OBJECTIVETo provide quantitative foundation for the diagnosis of atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation by analyzing the various imaging features of normal atlanto-axial joints in neutral position and rotary functional position on the MSCT images.

METHODSForty-one normal volunteers were examined by CT on the atlanto-axial joint in neutral position and rotary functional position. By the observation and measurement of atlanto-dental interval (ADI), lateral atlanta-dental space (LADS), VBLADS and rotating angle of atlas on dentate (RAAD), the imaging manifestations and anatomical characteristics were analyzed and compared. In order to compare VBLADS and RAAD and make a correlation analysis between different age groups, 51 normal volunteers were divided into two groups: age younger than 45 years old group and age older than or equal to 45 years old group.

RESULTSThe dens in neutral position deviated in an angle range of (3.22±0.89)°. The articular facets of lateral atlantoaxial joint in rotary functional position had rotatory displacement and the range of the relative rotation angle was (33.85± 2.79)°. Through the correlation analysis of matching data, it could be concluded that there was no correlation between atlantoaxial relative rotation angle and VBLADS within a certain range. There were statistically differences of atlantoaxial relative rotation angle in rotary functional position between two groups.

CONCLUSIONMSCT imaging in rotary functional position can clearly show the anatomical structure and rotation function of a normal atlanto-axial joint, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis of atlanto axial rotatory subluxation.

Adult ; Aged ; Atlanto-Axial Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multidetector Computed Tomography ; methods ; Rotation

Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional bowel disorder disease that affects life quality of a large number of people. This study aimed to explore the impact of different intensities of electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment for FC patients. Totally, 111 patients with FC meeting the Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to different intensities of EA groups (low and high intensity of EA groups) and medicine-controlled (MC) group. In EA groups, patients were treated with EA at quchi (LI11) and shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally for 4 weeks, 5 times/week in the first 2 weeks, and 3 times/week in the last 2 weeks. In MC group, 5 mg mosapride citrate was administered orally 3 times/day for 4 weeks. Spontaneous bowel movement frequency each day was recorded using a constipation diary. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess the patients' psychological state. Cortisol (CORT), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks after treatment. As compared with the baseline, there was statistically significant increase in stool frequency every week (P<0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups. As compared with the baseline, after 4 weeks of EA therapy, the scores of SDS and serum levels of CORT were decreased significantly in low intensity of EA group (P<0.01), and the serum levels of SP and VIP were increased significantly (P<0.05); the scores of SAS and SDS and serum levels of CORT were decreased significantly in high intensity of EA group (P<0.05), and the serum levels of SP and VIP were increased significantly (P<0.05); the serum levels of CORT and VIP were increased significantly in MC group (P<0.05). As compared with MC group, after 4 weeks of treatment, the serum levels of SP were signifcicantly increased in low intensity of EA group (P<0.01). Low and high intensities of EA could increase the stool frequency, improve the FC patient's anxiety and depression, reduce the serum levels of CORT, and increase the serum levels of SP and VIP effectively. It is concluded that both low and high intensities of EA are effective for FC patients, but there is no significant difference between the low and high intensities of EA.

To obtained an accurate, rapid and efficient method for authenticate medicinal snakes listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Zaocysd humnades, Bungarus multicinctus, Agkistrodon acutus), a rapid PCR method for authenticate snakes and its adulterants was established based on the classic molecular authentication methods. DNA was extracted by alkaline lysis and the specific primers were amplified by two-steps PCR amplification method. The denatured and annealing temperature and cycle numbers were optimized. When 100 x SYBR Green I was added in the PCR product, strong green fluorescence was visualized under 365 nm UV whereas adulterants without. The whole process can complete in 30-45 minutes. The established method provides the technical support for authentication of the snakes on field.
Animals ; China ; DNA Primers ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Reptilian Proteins ; genetics ; Snakes ; classification ; genetics

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a serious clinical problem for patients receiving cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential efficacy of pregabalin in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in rats. A total of 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1, naive control; group 2, treated with pregabalin (30 mg/kg p.o., for 8 days); group 3, docetaxel was given by single intravenous infusion at 10 mg/kg; groups 4 and 5, pregabalin at 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg respectively was orally administered for 8 days after the docetaxel treatment. On day 8, behavioral test was performed, and substance P and CGRP release in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and sciatic nerve were analyzed by electron microscope. Our results showed that docetaxel induced mechanical allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, heat hypoalgesia, cold allodynia, and sciatic nerve impairment and substance P and CGRP release in DRG. However, oral administration of pregabalin (10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) for 8 consecutive days significantly attenuated docetaxel-induced neuropathy by ameliorating heat hypoalgesia, cold allodynia, impairment of sciatic nerve and reducing the release of substance P and CGRP. The findings in the present study reveal that pregabalin may be a potential treatment agent against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

OBJECTIVEThis paper aimed to review the current literature on the surface modification of intraocular lenses (IOLs).

