We report a rare case of pleomorphic adenoma arising from the nasal septum. A 37-year-old woman presented with a 1-year-history of right-sided occasional epistaxis. Computed tomographic scans revealed an oval mass in the right nasal cavity. The tumor was removed endoscopically with endonasal approach. The microscopic finding showed numbers of myoepithelial cells and duct-like structures consisting of loose myxoid stroma. This lesion had histological characteristics of a pleomorphic adenoma, and this was confirmed by immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratin, S-100 protein and SMA. Her post-operative course was uneventful, and she is currently free from the disease 1.5 years after surgery.
Actins ; metabolism ; Adenoma, Pleomorphic ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Adult ; Endoscopy ; Epistaxis ; Epithelial Cells ; Female ; Humans ; Keratins ; metabolism ; Nasal Septum ; pathology ; Nose Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism

The heel vessel belongs to the eight extra meridians in human meridian system, which is closely related to the human motion function. Balance function plays an essential role in successful completion of activities in daily life, so the physiological function and pathology of heel vessel as well as human balance function are analyzed, and from the aspect of running course of heel vessel and syndrome, the correlation between heel vessel and human balance function is explored, and the application status of acupoints related to heel vessel for balance dysfunction is introduced. It is believed that heel vessel is closely related to human balance function, especially the motion regulation mechanisms of balance function, and it is hoped that new ideas and methods can be provided for acupuncture treatment for the balance function disorders.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Meridians ; Postural Balance

OBJECTIVETo compare the differences in the clinical efficacy on post-stroke upper limb spasmodio hemiplegia among the combined therapy of relaxing needling (Huici) technique combined with wheat-grain moxibustion, simple relaxing needling and conventional acupuncture.

METHODSNinety patients were-randomized into a group with the combined therapy of relaxing needling technique combined with wheat-grain moxibustion (a combined therapy group), a simple relaxing needling group and a conventional acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. In the combined therapy group, the relaxing needling technique was used in combination with wheat-grain moxibustion. The relaxing needling technique was applied to Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Shousanli (LI 10), etc. The wheat-grain moxibustion was applied to Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Mingmen (GV 4), etc. In thel simple relaxing needling group, the relaxing needling technique was used simply. In the conventional acupuncture group, the conventional lifting, thrusting and rotating technique with filiform needle was adopted at the same acupoints as the simple relaxing needling group. The treatment was given once every day; 6 treatments made one session. Totally 4 sessions were required, with 1 day at intervals. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and Barthel index (BD were adopted to assess the upper limb muscle tension, motor functioni and daily life activity.

RESULTSAfter treatment, MAS score was all reduced as compared with that before treatment in each group, and FMA score and BI score were increased as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.01). MAS score in the combined therapy group was lower than that in either the simple relaxing needling group or the conventional acupuncture group (both P<0.01), and the score in the simple relaxing needling group was lower than that in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). FMA score and BI score in the combined therapy group were higher than those in the simple relaxing needling group and the conventional acupuncture group (both P<0.01). FMA score in the simple relaxing needleing group was higher than that the Enventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the combined therapy group was 93.3% (28/30), higher; than 86.7% (26/30) in the simple relaxing needling group (P<0.01), and 83.8% (25/30) in the conventionaP acupuncture group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe combined therapy of relaxing needling technique and wheat-grain moxibustion achieves more satisfactory efficacy on post-stroke upper limb spasmodic hemiplegia compared with the simple relaxing needling and conventional acupuncture.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Hemiplegia ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Stroke ; complications ; Treatment Outcome ; Triticum ; chemistry

Abstract LRR-RLKs plays an important role in multiple signal transduction in plant.One full-length cDNA encoding a LRR-RLKs homologue was isolated from maize through in silico cloning and named as ZmLRRPK1(GenBank accession:EU873320).The predicted ZmLRRPK1 protein has 594 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 66kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.42.ZmLRRPK1 has the typical domain of LRR-RLKs.RT-PCR analysis indicated that ZmLRRPK1 expression was induced by ABA,mannitol and salt in coleoptiles of maize and kept high level during 24 hours.

