OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impacts on the short-term efficacy and the long-term prevention of recurrence of allergic rhinitis treated with the triple-strong stimulation at Dazhui (GV 14) so as to provide the convenient and long-term effective therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion for allergic rhinitis.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty cases of allergic rhinitis were randomized into an acupuncture group, an acupuncture + medication group and a triple-strong stimulation group, 40 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied at Dazhui (GV 14), Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29) and the others, stimulating with reinforcing manipulation for the deficiency and reducing manipulation for the excess, once every day. In the acupuncture + medication group, on the basis of acupuncture therapy, claritin (loratadine tablets) was supplemented for oral administration, 10 mg, once every two days, continuously for 30 days. In the triple-strong stimulation group, on the basis of acupuncture therapy, the strong needling, strong cupping and strong moxibustion were applied at Dazhui (GV 14). This combined therapy was given once every day in the first 3 days and once every two days afterwards. The 10 day treatment made one session, at the interval of 3 days between the sessions and totally 3 sessions were required in the three groups. Separately, before treatment, after treatment and in 6 months after treatment, the changes of symptom and physical sign score and value of single item symptom including nasal itching, nasal blockage, sneezing and rhinorrhea were observed in the patients of the three groups. And the long-term clinical efficacy was compared among the three groups.

RESULTSThe symptom and physical sign score and the value of single item symptom were all reduced in the three groups after treatment and in 6 months after treatment (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The results in the triple-strong stimulation group were superior to the other two groups (all P < 0.05). In the triple-strong stimulation group, the total effective rate was 92.5% (36/40) in the follow-up of 6 months after treatment, which was better than 60.5% (23/38) in the acupuncture group and 69.2% (27/39) in the acupuncture + medication group (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe combined therapy of acupuncture and the triple-strong stimulation at Dazhui (GV 14) achieves the reliable and effective result in the clinical treatment of allergic rhinitis and displays the good role on the prevention from long-term recurrence.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; therapy ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: In China, this laboratory is the first one to report such researches, confirming that strong αo-immunoreactive (IR) appears in the substantia gelatinosa (SG) of spinal cord and lateral spinal nucleus which is similar to the distribution of certain neuropeptides that participate in sensory regulation, which suggests that guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein) may be related to primary afferent informational transfer. OBJECTIVE: To observe the change of αo-IR in gelatinous substance by the method of transection of unilateral spinal dorsal roots.DESIGN: A randomized controlled experiment on animals.SETTING: Staff Room of Neurobiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.MATERIALS: The experiment was conducted at the Staff Room of Neurobiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from December 1995 to December 1996. Fifteen healthy adult SD rats were selected and divided into 3 groups: ①normal group with five rats (not dealt with any disposal), ②transected dorsal root group with 10 rats (right side) and ③control group (non-transected left sidedness as control).METHODS: Right lumbar 1-3 spinal neural dorsal roots were cut off under the anesthesia of 100 g/L chloral hydrate (300 mg/kg)through intraperitoneal injection in rats, living for 48-60 hours after operation. The subunit αo of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (rabbit polyclonal antiserum) was demonstrated in the αo-IR of rat spinal cord by immunohisto chemical methods. G protein was oriented, and its change was observed after transection ofneural dorsal roots MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ①The αo-IR of Ⅰ to Ⅲ of the dorsal horn and lateral spinal nucleus of the normal rats and control rats. ②The αo-IR of Ⅰ to Ⅲ of the dorsal horn and lateral spinal nucleus of rats in the transected dorsal root group. RESULTS: Data of a total of 15 rats were involved in the result analysis. ①In the normal group and control group, intense αo-IR was presented in rexed lamina ( Ⅰ to Ⅲ ) of the dorsal horn of rats, and the highest αo-IR in second lamina (SG). Lateral spinal nucleus of rat revealed higher density of αo-IR containing fiber networks. Following unilateral transection of dorsal roots in SG, αo-IR was markedly decreased. ②Quantitative analysis of absorbance (A) of αo-IR, it was (0.847±0.081) in the inside of the control group, (0.633±0.073)(t=5.71 ,P ＜ 0.001 ) in the inside of transected dorsal root group. It was (0.823±0.089) in the middle area of the control group,(0.660 4±0.074)(t=6.90,P ＜ 0.001 ) in the middle area of the transected dorsal root group. It was (0.915±0.090) in the lumbar region of the control group, and (0.656±0.077)(t=10.31 ,P ＜ 0.001 ) in the lumbar region of the transected dorsal root group. Average value of the control group was (0.852±0.084), and average value of the transected dorsal root group was (0.639±0.078)(t=10.23 ,P ＜ 0.001 ).CONCLUSION: Part of G protein of end-brush neurons related with the primary afferent noxious stimulation in SG derives from primary sensory neurons, which maybe join the adjustment of primary sensory transfer.

