Objective: To unveil the efficacy of Shaolin internal qigong exercise in treating capsulitis of the shoulder (CS) and explore objective outcome measures by observing the changes in the surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of shoulder muscle groups after regular practice of Shaolin internal qigong exercise in CS patients. Methods: Sixty CS patients were randomized into two groups by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the qigong group practiced Shaolin internal qigong exercise on a regular basis, while patients in the electroacupuncture (EA) group received EA treatment. Before and after treatment, the sEMG signals of six muscles, i.e. biceps brachii, triceps brachii, deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and trapezius muscles, of the affected side were recorded at 45° abduction of the shoulder, 60° forward flexion and 90° internal rotation with the elbow flexed during maximal isometric contraction, and the integrated electromyography (iEMG) of each muscle was calculated. Results: The total effective rate was 93.3％ in the qigong group, higher than 83.3％ in the EA group (P<0.05). Intra-group comparison showed that the iEMG of biceps brachii, triceps brachii, pectoralis major and deltoid muscles in the qigong group increased significantly after intervention at 45° abduction of the shoulder, 60° forward flexion and 90° internal rotation with the elbow flexed (all P<0.05), and the iEMG of trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles decreased (both P<0.05); in the EA group, the iEMG of biceps brachii, pectoralis major and deltoid muscles increased significantly during contraction (all P<0.05), while the iEMG of triceps brachii, trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles had no significant changes (all P>0.05). After intervention, there were significant differences in the iEMG of most of muscles between the two groups (all P<0.05), except for the iEMG of deltoid muscle at 45° of abduction of the shoulder joint during isometric contraction (P>0.05). Conclusion: Shaolin internal qigong exercise can effectively increase the motion intensity of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, pectoralis major and deltoid muscles and reduce the compensation of the latissimus dorsi and trapezius muscles in CS patients; compared with EA, it produces a better result in improving the coordination and stability in shoulder joint movements.

The intestinal absorption properties of the main effective components (glycyrrhizic acid, isoliquiritigenin, 6-gingerol, ginsenoside Rb1, atractylode-I) in Lizhong decoction (LZD) extracts were investigated with an in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model in rats. UPLC-TQ-MS was used to determine the concentration of the five components in the intestinal perfusion. Animal welfare and experimental procedures were in accordance with the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. As evaluation indexes for the intestinal absorption characteristics, the absorption rate constant (K_a) and the apparent permeability coefficient (P_eff) of the five main ingredients were analyzed. Results showed that the best absorption sites for glycyrrhizic acid, isoliquiritin and 6-gingerol were the ileum, colon and duodenum, respectively, and the differences between different intestinal segments were statistically significant (P <0.05). There was no notable difference in K_a and P_eff between ginsenoside Rb1 and atractylode-I in the different intestinal segments (P > 0.05), suggesting that they were absorbed throughout. The five components were well-absorbed in the whole intestine (P_eff > 1.0×10^-3 cm·min^-1), indicating that LZD is suitable for preparing sustained, controlled release and enteric-coated preparations.

OBJECTIVETo establish a animal model of hepatic steatosis induced by chronic viral hepatitis in C(57)BL/6 mice.

METHODSC(57)BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to control group, high-fat diet group, mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV-A59) virus infection group, and high-fat diet plus virus infection group. At 13 weeks of the experiment, serum samples were collected to detect MHV antibodies and transaminase and lipid levels. The hepatic pathologies of the mice were examined with Oil red O staining of the frozen sections the and HE staining of paraffin-embedded sections.

RESULTSThe mice in the two virus infection groups showed strong positivity of MHV antibodies in the serum. Compared with the control group, the mice in high-fat diet group and the two virus infection groups had significantly increased AST and ALT levels with also elevated TC and LDL-C levels. The two virus infection groups both exhibited obvious pathologies in the liver characteristic of chronic viral hepatitis with increased lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONWe have successfully established a mouse model of hepatic steatosis induced by chronic viral hepatitis, which provides the basis for further study of the disease mechanism.

Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Chronic Disease ; Diet, High-Fat ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fatty Liver ; virology ; Hepatitis, Chronic ; virology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Murine hepatitis virus

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical features and treatment of skull base osteosarcoma.

METHODSThe clinical data of 18 patients with skull base osteosarcoma, who were admitted to the CAMS Cancer Hospital from January 2005 to November 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up by telephone, outpatient review and other means. Fifteen patients were followed up, 4 cases received surgery only, and 11 cases received surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used to analyze the clinical data and Log rank method was used for verification.

RESULTSNine patients died among the 15 patients who were followed up for 3-103 months (mean 25.0 months): seven patients died of local recurrence, and two patients died of distant metastasis, and six patients were still alive. Four patients received surgery only, with a median survival time of 25.0 months, and 11 patients received comprehensive treatment, with a median survival time of 47.0 months (P = 0.02). Five patients received sub-total resection, with a mean survival time of 47.0 months, and 10 patients received total resection, with a mean survival time of 45.0 months (P = 0.37). The 1- and 2-year recurrence rates were 46.6% and 68.9%, respectively. The overall 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 82.4%, 61.8%, 36.0% and 36.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 30.0 months.

