Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiculopathy ; etiology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Spondylosis ; complications ; Upper Extremity ; physiopathology

Adult ; Aged ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscular Atrophy ; therapy ; Spondylosis ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of preconditioning acupuncture (PA) on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

METHODSEighty patients suffered from primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned on the ratio of 1:1:2 into three groups, 20 in Group A, 20 in Group B, and 40 in Group C. Group A and B were treated with PA and immediate acupuncture (IA), respectively, while Group C received no acupuncture treatment and be taken as a blank control. The treatment was lasted for three menstrual cycles. The therapeutic effects were observed and compared.

RESULTSComparing the scores of the symptoms in the different groups, the therapeutic effect in different groups showed that the symptom scores in Group A at the second and third cycle of treatment, as well as at the first and third cycle of follow-up, were significantly lower than the scores in Group B, respectively (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the duration of symptoms was shorter in Group A than in Group B at the third cycle of treatment and the first and third cycle of follow-up (P<0.05). Symptom scores in Groups A and B in the treatment and follow-up periods were all lowered as compared to those before treatment (P<0.01), and the scores were also lower than those in Group C measured at corresponding times (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic effect of PA, either the short-term or the long-term effect, was superior to that of IA in treating dysmenorrhea.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Age of Onset ; Dysmenorrhea ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; pathology ; therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Research Design ; Severity of Illness Index ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

BackgroundObstruction of aqueous humor out flow pathway or abnormality of the extracellular matrix( ECM ) of trabecular meshwork cells causes high intraocular pressure. The balance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases(TIMPs) is critical for the metabolism of ECM. Interleukin1α(IL-1α) can influence outflow of aqueous humor by regulating MMPs level. Objective This study was to investigate the effect of interleukin-1α on the expression of MMP-2,MMP-3 and TIMP-I in cultured swine trabecular meshwork cells.Methods Swine sclera with trabecular meshwork tissue was isolated from 20 swine eyes and cultured with explant cultured method. Cultured cells were passaged and third generation cells were identified by fibronectin ( FN ) and laminin ( LN ) staining. After 24 hours of serum starvation, trabecular meshwork cells treated with IL-1α at the concentration of 10 mg/L were regarded as the IL group,and serum-free culture medium used to treat trabecular meshwork cells was regarded as the control group. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 proteins in trabecular meshwork cells were detected by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of MMP-2 mRNA, MMP-3 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. The examination results were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe third generation of cells were positive for FN and LM. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 proteins(A value) in trabecular meshwork cells were significantly higher in the IL group than the control group(t=-7. 694,t =-5. 199,P＜0. 05) ,but no obvious difference was found in the expression of MMP-2 between the two groups( t=-2. 365, P＞0.05 ). The higher expression levels in MMP-3 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA (A value) in trabecular meshwork cells were seen in comparison with the control group (t =-3. 025,t=-1. 921 ,P＜0. 05). However,similar results were found in the expression of MMP-2 mRNA between the two groups(t =- 1. 173, P＞0.05 ). ConclusionsThe overexpression of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 proteins and their mRNA leads to the imbalance of MMP-3/TIMP-1 and promotes the decomposition of ECM in the trabecular meshwork, and therefore increases aqueous outflow.

Rectal cancer is one of the most malignant tumors in gastrointestinal tract, while low rectal cancer with locally advanced stage is the most common type in China. The concept of neo-adjuvant therapy has challenged the traditional treatment strategy for rectal cancer, and has showed encouraging effects in local relapse control, radical resection and sphincter preservation. However, some important issues still remain controversial, including course and dose of radiotherapy, choice of chemotherapy regimen, long-term benefits. This article aims to review and discuss related issues of neo-adjuvant therapy.
China ; Humans ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Rectal Neoplasms ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Shenqi Compound on diabetic angiopathy modeled rats.

METHODSTotally 18 SD rats were randomized into 3 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the diabetic mellitus (DM) group, and Shenqi Compound group, 6 in each group. The DM rat model was established by feeding high-fat diet (to induce hyperlipidemia) +intraperitoneal injection of small dose streptozotocin (STZ). Shenqi Compound was given to rats in the Shenqi Compound group at the daily dose of 2 g/kg. Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the model group and the normal control group by gastrogavage. All treatment was lasted for 12 weeks. Then 2-D and ultrasonic integrated backscatter technique were used to evaluate structural and functional changes of abdominal aorta in the progression of diabetic macroangiopathy. The fibrosis degree of the aorta vessel and myocardium capillaries were observed by using HE and Masson trichrome staining. The tension of the aortic vascular ring was determined. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA expression was detected by real time PCR (RT-PCR). The protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, collagen III, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and phosphorylation P38 MAPK were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, abdominal aortic systolic inner diameter, diastolic inner diameter, Peterson elastic modulus, stiffness index, and backscatter integral significantly increased; the rangeability of integral backscatter and the extension coefficient of cross section significantly decreased in the DM group (all P < 0.05). After 12 weeks aforesaid indices were obviously improved in the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Results of HE and Masson staining showed that the fibrosis degree of the aorta vessel and myocardium capillaries was obviously alleviated in rats of the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Results of the aortic vascular ring tension showed that acetylcholine induced vasodilatation and maximum diastolic percent were obviously elevated in the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA expression of TGF-beta, and the protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, and collagen III, and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK all significantly increased in the DM group (P < 0.05). Compared with the DM group, the mRNA expression of TGF-beta, and the protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, and collagen III, and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK all decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSShenqi Compound could effectively improve the arterial function in diabetic marcoangiopathy and microvascular dysfunction. The mechanism might be due to the down-regulating the expression of TGF-beta, and further suppressing the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, reducing the synthesis of collagen I and collagen III, therefore, ameliorating arterial and myocardial interstitial fibrosis.

Animals ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Collagen Type III ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; Diabetic Angiopathies ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the synergistical killing effect of docetaxel combined with ABT-737 on human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 by inducing apoptosis and further to determine the mechanism underlying such effect.

METHODSPC-3 cells were treated with various concentrations of docetaxel or (and) ABT-737. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay. Apoptosis was assessed by fluorescence microscopy analysis of cells with condensed and segmented nuclei following staining with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Cellular DNA was stained with propidium iodide and flow cytometric analysis was performed to analyze the cell cycle distribution. Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 protein changes were detected by Western blot. The activity of caspase-3 was measured using a colorimetric assay.

RESULTSDocetaxel (20 nmol/L) combination with ABT-737 (400 nmol/L) for 48 hours, the cell viability was decreased to 19.7% ± 3.2% to compare with 44.2% ± 4.4% (t = 4.45) of docetaxel and 93.2% ± 1.8% of ABT-737 separately and there was a synergistic effect between the two drugs (CI = 0.8). Apoptosis rate of the combination group was higher than other two drugs. Docetaxel increased the cell number arrested in G(2)/M phase compared with control group (P < 0.05), but the combination treatment resulted in a significant arrest in the G(0)/G(1) phase. The combination treatment could significantly reduced the Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 expression (F = 369.53, 57.89 and 32.77, all P < 0.05) and enhanced the activity of caspase-3 (419.7% ± 15.6%) (F = 207.33, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of ABT-737 with docetaxel can synergistically inhibit the proliferation of PC-3 cells through inducing apoptosis, which may be associated with cell cycle arrest, down-regulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 expression and activation of caspase-3.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Biphenyl Compounds ; pharmacology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Synergism ; Humans ; Male ; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein ; metabolism ; Nitrophenols ; pharmacology ; Piperazines ; pharmacology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Sulfonamides ; pharmacology ; Taxoids ; pharmacology ; bcl-X Protein ; metabolism

To investigate the impact of phenotypic knockout of CXCR4 on Molt-4 cells via intrakine technology,the C-terminal alpha-helix gene SDF-1alpha/54/KDEL of human stromal cell-derived Faceor-1 deletion is fused to a retention signal 4-peptide -KDEL that retains the newly synthesized receptor within the Molt-4 cells endoplasimc reticulum. Subsequently, PCR is used to amplify the target gene SDF-1alpha/54/ KDEL from the constructed plasmid SDF-WT-Gly x 4-Dec/PET-30a(+) at its C-terminal and subclone it into eukaryotic expression vectors pEGFP-C3 for generating recombinant vector cells by lipEGFP-C3/SDF-1alpha/54/KDEL, and then have it sequenced. After the transfection of recombinant plasmids into COS-7 posome, SDF-1alpha/54/KDEL protein is confirmed with Western blot. The recombinant plasmids pEGFP-C3/SDF-1alpha/54/KDEL are isolated and transiently transfected in Molt-4 cells by electroporation. Flow cytometric analysis shows a dramatic reduction of CXCR4 expression on Molt-4 cells. The conclusion is that SDF-1alpha/54/KDEL could assume a role in the phenotypic knockout of CXCR4, and the findings suggest that the inhibiting effect of SDF-1alpha/54 against CXCR4 is not influenced by the deletion of SDF-1alpha helix at the C terminal.
Animals ; COS Cells ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; Electroporation ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; Mutation ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Transfection

BACKGROUNDHuman piebaldism is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by congenital white forelock and depigmented patches of skin, typically on the forehead, anterior trunk and extremities. Mutations in the KIT gene have been proposed to be responsible for the underlying changes in this disorder. The aim of this study was to identify gene mutation in a Chinese family with piebaldism.

METHODSA Chinese family with piebaldism presenting with white forelock and large depigmented skin macules on the abdomen, arms and legs was collected. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of the family members. The encoding exons with flanking intron regions of the KIT gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing. Besides, DNA extracted from 100 ethnically matched population individuals was as controls.

RESULTSA heterozygous missense mutation c.2590T > C was identified in the patients of the family. This mutation converted a serine residue to proline (p.Ser864Pro). The mutation was not found in their unaffected family members or normal controls.

CONCLUSIONA novel missense mutation c.2590 T > C was found and it might play a significant role in the piebaldism phenotype in the family.

Child ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation, Missense ; Piebaldism ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; genetics ; physiology

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic reconstruction for treatment of avulsion fracture at the tibial insertion of the knee posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) can minimize surgical trauma to the largest degree. However, its implants have relatively poor stability; therefore, functional exercise cannot be performed in the early stages after surgery, which is inconducive to knee function recovery. It is extremely challenging to perform traditional open reduction with internal fixation to repair avulsion fractures at the tibial insertion of the knee PCL. Often, the crushed bones cannot be firmly fixed, leading to a poor repair effect. OBJECTIVE: To design a new inverted "L"-shaped incision in the popliteal fossa through which bone plates were inserted to fix the crushed bones and to reconstruct PCL tension, facilitating knee function recovery; to compare the therapeutic effects of this new fixation and reconstruction method, and arthroscopic reconstruction for treating avulsion fracture at the tibial insertion of the knee PCL. METHODS: A prospective, single-center, non-randomized controlled trial. One hundred and eighty patients (knees) with avulsion fracture at the tibial insertion of the knee PCL will be assigned to two groups based on treatment methods: arthroscopic reconstruction group (n = 90;fracture fixation and repair under the arthroscope) and new method group (n = 90; bone plates will be inserted through an "L"-shaped incision in the popliteal fossa to fix the crushed bones and reconstruct PCL tension). After surgery, these patients will be followed up for 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The primary outcome measure is the excellent and good rate of knee function recovery at 12 months after surgery as evaluated by Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale score (Herein referred to as Lysholm score). The secondary outcome measures are the excellent and good rate of knee function recovery before surgery, 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery; Lysholm score before surgery, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after surgery; Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, posterior drawer test negative rate, X-ray morphology of the knee before surgery, and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery and; incidence of adverse events at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. Results of a preliminary study involving 62 patients (knees) with avulsion fracture at the tibial insertion of the knee PCL showed that posterior drawer test negative rate and Lysholm score were significantly higher in the new method group compared to the arthroscopic reconstruction group (P < 0.05) at 3 months after surgery. This study will be performed to compare the therapeutic effects of bone plate insertion through an "L"-shaped incision made in the popliteal fossa to fix the crushed bones and to reconstruct PCL tension, and traditional fracture fixation and repair under the arthroscope to treat avulsion fracture at the tibial insertion of the knee PCL. We believe that the former method will be superior to the latter one because it can fix the avulsion fracture more firmly, facilitating knee function recovery. This study was approved by Medical Ethics Committee of Cangzhou Central Hospital of China (approval No. 2017-120-01). This study will be performed in strict accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki formulated by the World Medical Association. Participants provided signed informed consent prior to participation in the study. This study was designed in December 2017. Patient recruitment and data collection will begin in April 2018. Patient recruitment will end in June 2019. Data analysis will be performed in August 2020. The study will be completed in October 2020. Results will be disseminated through presentations at scientific meetings and/or by publication in a peer-reviewed journal. This trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number:ChiCTR1800015026). The version of this study protocol is (1.0).