Objective To investigate the effect of the modified wrist-hand orthosis on the spasm and function of wrist-hand in hemiplegic patients. Methods 56 patients with hemiplegia after stroke were divided into observation group (n=28) and control group (n=28). All the patients received routine rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and Hufschmidt therapy. The observation group wore modified wrist-hand orthosis 4-8 hours a day after the treatment, with interval of 15 min per 30-60 min. All the patients were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), simple Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and active range of motion (AROM) of flexion, extension, radial deviation and ulnar deviation of wrist before and 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. Results There was no significant improvement in both groups 4 weeks after treatment, nor difference between groups. The scores of MAS and FMA improved 8 weeks after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and improved more in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). While the AROMs improved in the observation groups (P<0.05), and the AROM of extension was more than that of the control group (P<0.01). 12 weeks after treatment, the scores of MAS and FMA improved further in the observation group (P<0.01), and improved more than those of the control group (P<0.01). The AROMs of flexion, extension and radial deviation improved more in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The modified wrist-hand orthosis can obviously relieve the spasm of wrist-hand flexor in patients with hemiplegia after stroke, and promote the motor function.

Objective To evaluate whether the thermotaxis tracking model is suitable for assessing long-term memory (LTM)in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods Animals were trained at 20 ℃ overnight in presence of food. The percentage of animals performing isothermal tracking (IT) behavior was measured at different time intervals after the training.Results The percentage of animals performing IT behavior, the numbers of body bends inside and outside the training temperature, and the expression patterns of AFD and AIY neurons were similar to those in control animals at 36 and 48 h after training; whereas when extending to 60, 72, and 84 h, locomotory behavior defects were observed in the assayed animals,suggesting that this thermal tracking model is feasible for analyzing LTM at 36 and 48 h after training. Moreover, the percentage of animals performing IT behavior was reduced at 18, 36, and 48 h after training in neuronal calcium sensor-1 gene (nsc-1)mutant animals compared with that in wild-type N2 animals. In addition, exposure to plumbum (Pb) significantly repressed the LTM at 18, 36, and 48 h after training in both wild-type N2 and ncs-1 mutant animals. Conclusion The thermotaxis tracking model is suitable for evaluating the LTM regulated by NCS-1, and can be employed for elucidating regulatory functions of specific genes or effects of stimuli on memory in C. elegans.

Model invertebrate organism Caenorhabditis elegans has become an ideal model to unravel the complex processes of memory. C. elegans has three simple forms of memory: memory for thermosensation, memory for chemosensation, and memory for mechanosensation. In the form of memory for mechanosensation, short-term memory, intermediate-term memory,and long-term memory have been extensively studied. The short-term memory and intermediate-term memory may occur in the presynaptic sensory neurons, whereas the long-term memory may occur in the postsynaptic interneurons. This review will discuss the recent progress on genetic and molecular regulation of memory in C. elegans.

OBJECTIVETo examine the important roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating amphid structure and function, we performed a computational analysis for the genetic loci required for the sensory perception and their possibly corresponding miRNAs in C. elegans.

METHODSTotal 55 genetic loci required for the amphid structure and function were selected. Sequence alignment was combined with E value evaluation to investigate and identify the possible corresponding miRNAs.

RESULTSTotal 30 genes among the 55 genetic loci selected have their possible corresponding regulatory miRNA (s), and identified genes participate in the regulation of almost all aspects of amphid structure and function. In addition, our data suggest that both the amphid structure and the amphid functions might be regulated by a series of network signaling pathways. Moreover, the distribution of miRNAs along the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of these 30 genes exhibits different patterns.

CONCLUSIONWe present the possible miRNA-mediated signaling pathways involved in the regulation of chemosensation and thermosensation by controlling the corresponding sensory neuron and interneuron functions. Our work will be useful for better understanding of the miRNA-mediated control of the chemotaxis and thermotaxis in C. elegans.

