OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of acupuncture on neurofunction and neuropsychological factors of chronic alcoholic peripheral neuropathy (CAPN) patients.

METHODSTotally 120 CAPN patients were assigned to the common treatment group, acupuncture group A, and acupuncture group B according to random digit table, 40 in each group. All patients recieved conventional drug therapy. Besides, patients in the acupuncture group A were additionally needled at Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21), Xuehai (SP10), Yinlingquan (SP9), Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Jiexi (ST41), Xuanzhong (GB39), Xiangu (ST43),Taixi (KI3), Quchi (LI11), Waiguan (SJ5), Hegu (LI4), and so on. On these bases patients in the acupuncture group B were needled at Sishencong (EX-HN1), Yintang (EX-HN3), Neiguan (PC6), Taichong (LR3), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Acupuncture was performed once a day, 14 times as a course; and then once on every other day, 14 times in total for 4 weeks. All treatment lasted for 8 successive weeks. Neuropathy Impairment Score in the Lower Limbs (NIS-LL), Neurological Severity Score (NSS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were assessed, motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) were detected before and after treatment.

RESULTSAfter 8 weeks of treatment the scores of NIS-LL and NSS significantly decreased in the 3 groups, with statistical difference as compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). Scores of NIS-LL and NSS decreased more in acupuncture groups A and B than in the common treatment group (P < 0.05), and more obvious in acupuncture group B (P < 0.05). Compared with the same group before treatment, MCV and SCV of median nerve, ulnar nerve, common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve increased in acupuncture treatment group A and B after 8-week treatment (P < 0.05). MCV of median nerve, MCV and SCV of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve significantly increased in the common treatment group (P < 0.05). Compared with the common treatment group, SCV of median nerve, MCV and SCV of ulnar nerve, common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve obviously increased in acupuncture treatment groups A and B after treatment (P < 0.05). MCV of ulnar nerve, MCV and SCV of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve obviously increased more in acupuncture treatment group A than in acupuncture treatment group B (P < 0.05). At week 8 after treatment scores of HAMD and HAMA were obviously lowered in acupuncture groups A and B, with statistical difference as compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). The scores of HAMD were also decreased in the common treatment group, as compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). At week 8 after treatment scores of HAMD and HAMA were obviously lowered more in acupuncture treatment group B than in acupuncture treatment group A (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture therapy could effectively improve the neurofunction of CAPN patients, and improve complicated anxiety and depression by additionally needling at Sishencong (EX-HN1), Yintang (EX-HN3), Taichong (LR3), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Taiyang (EX-HN5).

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Alcohol-Related Disorders ; therapy ; Anxiety ; Depression ; Depressive Disorder ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; therapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We tried to investigate the effectiveness of various methods of reinnervation including nerve-muscle pedicle transfer, nerve anastomosis, nerve implantation. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Control group and experimental groups each consisted 5 rats, as follows: a denervated tibial nerve without reinnervation (control), a common peroneal nerve and 2X2 mm tibialis anterior muscle pedicle grafted to the denervated gastrocnemius muscle after the removal of epimysium (group I), a common peroneal nerve and 4X4 mm tibialis anterior muscle pedicle grafted to the denervated gastrocnemius muscle after the removal of epimysium (group II), a common peroneal nerve and 2X2 mm tibialis anterior muscle pedicle grafted to the denervated gastrocnemius muscle after removal of epimysium and part of muscle (group III), a common peroneal nerve and 4X4 mm tibialis anterior muscle pedicle grafted to the denervated gastrocnemius muscle after removal of epimysium and part of muscle (group IV), a common peroneal nerve and 2X2 mm tibialis anterior muscle pedicle inserted to the denervated gastrocnemius muscle (group V), a common peroneal nerve inserted to the denervated gastrocnemius muscle (group VI), and anastomesed common peroneal nerve to distal tibialis nerve (group VII). Electromyography, muscle contraction power study, histotological analysis and counting of motor end-plate were applied for estimating the reinnervation of denervated muscle. RESULTS: In motor nerve conduction studies, Group VII and III showed significantly higher amplitude of the compound muscle action potentials than other groups. In muscle contraction power studies, Group VII and III showed significantly powerful contraction. In histological analysis, group VII and III showed less muscle atrophy. The motor end-plate count was more in the groups VII, III, I, V, VI, II and IV in order. CONCLUSION: Nerve anastomosis and 2X2 mm nerve-muscle pedicle transfer showed more successful regeneration of denervated muscle than other reinnervation methods including nerve implantation.
Action Potentials ; Animals ; Electromyography ; Motor Endplate ; Muscle Contraction ; Muscle, Skeletal* ; Muscular Atrophy ; Nerve Transfer ; Neural Conduction ; Peroneal Nerve ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Regeneration ; Tibial Nerve ; Transplants

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient that affects immune responses. T cells are one of the main players in acquired immunity and have been reported to be influenced by in vivo vitamin C supplementation. Yet, the way by which T cells uptake vitamin C and what direct effects vitamin C exerts on the cells are not known. To elucidate, we isolated human peripheral blood T cells and analyzed the expression of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCT). T cells were activated in vitro in the absence or presence of vitamin C, before or after activation. As results, human T cells expressed SVCT2, but not SVCT1, and the expression level increased following activation. Vitamin C added in the culture media generally did not affect T-cell behaviors following activation, such as proliferation, apoptosis, expression of CD25 and CD69, and interleukin 2 secretion, regardless whether it was added before or after activation. However, exceptionally, high concentration vitamin C, when it was added before activation, but not after activation, did exert toxic effects on cell activation with respect to the above-mentioned parameters. In conclusion, we showed the expression of SVCT2 in human T cells for the first time. Vitamin C exerted toxic effects, at least in vitro, when the concentration was high and when it was given before activation. These toxic effects are not thought to be via anti-oxidant effects of vitamin C.
Adaptive Immunity ; Antioxidants ; Apoptosis ; Ascorbic Acid* ; Culture Media ; Humans* ; In Vitro Techniques* ; Interleukin-2 ; Micronutrients ; Sodium-Coupled Vitamin C Transporters* ; T-Lymphocytes* ; Vitamins*

This study was designed to investigate the synergetic hepatoprotective effects from a mixture of Korean Red Ginseng and Pueraria Radix on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Liver toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ (0.6 mg/kg) in 12 groups of ICR mice. The negative control group was given CCl₄ without test samples and the normal group was given no treatment. Among treatment groups, the RGAP treatment (Korean Red ginseng acetic acid extract : Pueraria Radix water extract, w/w, 38.4:57.6) decreased CCl₄-elevated ALT (101.60 IU/L), AST (833.89 IU/L), and LDH (365.02 IU/L) levels in the serum, and increased the SOD (11.03 unit/mg protein) and CAT (0.37 unit/mg protein) levels and the LPO levels (59.09 µM/g tissue) more than that in the mice group with CCl₄-induced control group hepatotoxicity. These results suggest that administration of a mixture of Korean Red ginseng and Pueraria Radix decreases CCl₄-induced liver damage and enhances antioxidant activity in mice and imply that administration of the mixture in a certain ratio is more effective than single administration of either Korean Red ginseng or Pueraria Radix alone.
Acetic Acid ; Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride* ; Carbon* ; Cats ; Liver* ; Mice* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Panax* ; Pueraria* ; Water

PURPOSE: CT or MRT is performed in preoperative staging of laryngeal cancer. These methods are used in assessment of the deep tissues and cartilage of the larynx, but cannot compete with laryngoscopy in the evaluation of the laryngeal surface. The purpose of this study is to evaluate feasibilty and clinical value of the 3-D reconstruction of the mucosal surface in laryngeal cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty two patients with laryngeal cancer proved by means of surgical.exploration (pathologic) or clinical examinations including laryngoscope, imaging studies and biopsy underwent preoperative staging with computed tomography(G-P);and three dimensional(3D) CT reconstruction. The TNM classification of the American Joint Committee on Cancer was used to compare the imaging findings with pathologic or clinical staging. RESULTS: When the extension of primary tumor(T staging) was evaluated, the findings at only transaxial CT and those at pathologic or clinical examination were concordant in 8 of 14 cases(57.1%) of supraglottic tumor, and 3 of 6 cases(50%) of glottic tumor. The overall accuracy of CT with additional 3D-reconstruction was 85.7% for assessment of supraglottic tumor, and 66.6% for glottic tumor. CONCLUSION: 3D CT reconstruction after transaxial CT may improve outcome in preoperative staging of laryngeal cancer and has a potential value in guiding management decisions.
Biopsy ; Cartilage ; Classification ; Humans ; Joints ; Laryngeal Neoplasms* ; Laryngoscopes ; Laryngoscopy ; Larynx