CONCLUSIONSTo compare the long bone and head and neck osteosarcoma with skull base osteosarcoma, the skull base osteosarcoma has a lower total resection rate, a higher recurrence rate, and a poorer prognosis. Radical surgery and comprehensive treatment are appropriate for skull base osteosarcoma.

Bone Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Osteosarcoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Skull Base ; pathology ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical characteristics, risk factors and therapeutic outcome of Philadelphia chromosome-positive adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph(+)aALL).

METHODSThe clinical data of 117 newly diagnosed adults with Ph(+)ALL in our hospital between January 1995 and December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. And their prognoses were followed up.

RESULTSThere were 117(16.1%) of 727 aALL patients diagnosed as Ph(+)aALL. Among the 117 cases, 64.1% patients were classified as pre-B immunophenotype and 31.3% as common B immunophenotype, 37.5% patients with co-expression of myeloid antigens (CD13 or CD33), and 98.4% patients with positive CD34. The complete remission (CR) rate after 1 or 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy was 62.2% in Ph(+)aALL group versus 82% in Ph(-)aALL group (P = 0.000). The median disease-free survival time of Ph(+) group was 6 months and the median survival time was 9 months. Sole karyotype abnormality subgroup t(9;22) accounted for 53% of all Ph(+)aALL patients and additional karyotype abnormality subgroup, t(9;22) plus other chromosome variation, accounted for 47%. Patients in sole karyotype abnormality subgroup had slightly lower CR rate (59.6% vs 62.5%, P = 0.768), longer median survival time (7 months vs 4 months, P = 0.158), and higher 3-year overall survival rate (27.3% vs 14.4%, P = 0.271). For the myeloid antigen co-expressed patients and the only lymphocytic antigen expressed ones, CR rate was 56.0% and 61.5% (P = 0.750), the median survival time was 5 months and 4 months (P = 0.182), and the 3-year overall survival rate was 16.0% and 15.0% (P = 0.354), respectively. In the imatinib plus combination chemotherapy treatment group, 81.3% patients achieved CR, compared with that of 58.3% in patients treated with only traditional combination chemotherapy (P = 0.083). The median survival time was 9.5 months and 6 months (P = 0.003) in these two subgroup, and 3-year overall survival rate was 52.2% and 10.3% (P = 0.029), respectively. For the patients receiving allo-HSCT after CR and that receiving traditional consolidation chemotherapy, the median survival time was 15 months and 6 months (P = 0.000), and the 3-year overall survival rate was 62.0% and 10.3% (P = 0.000), respectively. For the patients receiving imatinib as consolidation-maintenance treatment and that receiving allo-HSCT, the median survival time was 12 months and 15 months (P = 0.300), and the 3-year overall survival rate was 64.7% and 62% (P = 0.505), respectively.

CONCLUSIONOf all adult ALL patients, the Ph(+) subgroup accounted for about 16.1%, which have unfavorable prognosis such as lower CR rate and shorter survival duration under traditional chemotherapy. Neither additional chromosome abnormalities to t(9;22) nor co-expression of myeloid antigen had negative effect on CR rate and survival duration. Addition of imatinib to the therapy was beneficial to improve the CR rate and survival duration. Either receiving imatinib as consolidation-maintenance treatment or allo-HSCT after complete remission can improve long-term survival rate of Ph(+) adult ALL group significantly.

Adult ; Benzamides ; Female ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Male ; Philadelphia Chromosome ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Prognosis ; Pyrimidines ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo determine the sperm mtDNA content, mtDNA4977bp deletion and ROS in the seminal plasma of normal and leukocytospermia men, and to investigate the correlation of the changes of sperm mtDNA with the increase of leukocytes and reactive oxgygen species (ROS) in the seminal plasma.

METHODSSeventy-eight semen samples from leukocytospermia patients and 31 from healthy donors were divided into 3 layers, supernatant fluid, 30% sperm and 80% sperm, by Percoll gradient centrifugation, their sperm mtDNA content and mtDNA4977bp deletion quantitatively analyzed by real-time PCR, and the level of ROS determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe ROS in the seminal plasma and the sperm mtDNA contents of the three layers were all significantly higher in the leukocytospermia group than in the healthy control (P < 0.01). In the supernatant fluid and 80% layers, mtDNA4977bp deletion showed no obvious difference between the control and the leukocytospermia group, but was significantly higher in the 30% layer of the latter (P < 0.01). The ROS level was found positively correlated with the mtDNA content in the 30% (r = 0.347, P < 0.01) and the 80% layer (r = 0.456, P < 0.01), but not in the supernatant layer.

CONCLUSIONThe increase of leukocytes and ROS may be one of the causes of the enhanced sperm mtDNA content, but has no significant impact on the mtDNA4977bp deletion.

Adult ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Leukocytes ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Leukocytosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Sequence Deletion ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical experience with multi-channel cochlear implantation in patients with inner ear malformations and evaluate and the outcomes of speech rehabilitation.

