Objective To explore the effect on walking ability of the orthotic insole produced by the International College of Biomechanics (ICB) when it is combined with an ankle foot orthosis (AFO).Methods A total of 40 stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,each of 20.In addition to conventional medical treatment and rehabilitation,the control group received AFOs and walking rehabilitation training.The observation group accepted walking training with an ICB orthotic insole combined with an AFO.The experiment lasted 4 weeks.Timed up and go test (TUGT) times,10 m maximum walking speed (10 m MWS) and Berg balance scale (BBS) ratings were recorded before and after the treatment.Results Before the treatment there was no significant difference between the group averages in terms of any of the measures.After the treatment,significant improvement was observed in all of the measurements,with the improvements in the observation group significantly better than those in the control group,on average.Conclusion An ICB orthotic insole combined with an AFO results in better improvements in the walking ability of hemiplegic subjects than an AFO alone.

Objective: To clarify the contribution of inhibitory effect of the chemical composition of fingerprint characteristic peaks from different parts of Lepdium meyenii (Maca) on PDE5, and to elucidate the material basis. Methods: The HPLC fingerprints of different parts from L. meyenii were established. The isotope labelling method was adopted to test the inhibitory rate of different extracted parts on PDE5.The gray relative analysis and partial least-squares method were used to make correspond analysis of the spectrum-effect relationship. Results: The fingerprints of different extracts were established and five peaks of the total 21 characteristic common peaks were identified by HPLC spectrum of standards and LCMS-IT-TOF. The strong relevance elements including macamide alkaloids represented by peaks 22-24 were verified as the potential PDE5 inhibitors. Conclusion: A sensitive and convenient screening system for the PDE5 inhibitors via liquid scintillation counting is established. Macamides as liposoluble alkaloids could be material basis components to inhibit the activity of PDE5.This paper provides certain theory basis for resource utilization and the quality control of L. meyenii.

Behcet Syndrome ; complications ; Hemorrhage ; etiology ; Humans ; Pharynx

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism and applicability of Bite-bumper combined with fixed appliance in treatment of lingual tipping deep bite.

METHODS14 children aged 12-16 years old with lingual tipping deep bite participated in the experiment. Bite-bumper combined with fixed appliance was used to correct the deep bite. Clinic effect was observed. Lateral cephalograms were taken before treatment and after bite opening. The related hard tissues were estimated through the cephalograms.

RESULTS1) The average duration for bite-opening with Bite-bumper and fixed appliance of 14 patients was 28 days. 2) After bite-opening, the changes in length direction of jaw (SNA, SNB, ANB) had no statistical variances. Anterior and posterior facial height (S-Go, ANS-Me) were increased. No significant changes were observed in the ratio of posterior facial height to anterior facial height (S-Go/N-Me), angle of mandibular plane (SN-MP) and Y axis. Labial incline in upper and lower incisors (U1-SN, L1-MP) and interincisa angle (U1-L1) were decreased. The posterior teeth (U6-PP, L6-MP) were extruded and the upper incisors (U1-PP) were intruded. The overbite was decreased.

CONCLUSIONBite-bumper combined with fixed appliance can be used effectively for deep bite correction and improve the short face of patients with lingual tripping deep overbite.

Cephalometry ; Child ; Dental Occlusion ; Humans ; Incisor ; Malocclusion, Angle Class II ; Mandible ; Overbite ; Tooth ; Tooth Movement Techniques

The potential biodegradation of crude oil was assessed based on the development of a fermentative process with a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which produced 15.4 g/L rhamnolipids when cultured in a basal mineral medium using glycerol as a sole carbon source. However, neither cell growth nor rhamnolipid production was observed in the comparative culture system using crude oil as the sole carbon source instead. As rhamnolipid, an effective biosurfactant, has been reported to stimulate the biodegradation of hydrocarbons, 1 g/L glycerol or 0.22 g/L rhamnolipid was initially added into the medium to facilitate the biodegradation of crude oil. In both situations, more than 58% of crude oil was degraded and further converted into accumulated cell biomass and rhamnolipids. These results suggest that Pseudomonas aeruginosa could degrade most of crude oil with direct or indirect addition of rhamnolipid. And this conclusion was further supported by another adsorption experiment, where the adsorption capacity of crude oil by killed cell biomass was negligible in comparison with the biologic activities of live cell biomass.
Biodegradation, Environmental ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Glycolipids ; pharmacology ; Petroleum ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; metabolism ; Water Purification ; methods

