Objective To investigate the clinical therapeutic effect of filiform fire needling on tennis elbow.Method Eighty patients with tennis elbow were randomly allocated to a filiform fire needling group of 30 cases, a block group of 20 cases and an electroacupuncture group of 30 cases. The treatment group received. Pain severity was scored using the VAS after one and two weeks and one month of treatment. The therapeutic effects were evaluated and compared after one month of treatment.Result The total efficacy rate was 93.3% in the filiform fire needling group, 60.0% in the block group and 50.0% in the electroacupuncture group; there was a statistically significant difference among the three groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the filiform fire needling and block groups (P<0.05) and between the filiform fire needling and electroacupuncture groups (P<0.05) but no significant difference between the block and electroacupuncture groups (P>0.05). The VAS score decreased significantly in the block group (P<0.05) but did not in the filiform fire needling and electroacupuncture groups (P>0.05) after one week of treatment compared with before. The VAS score decreased significantly in the filiform fire needling and block groups (P<0.05) but did not in the electroacupuncture group (P>0.05) after two weeks of treatment compared with before. There was no statistically significant posttreatment difference in the VAS score between the filiform fire needling and block groups (P>0.05) but there was such a difference between the filiform fire needling or block group and the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the VAS score in the filiform fire needling and block groups (P<0.01) and also in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05) between before and after one month of treatment. There was a statistically significant difference in the VAS score after one month of treatment between the filiform fire needling group and the block or electroacupuncture group (P<0.05) and between the block and electroacupuncture groups (P<0.05). The results of the study showed that filiform fire needling, local drug blockage and electroacupuncture all had clinically a better therapeutic effect on tennis elbow and a better improving effect on the symptoms in the patients. Filiform fire needling produced a marked therapeutic effect. Its effect was superior to those of block therapy and electroacupuncture.Conclusion Filiform fire needling is a definitely effective way to treat tennis elbow.

Multi-target drugs attract increasing attentions for the therapy of complicated neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, a computer-assisted strategy was applied to search for multi-target compounds by the pharmacophore matching. This strategy has been successfully used to design dual-target inhibitor models against both the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Based on two pharmacophore models matching and physicochemical properties filtering, one hit was identified which could inhibit AChE with IC50 value of (0.337 +/- 0.052) micromol x L(-1) and PARP-1 by 24.6% at 1 micromol x L(-1).
Acetylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Cholinesterase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Computer-Aided Design ; Drug Discovery ; methods ; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors

Objective To investigate the relationship between cytokines and human graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods In 21 patients undergoing allo-HSCT,the plasma concentrations of cytokines[soluble interleukin 2 receptor(sIL-2R), interferon-gama (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-betal (TGF-β1)] were measured by using sandwich enzyme-linked immunological assay (ELISA) and the gene expressions of three cytokines were analysed by using semi-quantitate reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results The concentrations and gene expressions of sIL-2R and IFN-γin the patients with GVHD were significantly higher than those without GVHD (P <0.01), and they were higher in the patients with aGVHD than with cGVHD and without GVHD(P <0.05); the levels of TGF-β1 in the patients with GVHD were significantly declined(P <0.01), but in those without aGVHD were obviously increased(P <0.05). After effective treatment, unnormal sIL-2R, IFN-γand TGF-β1 expressions recovered to the levels before transplantation. A multivariate COX analysis showed sIL-2R and TGF-β1 are independent prognostic factors for GVHD (P<0.001). Conclusion Monitoring the changes of sIL-2R, IFN-γand TGF-β1 expression levels (especially sIL-2R and TGF-β1) might provide predictive markers for GVHD after allo-HSCT. The sensitivity between RT-PCR and ELISA for detecting cytokines expressions had no difference.

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) has been historically recognized as a metabolite of the marine microorganism or a disgusting component for the smell of halitosis patients. In our recent study, DMS has been identified as a cytoprotectant that protects against oxidative-stress induced cell death and aging. We found that at near- physiological concentrations, DMS reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured PC12 cells and alleviated oxidative stress. The radical-scavenging capacity of DMS at near-physiological concentration was equivalent to endogenous methionine(Met)-centered antioxidant defense. Methionine sulfoxidereductase A (MsrA), the key antioxidant enzyme in Met-centered defense, bound to DMS and promoted its antioxidant capacity via facilitating the reaction of DMS with ROS through a sulfonium intermediate at residues Cys72, Tyr103, Glu115, followed by the release of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). MTT assay and trypan blue test indicated that supplement of DMS exhibited cytopro?tection against 6-hydroxydopamine and MPP + induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, MsrA knockdown abolished the cytoprotective effect of DMS at near- physiological concentrations. The present study reveals new insight into the potential therapeutic value of DMS in Parkinson disease.

OBJECTIVETo study the changes in diaphragmatic function and gene expressions of calcium regulatory proteins in diabetic rats and explore the mechanism of diaphragm dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.

METHODSSD rats were randomly divided into normal control group and diabetic (induced by intraperitoneal STZ injection) group. After 4 and 8 weeks, the body weight and diaphragm to body weight ratio were measured, and the activities of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) in the diaphragm and blood glucose were assayed. The diaphragm contractility was assessed and the alterations of diaphragm ultrastructure were observed. RT-PCR was used to detect the changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) and phospholamban (PLB) mRNA expressions in the diaphragm.

RESULTSThe diabetic rats showed a significant weight loss with a lowered diaphragm to body weight ratio (P<0.01) and SDH activity (P<0.01). The peak twitch tension and maximum tetanic tension of the diaphragm were significantly lowered and the time to peak contraction and half relaxation time significantly prolonged (P<0.01) in the diabetic rats, which also exhibited a lowered tetanic force in response to stimulus (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed obvious ultrastructural changes of the diaphragm in diabetic rats. RT-PCR showed significantly decreased SERCA and increased PLB mRNA expressions in diabetic rat diaphragm (P<0.01), and these changes intensified with time (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONDiabetes can cause impairment of diaphragmatic ultrastructure, mitochondrial injuries, and lowered SDH activity and ATP production. Decreased SERCA and increased PLB mRNA expressions in diabetes result in reduced Ca(2+) uptake by the diaphragm sarcoplasmic reticulum to induce diaphragm dysfunction.

Animals ; Body Weight ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Diaphragm ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum ; metabolism ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; metabolism ; Succinate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism

Objective To compare the difference of the protein about the patient of hepatitis B who received adefovir dipivoxil(ADV)therapy,and seek the useful biomarker of effective therapy.Methods We used the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis technology to examine HBV infected serum samples aiming at searching protein's alteration after ADV therapy.Results After 1 year's treatment,haptoglobin, haptoglobin 2-alpha raised and alpha-l-antitrypsin precursor,Factor B,Chain B,transthyretin,glutathione peroxidase,alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein,retina]binding protein,retinol-binding protein precursor, apolipoprotein,apolipoprotein A-I precursor fell in viral response patients.Transthyretin raised and leucine- rich alpha-2-glyeoprotein,haptoglobin,alpha-2-actin,apolipoprotein A-I precursor fell in none viral response patients.To compare two groups:apolipoprotein A-I have the same change and haptoglobin, transthyretin have the opposite change.Conclusion Proteomics study can find the alteration of protein during the ADV treatment,and is helpful to searching the predictable biomarker to ADV.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation of daily living activities with location and severity of trau- matic brain injury (TBI) and to provide a theoretical basis for improving the accuracy of expert opinion. METHODS: Five hundred and one cases of patients with TBI were selected. Detailed records included following: pre-injury situation, location and severity of injury, treatment and education. Daily living activi- ties scale (Barthel index) was applied to test the subjects' daily living activities. The relevance among location and severity of TBI and Barthel index was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In mild TBI group, there was no significant difference in Barthel index among each location (P>0.05). In moderate TBI group, there were significant differences in Barthel index between subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral lobe injury, also between parietal, occipital lobes injury and frontal lobe injury, parietal, occipital lobes injury and temporal lobe (P<0.05), respectively, whereas no significant difference in Barthel index between frontal lobe injury and temporal lobe injury (P>0.05). In severe TBI, there were significant differences in Barthel index between every two different locations (P<0.05). CONCLUSION There is some correlation between the location of TBI and Barthel index, which provides an important reference value for analyzing and determining daily living activities after TBI.
Activities of Daily Living ; Adult ; Brain Injuries/rehabilitation* ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care ; Trauma Severity Indices