DATA SOURCESAll articles about surface modification of IOLs published up to 2015 were identified through a literature search on both PubMed and ScienceDirect.

STUDY SELECTIONThe articles on the surface modification of IOLs were included, but those on design modification and surface coating were excluded.

RESULTSTechnology of surface modification included plasma, ion beam, layer-by-layer self-assembly, ultraviolet radiation, and ozone. The main molecules introduced into IOLs surface were poly (ethylene glycol), polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, TiO 2 , heparin, F-heparin, titanium, titanium nitride, vinyl pyrrolidone, and inhibitors of cytokines. The surface modification either resulted in a more hydrophobic lens, a more hydrophilic lens, or a lens with a hydrophilic anterior and hydrophobic posterior surface. Advances in research regarding surface modification of IOLs had led to a better biocompatibility in both in vitro and animal experiments.

CONCLUSIONThe surface modification is an efficient, convenient, economic and promising method to improve the biocompatibility of IOLs.

Animals ; Heparin ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions ; Lenses, Intraocular ; Methacrylates ; chemistry ; Ozone ; chemistry ; Phosphorylcholine ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Ultraviolet Rays

Abstract: The demand for reliable toxicological data of chemicals runs through every link of occupational health work. The prevention of occupational diseases involves high requirements for the standardization of chemical toxicity assessment in occupational health institutions. Good laboratory practice (GLP) emphasizes the integrity of the test process to trace and supervise the whole process of the test, which is conducive to the standardization of chemical toxicity identification. Therefore, the standardized construction of GLP laboratories is an important starting point for occupational health institutions to carry out chemical toxicity identification. In the construction and management process of GLP laboratories for chemical toxicity identification, occupational health institutions need to build a sound organization and operation system, carry out systematic training and assessment of personnel, establish standard operating norms and emphasize their importance, strengthen the management of facility environment and laboratory, pay attention to quality control and process supervision, and constantly improve their own ability level. To actively adapt to social development and market demand, to provide strong support for occupational health work.

Based on variation of Pinus massoniana families, heritablility and correlation analysis, the contents of shikimic acid and procyanidine (heritability 0.90, 0.70), dry weight of single branch (heritability 0.60) and and leaf length (heritability 0.46) were screened out as quality, yield and harvest cost traits of Folium Pini, respectively. For the different medicinal application of Folium Pini, varied methods were chosen to estimate weight and construct index equation. Weight adjustment based.on equal emphasis were used as economic weight determining method to select the best families, and the index (accuracy 0. 936 4 and heritability 0. 881 6) obtained was a little better than that obtained by equal emphasis, and much better than that by restricted index. The superior families selected with adjustment weight and equal emphasis were No. 46, 43 and 28. Partial regression were used as economic weight determining method to select the best families,and the index obtained had the highest accuracy (0.941 5) , index heritability (0. 889 9) and the genetic gain of shikimic acid content. The superior families selected with this method were No. 46, 27 and 47. No. 46 was the best families with maximal economic benefit. Our study indicated that suitable method for estimate weight and construct index equation can be applied for better accuracy of superior families selection of P. massoniana.
Breeding ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Pinus ; chemistry ; classification ; genetics ; growth & development ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; classification ; genetics ; growth & development

OBJECTIVEThe study was designed to investigate the changes in CD(69), CD(25) and HLA-DR expressions in peripheral blood T cell in Kawasaki disease (KD).

METHODSThe authors detected CD(69), CD(25) and HLA-DR expressions in peripheral blood T cell by using flow cytometry. The patients who met the diagnostic criteria for KD comprised sixteen boys and fifteen girls (4 - 60 months of age; mean, 26 +/- 18 months). All received intravenous gammaglobulin at a dose of 1 g/(kg.d), for 2 days and oral aspirin at a dose of 30 - 50 mg/(kg.d). In case of persistent fever, a repeated dose of intravenous gammaglobulin or I.V. methylprednisolone at a dose of 20 mg/(kg.d) for three daily doses was attempted. The authors tested blood samples from 17 healthy controls consisting of nine boys and eight girls (3 - 84 months of age; mean, 25 +/- 18 months) and the samples from 31 patients.

