BACKGROUND:The important reason for failed back surgery syndrome is the postoperative epidural scar adhesions, therefore, exploring the methods of preventing postoperative lumbar epidural scar adhesions has always been a hot research in spine surgery field. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Shenshu point magnetic stimulation therapy on epidural scar adhesions in rat models of failed back surgery syndrome. METHODS:Sixty Sprague-Dawley rat models of failed back surgery syndrome were successfuly established using the method of laminectomy, and then divided into Shenshu magnetic therapy group and blank control group. Beginning from 1 week after modeling, rats in the Shenshu magnetic therapy group were subjected to bilateral Shenshu magnetic stimulation for 6 weeks, 5 days of treatment per week. Rats in the blank control group were not given any intervention. At 13 weeks after modeling, rats were harvested and the area ratio of epidural scars, range of adhesions and formation of colagen fibers were observed under light microscope. Fibroblasts were counted. Hydroxyproline content and transforming growth factor β1 expression in scar tissue were compared between these two groups.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of bamboo-circled salt-partitioned moxibustion in treating arthritis of temporomandibular joint.Method Eighty patients were randomized into two groups. Forty cases in the bamboo-circled salt-partitioned moxibustion group received bamboo-circled salt-partitioned moxibustion at temporomandibular joint; forty cases in the warm needling group were intervened by selecting Xiaguan (ST7), Ashi point, etc. at the affected side. For the two groups, 3-day treatment was taken as a treatment course, and the therapeutic efficacy was analyzed after 2 treatment courses. The improvements in pain and mouth opening were observed before and after the treatment, and the treatment efficacy was evaluated by a 1-month follow-up study.Result The bamboo-circled salt-partitioned moxibustion group was superior to the warm needling group in comparing the real-time analgesic effect (P<0.05) and in the improvement of mouth opening (P<0.05); the comprehensive markedly effective rate was respectively 67.5% and 45.0% in the bamboo-circled salt-partitioned moxibustion group and warm needling group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), indicating that bamboo-circled salt-partitioned moxibustion is better than warm needling in treating arthritis of temporomandibular joint; the follow-up study revealed satisfactory therapeutic efficacies in both groups: the effective rate was 92.5% in the bamboo-circled salt-partitioned moxibustion group versus 87.5% in the warm needling group, and the difference was statistically insignificant (P>0.05).Conclusion Bamboo-circled salt-partitioned moxibustion can produce a real-time analgesic effect and improve mouth opening; it's especially suitable to treat the patients who are afraid of needling, as it's significantly effective, safe, non-invasive,and easy-to-operate.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive point moxibustion plus manipulative reduction in treating thoracic facet joint disorder. Method A single-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out. Eighty-two patients meeting the criteria were randomly allocated to an observation group of 42 cases and a control group of 40 cases. The observation group received heat-sensitive point moxibustion plus manipulative reduction and the control group, TDP plus manipulative reduction. Both groups were treated five times a week, five times as a course for a total of two courses (including the patients cured after less than two courses). The therapeutic effects were evaluated by using the McGill Pain Questionnaire the as the observation index, comparing pre-/post-treatment Pain Rating Index (PRI) scores, Visual Analogous Scale (VAS) scores and Present Pain Intensity (PPI) scores and referring to the Criteria of the Diagnosis of and the Therapeutic Effect on Syndromes in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Result After treatment, the PRI, VAS and PPI scores decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.01) and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). The cure rate was 57.1% (24/42) in the observation group, which was significantly higher than 27.5% in the control group (11/40,P<0.01). The total efficacy rate was 95.2% (40/42) in the observation group, which was significantly higher than 80.0% in the control group (32/40,P<0.01). Conclusion Heat-sensitive point moxibustion plus manipulative reduction has a very good therapeutic effect on thoracic facet joint disorder. The effect is significantly better than that in the control group.

Objective To investigate the clinical,biochemical and genetic findings in patients with isolated methylmalonic aciduria. Methods From January 2001 to December 2014,a total of 126 patients with isolated methyl-malonic aciduria from Peking University First Hospital were enrolled in this study. In 60 patients,gene analysis was per-formed. The clinical characteristics,laboratory findings,treatment and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among the 126 patients,only 3 cases(2. 4% )were detected through newborn screening and treated with dietary in-tervention,cobalamin and L - camitine. The age at onset of 123 cases(97. 6% )varied from a few hours after birth to 7 years and 11 months old. The common presentations were recurrent vomiting,mental retardation,poor feeding,lethargy, respiratory distress,coma,seizures,cutaneous lesion and jaundice with 11 patients(8. 73% )dead. Abnormal family his-tory was found in 27(21. 4% )patients. Metabolic acidosis and anemia were frequent laboratory findings. Basal ganglia damage and white matter changes were observed in most patients. Sixty patients got genetic analysis,and 58 cases of them had MUT gene mutations. One case had MMAA defect. One case had MMAB defect. In MUT gene,12 novel muta-tions were identified. After treatment,mild to severe psychomotor retardation was observed in 112 patients with isolated methylmalonic aciduria. Conclusions The clinical manifestation of patients with isolated methylmalonic aciduria is complex,and prone to appear metabolic crisis. MUT defect is the main cause. Early metabolic investigation is very im-portant to reach diagnosis. Newborn screening,early diagnosis and adequate therapy are key points to reduce the morta-lity and handicap.

