Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on genu recurvatum after stroke. Methods 80 stroke patients with genu recurvatum were randomly assigned to treatment group (n=40) and control group (n=40). The control group accepted routine rehabilitation, and the treatment group accepted electroacupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB34), Futu (ST32), Weizhong (BL40), Chengshan (BL57) and Zusanli (ST36) in addition, for 30 days. The incidence of effectiveness was compared between groups. All the patients were assessed with range of motion (ROM) of knee and Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower limbs (FMA) before and after treatment. Results The incidence of effectiveness was 72.5% in the treatment group, which was more than 55% in the control group (P<0.05). The ROM and score of FMA improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The electroacupuncture can promote the recovery of genu recurvatum after stroke.

Objective To summarize the preliminary experience of endovascular stent-graft exclusion for aortic dissections. Methods From October 2003 to February 2007,121 patients[86 males,37 females,mean age(53.7?13.8)years,range 29～ 72 years]underwent endovascular stent-graft exclusion for aortic dissections,including Stanford B in 114 patients,Stanford A in 4, and traumatic aortic mptore in 3.An emergency operation was performed in 4 patients for acute aortic rapture.Results No primary conversion was needed.There was no postoperative death,no spinal cord iscbemic injury,or stent displacement or subclavian steal syndrome.Postoperative hospital stay time was(4.0?1.3)days.Complications included fever in 35 patients,type Ⅳ endoleak in 11,type Ⅰ endoleak in 1 and acute renal dysfunction in 1.Contusion Endovascular thoracic aorta repair is an effective,less inva- sire and safe surgery for patients with Stanford B or some Stanford A aortic dissection and traumatic aortic rupture.

Objective To study the relationship between the clinical manifestations and changes of pituitary magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in short stature children with growth hormone deficiency(GHD).Methods The pituitary MRI finding in 38 cases of short stature children diagnosed as GHD(males 23,females 15;5-14 years old,10 children were in pubertas and Tanner Ⅱ-Ⅲ) were analyzed,and the pituitary morphology,size,signal and pituitary stalk's shape and location were observed.SPSS 12.0 soffware was used to analyze the data.Results The forms of pituitery were plaque in 20 children(53%),cupped in 17 children(45%),and carinate in 1 children.In the 22 cases of completely GHD,18 cases had different levels of anterior pituitary dysplasia,abnormal pituitary stalk and/or pituitary signal changes,5 cases without posterior lobe disappeared high signal and 4 cases with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome;the other 4 cases had completely normal pituitary.In the 16 cases of partially GHD,7 cases had varying degrees of pituitary size and/or abnormal pituitary stalk,8 cases had completely normal pituitary,and 1 case had pituitary adenoma.Conclusion Pituitary MRI could assist diagnosis and evaluate pituitary function in short stature children.

Objective To study apoptosis and antigen presentation changes of monocytes in HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients under immune dysfunction state.Methods Peripheral blood samples of 26 HBV-related ACLF patients (ACLF group),20 active chronic hepatitis B patients (CHB group) and 18 healthy individuals (control group) were collected.The changes of apoptosis and proliferation (Ki67) in monocytes and the expression of surface markers including human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and B7 molecules (CD86) of monocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results The percentage of Annexin V expressed monocytes of ACLF group (64％) was significantly higher than that of CHB group (28％) and control group (20％),and the difference was statistically significant (x2 value was 11.75 and 27.23 ; both P＜0.01),which indicated that monocytes apoptosis increased.The Ki67 expression in monocytes of ACLF group was lower than that of CHB group and control group,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 value was 4.71 and 4.83; both P＜ 0.05),which indicated that activated monocytes reduced. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of HLA-DR and CD86 of monocytes in ACLF group was 22.85 and 11.63,which was significantly lower than that of CHB group and control group,indicating the antigen presentation ability of monocytes injured. The percentage of Annexin Ⅴ positive monocytes in survivals (62 ％ ) was significantly higher than that of dead patients (46 ％ ) in ACLF group.Conclusion In HBV-related ACLF patients under immune dysfunction state,the apoptosis of peripheral blood monocytes increased,and the quantity of activated cells reduced,resulting in the decline of the antigen presentation ability of monocytes.

The relationship between tyrosine phosphorylation (TP) and protein expression of insulin receptor (InsR) and insulin resistance (IR) in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was investigated. The InsR expression and TP in skeleton muscle tissue were determined by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation in women with GDM (GDM group, n=22), normal pregnant women (normal pregnancy group, n=22) and normal non-pregnant women (normal non-pregnant group, n=13). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured by oxidase assay and immunoradioassay. The results showed that the levels of FPG (5.61±0.78 mmol/L), FINS (15.42±5.13 mU/L) and Homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) (1.21±0.52) in GDM group were significantly higher than those in normal pregnancy group (4.43±0.46 mmol/L, 10.56±3.07 mU/L and 0.80±0.31 respectively) (P<0.01). The levels of FINS and HOMA-IR in normal pregnancy group were significantly higher than those in normal non-pregnant group (7.56±2.31 mU/L and 0.47±0.26 respectively) (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the InsR expression level among the three groups (P>0.05). TP of InsR with insulin stimulation was significantly decreased in GDM group (0.20±0.05) as compared with normal pregnancy group (0.26±0.06) (P<0.01). TP of InsR with insulin stimulation in normal pregnancy group was lower than that in normal non-pregnant group (0.31±0.06) (P<0.01). TP of InsR with insulin stimulation was negatively related with HOMA-IR in GDM group (r=-0.525, P<0.01). There was no correlation between the protein expression of InsR and HOMA-IR in GDM group (r=-0.236, P>0.05). It was suggested that there is no significant correlation between the protein expression of InsR in skeletal muscle and IR in GDM, but changes in TP of InsR are associated with IR in GDM.

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists on transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β(1))-induced scarring of skin.

METHODSFibroblasts isolated from healthy adult skin were cultured in vitro and divided into blank control group (serum-free DMEM culture), TGF-β(1) group (with stimulation of 10 ng/mL TGF-β(1) for 48 hours), troglitazone group (with the same treatment as in TGF-β(1) group after stimulation of 10 µmol/L troglitazone for 2 hours), and 15-dioxygen prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) group (with the same treatment as in TGF-β(1) group after stimulation of 10 µmol/L 15d-PGJ2 for 2 hours) according to the stimulation added into DMEM. The expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was determined with Western blot. The mRNA levels of CTGF, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were determined with real-time fluorescence RT-PCR. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTSThe expression of CTGF at mRNA and protein levels in skin fibroblasts were significantly increased in TGF-β(1) group as compared with control group; while expression of CTGF at mRNA and protein levels in 15d-PGJ2 and troglitazone groups were significantly decreased as compared with that in TGF-β(1) group. The mRNA level of MMP-1 in TGF-β(1) group (0.193 ± 0.051) was obviously lower than that in blank control group (1.281 ± 0.195, F = 12.811, P < 0.01), while the mRNA levels of MMP-1 in troglitazone group (0.417 ± 0.043) and 15d-PGJ2 group (0.485 ± 0.027) were significantly increased as compared with that in TGF-β(1) group (F = 12.811, P values all below 0.01). The mRNA level of PDGF in TGF-β(1) group (1.044 ± 0.237) was obviously higher than that in control group (0.349 ± 0.057, F = 16.848, P < 0.01), while the levels in troglitazone group (0.677 ± 0.055) and 15d-PGJ2 group (0.511 ± 0.017) were significantly decreased as compared with that in TGF-β(1) group (F = 16.848, P values all below 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe inhibitory effect of activated PPARγ on the expression of CTGF induced by TGF-β(1) may be the main mechanism of its inhibitory effect on TGF-β(1)-induced scarring on skin, and its influence on MMP-1 and PDGF may also be one of the underlying mechanisms.

Cell Line ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; metabolism ; PPAR gamma ; agonists ; Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) low expression 16HBE cell line and observe the variation of cell cycle and global genomic DNA methylation.

METHODSThe method of Lenti-virus induced RNA interference was applied to introduce four different shRNA fragment into 16HBE cells. Flow cytometry and 5-mC immunofluorescence methods were used to observe the cell cycle and global DNA methylation status of DNMT1 low expression 16HBE cells.

RESULTSThe DNMT1 protein relative expression level of 16HBE-shDNMT1-4 cell line was down regulated about 44% (P < 0.05) compared with the control. No obvious differences of cell cycle and global genome DNA methylation status were observed between the 16HBE and 16HBE-shDNMT1.

CONCLUSIONThe DNMT1 gene low expression cell is successfully constructed, and there are no obvious changes happened on the cell cycle and global genomic DNA methylation.

Cell Cycle ; Cell Line ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; Down-Regulation ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo examine the protective effect of ecdysterone (ECR) against beta-amyloid peptide fragment(25-35) (Abeta(25-35))-induced PC12 cells cytotoxicity, and to further explore its mechanism.

METHODSExperimental PC12 cells were divided into the Abeta group (treated by Abeta(25-35) 100 micromol/L), the blank group (untreated), the positive control group (treated by Vit E 100 micromol/L after induction) and the ECR treated groups (treated by ECR with different concentrations of 1, 50 and 100 micromol/L). The damaged and survival condition of PC12 cells in various groups was monitored by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and MTT assay. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by fluorometric assay to indicate the lipid peroxidation. And the antioxidant enzymes activities in PC12 cells, including superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), were detected respectively.

