The eight scalp needles, founded by Professor QIN Liang-fu, and its clinical experience for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) are introduced. Based on his years of clinical experience, it is proposed by Professor QIN that the Governor Vessel is mainly for miscellaneous disease and disease of limbs. Combined with distribution of cephalic motor region and meridian, an acupuncture treatment plan that is full of innovativeness is proposed, which is called Qin's eight scalp needles. It includes bilateral Fengchi (GB 20), Shuaigu (GB 8), Toulinqi (GB 15) as well as Yintang (GV 29) and Baihui (GV 20), mainly for treatment of nervous system diseases, such as PD and multiple sclerosis and so on. Besides, some outpatient cases are introduced to explain that eight scalp needle could alleviate the progression of PD, improve patients' motor, cognitive and affective disorders, reduce the suffering of patients, and improve the patient's quality of life.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; methods ; China ; Female ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parkinson Disease ; history ; therapy ; Scalp

Objective: To observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) plus Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A total of 60 patients with KOA were divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the observation group received the treatment of EA plus Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises), while patients in the control group only received EA treatment. Both groups were treated for 5 weeks. The changes of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores in the two groups were observed after treatment. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group (92.3％) was significantly higher than that in the control group (70.0％), (P<0.05); the WOMAC and VAS scores in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, showing statistical significance (all P<0.01); there were significant differences in the post-treatment changes in the WOMAC and VAS scores between the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion: EA plus Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) is clinically effective for KOA. This combined treatment can alleviate clinical symptoms.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based smoking prevention and control intervention program among elementary school students.

METHODSThrough two phase cluster sampling, 566 pupils in grade 4 and grade 5 of two schools were assigned to intervention group and control group. One year comprehensive smoking intervention was conducted in the intervention group. The assessment was carried out through three questionnaires: pre- and post-intervention, 6-month after intervention.

RESULTSAfter one year intervention, pupils in the intervention group significantly improved their knowledge and attitudes related to tobacco use. The rate of attempting smoking decreased form 7.8% to 2.6% and the rate of passive smoking from 53.6% to 41.8%. The difference between the intervention and control groups was statistically significant. However, several index started to decline at 6-month follow up survey.

CONCLUSIONThe result demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of tobacco control in elementary school and the positive effect must be developed.

Case-Control Studies ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Male ; Schools ; statistics & numerical data ; Smoking ; epidemiology ; Smoking Prevention ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; statistics & numerical data

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Method Sixty KOA patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group by using random number table, 30 cases each. The control group was intervened by oral administration of Celecoxib capsules, while the treatment group was given EA, 14 d as a treatment course. The changes of relevant cytokines [apelin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF soluble receptor (TNFsR)-Ⅰ, TNFsR-Ⅱ, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] in serum of the two groups were observed.Result The intra-group comparisons of the total score, and the scores of pain, stiffness and dysfunction of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index showed significant differences in both groups (P<0.05); there were significant between-group differences in comparing the total score, and the scores of pain, stiffness and dysfunction of the WOMAC index after the treatment (P<0.05). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were changed significantly after the intervention in both groups (P<0.05); there was nosignificant difference in comparing the VAS score between the two groups after the treatment (P>0.05). The levels of IL-6, TNF-α and TNFsR-Ⅰ were significantly changed after the treatment in both groups (P<0.05); the level of IL-1β was markedly changed after the intervention in the control group (P<0.05); there was a significant change in the level of apelin after the intervention in the treatment group (P<0.05), and there was a significant difference in comparing the level of apelin between the two groups after the treatment (P<0.05).Conclusion EA can produce a satisfactory efficacy in treating KOA; it can significantly improve the symptoms and signs, and mitigate pain and symptoms through regulating the expressions of cytokines.

OBJECTIVETo examine the role of Polo-like kinase 1(PLK1) in the migration and invasiveness of human colorectal cancer cells.

METHODSNine colorectal cancer cell lines were cultured. Cell lines with the highest level of PLK1 expression was selected by PCR and Western blot. Three siRNA oligo segments targeting PLK1 were designed and selected cell lines transfected. Successful transfection was confirmed using real-time PCR and Western blot. Changes in migration and invasiveness of the selected cell line were evaluated by Transwell test.

RESULTSColorectal cancer cell line SW1116 was selected with the highest expression of PLK1 at both mRNA level and protein level. The expression of PLK1 in SW1116 was reduced by the three siRNA oligo segments to varying degrees, and the No.1 siRNA oligo segment was the most efficient. In migration test, the number of cells crossing through chambers in PLK1-siRNA group was 44 ± 14, which was lower than that in the negative control group (242 ± 40) and in blank control group(240 ± 38). In invasion test, the number of cells crossing through chambers in PLK1-siRNA group was 62 ± 3, which was lower than that in negative control group (207 ± 12) and in blank control group (211 ± 15). These differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONPLK1 silencing by siRNA may inhibit the migration and invasiveness of colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that PLK1 might play an important role in the infiltration and metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Cell Cycle Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the status of the quality of life for adolescents and children with chronic sinusitis and its influencing factors.

METHODSEighty-six patients were measured with the General Information Questionnaire and Chronic Sinusitis Quality of Life Scale. Six months after operation, the Chronic Sinusitis Quality of Life Scale was retested. T-test and stepwise regression were used to study the improvement and influencing factors of quality of life.

RESULTSThe preoperative and postoperative quality of life scores showed a significant difference ( all P < 0. 01 ). The main factors influencing the quality of life included symptom scores (P = 0. 003) , family economic status(P = 0. 003) , parents' attitude(P = 0. 009) , extents of pathological changes(P = 0. 019) , regional disparity ( P = 0. 010) and parents' educational level (P = 0. 048).

CONCLUSIONThe children's subjective symptoms should be viewed as an important aspect for surgery selection. The quality of life in adolescent and children was influenced significantly by family economic status, their parents' attitude and the difference of education.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Quality of Life ; Sinusitis ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein(CREB1) gene and major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODSWe recruited 105 parent-offspring trios of Chinese descent, extracted whole blood genomic DNA, and genotyped the SNPs in rs10932201 and rs6740584 loci. Single-marker transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), pairwise SNP linkage disequilibrium(LD) and haplotype-based TDT were performed.

RESULTSNo significant association with MDD was observed for SNPs rs10932201 and rs6740584 (P=0.1004 and P=0.4986). However, there was strong positive association between the rs10932201-rs6740584 haplotype and MDD (P=0.00003241), and both haplotypes of A-C and A-T were significantly associated with MDD (P=0.020 and P=0.00022).

CONCLUSIONThe rs10932201-rs6740584 haplotype of the CREB1 gene may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MDD.

Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ; genetics ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics

Recent population-based genome wide association studies have revealed potential susceptibility loci of lung cancer at the region of chromosome 15q25.1 containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes. The loci increasing lung cancer risk has been widely identified in Caucasians, but whether this association also exists in Asians and whether this association is a direct role or mediated via tobacco smoking indirectly has not been fully established. We conducted a case-control study comprising of 210 histologically confirmed lung cancer cases and 200 healthy controls to examine rs1051730 genotyping, a single nucleotide polymorphism receiving much attention recently, and its influence on lung cancer risk as well as nicotine dependence in a Chinese Han population. Our results showed that the heterozygous C/T genotype and minor allele T conferred a significant higher risk of lung cancer than the CC homozygotes and allele C (adjusted OR=2.25, 95% CI=1.04-4.89, P=0.040 and OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.02-4.67, P=0.045 respectively). However, no association between the smoking habit and the CHRNA3 rs1051730 polymorphism was observed in this study. The results suggested that the rs1051730 polymorphism may modify susceptibility to lung cancer via a smoking-independent manner among Chinese Han population. Additional studies in vitro and in vivo are warranted to further elucidate the impact of rs1051730 on lung cancer susceptibility.
Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; Female ; Genetic Association Studies ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; etiology ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptors, Nicotinic ; genetics ; Smoking

OBJECTIVETo investigate biological functions of hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural protein 4A (NS4A).

METHODSYeast-two hybrid technique was performed to seek proteins in hepatocytes interacting with HCV NS4A. HCV NS4A bait plasmid was constructed by ligating the NS4A gene with carrier plasmid pGBKT7, then it was transformed into yeast AH109 (alpha type). The transformed yeast cells were amplified and mated with yeast cells Y187 (alpha type) containing liver cDNA library plasmid pACT2 in 2 x YPDA medium. Diploid yeast cells were plated on synthetic dropout nutrient medium (SD/-Trp-Leu-His-Ade) and synthetic dropout nutrient medium (SD/-Trp-Leu-His-Ade) containing X-alpha-gal for selection two times. After extracting plasmid from blue colonies, plasmid DNA was transformed into competent E.coli and analyzed by DNA sequencing and bioinformatics methods.

RESULTSAmong twenty-two positive colonies there were eleven positive for metallothionein 2A, three for eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1, two for albumin, two for RNA binding motif protein 21, two for myomesin, one for cytochrome C oxidase II, and one for ATPase.

CONCLUSIONSGenes of HCV NS4A interacting proteins in hepatocytes were successfully cloned and the results pave the way for studying the biological functions of NS4A and associated proteins.

Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; Hepacivirus ; genetics ; Hepatocytes ; metabolism ; Humans ; Two-Hybrid System Techniques ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins ; Viral Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo report a new approach to maxillary sinus without ablation of nasolacrimal duct and inferior turbinate by endoscopic nasal lateral wall dissection (ENLWD). The preliminary clinical application results, the operative technique and indications were discussed.

METHODSTwelve hospitalized patients, aged from 42 years to 68 years, were enrolled in this paper, 9 patients were male and 3 were female. Among the 12 patients, 8 were inverted papilloma (IP), 2 were nasal polyps, 1 was Kubo's postoperative cyst of maxillary sinus (MS) and 1 was recurrent bone cyst of maxilla. Two IP patients were excluded from this group for the follow-up time was less than 12 months. Preoperative nasal endoscopy and CT scan were done in all patients, 6 patients with tumor also received MRI examination. The operation began with a mucosal incision in front of inferior turbinate (IT) and then the lacrimal duct (LD) was dissected, thus a IT-LD flap was formed. The MS lesion was removed under endoscope when the flap was replaced medially. The inferior antrostomy was performed when the flap was repositioned.

RESULTSAll 10 patients were unilateral lesion. Six MS IP patients were T3 Krouse stage. The tumor was found originating from the every part of the MS wall in the operation, especially from the anterior and medial wall. The same situation was seen in 2 patients with nasal polyps. The follow-up ranged from 7 months to 60 months (average 22 months). The shape of IT was good, and well-epithelized operative cavities were observed. Only 1 patients of IP had a local recurrence in its inferior antrostomy 6 months after operation and no recurrence was seen after local debridement. All of them had no epiphora and other complications.

CONCLUSIONSENLWD is a new and minimally invasive approach not only to MS, in which the lesion can be thoroughly removed, but also to orbital floor and pterygopalatine fossa without ablation of lacrimal duct and IT.

Adult ; Aged ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Maxillary Sinus ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Cavity ; surgery ; Turbinates ; surgery