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

OBJECTIVETo establish a cell line for stable expression of human beta-defensin 3 (hBD3).

METHODSFull length cDNA of hBD3 was isolated from previously constructed pGEM-hBD3 and then inserted into pcDNA3. The recombinant vector identified carrying hBD3 with right direction was introduced into COS-7 cells by Lipofectamine. Cell clones survived in G418-rich medium and with stable expression of hBD3 in both mRNA and protein levels were identified by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. Genomic integration of the hBD3 gene with the COS-7 cells was confirmed by Southern dot blot and primary analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the secreted hBD3 was also evaluated.

RESULTSCOS-7 cells transfected with pcDNA3-hBD3 expressed hBD3 stably in mRNA and protein level. Southern dot blot analysis showed successful integration of the hBD3 gene into the genome of COS-7 cell and the hBD-3 protein secreted into the culture medium showed antimicrobial activity.

CONCLUSIONWe successfully established a hBD3-expressing cell line.

Animals ; COS Cells ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Escherichia coli ; drug effects ; Genetic Vectors ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Staphylococcus aureus ; drug effects ; Transfection ; beta-Defensins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology

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

BACKGROUNDDense congenital cataracts often cause severe visual impairment. The results of long-term follow-up of dense bilateral congenital cataract in China have not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term visual function in children who underwent cataract extraction for dense bilateral congenital cataract in southern part of China.

METHODSMedical records of children who underwent surgery of dense bilateral congenital cataract between January 1992 and December 2000 at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University were retroactively reviewed. In 38 children available for current follow-up, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and stereoscopic vision, as well as nystagmus, strabismus, and other complications, were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 107.6 months (range 60 to 167 months).

RESULTSThe mean age of cataract extraction and secondary intraocular lens implantation were 5.6 months (range 3 to 12 months) and 4.2 years (range 2.4 to 15 years), respectively. The mean BCVA was 0.25 in the better eye and 0.16 in the fellow eye. Stereoscopic vision was absent in all patients, and 3 children had simultaneous perception. Nystagmus was detected in all cases and strabismus in 35 cases. A high correlation was found between timing of cataract extraction and final BCVA of the better eye (r = -0.55, P = 0.00). A statistically significant difference was found in BCVA between post- and pre-treatment of amblyopia (t = 5.65, P = 0.00).

CONCLUSIONSLong-term visual function in children with dense bilateral congenital cataract was poor when cataract surgery was performed at age of 3 months or later. Earlier cataract surgery with adequate optical rehabilitation contributed to better visual outcome.

Adolescent ; Cataract ; congenital ; Cataract Extraction ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Retrospective Studies ; Visual Acuity

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