Animals ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; embryology ; genetics ; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cilia ; genetics ; Computational Biology ; methods ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; genetics ; Genome ; genetics ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Models, Genetic ; Nervous System ; embryology ; metabolism ; Neurons, Afferent ; metabolism ; Sensation ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; genetics

Planarian is among the simplest animals that possess a centralized nervous system (CNS), and its neural regeneration involves the replacement of cells lost to normal 'wear and tear' (cell turnover), and/or injury. In this review, we state and discuss the recent studies on molecular control of neural regeneration in planarians. The spatial and temporal expression patterns of genes in intact and regenerating planarian CNS have already been described relatively clearly. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Wnt signaling pathways are identified to regulate neural regeneration. During neural regeneration, conserved axon guidance mechanisms are necessary for proper wiring of the nervous system. In addition, apoptosis may play an important role in controlling cell numbers, eliminating unnecessary tissues or cells and remodeling the old tissues for regenerating CNS. The bilateral symmetry is established by determination of anterior-posterior (A-P) and dorsal-ventral (D-V) patterns. Moreover, neurons positive to dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have been detected in planarians. Therefore, planarians present us with new, experimentally accessible contexts to study the molecular actions guiding neural regeneration.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; metabolism ; Central Nervous System ; cytology ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; Gene Expression ; physiology ; Nerve Regeneration ; genetics ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; metabolism ; Planarians ; genetics ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; physiology ; Wnt Proteins ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effects and prevent the complications of posterior and anterior decompression and internal fixation in the revision of cervical anterior internal fixation failure.

METHODSFrom 2008 January to 2011 December, 17 patients with cervical anterior internal fixation failure were treated with posterior and anterior decompression and internal fixation. There were 12 males and 5 females, aged from 26 to 68 years old with an average of 44.1 years. The lower screw loosening was found in 6 cases, the upper screw loosening in 5 cases, titanium mesh caving in 3 cases, the upper screw breakage in 2 cases, the lower screw breakage in 1 case. Informations of bone fusion were observed by X-ray, CT, MRI. Clinical effects were evaluated by modified JOA score.

RESULTSAll the revision operations were successfully completed. One case with poor blood coagulation function before operation resulted in postoperative hematoma and occurred neurological symptoms; after hematoma removal and fresh frozen plasma infusion later, neurological symptoms of the patient disappeared. All patients were followed up from 6 to 38 months with an average of (22.4±10.0) months. Postoperative at 2 weeks, 3 months, and final follow-up, JOA score had obviously improved and respectively was 13.1±1.6, 13.4±1.6, 14.2±1.5. All internal fixation locations were good after revision,and obtained bone fusion at 10 months after operation, with an average fusion time of 6 months.

CONCLUSIONThe combined posterior and anterior decompression and internal fixation in the revision of cervical anterior internal fixation failure is safe, can achieve thoroughly decompression, maintain the cervical curvature, reconstruct the three column stability, and it may be used for the patients of cervical anterior fixation failure.

Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

Objective To establish a real time PCR assay with a novel fluorescence quencher for identification of mutation of clarithromycin -resistance gene of Helicobacter pylori.Methods Two mutations of 23S rDNA gene in Helicobacter pylori,No.2142 and 2143,were chosen as targets for detection,and then the primers and the probe with a novel fluorescence quencher were designed.The genome DNA of Helicobacter pylori was extracted,and then detected by real time PCR reported here.Meanwhile,the specificity,reproducibility and sensitivity of the assay were evaluated.Finally,the real time PCR described here,the real time PCR based on TaqMan,and a sequencing assay were applied to detect 55 Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from clinical specimens,respectively.The results from three assays were compared with each other in order to further evaluate the applicability of this assay in clinic.Results It indicated that the mutation points related to clarithromycin -resistance,A2142G and A2143G,were identified by real time PCR with a novel fluorescence quencher rapidly and accurately.Moreover the coefficient of variation was less than 5%.The limit of detection was 100 copies/reaction.While this assay was applied directly to detect 55 Helicobacter pylori strains,the results were in accordance with those obtained from a TaqMan real time PCR and a sequencing assay,respectively.Conclusion The real time PCR described here was a simple,reliable and accurate approach and substituted for the TaqMan real time PCR for identification of two mutation points of clarithromycin -resistance,A2142G and A2143G in Helicobacter pylori.Thus,a novel tool for diagnosis of gene mutation was provided and the results might be regarded as a substantial evidence for clinical individual therapy.