RESULTSThe percentage of peripheral blood CD(3)(+) T lymphocyte was (54.4 +/- 9.0)% in acute stage of KD and (65.0 +/- 7.0)% in healthy controls. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The values of CD(69)(+) [(11.2 +/- 12.6)%, vs. (0.6 +/- 0.4)%], CD(25)(+) [(9.2 +/- 3.5)% vs. (3.9 +/- 1.8)%] and HLA-DR(+) [(8.3 +/- 5.0)% vs. (4.3 +/- 2.3)%] in KD patients were markedly increased compared to those of the healthy controls. After intravenous gammaglobulin treatment, the percentage of CD(3)(+)CD(69)(+) and CD(3)(+)CD(25)(+) significantly decreased [CD(3)(+)CD(69)(+): (14.0 +/- 13.0)% vs. (1.6 +/- 1.2)%, P < 0.05; CD(3)(+)CD(25)(+): (7.8 +/- 4.1)% vs. (2.0 +/- 0.6)%, P < 0.01]. However, the CD(3)(+) T lymphocytes increased [(50.8 +/- 5.0)% vs. (64.9 +/- 5.5)%, P < 0.01]. There was no significant difference in expression of CD(3)(+) T lymphocyte cell activating markers between coronary artery disease group and normal coronary artery group in KD cases (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCD(3)(+) T cell activation in the early and middle stages is involved in the mechanism responsible for cardiovascular injury.

Antigens, CD ; blood ; Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte ; blood ; Aspirin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Child, Preschool ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Glucocorticoids ; therapeutic use ; HLA-DR Antigens ; blood ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous ; therapeutic use ; Immunologic Factors ; therapeutic use ; Infant ; Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit ; blood ; Lectins, C-Type ; blood ; Male ; Methylprednisolone ; therapeutic use ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; blood ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Prognosis ; T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo observe and compare the clinical effect of Dingweiban and Xieban manipulation, and to compare the change of the deviation of spinous processes between two methods.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-two cases were divided into two groups. Sixty-two cases were treated with Dingweiban manipulation method and 60 cases by Xieban manipulation. The changes of Fairbank scores, the clinical effects and the difference of the deviation of the spinous processes (L3, L4, L5) from the lumbar posterior-anterior X-ray were compared.

RESULTSThe scores before and after treatment and 3 months after treatment were compared. There were significant differences between two groups (P < 0.05) by nonparametric test. The result of Dingweiban manipulation group: 53 cases cured, 5 cases better, 3 cases effective and 1 case no effect. The result of clinical Xieban manipulation group: 43 cases cured, 6 cases better, 7 cases effective and 4 cases no effect. The clinical effects had significant differences after treatment and 3 months after treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.0l) by nonparametric test. After the first treating, there was clear difference of the deviations' distance of the L4 spinous process compared with the Xieban manipulation group (P < 0.05). After the last treating, there were clear differences of the deviation distance of the L4 and L5 spinous processes compared with the Xieban manipulation group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONDingweiban manipulation is better than Xieban manipulation in effects and has influence on the deviation of spinous processes, especially for the L5 spinous process.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; therapy ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Male ; Manipulation, Spinal ; methods ; Middle Aged

This study was aimed to isolate and culture rhesus mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and to analyze its phenotype and biological characteristics. Bone marrow was aspirated from femur of rhesus, mononuclear cells were extracted, the nonadherent cells were removed after 24 hours, adherent cells were subcultured when they grew 80% confluence. After the fifth passage, the cells were used for examination. The phenotypes of MSC were analyzed by flow cytometry, differentiated cells were identified by relevant specific staining. Cytokines' mRNA expressed by MSC were detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that rhesus MSC gave rise to a population of adherent cells characterized by the presence of a predominant cell type with a typical fibroblast-like morphology. During the log phase of growth, MSC proliferated to a two-fold population at 31 - 40 hours. MSC could be ex vivo expanded by successive cycles of trypsinization, seeding, and culture. The phenotypes expressed on rhesus MSC were Flk-1, CD29, CD105, CD166 positive and CD34, CD45, CD33 nearly negative. In various induction differentiation conditions, rhesus MSC could differentiate into the osteoblast and lipocyte. IL-6, TGF-beta were highly expressed, TNF-alpha was lowly expressed and IL-2, Fas-L, IFN-gamma were not detected on rhesus MSC using RT-PCR method. It is concluded that rhesus MSC can be successfully isolated and culture-expanded and the biological characteristics of rhesus MSC are similar to those of human MSC.
Adipocytes ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytokines ; genetics ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression ; Immunohistochemistry ; Immunophenotyping ; Macaca mulatta ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction