Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of electrothermal acupuncture plus joint mobilization in treating knee osteoarthritis.Methods One hundred patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to treatment and control groups, 50 cases each. The control group received Maitland's technique and the treatment group, electrothermal acupuncture in addition. The Osteoarthritis Index score was recorded and cytokines (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α) contents were measured in the two groups before and after four weeks of treatment. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.Results The total efficacy rate was 91.5％ in the treatment group and 80.0％ in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in the WOMAC score and cytokines in the two groups (P<0.01,P<0.05). There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in the WOMAC score and cytokines between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Electrothermal acupuncture plus joint mobilization is an effective way to treat knee osteoarthritis.

Objective: The current study was designed to observe and discuss the variation of neuroblastoma cells in morphology, cell cycle and telomerase gene (hTR) expression induced by retinoids. Methods: Two newly-synthesized retinoids, R9158 and R8605, were supplemented into the media of neuroblastoma cells, SH-SY-5Y and SK-N-SH, with the concentration of 10- 6 mol/L as the treatment group. Meanwhile the same supplements of DMSO were as the control group. Pre-and post-supplement cells were observed for morphological changes, cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM) and hTR expression was analyzed by in situ hybridization chemistry (ISHH). Results: 1) The shape of SH-SY-5Y cells changed significantly at the 5th day of R9158 and R8605 treatment, having multiple neurite extensions just as mature neuron. However no shape change of SK-N-SH cells was found in observation for 7 days. 2)For SH-SY-5Y cells, the percentage of Stage G1, S, G2/M differed much between the treatment group and the control group at 5th day when the cell cycle of the treatment group was retarded at Stage G1 and the ratio of Stage decreased significantly. For SK-N-SH cells, however, there was little variation of cell cycle status in the treatment group. 3)The SH-SY-5Y cell numbers of hTR positive expression in the treatment groups decreased significantly at the 5th day. No decrease was found in the R9158 and R8605 groups of SK-N-SH cells in the treatment groups. Conclusions: During the differentiation of RA-sensitive cells induced by retinoids, the telomerase expression was depressed and the cell cycle retarded;whereas the RA-resistant cells changed little in morphology, telomerase expression and cell cycle as well. The telomerase gene associated with other genes would be an important regulated target in the differentiation induced by retinoids.

Objective To verify the therapeutic effect of platelet lysate(PL)on spinal cord injury in rats.Methods Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the injury group and the treatment group,with 10 rats in each group.Rats in the sham operation group did not smash the spinal cord after exposure;rats in the injury group were established the rat spinal cord injury model by smashing the spinal cord with a 20 g of self-made smashing machine weights from a height of 5 cm for 5 seconds after exposure;rats in the treatment group were given intraperitoneal injection of 2 mL of PL once a day for 19 days after established the spinal cord injury model.The hind limb function was evaluated by Basso Beattie Bresnahan(BBB)score and slope experiment;six rats were randomly selected from each group,and the spinal cords of the rats were taken on the 7th day after surgery for HE staining and electron microscopy scanning to observe their pathological changes.Results There were statistically significant differences in BBB scores on the 3rd,7th and 14th days after surgery among the three groups(P<0.05),and the BBB scores of the treatment group were higher than those of the injury group(P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in the results of slope experiment on the 7th and 14th days after surgery between the treatment group and the injury group(P<0.01).HE staining showed that the neuronal degeneration and necrosis decreased,the cell swelling improved and the microglial phagocytosis decreased in the treatment group compared with those in the injury group.The results of electron microscopy showed that the astrocyte cytoplasmic swelling and local cell membrane damage were alleviated,and the mitochondrial swelling and degeneration in the treatment group were relieved compared with those in the injury group.Conclusion PL can improve the hind limb function and reduce the pathological changes after spinal cord injury in rats,which has therapeutic effect on spinal cord injury in rats.

AIMTo observe the characteristics of vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) of guinea pigs during eccentric sinusoidal rotation in different frequencies and radius, and compare them with that during axis rotation, obtain the parameters which reflect otolith functions, and provide experimental evidence for the establishment of otolith function test.

METHODSGuinea pigs were placed in axis of rotation and in an heading out eccentric position apart from rotation axis of 330 mm, 660 mm and 990 mm respectively, their VOR were recorded and compared under stimulus of sinusoidal rotations in the frequencies of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 Hz with the peak velocity of 60 degrees/s in each position.

RESULTSBoth frequency and eccentric radius had significant effects on the VOR gain, it increased with the increase of frequencies and radius. The largest increase of the gain occurred at the frequencies of 0.3 and 0.4Hz, and no significant changes were observed above these frequencies.

CONCLUSIONEnhancement ratio (ER) of VOR gain can reflect the extent of its increase with radius, and can be used as an index of otolith function, the stimulus profile of eccentric rotation at frequency of 0.4Hz and radius of 990mm is recommended as the stimulus profile for the otolith function test.

Animals ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Male ; Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular ; physiology ; Rotation

BACKGROUNDPeripheral nerve regeneration across large gaps is clinically challenging. Scaffold design plays a pivotal role in nerve tissue engineering. Recently, nanofibrous scaffolds have proven a suitable environment for cell attachment and proliferation due to similarities of their physical properties to natural extracellular matrix. Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) nanofibrous scaffolds have been investigated for vascular tissue engineering. However, no reports exist of PPC nanofibrous scaffolds for nerve tissue engineering. This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of aligned and random PPC nanofibrous scaffolds as substrates for peripheral nerve tissue and cells in nerve tissue engineering.

METHODSAligned and random PPC nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning and their chemical characterization were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured on the nanofibrous substrates for 7 days. Neurite outgrowth and Schwann-cell migration from DRG were observed and quantified using immunocytochemistry and SEM. Schwann cells derived from rat sciatic nerves were cultured in electrospun PPC scaffold-extract fluid for 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days. The viability of Schwann cells was evaluated by 3-[4,5-dimethyl(thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl] tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

RESULTSThe diameter of aligned and random fibers ranged between 800 nm and 1200 nm, and the thickness of the films was approximately 10 - 20 µm. Quantification of aligned fiber films revealed approximately 90% alignment of all fibers along the longitudinal axis. However, with random fiber films, the alignment of fibers was random through all angle bins. Rat DRG explants were grown on PPC nanofiber films for up to 1 week. On the aligned fiber films, the majority of neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration from the DRG extended unidirectionally, parallel to the aligned fibers. However, on the random fiber films, neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration were randomly distributed. A comparison of cumulative neurite lengths from cultured DRGs indicated that neurites grew faster on aligned PPC films ((2537.6 ± 987.3) µm) than randomly-distributed fibers ((493.5 ± 50.6) µm). The average distance of Schwann cell migration on aligned PPC nanofibrous films ((2803.5 ± 943.6) µm) were significantly greater than those on random fibers ((625.3 ± 47.8) µm). The viability of Schwann cells cultured in aligned PPC scaffold extract fluid was not significantly different from that in the plain DMEM/F12 medium at all time points after seeding.

CONCLUSIONSThe aligned PPC nanofibrous film, but not the randomly-oriented fibers, significantly enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration in vitro, indicating the substantial role of topographical cues in stimulating endogenous nerve repair mechanisms. Aligned PPC nanofibrous scaffolds may be a promising biomaterial for nerve regeneration.

Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; Cells, Cultured ; Ganglia, Spinal ; cytology ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Nanofibers ; chemistry ; Nerve Regeneration ; physiology ; Nerve Tissue ; cytology ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Propane ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Schwann Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo evaluate a method to partially remove gastrocnemius for improvement of the contour of the leg.

METHODSThirteen patients with bulked calf were undergoing the treatment. With a self-designed apparatus, the gastrocnemius was partially removed by placing the device in the muscle through an incision in the popliteal fossa. The follow-ups were carried out for 1-6 months.

RESULTSThirteen patients were successfully treated by above mentioned technique. The removed amount of muscle was weighted between 11 g and 201 g, averaged 77 g. All of the patients could be able to walk three days after the operation. But, the normal walk had to take 1 month after of the surgery for recovering. The function of the ankle joint was not obviously influenced.

CONCLUSIONThe above mentioned technique is a safe and effective method for re-contouring the leg.

Cosmetic Techniques ; Early Ambulation ; Humans ; Leg ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Muscle, Skeletal ; surgery ; Time Factors

Objective To investigate the effect of autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .Methods The donor sites of lymph node transfers were mainly chosen according to the donor site of breast reconstruction .Themicrosurgical lymph nodes were transferred to the axillary cavity .When the superficial lymph vessels could be detected in lymphangiography with indocyanine green , thelymphatic-venous anastomoses were done to improve the lymphatic drainage .The treatment effect was assessed by the perimeter changes of different parts of upper extremity, the isotope lymphangiography and associated symptoms . Results 20 cases involved in autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers , 18 cases from ingruinallymph nodes and 2 cases from lateral thoracic lymph nodes .2 cases receivedlymphatic-venous anastomoses on their upper extremity .The perimeters of palm and wrist were found significantly decreased in 6 months postoperation , while the perimeters of midpoint forearm and upper arm also decreased .The cellulitis, pain and swell happened less during the follow-up from 6 months up to 4 years. The postoperation isotope lymphangiography showed functional transferred lymph nodes inaxillary cavity , better lymphatic drainage and less volume of upper extremity .The subcutaneous superficial lymphatic drainage signs could be observed by the isotope lymphangiography in cases who had lymphatic -venous anastomoseson upper extremity .Conclusions Autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses is a promising option for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .The long term results need longer follow-up and more research .

Objective To investigate the effect of autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .Methods The donor sites of lymph node transfers were mainly chosen according to the donor site of breast reconstruction .Themicrosurgical lymph nodes were transferred to the axillary cavity .When the superficial lymph vessels could be detected in lymphangiography with indocyanine green , thelymphatic-venous anastomoses were done to improve the lymphatic drainage .The treatment effect was assessed by the perimeter changes of different parts of upper extremity, the isotope lymphangiography and associated symptoms . Results 20 cases involved in autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers , 18 cases from ingruinallymph nodes and 2 cases from lateral thoracic lymph nodes .2 cases receivedlymphatic-venous anastomoses on their upper extremity .The perimeters of palm and wrist were found significantly decreased in 6 months postoperation , while the perimeters of midpoint forearm and upper arm also decreased .The cellulitis, pain and swell happened less during the follow-up from 6 months up to 4 years. The postoperation isotope lymphangiography showed functional transferred lymph nodes inaxillary cavity , better lymphatic drainage and less volume of upper extremity .The subcutaneous superficial lymphatic drainage signs could be observed by the isotope lymphangiography in cases who had lymphatic -venous anastomoseson upper extremity .Conclusions Autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses is a promising option for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .The long term results need longer follow-up and more research .

The "design space" method was used to optimize the purification process of Resina Draconis phenol extracts by using the concept of "quality derived from design" (QbD). The content and transfer rate of laurin B and 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone and yield of extract were selected as the critical quality attributes (CQA). Plackett-Burman design showed that the critical process parameters (CPP) were concentration of alkali, the amount of alkali and the temperature of alkali dissolution. Then the Box-Behnken design was used to establish the mathematical model between CQA and CPP. The variance analysis results showed that the P values of the five models were less than 0.05 and the mismatch values were all greater than 0.05, indicating that the model could well describe the relationship between CQA and CPP. Finally, the control limits of the above 5 indicators (content and transfer rate of laurine B and 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone, as well as the extract yield) were set, and then the probability-based design space was calculated by Monte Carlo simulation and verified. The results of the design space validation showed that the optimized purification method can ensure the stability of the Resina Draconis phenol extracts refining process, which would help to improve the quality uniformity between batches of phenol extracts and provide data support for production automation control.

To investigate the effect of hot air circulation drying and spray drying on the quality of Tianshu capsule from the view point of chemical compositions. UPLC-DAD was used to establish the fingerprint of Tianshu capsules for the first time, and the main chemical constituents were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. A total of 62 compounds were identified in this method, 21 of which were reported in Tianshu capsules for the first time. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the identification of the chemical constituents types between these two methods, but the contents of some constituents were different. The common patterns generated by the 10 batches of hot air cycle drying samples were used as the control fingerprint, and the similarity of the spray drying samples fingerprints was 0.877, with high similarity of the fingerprints between these two methods. UPLC-DAD combined with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology was used for the first time to evaluate the chemical constituents of Tianshu capsule rapidly, comprehensively and accurately, providing technical support for the quality evaluation of Tianshu capsule.