RESULTSAfter PC12 cells were treated with Abeta(25-35) (100 micromol/L) for 24 hrs, they revealed a great decrease in MTT absorbance and activity of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT and GSH-Px as well as a significant increase of LDH activity and MDA content in PC12 cells (P < 0.01). When the cells was pretreated with 1-100 micromol/L ECR for 24 hrs before Abeta(25-35) treatment, the above-mentioned cytotoxic effect of Abeta(25-35) could be significantly attenuated dose-dependently, for ECR 50 micromol/L, P < 0.05 and for ECR 100 micromol/L, P < 0.01. Moreover, ECR also showed significant inhibition on the Abeta(25-35) induced decrease of SOD and GSH-Px activity, but not on that of CAT.

CONCLUSIONECR could protect PC12 cells from cytotoxicity of Abeta(25-35), and the protective mechanism might be related to the increase of SOD and GSH-Px activities and the decrease of MDA resulting from the ECR-pretreatment.

Amyloid beta-Peptides ; toxicity ; Animals ; Catalase ; analysis ; Ecdysterone ; pharmacology ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; analysis ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; analysis ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; PC12 Cells ; Peptide Fragments ; toxicity ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of berberine on lipid metabolism disorder and lipid deposition in liver cells of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats induced by high fat diet.

METHODSAfter one week adaptable feeding, 45 SPF level male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the normal control group, the model group, and the berberine group, 15 in each group. Except those in the normal control group, all rats were fed with high fat diet to prepare NAFLD model. As for rats in the berberine group, Berberine Hydrochloride was administered by gastrogavage. HE staining and oil red O staining were performed to identify the model after 8 weeks. Hepatocytes were isolated, and their activities and purities were tested by Typan blue staining and flow cytometry (FCM). Serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C were detected using automatic biochemical analyzer. mRNA expression levels of LXRα and FAS in liver cells were analyzed by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Protein levels of LXRα and FAS in liver cells were examined by Western blot.

RESULTSThe NAFLD rat model was successfully established by high fat diet. The yields of purified liver cells in each rat were (6.0-7.5) x 10(8). The viability of isolated liver cells with purity over 90% (tested by FCM analysis) was higher than 95%. Compared with the normal control group,the expression of LXRα and FAS at mRNA and protein levels was higher in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of LXRα and FAS at mRNA and protein levels was obviously down-regulated in the berberine group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSLXRα/FAS signaling pathway was one of important signaling pathways of NAFLD lipid metabolism disorders. Berberine could recover hepatocyte fatty deposits in NAFLD rats by adjusting the LXR/FAS signaling pathway of hepatocytes, which might be one of important mechanisms for fighting against NAFLD.

Animals ; Berberine ; therapeutic use ; Diet, High-Fat ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Fatty Liver ; Hepatocytes ; Lipids ; Male ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction

Objective To improve the quality of the management of the elderly patients with cancer in Sichuan province,and to understand the attitudes and perspectives of elderly surgeons and oncologists for the management and treatment of elderly patients with cancer.Methods A face-toface questionnaire interview was conducted with oncologists (n 64) and geriatricians (n =64).128 physicians were involved in this study.Results The cancer management and therapeutics were deemed appropriate at present by 9.38％ (6/64)of the geriatricians and 25.00％ (16/64)of the oncologists.The 39.06％ (25/64) of geriatricians used to notice geriatric syndromes,while 81.25％ (52/64)of oncologists never concerned about the geriatric syndrome(P=0.011).As for the causes of the therapy-associated toxicity,oncologist versus geriatrician payed an attention to malnutrition (100.00％ vs.100.00％ in both groups),to mobility disorders(65.63％ vs.65.63％,84/128 in both groups),to cognitive impairment/mood disorder (89.06％ in geriatrician group vs.75.00％ in oncologist group,P=0.038).For the factors affecting treatment decisions,a physical ability attention (oncologists vs geriatricians:70.31％ vs.92.19％;P =0.002),and comorbidity (oncologists vs geriatricians:62.50％ vs.79.69％,P =0.032) had statistically significant difference.In addition,lack of geriatrics knowledge was also reported by more oncologists.However,one hundred percent of participants wanted very much to cooperate with each other in their clinical work.When responding to the clinical scenario,the 10.94％ (7/64)of geriatricians and 32.81％ (21/64)of oncologists chose modified treatment for 65-74 years old patient with cancer(P =0.003).When the age of the patients was 75-84 years old,only 12.50 ％ (8/64) of geriatricians prefer end-of-life care,while 31.25 ％ (20/64) of oncologists chose it (P =0.010).Conclusions Selection of treatment decisions in the elderly patients with cancer affect by ageing.Both oncologists and geriatricians are concerned with the elderly patients with cancer,ageing syndrome,total sickness and functional status.And these doctors support an establishment of a multi disciplinary team cooperation for the elderly patients with cancer.Therefore,the establishment of mutual cooperation between the two professionals is necessary and feasible.