigen of human F VIII in plasma was 8.65 ng/ml, 7.84 ng/ml and 8.44 ng/ml, respectively, the Anti-hF VIII inhibitors were all negative. Northern blot and Western blot showed that the transcription and expression of hF VIII BD cDNA existed in tissues such as spleen, liver, lung and kidney of 3 transgenic mice. It was concluded that transgenic mice carrying human F VIII gene can be generated by sperm-carrier techniques and express human F VIII protein. This experiment provides important data for manufacturing transgenic animal carrying human F VIII gene, which can work as a biological reactor to produce human F VIII protein, through sperm-carrier techniques.
Animals ; Blotting, Northern ; Blotting, Western ; Factor VIII ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Insemination, Artificial ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Pregnancy ; Spermatozoa ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDCoagulation factor VII (FVII) levels in plasma are usually related to ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebral infarction shares many of the risk factors related to IHD. Is there any relationship between factor VII and cerebral infarction? We investigated the relationship between FVII and acute cerebral infarction and reported genotype frequencies and allelic frequencies of FVII gene polymorphisms in the Chinese Han population.

METHODSWe recruited 62 patients with acute cerebral infarction confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from Ruijin Hospital, and 149 age-matched patients clinically free of vascular disease to act as controls. All of them were unrelated, and were from the Chinese Han population. FVII coagulant activity (FVIIc) was determined using an clotting assay, activated FVII (FVIIa) and FVII Ag were assayed using enzyme immunoassay kits. The FVII gene polymorphisms to be detected included-401G/T, -402G/A, 5'F7A1/A2, IVS7 and R353Q. 5'F7 and IVS7 were revealed by means of a PCR and direct agarose gel electrophoresis. The rest were examined by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTSThe results showed that FVIIc, FVIIAg and FVIIa were higher in the acute cerebral infarction group than in the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in the genotype frequencies of FVII gene polymorphisms between the two groups. The allelic frequencies in the Chinese Han population were as follows: -401G/T (96.64/3.36), -402G/A (52.01/47.99), 5'F7A1/A2 (96.64/3.36), IVS7 H5/H6/H7/H8 (0.34/52.35/46.98/0.34) and R353Q (95.64/4.36). There were significant differences (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) in these allelic frequencies between the Chinese Han and European populations.

CONCLUSIONSThe results indicate that increased plasma FVII levels may contribute to thrombosis in cerebral infarction. And there was no significant difference in genotype frequencies of these five FVII gene polymorphisms between the acute cerebral infarction and control groups. Moreover, these results showed that the frequencies of protective allele, including -401T, 5'F7 A2 and 353Q were lower, but that -402A, which was previously found to be associated with increased plasma FVII levels, is higher in Chinese Han population.

Acute Disease ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Cerebral Infarction ; genetics ; China ; Europe ; European Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Factor VII ; analysis ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Intracranial Thrombosis ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical significance of changes in T wave and ST segment amplitudes on electrocardiogram (ECG) from supine to standing position in children with unexplained chest tightness or pain in resting stage.

METHODSA total of 122 6-14-year-old children with a chief complaint of unexplained chest tightness or pain (resting stage) underwent head-up tilt test (HUTT). According to HUTT results, these children were divided into HUTT-positive (n=61) and HUTT-negative groups (n=61). They underwent 12-lead ECG in the supine and standing positions, and heart rate and T wave and ST segment amplitudes in II, III, aVF and V5 leads were measured.

RESULTSIn the HUTT-negative group, heart rates were significantly higher in the standing position than in the supine position (P<0.05), T wave amplitudes in II, III, aVF, and V5 leads were significantly lower in the standing position than in the supine position (P<0.05), and ST segment amplitudes in II, aVF and V5 leads were significantly higher in the standing position than in the supine position (P<0.05). In the HUTT-positive group, heart rates were significantly higher in the standing position than in the supine position (P<0.05), T wave amplitudes in II, III, aVF and V5 leads were significantly lower in the standing position than in the supine position (P<0.05), and ST segment amplitude in V5 lead was significantly higher in the standing position than in the supine position (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to ST segment amplitude and T wave amplitude in II, III and aVF leads of the supine or standing position (P>0.05). Compared with the HUTT-negative group, the HUTT-positive group had significantly greater T wave amplitude differences in II, III, aVF and V5 leads, and heart rate difference from supine to standing position (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAmong the children with unexplained chest tightness or pain in resting stage, T wave amplitude differences in II, III, aVF and V5 leads and heart rate difference from supine to standing position are greater in the HUTT-positive group than in the HUTT-negative group. This suggests that the changes in T wave amplitude on ECG from supine to standing position can indicate autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Adolescent ; Autonomic Nervous System ; physiopathology ; Chest Pain ; physiopathology ; Child ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Posture ; Supine Position ; Tilt-Table Test