Objective To investigate the expressions of transforming growth factor beta receptors (TGF beta R), receptor-activated Smads and common-partner Smad in condylomata acuminata. Methods Tissue samples were collected from 20 patients with condylomata acuminata and 15 normal human controls.EliVisionTM plus immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the distribution and expression of TGF beta R Ⅰ , TGF beta R Ⅱ, Smad1/2/3, phosphorylated Smad2/3 and Smad4 in condylomata acuminata and normal control skin. Results Positive immunohistochemical staining for TGFbeta R Ⅰ , TGFbeta R Ⅱ,Smad1/2/3, p-Smad2/3 and Smad4 was detected in the epidermis of normal control skin. The intensity of im-munohistochemical staining was significantly lower for TGFbeta R Ⅰ , TGFbeta R Ⅱ, Smad1/2/3, p-Smad2/3and Smad4 in the epidermis of condylomata acuminata than in that of normal control skin (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). Conclusion The expressions of TGF beta R, receptor-activated Smads and common-partner Smad are decreased or absent in the epidermis of condylomata acuminata, which might interfere with TGF be-ta/Smad signaling and contribute to the development of epidermal hyperplasia in condylomata acuminata.

Objective To introduce a case of ethylmalonic encephalopathy which is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the ETHE1 gene. Methods The clinical course and gene mutation in a case of ethylmalonic encephalopathy was retrospectively analysed. Results A previously healthy girl presented with intractable diarrhea from the age of 7 months. Since then, progressive psychomotor regression has been observed. When she was 23 months, her blood butyr-ylcarnitine was signiifcantly increased (4.48μmol/L vs. normal range 0.0~1.0μmol/L), and isovalerylcarnitine (0.70μmol/L vs. normal range 0.0~0.65μmol/L) was also elevated. Her urine levels of ethylmalonic acid and methylsuccinate acid were markedly increased. Cranial MRI revealed bilateral basal ganglia lesions supporting the diagnosis of ethylmalonic encephalopathy. On her ETHE1 gene, a reported mutation (c.488G>A, p.R163Q) and a novel mutation (c.203T>C, p.L68P) were identiifed. After lactose-free dietary treatment and the supplements of L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, vitamins B1, B2 and C, gradual improvement in general condition, intelligence and motor development has been observed. Conclusions Ethylmalonic aciduria is common in the patients with inborn errors of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation. In ethylmalonic encephalopathy, elevated blood levels of butyrylcarnitine and isovalerylcarnitine are common and ETHE1 sequencing is helpful in its diagnosis.

Objective To analyze the status quo of joint surgeons' research level,explore possible influence factors for their research capacity.Methods A total of 140 joint surgeons from third grade hospital andsecondary hospital in Beijing were selected.The self-rating scale of scientific research was used for evaluation.Subjects were divided into two groups according to the high and low level of scientific research ability.In the middle and low level group,factors including age,working years,job title,education level,training opportunities,team situation,research activity time,hospital level,and job satisfaction were analyzed.Results The total scores of the research subject were distributed from 12 to 115,with a median of 69.5 (40～90).The four dimensions,accounted from low to high were statistical knowledge,software operation,scientific research basis and thesis writing.According to the single factor analysis,age,education level,chance of training,presence or absence of team,time of scientific research activities,hospital level,satisfaction with work were related to the level of scientific research capacity of joint surgeons (P＜0.05);multiple regression results shows that the impact level of scientific research,from large to small,is whether there are scientific research teams,job satisfaction,and time for scientific research activities.These three factors can explain the change of scientific research ability by 60.5％ (R2 =0.605).Conclusions The joint surgeon's research capacity is at a relatively high level,while the statistical knowledge and software operation scores are low,which calls for more study and mastery.Increasing the construction of scientific research teams,improving job satisfaction,and increasing the time for scientific research activities can improve the scientific research capacity.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the phenotype and genotype of a Chinese boy and his family affected by infantile Sandhoff disease.