Objective To assess the clinical effect of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation on computer navigation for lumbar spondylolisthesis.Methods Total 20 patients (8 males and 12 females with average age of 54.1± 12.3 years) with lumbar spondylolisthesis were enrolled in our study during Oct.2014 and May.2016.All patients were treated with OLIF combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation on computer navigation.Operation time,blood loss and complications were all recorded.Clinical and Radiographic evaluation were investigated on 1 week,3 months,6 months,12 months postoperatively and final follow-up.Visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back pain and leg pain,Oswestry disability index (ODI) for low back pain and the MOS item short form health survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of surgery.Disc height,disc angle,lumbar lordosis and degree of upper vertebral slip of patients were investigated with X-ray.Cross-sectional area of intervertebral foramina was measured with three-dimensional CT and MRI.The cross-sectional area and sagittal diameter of the thecal sac were measured on T2-weighted axial and sagittal magnetic resonance images.Accuracy of pedicle screw placement was investigated with three-dimensional CT.Fusion rate was investigated with three-dimensional CT and Xray.Results All patients were followed for 12-30 months (22.9±4.8 months).The mean operation time was (119.0±23.8) min,the mean blood loss was (57.8±20.6) ml.VAS for low back pain,VAS for leg pain,and ODI were significantly improved from (6.7± 2.6),(6.3±2.7) and 50.5％±18.2％ preoperatively to (1.3±1.0),(0.8±1.0) and 14.0％±9.6％ at the latest follow-up.The SF-36 PCS and MCS scores were improved from (27.1 ± 13.9) and (51.0±22.7) preoperatively to (67.3± 18.9) and (81.2±14.1) at the latest follow-up.Disc height,disc angle,lumbar lordosis were significantly increased from (6.0±3.6) mm,1.8°±6.2° and 39.2°±8.4° preoperatively to (10.8± 1.7) mm,6.2°±3.5° and 45.0°±7.8° at the latest follow-up.Degree of upper vertebral slip of patients was reduced from 23.5％±7.4％ preoperatively to 4.2％±3.1％ at the latest follow-up.Cross-sectional area of intervertebral foramina in CT and MRI were significantly increased from (140.6±36.0) mm2 and (78.1±31.2) mm2 before surgery to (179.8±35.6) mm2 and (141.7±29.5) mm2 at 6 months after surgery.Cross-sectional area and sagittal diameter of thecal sac were significantly increased from (73.4±29.3) mm2 and (5.2±3.2) mm before surgery to (124.5±26.6) mm2 and (9.5±2.0) mm at 6 months after surgery.Accuracy of pedicle screw placement was 95％,and fusion rate was 100％ at 6 months after surgery.There were no severe vascular and nerve injuries.Conclusion OLIF combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation on computer navigation has good indirect decompression effect on lumbar spondylolisthesis,and was associated with high fusion rate.It can also effectively decrease the surgical trauma,improve the accuracy of pedicle screw placement,and increase disc height,disc angle and lumbar lordosis.

OBJECTIVETo explore the diaphragmatic toxicity in doxorubicin (DOX)-treated rats and the related mechanisms, as well as the effects of Shengmai Injection (SMI, ) on the diaphragmatic dysfunction.

METHODSThirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, DOX-treated and DOX+SMI treated groups. DOX was given to rats in DOX and DOX+SMI groups in 6 equal doses [2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection (i.p.)], on alternate days, over a period of 2 weeks for a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg. SMI was given to DOX+SMI rats in 12 doses (3 mL/kg, i.p.) for a period of 2 weeks before the administration of DOX and 2 weeks during the administration of DOX. The rats in the control group received equal volume of normal saline. Subsequently, the twitch and tetanic characteristics and force-frequency relationships, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as the mRNA content and proteins of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined.

RESULTSThe DOX-treated rats had decreased the peak twitch tension (Pt), maximal tetanic tension (P0) and force-frequency relationship as compared with the control rats (P<0.01), while the diaphragm contractility in rats treated with SMI were significantly higher than that in DOX-treated rats (P<0.01). The DOX-treated rats had increased MAD levels and decreased SOD activities (P<0.05), and SMI decreased the MDA levels and increased the SOD activities in DOX-treated rats (P<0.05). Ultrastructure of diaphragm in the DOX-treated rats revealed typical alterations including fracture of diaphragm fibers, and edema and degeneration of mitochondria; these changes were relieved by SMI treatment. The mRNA content and protein of iNOS in DOX-treated rats were remarkably higher than those in control rats (P<0.01), while SMI decreased the mRNA expression level of iNOS in DOX-treated rats (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLipid peroxidation is responsible for DOX-induced diaphragm toxicity. SMI protects diaphragm muscles and their function from DOX impairment, and these beneficial effects may be somehow correlated with the decrease in expression of iNOS and lipid peroxidation.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; drug effects ; Blotting, Western ; Diaphragm ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiology ; ultrastructure ; Doxorubicin ; adverse effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; In Vitro Techniques ; Injections ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; genetics ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

To investigate the electrophysiological effects of 17β-estradiol on pacemaker cells in sinoatrial (SA) nodes of rabbits and the underlying mechanism, intracellular microelectrode technique was used to record action potential (AP) in SA node cells of rabbits. The results showed that: (1) 17β-estradiol (1, 10, 100 μmol/L) not only significantly decreased the amplitude of action potential (APA) and the maximal rate of depolarization (V(max)), but also decreased the velocity of diastolic (phase 4) depolarization (VDD) and rate of pacemaker firing (RPF) in a concentration-dependent manner. The AP duration at 50% repolarization (APD(50)) and at 90% repolarization (APD(90)) were prolonged. But the maximal diastolic potential (MDP) was not affected. (2) Pretreatment with tamoxifen (10 μmol/L), an inhibitor of estrogen receptor, did not block the electrophysiological effects of 17β-estradiol (10 μmol/L) on SA node cells. (3) Pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 μmol/L), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, completely abolished the electrophysiological effects of 17β-estradiol (10 μmol/L) on SA node cells. The results suggest that 17β-estradiol inhibits the electrophysiological activity of pacemaker cells in SA nodes of rabbits in a concentration-dependent manner possibly through a non-genomic mechanism related with NO.
Action Potentials ; Animals ; Electrophysiological Phenomena ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; Rabbits ; Sinoatrial Node ; cytology