PURPOSE: To study the effectiveness of chondrocyte and periosteum-derived cell transplantation in preventing bar formation in growth plate injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty immature rabbits were grouped according to site of growth plate damaged (distal femur or proximal tibia on the medial side) and type of cell and material inserted (chondrocytes plus agar, periosteum-derived cells plus agar, periosteum-derived cells plus Gelfoam, agar alone, or Gelfoam alone). Radiograms were taken for 16 weeks to measure the changes in varus angle of the distal femur and proximal tibia. Transformation of inserted cells was observed histologically. RESULTS: Rabbits inserted with agar alone showed more severe genu varum compared to those inserted with chondrocytes plus agar. Rabbits inserted with periosteum-derived cells plus agar or Gelfoam showed similar deformities compared to those inserted with agar or Gelfoam alone. Some inserted periosteum-derived cells began transformation into chondrocytes. All rabbits showed gradual bar formation and ultimate fusion of the growth plate. CONCLUSION: Cell-based therapy of growth plate injury still has obstacles to overcome. Further study will be required on how to maintain the inserted chondrocytes, or chondrocytes differentiated from the inserted periosteum-derived cells, and to prevent them from changing into osteoid formation cells.
Agar ; Cell Transplantation ; Chondrocytes* ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Femur ; Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable ; Genu Varum ; Growth Plate* ; Rabbits* ; Tibia ; Transplants

Blood Vessels ; Head ; Hemangioma ; Hemangioma, Cavernous ; Neck ; Parturition ; Vascular Malformations

Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare condition. It is defined by the presence of a passage between the biliary tract and the bronchial tree. Many conditions can give rise to the developement of such a communication. The patient was a 71-year-old man who had obstructive jaundice due to liver mass. At first, we inserted an uncovered metallic stent for biliary drainage. However, the bile duct was perforated due to the trapping of a catheter in the distal end of the deployed stent. The operation was performed immediately, but only the sump draingage was placed in the retroperitoneum because the perforation site could not be found. After 20 days from the procedure, the patient complained of bilioptysis because of a bronchobiliary fistula. We inserted a covered stent into the previous uncovered metallic stent. Bilioptysis rapidly resolved after the successful procedure. We report a case of iatrogenic bronchobiliary fistula which was managed by endoscopic biliary stenting.
Aged ; Bile Ducts ; Biliary Tract ; Catheters ; Drainage ; Fistula* ; Humans ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; Liver ; Stents

BACKGROUND: The association of biomaterial combined with repair factor-like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has prospective values. Bovine-derived xenograft has been identified as an osteoconductive and biocompatible grafting material that provides osseointegration ability. PRP has become a valuable adjunctive agent to promote healing in a lot of dental and oral surgery procedures. However, there are controversies with respect to the regenerative capacity of PRP and the real benefits of its use in bone grafts. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of PRP combined with xenograft for the repair of peri-implant bone defects. METHODS: Twelve rabbits were used in this study, and the experimental surgery with implant installation was performed simultaneously. Autologous PRP was prepared before the surgical procedure. An intrabony defect (7.0 mm in diameter and 3.0 mm deep) was created in the tibia of each rabbit; then, 24 titanium dental implants (3.0 mm in diameter and 8.5 mm long) were inserted into these osteotomy sites. Thus, a standardized gap (4.0 mm) was established between the surrounding bony walls and the implant surface. The gaps were treated with either xenograft alone (control group) or xenograft combined with PRP (experimental group). After healing for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed with an overdose of KCl solution. Two rabbits were killed at each time, and the samples including dental implants and surrounding bone were collected and processed for histological analysis. RESULTS: More newly formed bone and a better bone healing process were observed in control group. The histomorphometric analysis revealed that the mean percentage of bone-to-implant contact in the control group was significantly higher than that of the experimental group (25.23 vs. 8.16 %; P < 0.05, independent-simple t test, analysis of variance [ANOVA]). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that in the addition of PRP to bovine-derived xenograft in the repair of bone defects around the implant, PRP may delay peri-implant bone healing.
Dental Implants ; Heterografts* ; Osseointegration ; Osteotomy ; Platelet-Rich Plasma* ; Prospective Studies ; Rabbits* ; Surgery, Oral ; Tibia ; Titanium ; Transplants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil has a relatively poor prognosis. Surgery, radiation therapy and combinations of irradiation and surgery have been employed but there exists some controversy about the efficacy of these treatment modalities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of tonsillar neoplasm. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Medical records of 21 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for tonsillar neoplasm at Pusan National University Hospital from April 1995 through August 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The three year survival rate was 81.0%. The three year survival rates for stages I,II were both 100%. For stages III, IV, the rates were 83.3%, 87.5%, respectively. The three year survival rate for T1, T2, T3 were 100%, 92.3%, 40.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy would be effective treatment modality for tonsillar neoplasm with high survival rate and low morbidity.
Busan ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Drug Therapy* ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Palatine Tonsil* ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Tonsillar Neoplasms