METHODSThe proband, a boy, was the first child born to a non-consanguineous couple. He showed startle reaction after birth and progressive psychomotor regression from the age of 8 months. From the age of 16 months, he presented seizures. When he was admitted at 17 months old, severe mental retardation and weakness were observed. Fundus examination revealed bilateral cherry-red spots in the macula and optic atrophy. Cranial MRI revealed abnormal signals in the thalamus, basal ganglia and white matter. Enzymatic assay and genetic testing were performed for the diagnosis. His mother visited us at 18 weeks of pregnancy seeking for prenatal diagnosis. HEXB gene diagnosis to the fetus was performed by direct sequencing.

RESULTSSignificant deficient total β-hexosaminidase (A and B) activity in peripheral leucocytes of the patient (0.0 nmol/h/mg compared with normal control, 41.9 to 135.1 nmol/h/mg) supported the diagnosis of Sandhoff disease. On his HEXB gene, two mutations were found. c.1645G-A (p.G549R) was novel. c.IVS7-48T was a reported mutation. Now, the patient was 2 years and 3 months old, with progressive general failure, severe epilepsy, blindness and hypermyotonia. Subsequently, the mother visited us at 18 weeks of pregnancy seeking for prenatal diagnosis. HEXB gene analysis of the amniocytes was performed by direct sequencing. Both of the two mutations were not detected from cultured amniocytes. The result revealed that the fetus was not affected by Sandhoff disease. A healthy girl, the sibling of the proband, was born in term. Postnatal enzyme analysis and genetic analysis of the cord blood cells confirmed the prenatal diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONOne novel mutation on HEXB gene was identified. Prenatal diagnosis to the fetus of this family was performed by amniocytes gene analysis.

Adult ; Amniotic Fluid ; cytology ; Child, Preschool ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Sandhoff Disease ; diagnosis ; genetics ; beta-Hexosaminidase beta Chain ; genetics

Objetives To investigate the outcomes of sirolumus-eluting stent(CypherTM,Cordis/Johnson&Johnson,Warren,NJ,USA)and paclitaxel-eluting stent(TaxusTM,Boston Scientific,Natick,MA.USA)in the treatment of coronary heart disease after a four.year clinical follow-up.Methods 237 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study and treated with Cypher(136 patients)or Taxus(101 patients)from January to October 2003.111e rates of stenosis.stent thrombosis according to ARC definition and major adverse cardiac events(MACE a composite of cardiac death,myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization)were analysed.Results There was no significant difference on secondary restenosis.target lesion revascularization(TLR)and MACE between Cypher and Taxus groups at six.month angiographic follow-up,but late luminal loss was higher in Taxus group[(0.15±0.43)mm vs(0.42±0.34)mm,P=0.022].At four-year follow-up,TVR-free survival rate was 88.97% in Cypher group versus 82.28% in Taxus group(P=0.158).MACE.free survival rate was 83.8% in Cypher group and 79.2% in Taxus group(P=0.056).The incidence of stent tllrombosis was no difference between the two groups(1.47% vs 1.98%).There was also no difference among early(0 vs 0.99%),late(0.73%vs0.99%)and very late stent thrombosis(0.73%vs 0)between the 2 groups.Conlusions There were nodifference between Cypher and Taxus in the treatment of coronary artery disease:Both Cypher and Taxus have good clinical outcomes except that Taxus had highcr late loss.

Objective To explore the clinical, therapeutic and genetic features of IVD gene in late-onset non-classical isovaleric aciduria. Methods One boy and two girls presented with intractable vomiting were admitted. Urine organic acids and blood acylcarnitines proifles were analyzed. Isovaleric aciduria was diagnosed and conifrmed by IVD gene analysis. The patients were treated with leucine-restricted diet and the supplements of L-carnitine and glycine. Results Three patients had recurrent vomiting, drowsiness, odor of sweaty feet and metabolic acidosis from the age of 1 to 2 years. All of them had normal intelligence and leukopenia. One had oligocythemia. The blood isovalerylcarnitines (4.6 to 8.2μmol/L) and urine isovalerylglycines (36.1 to 1783.56 mmol/mmol creatinine) were elevated. Six mutations were found in their IVD gene. Four mutations (c.157C>T, c.214G>A, c.1183C>G and c.1208A>G) were reported. Two (c.1039G>A and c.1076A>G) were novel. The patients completely recovered after treatment with protein-restricted diet and the supplements of L-carnitine and glycine. Currently, they were aged 19 months to 14 years with normal physical and psychomotor development. Conclusions The clinical features of late-onset non-classical isovaleric aciduria are complex. It is onset in infants and young children and characteristic of recurrent vomiting and metabolic acidosis, which can be diagnosed by the blood acylcarnitine spectrum, urine organic acid analysis, and conifrmed by genetic analysis. L-carnitine supplement and diet intervention has signiifcant effects.