OBJECTIVETo explore the protective mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on ischemic myocardial injury, and to explain the response patterns and characteristics of the specific effect of acupoints along meridians in sodium channel in the level of cardiac organ.

METHODSA total of 60 SPF male rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a non-acupoint group, a Neiguan group and a Lieque group, 12 cases in each one. Except the blank group, rats in the remaining group were treated with subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline to establish the model of myocardial ischemia. Rats in the Neiguan group, Lieque group and non- acupoint group were treated with EA, dilatational wave, with a frequency of 2 Hz/20 Hz. The intensity was 2-3 mA. The needles were retained for 20 min per time, once a day for consecutive 7 days. In the blank group and control group, the rats were grasped and fixed at the treating time each day. The western-blot method was used to test the expression of voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit (Nav 1.5), protein tyrosine kinase (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPs).

RESULTSThe expression of Nav 1.5 and PTKs in the model group was lower than that in the blank group (both P<0. 01); the expression in the Neiguan group and Lieque group was higher than that in the model group (all P < 0.01); the expression of Nav 1.5 and PTKs in the Neiguan group was higher than that in the Lieque group (both P < 0.01). The expression of PTPs in the model group and non-acupoint group was higher than that in the blank group (both P < 0.01); the expression of PTPs in the Neiguan group and Lieque group was significantly down-regulated, which was lower than the model group (both P < 0.01); the down-regulation in the Neiguan group was significantly different from that in the Lieque group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEA at "Neiguan" (PC 6), by down-regulating the expression of PTPs, up-regulating the expression of Nav 1.5 and PTKs, is likely to achieve the aim of regulation on sodium channel activity and calcium overload, further to improve myocardial ischemia, which provides experimental basis for the theory of the specific effect of acupoints along meridians.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Ischemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapy ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sodium Channels ; genetics ; metabolism

ObjectiveTo examine the protective effects of 17-β estradiol on the experimental model of spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. Methods One hundred and eighty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, after Allen' s model, SD rats were divided into three groups: the sham group, the acute spinal cord injury (control groups) and the acute spinal cord injury supplying with 17-β estradiol treatment group. SCI was made by Allen's weight dropping, impacting on the posteriors of spinal cord T10. The content of malonyldialdehyed (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined by chromatometry. The expressions of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 family in the injured spinal cord were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results The BBB scores at each time point in 17-β estradiol treatment group were significantly higher than that in SCI group (P<0.05). The contents of GSH, SOD, GSH-Px and the expression of Bcl-2 protein at the majority of time point in 17-β estradiol treatment group were significantly higher than that in SCI group(P<0.05), however, the MDA, Caspase-3 and Bax were markedly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions This study suggests that 17-β estradiol administration might prevent the cells from SCI-induced apoptosis by triggering to reduce the oxidative stress.

Objective To explore the effect and injury mechanism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after spinal cord injury (SCI) through detecting the dynamic changes of malonyldialdehyed (MDA)content in spinal cord and observing neurocyte apoptosis and correlation apoptosis factor expression after SCI. Methods Totally 132 adult SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham group, SCI group, methylprednisolone (MPSS) group. The SCI of SD rats was performed by Allen's weight dropping way to impact on the posteriors of spinal cord T_(10). The contents of MDA were determined by chromatometry, the expression of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 family in the injured spinal cord was detected by immunohistochemical staining;Apoptotic cells were detected by using fluorometric terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (fluorometric TUNEL) staining. Results The content of MDA in the injured cord increased significantly after SCI;R3eached the peak at 6 hours and 3 days post-injury, then dropped down gradually, then was back to the normal level after 7 days. The number of TUNEL labeling positive cells of SCI group increased at 6 hours post-injury;R3eached the peak at 3 days, then dropped down gradually;Bcl-2, Bax protein began to increase at 6 hours post-injury;R3eached the peak at 5 days after injury, then dropped down gradually. Caspase-3 protein began to increase at 6 hours post-injury;R3eached the peak at 3 days after injury, then dropped down gradually. The content of MDA, the number of TUNEL labeling positive cells, the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax of MPSS group decreased significantly than that of SCI group at the same time;R3espectively, while Bcl-2 protein was up-regulated after administration of MPSS.Conclusion ROS could promote the expression of Caspase-3 and degrade the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax to induce apoptosis of neurocyte, which might play significantly role in the process of secondary SCI. In addition, MPSS exerts neuroprotective effects against ROS toxicity, which might be of importance and might contribute to their clinical efficacy for the treatment of SCI.