Disaster Relief Medicine (DRM), a newly developed science, not only crosses Emergency Service and Critical Health Care, but also relates to other various fields such as Nursing, Clinical examination and Clinical Medicinal Engineering etc, all of which require competent Clinical Medicinal Engineers. Thus, a key subject of Clinical Engineering is to provide quality support to medical equipments, and to offer engineers educational training on this diverse science, in order to improve their professional and managerial skills. Based on DRM characteristics, specifically, based on our first hand experience during disaster relief effort in Wen-Chuan Earthquake, we documents our thoughts and discussion over the issues we found in above areas as listed in the article below.
Biomedical Engineering ; Disaster Medicine ; Earthquakes ; Emergency Medical Services

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical efficacy of delayed open reduction and internal fixation with minimally invasive percutaneous locking compression plate for the treatment of type II and III Pilon fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2007 to September 2009, 32 patients with type II and III Pilon fractures were treated with open reduction and anatomic plate fixation (AP group) and minimally invasive percutaneous locking compression plate osteosynthesis (LCP group). There were 11 males and 6 females in AP group, with an average age of (37.4 +/- 13.3) years (ranged, 19 to 55 years). And there were 10 males and 5 females in LCP group, with an average age of (34.6 +/- 11.3) years(ranged, 21 to 56 years). The operating time, fracture healing time, aligned angulation and ankle function were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the during ranged from 12 to 25 months, with a mean of (15.0 +/- 1.7) months. The average operation time was (76.5 +/- 8.3) min for AP group and (58.3 +/- 3.4) min for LCP group; the average time of fracture healing was (20.5 +/- 0.4) weeks for AP group and (15.7 +/- 0.2) weeks for LCP group; the total angulation between anterior posterior film and lateral film was averaged (6.6 +/- 0.5) degrees for AP group and (3.6 +/- 0.2) degrees for LCP group. As to above index, the results of LCP group were better than those of AP group (P < 0.05). According to Kofoed criteria for ankle joint, the results of LCP group were better than those of AP group in ankle joint pain, wakling and ankle joint function (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe method of minimally invasive percutaneous locking compression plate internal fixation is effective in the treatment of Pilon fracture with less invasion, faster bone union, more stabilized fixation, quicker recovery of ankle function and fewer complications, which is more advantaged for type II and III Pilon fractures.

Adult ; Ankle Injuries ; surgery ; Bone Plates ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fracture Healing ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the toxicity of Radix Aristolochiae supplied experimental evidence of rational use of drug in clinic.

METHODAfter treatment with small dose Radix Aristolochiae, Guanxin Suhe Wan (with Radix Aristolochiae) and Guanxin Suhe Wan (without Radix Aristolochiae) in different group for a long- term, respectively, the biochemical indicator of PT, ALT, AST, ALB, ALP, Crea and BUN were detected, and the kidney, liver, stomach and urinary bladder were examined by pathologic assaying.

RESULTIn Radix Aristolochiae group and Guanxin Suhe Wan (with Radix Aristolochiae) group, all of biochemical indicator were changed significantly, and hepatonecrosis, renal tubular necrosis, gastric carcinoma and bladder carcinoma were discovered.

CONCLUSIONRadix Aristolochiae and Guanxin Suhe Wan (with Radix Aristolochiae) can damage kidney and liver, and cause gastric carcinoma and bladder carcinoma by intensive toxicity.

Animals ; Aristolochia ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; toxicity ; Kidney ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stomach Neoplasms ; chemically induced ; Urinary Bladder ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; chemically induced