METHODSA retrospective study was conducted in 295 patients receiving cochlear implantation from 1998 to 2007, including 25 patients with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS), 9 with Modini malformation, and 5 with common cavity deformity. All the patients received the Nucleus24 cochlear implants. In LVAS cases, 4 had Nucleus 24R (ST) implants, 8 had Contuor implants, 10 had Contuor Advance, and the remaining cases used Nucleus24(M) straight-electrode implants.

RESULTSSevere gusher appeared in 3 cases of LVAS, and perilymph fluctuation were seen in other 15 cases. Four patients with Mondini malformation and 2 with common cavity malformation also experienced severe gusher, but the electrodes were inserted smoothly in all the patients without postoperative facial paralysis or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The hearing threshold in these patients was similar to that in patients with normal cochlear structure. After speech rehabilitation for over 6 months, the abilities of speech discrimination and spoken language improved in all the cases in comparison with the preoperative lingual functions.

CONCLUSIONMulti-channel cochlear implantation can be performed in patients with inner ear malformation, but should not be attempted in patients with poor cochlear and cochlear nerve development. A comprehensive pre-operative radiographic and audiological evaluation is essential.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Implantation ; methods ; Cochlear Implants ; Ear, Inner ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Female ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; congenital ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the hearing and speech recognition in patients with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome undergoing multi-channel cochlear implantation.

METHODSFrom 2005 to 2008, multi-channel cochlear implantation surgeries were performed in 22 patients with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome. All the patients received multi-channel cochlear implantation through transmastoid facial recess approach. The postoperative outcomes of the patients were compared with those of 22 patients with non-malformed cochlear.

RESULTSSevere gusher occurred in 3 cases during the implantation, and perilymph fluctuation was found in another 15 cases, with a rate of anomalies of 81.8%. All the electrodes were totally inserted into the cochlear, and no facial paralysis or cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred after the operation. The hearing threshold in these patients was similar to that in patients with normal cochlear receiving the implantation. After speech rehabilitation for over 6 months, all the patients showed improved hearing and verbal ability.

CONCLUSIONMulti-channel cochlear implantation can be performed in patients with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome, but preoperative hearing assessment and radiographic examinations should be performed.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Implantation ; Electrodes ; Female ; Hearing ; Hearing Loss ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Speech ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vestibular Aqueduct ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

Objective To analyze the clinical features and treatment of skull base osteosarcoma. Methods The clinical data of 18 patients with skull base osteosarcoma, who were admitted to the CAMS Cancer Hospital from January 2005 to November 2013, were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were followed up by telephone, outpatient review and other means.Fifteen patients were followed up, 4 cases received surgery only, and 11 cases received surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used to analyze the clinical data and Log rank method was used for verification.Results Nine patients died among the 15 patients who were followed up for 3-103 months ( mean 25.0 months):seven patients died of local recurrence, and two patients died of distant metastasis, and six patients were still alive.Four patients received surgery only, with a median survival time of 25.0 months, and 11 patients received comprehensive treatment, with a median survival time of 47.0 months ( P=0.02) .Five patients received sub-total resection, with a mean survival time of 47.0 months, and 10 patients received total resection, with a mean survival time of 45.0 months ( P=0.37) .The 1-and 2-year recurrence rates were 46.6%and 68.9%, respectively.The overall 1-, 2-, 3-and 5-year survival rates were 82.4%, 61.8%, 36.0%and 36.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 30.0 months.Conclusions To compare the long bone and head and neck osteosarcoma with skull base osteosarcoma, the skull base osteosarcoma has a lower total resection rate, a higher recurrence rate, and a poorer prognosis. Radical surgery and comprehensive treatment are appropriate for skull base osteosarcoma.

Objective To analyze the clinical features and treatment of skull base osteosarcoma. Methods The clinical data of 18 patients with skull base osteosarcoma, who were admitted to the CAMS Cancer Hospital from January 2005 to November 2013, were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were followed up by telephone, outpatient review and other means.Fifteen patients were followed up, 4 cases received surgery only, and 11 cases received surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used to analyze the clinical data and Log rank method was used for verification.Results Nine patients died among the 15 patients who were followed up for 3-103 months ( mean 25.0 months):seven patients died of local recurrence, and two patients died of distant metastasis, and six patients were still alive.Four patients received surgery only, with a median survival time of 25.0 months, and 11 patients received comprehensive treatment, with a median survival time of 47.0 months ( P=0.02) .Five patients received sub-total resection, with a mean survival time of 47.0 months, and 10 patients received total resection, with a mean survival time of 45.0 months ( P=0.37) .The 1-and 2-year recurrence rates were 46.6%and 68.9%, respectively.The overall 1-, 2-, 3-and 5-year survival rates were 82.4%, 61.8%, 36.0%and 36.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 30.0 months.Conclusions To compare the long bone and head and neck osteosarcoma with skull base osteosarcoma, the skull base osteosarcoma has a lower total resection rate, a higher recurrence rate, and a poorer prognosis. Radical surgery and comprehensive treatment are appropriate for skull base osteosarcoma.