BACKGROUND: To apply mouse anti-human cTnI monoclonal antibody as the drug vector in the treatment and diagnosis of myocardial injury, it is important to degrade the immunity of murine antibody and overcome human anti-mouse reaction. Humanization has been applied as an attempt to resolve this problem.OBJECTIVE: To clone murine anti-cTnI Fab fragment and analyse the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences.DESIGN: Single sample study.SETTING: An institute of cardiovascular disease under a medical university-affiliated hospitalMATERIALS: The study was conducted in the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2003 to May 2004. The hybridoma cell line JS200202 which secrets the anti-cTnI monoclonal antibody was provided by Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.METHODS: IgG heavy chain primers and κ light chain primers of amplified mouse were designed. Total RNA was extracted from hybridoma cells which secrete cTnI. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was amplified. Cloning and subsequent sequence analysis of the Fab fragment was performed. The deduced amino acid sequence was compared and analysed with previously published sequences.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Heavy chain Fd segment and κ light chain gene sequence and its subgroups.RESULTS: A band of approximate 700 and 800 base pairs were amplified using IgG heavy chain primers and κ light chain primers respectively. Sequence analysis indicated that the deduced amino acid sequences were in consistent with the characterization of the amino acid in the murine IgGl Fab fragment(GenBank accession NO AY484430, AY484431; Protein Bank accession NO AAR83243, AAR83244).CONCLUSION: A complete murine anti-cTnI Fab fragment was obtained in this study, which may provide basis for the production of the chimeric anti-cTnI antibody.

Objective To explore the activition and polarization of microglia in the epileptic rats induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. Methods One hundred male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group and different time points model groups including 1d,3d,7d and 14d. Epilepsy models were established by lithium chloride-pilocarpine intraperitoneal injection. The control group was given the same dosage of normal saline. The morphology change was detected by immunofluorescence,and the expressions of iNOS and Arg-1 were determined by IHC at respective time points. Results Compared the model groups with control group,microglia was activated,synapsis was shorten,volume got bigger,most of them seemed as amoebocyte,the expression of iNOS increased and Arg-1 decreased,especially at 3d.ConclusionThe results from this study indicated that microglia was activated and polarized in epileptic rats induced by pilocarpine.

Objective To explo the antioxidant effect and molecular mechanism of gastrodin (Gas) in epilepsy (EP) rats induced by LiCl-pilocarpine (PILO) . Methods Eighty male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham group, EP group, therapy groups (pretreated with 60 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg of gastrodin respectively) . The EP model was esteblished by peritoneal injection of LiCl-PILO. Therapy groups were pretreated with various concerntration of Gas. The control group was given the same dosage of normal saline. The alteration of behavior was observed, the concentration of catalase (CAT), glutathion (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion reductase (GR), total antioxidtion (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats brain cortex were detected by chemical colorimetric method, phosphorylation of p38 was determined by western blot. Results There was no EP seizure in sham group,and the EP seizure degree in therapy groups (gas pretreated groups) was significantly decreased,and had statistically significant difference with EP group (P<0.05) . The EP model rats exhibited a significant decrease in the concentration of endogenous antioxidants (CAT, GSH, SOD, GR and T-AOC), while an increase of the concentration of MDA and phosphorylation p38 protein as compared to sham group (P<0.05) . After treatment of the Gas,treatment group rats attenuated the seizure degree,exhibited a significant increase of the concentration of endogenous antioxidants (P<0.05),while a decrease in concentration of MDA and phosphorylation of p38 as compared to model group (P<0.05) . Conclusion Gas may have a neuroprotective role in central nervous system of epileptic rats modle by down-regulateing the seizure degree and the activity of p38 kinase and up-regulateing the content of endogenous antioxidants.