Purpose To study the reversal effect on multidrug resistance (MDR) by TNF-α gene combined with verapamil (VRP) or tamoxifen (TAM). Methods By using recombinant retrovirus vector, TNF-α gene was transfected into multidrug-resistant human breast cancer cell line MCF7/ADR. The TNF-α secreting cell clone MCF7/ADR-TNF was obtained by G418 screening. The integrating and secreting of TNF-α were analyzed by PCR and ELISA. MTT assay and formula"I = d/D1 + d/D2" were used to evaluate the reversal effect of multidmg resistance with TNF-α gene combined with verapamil or tamoxifen. ResultsThe level of TNF-α secreted by MCF7/ADR-TNF was 1 737 pg/ml (106cells/48 h). Compared with control,the resistance to ADR of MCF7/ADR-TNF was reversed by 1.6 times. The reversal effect produced by combination of TNF-α gene and VRP was antagonistic. The combination of TNF-α gene and TAM produced synergic effect (interaction index I = 0.64). ConclusionsTNF-α gene combined with TAM has synergic effect on reversing MDR.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells are the stem cells that possess the capability for self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation. Umbilical cord is the tissue outside the embryos and would be fallen off after parturition. In addition, it has wide source and no ethical restriction, so it is promising to be the first choice for mesenchymal stem cells. OBJECTIVE: To detect the surface markers CD29, CD44, CD49e, CD73, CD90, CD34, CD45, and CD271 of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) prior to and after cryopreservation and resuscitation. METHODS: After isolation and culture, morphology of the primary, P4 and P8 hUCMSCs was observed prior to cryopreservation and after resuscitation. Surface markers CD29, CD44, CD49e, CD73, CD90, CD34, CD45, and CD271 of primary, P4, and P8 hUCMSCs were detected through the use of flow cytometry prior to cryopreservation and after resuscitation RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: hUCMSCs prior to cryopreservation and hUCMSCs of different passages after resuscitation present the same phenotype, i.e., positive for CD29, CD44, CD49e, CD73, and CD90, and negative for CD34, CD45, CD271. These findings suggest that primary hUCMSCs do not present changes in surface markers after cryopreservation and resuscitation.

Objective To assess the diagnostic capability of spiral CT for giant pure seminoma in intraabdominal undescended testis.Methods Spiral CT of 6 cases with pure seminoma of inabdominal testes as proved by surgery and pathology were analyzed.All patients were male,and the age ranged from 31 to 45 years old with the mean of 35.2 years old.Results All tumors were located along the path of testicular descent on CT images.The arterial-supply of tumors all came from the testicular artery ipsilaterally.The draining vein could be seen between the mass and inferior vena cava or left renal vein in 5 cases.Isolaterally spermatic cord was absent in the inguinal region.Isolateral kidney was shifted upward.CT scans typically demonstrated a unilateral,mixed solid and cystic mass,with areas of solid located at the lateral aspect and areas of necrosis at the medial aspect.Contrast-enhanced CT scan showed mild enhancement of solid areas and band-like septal enhancement in areas of necrosis.There is no evidence of calcification or fat within the mass.Conclusion Spiral CT proves to be a very useful preoperative imaging modality for the giant intraabdominal seminoma.

OBJECTIVETo study the therapeutic effects of posterolateral depression fractures of the tibial plateau through a modified anterolateral approach.

METHODSFrom February 2011 to January 2012,13 patients with posterolateral depression fractures of the tibial plateau were treated through a modified anterolateral approach. There were 8 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 28 to 59 years old (49.2 years old on average). Data from patients were collected retrospectively as follows: X-ray, time of fracture healing and the complications of fracture healing. The patients were evaluated both clinically and radiologically according to the Rasmussen score system.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 18 months (mean 13.7 months). All the patients got bony union. The average radiographic bony union time was 15.1 weeks (ranged, 11 to 17 weeks). No case of secondary articular depression was found. No complications such as malunion or joint stiffness were found. But 1 patient had superficial infection and 1 patient had common peroneal nerve injury. According to the Rasmussen score system,the mean radiological score was 16.50 ± 0.67 (ranged, 13 to 18), and the mean functional score was 25.20 ± 2.21 (ranged, 13 to 30). The mean range of knee motion was (125.3 ± 9.3)° (ranged, 0° to 135°).

CONCLUSIONTreatment of depression fractures of posterolateral tibial plateau with a modified anterolateral approach is a safe method with effective exposure, due to its stable fixation and relatively good outcome with minimal soft-tissue complications. It is regarded as an ideal procedure for depression fractures of posterolateral tibial plateau.

Adult ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fracture Healing ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation with calcaneal locking plates in treating Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2010 and October 2012, 38 calcaneal fractures with Sanders type II or III were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with calcaneal locking plate. According to the Sanders classification, 15 fractures were classified as type II, 23 fractures as type III. The patients were divided into two groups (group A and B) according to the different fixed methods. Sustentaculum tali was fixed with one screw in group A, including 13 males and 5 females, with a mean age of (38.56±8.03) years old (ranged, 25 to 55). And sustentaculum tali was not fixed in group B, including 16 males and 4 females, with a mean age of (42.35±8.29) years old (ranged, 29 to 53). Clinical effects were evaluated according to the changes of Böhler's angle and the Maryland Foot Score and VAS score.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 12 to 20 months with a mean of 14 months. Böhler's angles and subtalar joints obtained satisfactory reconstruction in all patients. One year after operation, the mean Maryland Foot Score was 88.61±7.59 in group A; and was 82.40±9.24 in group B; Maryland Foot Score of group A was higher and foot functional rehabilitation was better than group B. The mean VAS score was 13.39±11.47 in group A; and was 22.50±13.10 in group B; VAS score of group A was lower and foot pain was less than group B.

CONCLUSIONSustentaculum tall screw fixation has advantages of strong fixed strength, high stability, less postoperative pain, rapid functional recovery in treating Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures.

Adult ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Calcaneus ; injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function