OBJECTIVETo verify the regulatory effects of acupuncture on exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at stable phase.

METHODSThirty cases of COPD were randomly divided into a treatment group (16 cases) and a placebo group (14 cases). Based on specified aerobic exercise, acupuncture was applied in the treatment group and placebo acupuncture was used in the placebo group. The acupoints included Danzhong (CV 17), Rugen (ST 18), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25) and so on. The needle did not penetrate into the skin for the placebo group. The treatment was required for 2 to 3 times per week for totally 5 weeks. The indices of exercise tolerance, including 6-min walking distance (6-MWD), exercise time, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), St. George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) were observed in two groups before and after treatment.

RESULTS(1) Exercise tolerance: the differences of 6-MWD and exercise time were statistically significant between groups, which were more superior in the treatment group (both P<0.01); the VO2max was significantly increased after treatment in the treatment group (P<0.05), but there was no difference between two groups (P>0.05). (2) Pulmonary ventilation function: the differences of FEV1%, FEV1/FVC and MVV% were statistically significant between groups, which were more superior in the treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01); (3) SGRQ: the SGRQ was significantly improved after treatment in the treatment group (P<0.05), but there was no difference between two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe acupuncture could improve the exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at stable phase, and shorten the onset time of aerobic exercise. Besides, acupuncture combined with aerobic exercise could effectively improve the pulmonary function.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Exercise Tolerance ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; physiopathology ; therapy

Aim To explore the alterations of blood corticosterone (CORT) level and adrenal steroidogenic function,as well as its sex specificity in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) rats induced by prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) with high-fat diet (HFD) after birth,and to make clear its mechanism through insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway.Methods IUGR model was established by PNE (2.0mL · kg-1 · d-1),and the offspring rats were administered with HFD until postnatal week (PW) 24 after weaning.Blood CORT concentration,adrenal steroidogenesis enzymes,expressions of IGF-1 signaling pathway and 11β-HSDs/CR system were tested.Results Compared with HFD control group,the CORT concentration in male offspring of PNE group represented a decrease trend,while an increase trend in female;the expressions of adrenal steroidogenesis enzymes (such as StAR,3β-HSD and P450cll) in male offspring decreased,while increased in female offspring (such as SF-1 and P450c21);the expressions of IGF-1 signalling pathway (IGF-1 and IGF-1R) in male offspring increased,and they significantly increased in female offspring;the expression levels of 11 β-HSD2 and GR decreased,but 11β-HSD1/11β-HSD2 ratio was enhanced in male PNE group,while in female PNE group,the corresponding gene expressions increased.Conclusions PNE could induce abnormal alterations of adrenal steroidogenic function,and exhibit apparent gender differences.The potential mechanism is related to low adrenal steroidogenesis function programming induced by nicotine and catch-up growth mediated by IGF-1 after birth.

Adult ; Bone Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lipoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Talus

Objective To evaluate the surgical approaches and therapeutic effect of lymphatic malformations located in head and neck in children. Methods Eleven cases of lymphatic malformations in the region of head and neck in children encountered between Jan. 1998 and Dec. 2008 in Peking University First Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Initial diagnosis was made based on the physical examination and then confirmed by MR and Enhanced CT imaging. Surgical therapy was used for patients with lymphatic malformation which exceeds 4 cm. The operative technique was as follows: mass resection and superficial parotidectomy (4 cases), mass resection and total parotidectomy (2 cases), mass resection with neck dissection (2 cases), mass resection with neck dissection and sternotomy (1 case), marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve dissection and mass resection (2 cases). Dissection outside the false capsule was applied during the operation and facial nerve was dissected from bole to terminal arborization. Results The mass was completely removed in all 11 cases without organ dysfunction and obvious dysfigurement. The cure rate was 100%. Three cases suffered from a branch of facial nerve paralysis because of tension and 1 case had a Homer's syndrome after operation. One ease needed a blood transfusion (150 ml ) during the operation. All cases have been followed up with excellent results from 6 to 121 months, 32 months of the median, no mass recurrence. Conclusions Dissection outside the false capsule of mass and dissection of facial nerve were applied in the surgical treatment of huge lymphatic malformations. These methods are effective in the preservation of function and avoidance of abnormality.

AIMTo study the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the supernatant of U937 cells stimulated with LPS and dexamethasone on interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in the synoviocyte from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODSFibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from the joint tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis were cultured and incubated for 24 h with LPS (1 mg.L-1) or the supernatant of U937 cells stimulated with LPS (1 mg.L-1) for 24 h. Dexamethasone was added to the supernatant of U937 cells and FLS was incubated for 24 h. The expression of IL-6 protein was detected by radioimmunoassay. The mRNA expression of IL-6 was accessed by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe growth of FLS was not markedly affected by LPS, and the protein secretion and mRNA expression of IL-6 were not markedly changed in FLS treated with LPS. The IL-6 secretion and IL-6 mRNA expression were significantly increased in FLS cultured with the supernatant from U937 cell treated with LPS. Dexamethasone markedly inhibited the protein secretion and mRNA expression of IL-6 in FLS cultured with the supernatant from U937 cell stimulated with LPS. The inhibitory effects were increased as the concentration of dexamethasone increased.

CONCLUSIONLPS was not shown to directly affect the expression of IL-6 in FLS, but it indirectly causes the increase of the IL-6 expression in FLS by stimulating U937 cell. Dexamethasone can inhibit this increase of the IL-6 expression.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; pathology ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dexamethasone ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Synovial Membrane ; drug effects ; metabolism ; U937 Cells

AIMTo study the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the supernatant of U937 cells stimulated with LPS and dexamethasone on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in the synoviocyte from patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA).

METHODSFibroblast-like cells (FLS) from the joint tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis were cultured and incubated for 24 h with LPS (1 mg.L-1) or the supernatant of U937 cells stimulated with LPS (1 mg.L-1) for 24 h. Dexamethasone was added to the supernatant of U937 cells and FLS was incubated for 24 h. The activity of MMP-9 was analyzed by gelatin zymography. Protein expression of MMP-9 was detected by Western blot using special polyclonal antibodies. The mRNA expression of MMP-9 was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe expression of MMP-9 was not markedly changed in FLS treated with LPS. The MMP-9 activity, MMP-9 secretion and MMP-9 mRNA expression were significantly increased in FLS cultured with the supernatant from U937 cell treated with LPS. Dexamethasone markedly inhibited the activity, protein secretion and mRNA expression of MMP-9 in FLS cultured with the supernatant from U937 cell stimulated with LPS, and the inhibitory effects were increased as the concentration of dexamethasone increased.

CONCLUSIONLPS did not directly affect the expression of MMP-9 in FLS, but it was found to indirectly cause the increase of MMP-9 expression in FLS by stimulating U937 cell. Dexamethasone was found to inhibit this increase of MMP-9 expression.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; pathology ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dexamethasone ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; pathology ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; drug effects ; genetics ; Synovial Membrane ; drug effects ; enzymology ; pathology ; U937 Cells

OBJECTIVETo study the therapeutic effects of azithromycin in treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis in children.

METHODSDefinite diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis was made on the basis of clinical manifestation combined with one or more positive results of the following laboratory tests and excluded other congenital infectious diseases: toxoplasma DNA (TOX-DNA), circulating toxoplasma antigen (TOX-CAG), and toxoplasma IgM antibody (TOX-IgM). All the patients were given oral azithromycin 10 mg/(kg.d) for 6 days followed by 8 days without medication (one course of treatment), and the regimen was persisted for 2 months and then another 2-month treatment was given at a 1-month interval. The authors continued to provide further treatment according to the state of the illness at one month interval. The patients received 2 to 8 (average 5) courses of treatment. The patients were followed-up for 2.5 to 5 (average 4) years.

RESULTSThe treatment was effective in all the patients and the patient's condition was improved. The authors repeated in 12 cases the four tests for toxoplasma (TOX-DNA, TOX-CAG, TOX-IgM, and TOX-IgG) 9 months to one and a half years after treatment. In 10 cases all these tests showed negative results, in 2 cases TOX-IgG was positive and in the other 4 cases symptoms disappeared.

CONCLUSIONThe results of the study showed that oral azithromycin had significant therapeutic effects with little side effect and was well tolerated. Azithromycin may become an alternative therapy in treatment of congenital Toxoplasma gondii infection in children.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Azithromycin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Prognosis ; Toxoplasmosis, Congenital ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo discuss clinical effects of complex acetabular fracture.

METHODSFrom January 2005 to December 2010, totally 31 patients with complex acetabular fracture received surgery. There were 21 males and 10 females with an average age of 38.6 years old (ranged, 31 to 57). X-ray, CT, operation scheme and clinical efficiacy were retrospectively analyzed. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery standard was used to evaluate hip joint function.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 12 to 36 months with an average of 17.6 months. No complications and neurovascular injury occurred. One case received total hip replacement arthroplasty. There were 17 cases obtained anatomical reduction, 12 cases got satisfied reduction and 2 cases not satisfied. According to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery standard, 18 cases got excellent result, good in 9 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONComplex acetabular fracture combine with lots of complications and easily had occurre postoperative complications. It can improve curative effect by accurate reduction and reliable fixation and maximize restoring function of hip joint.

Acetabulum ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; surgery ; Adult ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Hip Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

AIMA series of new 1,4-pentadien-3-one derivatives were synthesized to search for new Eight novel hydroxylated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with potent activity.

METHODSE,E-1-(3'-indolyl)-5-( substituted phenyl)-1,4-pentadien-3-one derivatives were synthesized by means of aldol condensation and characterized by 1H NMR, ESI-MS and element analysis. Their anti-inflammatory activity in vitro were evaluated.

RESULTSPreliminary in vitro pharmacological tests showed that all compounds exhibited anti-inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSIONCompounds 4d and 4e exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity and their anti-inflammatory activity was comparable to resveratrol, and were worthy of further study.

Alkadienes ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Indoles ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; secretion

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression on cell growth and apoptosis in imatinib resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells (K562/A02-IM), and explore the relationship between HO-1 gene and CML.

METHODSThe expression of HO-1 in 20 drug-resistant CML patients was detected by RT-PCR. Different concentrations of hemin were used to induce HO-1 expression of K562/A02-IM, HO-1 expression at different time was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI staining, and MTT assay was used to detect viability of K562/A02-IM cells after induction or inhibition of HO-1 gene by hemin and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP).

RESULTSRT-PCR showed that HO-1 was expressed in the bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs). When treated with hemin at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40 µmol/L) for 16 h, the expression of HO-1 in K562/A02-IM was increased in a dose-dependent manner, and peaked at 20 µmol/L of hemin for 16 h. The apoptosis rates were (17.61 ± 0.01)%, (12.13 ± 0.11)%, (7.94 ± 0.03)% and (4.62 ± 0.15)% at 0,10, 20 and 40 µmol/L of hemin respectively for 16 h and were (14.7 ± 0.05)%, (8.1 ± 0.07)% and (16.3 ± 0.13)% at 20 µmol/L of hemin treatment for 8,16, and 24 h respectively. Hemin induced apoptosis of K562/A02-IM cells in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of HO-1 was induced in K562/A02-IM cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the survival of K562/A02-IM cells was significantly increased as compared to that of control group. When HO-1 was inhibited by ZPP, the cells survival was sharply decreased compared to that of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHO-1 was expressed in the BMMNCs. It is a kind of molecules whose expression can be induced and can promote the growth of drug-resistant cells. Inhibition of HO-1 expression probably be used for the treatment of drug-resistant CML.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Benzamides ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; genetics ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; genetics ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; K562 Cells ; Piperazines ; pharmacology ; Pyrimidines ; pharmacology