Immunoreactivity of neurotensin(NT) and substance P (SP) were studied by means of PAP method with simultaneous immunocytochemical double staining on the same sections using diaminobenzidine (DAB) for SP and benzidinc dihydrochloride(BDHC) for NT as the chromogens for light and electron microscopy in dorsal horn of spinal cord of rat treated with colchicinc. In our hands the reaction products of DAB and BDHC is quite discernible, under LM the former is brown and later is blue; under EM DAB reaction product is homogeneous and diffuse electron opaque while BDHC reaction product is patch electron opaque, it is a new but simpler approach to demonstrate two antigens simultaneously in the same ultrathin section. It would be conformable further to the studies of morphological and functional relationships between different kinds of neurons. The results showed that NT-like immunoreactive (NT-LI) perikarya were mainly located in lamina Ⅱi and out layer of lamina Ⅲ and NT-LI terminals were mainly located in laminae Ⅰ-Ⅲ. Under EM the NT-LI axon terminals may synapse with the unlabeled axon or unlabeled dendrites. SP-like immunoreactive (SP-LI) perikarya were mainly located in lamina Ⅱ. The density of SP-LI terminals were higher in laminae Ⅰ-Ⅱ, while axo (SP)-axonic (SP), axo (SP)-somatic (SP) synapses were identified with EM. In double labelling sections, furthermore under EM, it was found that NT-LI axon terminal (BDHC patch like electron opaque reaction products)can synapse or contact with SP-LI axon (DAB diffuse electron opaque reaction products). Our results suggested that NT-and SP-containing neurons and terminals in dorsal horn might participate in regulating process of primary sensory transmission.

The subunit ?_0 of guanine nucleotide- binding protein, in the areas of rat brain and spinal cord was localized by immunohistochemical methods. It was found that in the rat brain, specific ?_0-like immunoreactivity(?_0-Li) displayed regional heterogeneity, a high density of ?_0-Li revealed in neuropil, and somatic membranes as well as the neuronal processes.Most intense ?_0-Li can be seen in substantia nigra(pars reticulata), interpcduncular nucleus, habenulo-interpeduncular tract, strata oriens and radiatum of the hippocampus, and substantia gelatinosa of the spinal cord. There are also areas of moderate staining ie: the molecular layer of cerebral and cerebellar cortex, habenula, caudate-putamen complexes, the midline nuclei of thalamus and hypothalamus, periaqueductal grey, grey layers of superior colliculus, the olivo-cerebellar tract and the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve as well. By contrast, the immunoreactvity of ?_0 in septal nuclei, globus pallidus, red nucleus, and the regions adjacent canalis centralis of the spinal cord showed much weaker. In addition, on the membranes and the processes of the neuronal cell bodies in the periaqueductal grey, substantia nigra, reticular formation, medial geniculate body and the nucleus of the trapezoid body were ?_0-Li positive.The results of AChE staining revealed that the AChE-positivc nerve terminals was coinsident with the presence of ?_0-Li in the following regions. For instance: the molecular layer of cerebral cortex, hippocampus, spinal tract of the trigminal nerve, and substantia gelatinosa of the spinal cord, where both the ?_0-Li and the AChE activity were positive. It is suggested that ?_0 subunit of Go-protein in brain might play roles in membrane signal transduction, and might have some relationship with cholinergic nerve.

OBJECTIVETo measure the male anterior hairline (AH) and provide data for hair transplantation.

METHODS205 males were randomly involved and divided into different age groups, as the young group( age 18-29), the middle-aged group (age 30-49) and the old group (age 50+). Their AH shape and height were measured. The data was then analyzed.

RESULTSAccording to the morphological classification of AH, the linear type was most common in the young and middle-aged groups (48.40% and 37.33%), the anterior protrusion type was most common in the old group (34.80%). The mean height of AH was 6.42 cm (5.00-8.50 cm)for the median line, and there was no statistical difference between groups (P > 0.05); the mean ratio of median line AH height to facial length was 0.30 (0.22-0.37), there were significant differences between the old group against the young, or the middle-aged group (P < 0.05), and no difference between the young group and the middle-aged group (P > 0.05); the mean height of AH was 5.83 cm (3.5-8.0 cm) for the paramedian line, and there was no statistical difference between groups (P > 0.05); the mean height of AH was 8.34 cm (5.5-10.5 cm) for the lateral line, there were significant differences between the young group against the middle-aged, or the old group (P < 0.05), and no difference between the middle-aged group and the old group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe shape and height of AH were age-associated. The linear type is most common in the young and middle-aged groups, the anterior protrusion type is most common in the old group. The change first occurs on the lateral lines since the age of 30, and the central portion is involved since the age of 50. The older the age gets, the higher the hairline is.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; Face ; anatomy & histology ; Forehead ; anatomy & histology ; Hair ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Qianliean Pill (QP) on inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) model rats, and to explore its therapeutic mechanism.

METHODSCNP rat model was established by castration and estradiol benzoate injection. Totally 50 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the model group, the positive medicine group, the high dose QP group, the medium dose QP group, and the low dose QP group, 10 in each group. Besides, 10 normal rats were recruited as a normal control group. Since the 8th day of castration, Pulean Tablet (PT) at 10. 80 g/kg was administered to rats in the positive medicine group by gastrogavage. QP at 11.00, 5.50, and 2.75 g/kg was administered to rats in high, medium, and low dose QP groups by gastrogavage. Distilled water at 2 mL/100 g was administered to rats in the model group and the normal control group by gastrogavage, once daily for 30 successive days. After 30 days of medication all rats were sacrificed and their prostate tissues were extracted. The prostatic index was calculated. Pathological changes of rat prostate were observed under light microscope. Meanwhile, levels of IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the prostate index obviously decreased, levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the prostate tissue significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the prostate index obviously decreased in high and medium dose QP groups, and the positive medicine group (P < 0.01); levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 obviously decreased in each QP group and the positive medicine group (P < 0.01). Compared with the positive medicine group, the TNF-α level decreased more obviously in the high dose QP group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, inflammatory reactions occurred obviously in rats' prostate of the model group. Compared with the model group, inflammatory reactions were milder in rats' prostate of each QP group and the positive medicine group, and their degrees were improved to some extent.

CONCLUSIONQP could treat CNP, which might be achieved by regulating local immune state of the prostate, relieving inflammatory reactions of the prostate, and lowering levels of IL-β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the prostate tissue.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Male ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Rats ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective To explore the feasibilities and clinical applications for sharing the medical resources and recycles by applying digital medicine technology and making the most of medical CT films from other hospitals.Methods Based on scanning data of medical CT films from other hospitals,which were in 85 cases of undergo retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery,the 3D models were reconstructed in the computer,then were verified and navigated during operations.Meanwhile,coincidence rates were compaired between group A (slice thickness =5 mm) and group B (slice thickness ＞5 mm) in 53 cases whose renal pedicle blood vessels were exposed during the operations.Results All the 85 procedures were successfully completed.The 3D models,which could be observed freely,were consistent with intraoperative screenshots and participated in intraoperative guidance.Coincidence rates were 82.4％ (28/34) in group A and 52.6％(10/19) in group B (x2 =5.306,P =0.021).Conclusions Based on medical CT films of 5 mm slice thickness,the 3D models which are verified to have some accuration and fineness can be successfully reconstructed.The method not only can effectively avoid unnecessary repeated inspection,but also directly render in 3D form to participate in preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance.

Objective To construct humanized monoclonal antibodies against CD 20 and check their affinity to CD 20 antigen and their anti-tumor activity.Methods Based on the computer model , human IgG1 candidates closest to rituximab in crystal structure were selected in the Protein Data Bank ( PDB) .With the selected human IgG 1 candidates as the frame , we modified and transplanted the complementarity determining region ( CDR) of rituximab .First,the target gene fragments were obtained by overlapping PCR.Then, the sequences of the light chains(L) and the heavy chains(H) were inserted in-to the pcDNA3.3 and pOptiVEC vectors.Next, the constructed clones were transfected into 293F cells through transient transfection.After a large-scale cell culture, the mAb was purified by affinity chromatography rProtein A column.The puri-ty and expression level of the humanized antibodies was tested by sodium dodecyl sulfate ( SDS)-polyacrylamide gelelectro-phoresis(PAGE).The affinity of the humanized antibodies to CD20 was assessed with Fortebio assay.Finally, the anti-tumor activity of the constructed antibodies was detected by checking the tumor growth inhibition of the nude mice transplan-ted with tumor .Results Three humanized monoclonal antibodies against CD 20 were expressed and purified successfully . In reducing SDS-PAGE, the antibodies exhibited two bands of approximately 25 ×103 and 55 ×103 , respectively.The band size of the antibodies matched the expected value.Fortebio assay revealed that the humanized antibodies could bind to CD20 with high affinity (rituximab:6.48 ×10 -9mol/L, L4H7:1.91 ×10 -9mol/L, L5H5:7.35 ×10 -10mol/L,and L5H7:1.91 ×10 -9mol/L).The tumor growth inhibition experiment showed that the anti-tumor activity of L5H7 mAb was better than that of rituximab .Conclusion Three humanized monoclonal antibodies against CD 20 have been successfully construc-ted and expressed.L5H7 mAb possesses high affinity for CD20 and a good ability to kill tumor cells.

Objective To clone and express the ns5a gene of hepatitis C virus(HCV) 1b strain DY.Methods By using the prokaryotic cell gene engineering,HCV ns5a gene was amplified with nested PCR from the plasmid HCV17 of HCV 1b strain DY full-length gene and inserted into the cloning pMD18-T vector.The cloned HCV ns5a gene was separated and subcloned into expression vector pET-28a and induced by IPTG in E.coli.BL21.The expressed product was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western-blot methods.Results Recombinant expression plasmid pet-28a-ns5a was constructed and expressed successfully.Conclusion HCV ns5a gene was cloned and expressed.This might be helpful for further studies on the nature and biological properties of the ns5a gene.