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

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.

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.

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

OBJECTIVETo observe the expression and clinical implication of receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) in mononuclear cells and coronary atherosclerotic plaques from patients with coronary artery disease.

METHODSmRNA and protein expressions of RACK1 were detected in mononuclear cells from 29 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), 41 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 30 healthy volunteers. RACK1 protein expression was also detected by immunohistochemistry in 17 coronary atherosclerotic plaques and 6 normal autopsy coronary samples.

RESULTS(1) mRNA expression of RACK1 was significantly upregulated in mononuclear cells from patients with ACS compared with those from patients with SAP (18.71 ± 5.45 vs. 12.18 ± 4.14, P < 0.05), and the latter was also significantly higher than in healthy controls (12.18 ± 4.14 vs. 3.65 ± 1.57, P < 0.05). (2) Similar changes were observed for protein expression of RACK1 for the three groups. (3) Increased expression of RACK1 was found in atherosclerotic plaques, especially in unstable plaques, positive RACK1 stain was evidenced in foam cells, inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of RACK1 is significantly upregulated in mononuclear cells from patients with coronary artery disease, especially in patients with ACS, and in coronary atherosclerotic plaques, especially in unstable plaques. Our results thus suggest that RACK1 might play an important role in the development and progression of coronary artery disease.

Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Disease ; blood ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Leukocytes ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Receptors for Activated C Kinase ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; 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 study the changes of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 mRNA expressions in endotoxemia-induced rat diaphragm injury and analyze the related apoptosis mechanism.

METHODSThirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8): control group (saline 0.5 ml ip), endotoxin 24 h, 48 h and 96 h group (endotoxin 12 mg/kg ip, animals were killed either 24, 48 or 96 h after injections). Body weight were measured, the ratio between diaphragm weight and body weight, activities of constitutive nitric oxide syntheses (cNOS), iNOS and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were also measured. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTSEndotoxin induced significant reductions in diaphragm mass in endotoxin 96 h group (P < 0.05). Endotoxin increased diaphragm cNOS or iNOS activities, and they were significantly higher in endotoxin 96 h group than those in endotoxin 24 h and 48 h groups, diaphragm SDH activity was reduced, and it was lower in endotoxin 96 h group than that in endotoxin 24 h and 48 h groups (P < 0.01). Endotoxin significantly increased Bax and caspase-3 mRNA expressions, and they were higher in endotoxin 48 h and 96 h groups than those in endotoxin 24 h group (P < 0.01). Endotoxin significantly reduced Bcl-2 mRNA expression and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and they were lower in endotoxin 48 h and 96 h groups than those in endotoxin 24 h group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONiNOS is activated in endotoxemia-induced rat diaphragm injury. It damages mitochondria, upregulates Bax expression and downregulates Bcl-2 expression, then induces caspase-3 related apoptotic pathway. These changes may cause diaphragm injury and atrophy.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Diaphragm ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Endotoxemia ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism