OBJECTIVETo compare the differences in the efficacy on speech and swallowing dysfunction of medulla oblongata palsy (MOP) after brainstem infarction between electroacupuncture at eight-neck-occiput points and routine acupoints.

METHODSSeventy-two patients were randomized into a neck-occiput points group and a meridian points group, 36 cases in each one. In the neck-occiput points group, the eight-neck-occiput points (Neck 1-4 points, Occiput 1-4 points) were selected. In the meridian points group, Lianquan (CV 23), Futu (LI 18), Tongli (HT 5), Hegu (LI 4) and the others were selected. Electroacupuncture was used in the two groups, dense-dispersion wave, retaining for 30 min. The treatment was given once a day, 5 treatments a week. Totally, 4 weeks were required. The symptom scores of speech and swallowing dysfunction were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. The efficacy was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe scores of speech and swallowing dysfunction were improved significantly after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The results in the neck-occiput points group were better than those in the meridian points group (both P < 0.01). The curative rate of speech dysfunction was 30.6% (11/36) and that of swallowing dysfunction was 22.2% (8/ 36) in the neck-occiput points group, which were better than 11.1% (4/36) and 5.6% (2/36) in the meridian points group, respectively. The differences were significant in comparison of the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONElectroacupuncture at eight-neck-occiput points achieves a better efficacy on speech and swallowing dysfunction of MOP after brainstem infarction as compared with the routine acupoints. This therapy is characterized as more accurate point localization and safer operation.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain Stem Infarctions ; complications ; Bulbar Palsy, Progressive ; etiology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Deglutition ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medulla Oblongata ; physiopathology ; Middle Aged

Objective To explore the evaluation value of modified USA National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mNIHSS) score combined with bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) on the early prognosis of ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods One hundred and thirty-six anterior circulation AIS patients were collected,mNIHSS score was evaluated on admission,and emergency bedside TCD examination was performed to evaluate vascular anomalies.After active treatment after discharge,the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score was recorded to evaluate 90 d prognosis.The value of mNIHSS score combined with TCD examination analysis on the prognosis was analyzed.Results If the mNIHSS score ＞ 8 scores was judged to be poor prognosis,the sensitivity was 0.684,the specificity was 0.806,the positive predictive value was 0.578,the negative predictive value was 0.868.If related macro vascular abnormalities in bedside TCD examination were evaluated for clinical prognosis,the sensitivity was 0.736,the specificity was 0.643,the positive predictive value was 0.444,the negative predictive value was 0.863.If both,the specificity was 0.918,the positive predictive value was 0.714,the positive likelihood ratio was 6.41 ;and the two were not available,the negative predictive value was 0.928,negative likelihood ratio was 0.20.Conclusion mNIHSS score combined with TCD examination in evaluating the prognosis of AIS patients can improve the positive or negative predictive value.

OBJECTIVETo explore the inhibitory effect of cinnamaldehyde on invasion capacities of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435S and its relation with regulating the expression of miR-27a.

METHODSThe effect of cinnamaldehyde on invasive capacities of MDA-MB-435S was measured by Transwell matrigel invasion assay. The effect of miR-27a expression on invasive capabilities of MDA-MB-435S, the intervention of cinnamaldehyde in the miR-27a expression, and its relation with its effect on invasive capabilities were defected with liposome 2000 transinfection miRNA27a mimics/inhibitors, real time-polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Transwell chamber model.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the number of cells passing through the transwell chamber was more significantly reduced after treated by cinnamaldehyde for 12 h (P < 0.05). The miR-27a expression was 962.07 times and 40% of that of the control group after transinfected by miR-27a mimics and miR-27a inhibitors. After transinfected by miR-27a inhibitors, the number of cells passing through the transwell chamber was more significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The miR-27a expression of MDA-MB-435S was down-regulated by 12-h treatment of cinnamaldehyde (2(-deltaCt) = 0.56, 0.18, 0.18, respectively). The number of miR-27a mimics transinfection pretreated MDA-MB-435S cells passing through the transwell chamber increased more obviously than the number of un-pretreated MDA-MB-435S cells in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCinnamaldehyde could inhibit invasive capabilities of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435S. The over-expression of miR-27a played an important role in the invasive capability of MDA-MB-435S. The inhibition of cinnamaldehyde on invasive capabilities of MDA-MB-435S cells was correlated with down-regulating the expression of miR-27a.

Acrolein ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics

Objective To investigate the changes of average body weight gain and serum biochemical indexes of C57BL/6J mice (B6 mouse) and their offspings after frozen-thawed embryo transfer of B6 mice.Methods The mice were divided into three groups in this study.In the experimental group I (E-I,30 males and 20 females),2-cell embryos after in-vitro fertilization were collected,and cryopreserved by EFS method,then obtained the offsprings after transplantation of the recovered embryos to oviduct of recipient mice (ICR mouse).In the experimental group II (E-II,26 males and 17 females),when the mice from E-I grew to maturity,the offsprings were obtained from natural mating of mice from E-I.In the control group (20 males and 20 females),the offsprings came from conventional feeding and natural mating.The three groups of mice were raised to 16 weeks old,weighing the body weight at a regular time intervals,and the serum biochemical indexes were obtained from 16-week-old mice.Then the changes of average body weight and serum biochemical indexes of the mice were analyzed.Results The average body weight of E-I mice was significantly higher than that of control group at each week-age (P<0.01).The average body weight of E-II female mice was significantly higher than that of the control group in 12-16-week old mice (P<0.01),but the average body weight of E-II male mice showed no significant differences compared with the control group except for few weeks.The serum biochemical indexes of E-I and E-II mice were changed in all items except for AST,TP and Ca.Conclusions There are some effects on the average body weight gain and serum biochemical indexes of C57BL/6J mice and their offspings after frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

Objective To establish a rapid monitoring method of the three common bacteria in mice frozen resources, such as embryo, sperm, etc. Methods To extract DNA of the three positive bacteria( Staphylococcus auerus, Klebsiella?pneumoniae and β?hemolyticstreptococcus) , and establish PCR monitoring method of the three positive strains through designing primer and refining PCR condition. Then extract total DNA of the frozen resources, detect the DNA according to the PCR condition of the three positive bacteria, some samples were detect by fluorescence quantitative PCR at the same time. Results ①successfully establish a PCR detection method of the three positive bacteria, the minimum detectable concentration of Staphylococcus auerus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and β?hemolytic streptococcus is 4?19 × 10 -5 ng/μL, 1?98 × 10 -5 ng/μL and 1?07 × 10 -3 ng/μL. ②Proved that the three bacteria doesn ’ t exist in the sample by normal PCR and fluorescence quantitative PCR methods. Conclusions Establising a rapid monitoring method of common pathogens of frozen embryo and sperm in mice.

Objective To probe the diagnostic efficacy of fetal eehocardiography for characterizing complex congenital heart diseases.Methods Fetal echocardiography was performed on 49 cases of fetal complex congenital heart disease, the ultrasonic diagnosis was compared retrospectively with pathological results after autopsy.Results Antenatal sonographic diagnosis was in agreement with the pathological results in 42 cases (85.71 %), 7 cases were disagreed with pathological diagnosis (antenatal sonographic diagnosis was discrepancy in 3 cases, 4 cases were partially mis-classified).Twenty-four cases were combined with extra-cardiac malformations.Nine cases had chromosomal abnormality.Conclusions Fetal echocardiography is highly accurate for antenatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease, but it is hard to detect some type of cardiac anomalies.

Objective: To investigate the effect of ginsenoside-rg1 (G-Rg1) on rat’s cardiomyocytes H9c2 with its mechanism of signal pathwayin vitro.
Methods: H9c2 cells were cultured and treated in different conditions by following groups:①Blank control group,②Hypoxia alone group, the cells were treated for (2, 6, 12, 24, 48) hr respectively,③G-Rg1 group, the cells were treated by G-Rg1 at (5, 10, 50) μmol/L respectively,④YC-1 group, which is the speciifc inhibitor of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α),⑤YC-1 + G-Rg1 group,⑥Wortmannin group, which is the speciifc inhibitor for protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation and⑦Wortmannin + G-Rg1 group. Each experiment was conducted with 5 replicates. The effects of G-Rg1, hypoxia and YC-1 on cell activity and injury were studied; intracellular mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were examined by RT-PCR; protein expressions of HIF-1α, GLUT-1, HO-1, activating transcription factor-6 (ATF-6), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and Akt with its signal pathway factors were measured by Western blot analysis.
Results: The time of hypoxia was negatively related to cell activity (r=-0.8580,P<0.05) and positively related to LDH overlfow rate (r=0.9201,P<0.05). G-Rg1 (10μmol/L) group showed increased cell activity than Hypoxia alone (24 hr) group (87.8% vs 62.6 %,P<0.05), while decreased LDH overlfow (25.0% vs 74.8%,P<0.05), and up-regulated mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, GLUT-1 and HO-1, P<0.05. YC-1+ G-Rg1 group had decreased cell activity than G-Rg1 group (68.0% vs 87.8%,P<0.05), while increased LDH overlfow (56.4% vs 25.0%,P<0.05). Meanwhile, YC-1 clashed the effect of G-Rg1 on protein expressions of HIF-1α, GLUT-1, HO-1, ATF-6 and CHOP,P<0.05; wortmannin clashed the effect of G-Rg1 on protein expressions of HIF-1α, CHOP,P<0.05 and suppressed the two phosphorylation sites for Akt activation,P<0.05.
Conclusion: G-Rg1 may protect rat’s H9c2 cellsin vitro by activating expressions of HIF-1α with its downstream factors and inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, which might be related to the effect of G-Rg1 on Akt activation.

Recent findings show that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressed in immune cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response and the subsequent induction of adaptive immune responses against microbial infection on tissue injury. Furthermore, expression of TLRs in cancer cells is associated with tumor proliferation and invasion. To explore the role of TLRs expression in cervical carcinogenesis in Uighur women, we detected the expressions of TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 in 25 normal cervical tissues, 64 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) tissues, and 63 cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tissues using immunohistochemical staining, as well as human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) infection using PCR. All samples used in this study were from Xinjiang Uighur women. We found the expression levels of TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 were significantly higher in CIN and CSCC than in normal controls (P < 0.05). Up-regulation of TLR4 and TLR7 were correlated with tumor differentiation but not FIGO stage or lymph node metastasis (P > 0.05). Up-regulation of TLR9 was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05) but not tumor differentiation or FIGO stage (P > 0.05). We also analyzed the correlation between the expressions of TLRs and HPV16 infection and found that the expressions of TLR4 and TLR9 significantly correlated with HPV16 infection in CIN (r = 7.434, P = 0.006; r = 7.123, P = 0.008) and CSCC (r = 6.423, P = 0.001; r = 8.478, P = 0.004), whereas the expression of TLR3 was not significantly different in any of the three groups and had no significant correlation with HPV16 infection. Our results suggest that high expression of TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 may play important roles in the development and progression of CIN and CSCC in Uighur women, and the expressions of TLR4 and TLR9 can be up-regulated by HPV16 infection.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; China ; ethnology ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Papillomavirus Infections ; genetics ; pathology ; Toll-Like Receptor 3 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 7 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 9 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptors ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of 14-3-3 sigma and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in colorectal carcinoma(CRC) tissue and its clinical significance.

METHODSThe expression of 14-3-3 sigma and HSP27 was detected by immunohistochemical staining in 50 pathologically verified CRC cases. The association of clinical data with 14-3-3 sigma and HSP27 expression was examined.

RESULTSThe positive expression rate of 14-3-3 sigma was 10% in normal control mucosa and 58% in CRC tissue (P<0.01). The positive expression rate of HSP27 was 16% in normal control mucosa and 54% in CRC tissue (P<0.01). No correlation between 14-3-3 sigma and HSP27 expression was found in CRC tissue (P>0.05). The expression of 14-3-3 sigma was associated with patient age, tumor diameter and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P<0.05), but not with gender, tumor differentiation or serous membrane invasion (P>0.05). The expression of HSP27 was associated with LNM (P<0.05), but not with gender, age, differentiation, tumor diameter or serous membrane invasion (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe abnormal expression of 14-3-3 sigma and HSP27 is significantly associated with LNM in CRC.

14-3-3 Proteins ; Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Exonucleases ; metabolism ; Exoribonucleases ; Female ; HSP27 Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of refracture in patients suffering from osteoporosis-related fractures as well as effective interventions.

METHODSFrom January 2006 to January 2008, both out-patients and in-patients in our hospital who were over 50 years old and suffered from osteoporosis-related fractures were selected for this research. They were divided into fracture group and refracture group. The refracture rate was followed up for 2 years, during which 11 patients developed refracture, thus were included in the refracture group. Therefore, 273 patients, 225 first-fracture cases, aged (67.7+/-8.5) years, and 48 refracture cases, aged (72.7+/-9.5) years, were included in this study. General data including age and sex, fracture types, femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) T-scores tested by dual-energy X-rays absorptiometry (DEXA), Charlson index, time-frame between two fractures as well as mobility skill assessment were collected and analyzed by single-factor and multivariate statistical methods.

RESULTSFemales accounted for 70.2% of the fracture group and 77.1% of the refracture group. The most common refracture type was vertebral fracture for the first time and femoral neck fracture for the second time during the follow-up. The second fracture happened 3.7 years after the first one on average. The refracture rate was 2.12% within one year, and 4.66% within two years. Risk factors for a second fracture in osteoporotic fracture patients included age (larger than 75 years, HR equal to 1.23, 95%CI 1.18-1.29; larger than 85 years, HR equal to 1.68, 95% CI 1.60-1.76), female sex (HR equal to 1.36, 95%CI 1.32-1.40), prior vertebral fractures (HR equal to 1.62, 95%CI 1.01-2.07), prior hip fractures (HR equal to 1.27, 95%CI 0.89-2.42), BMD T-score less than -3.5 (HR equal to 1.38, 95%CI 1.17-1.72) and weakened motor skills (HR equal to 1.27, 95%CI 1.09-1.40).

CONCLUSIONSThe risks of second fracture among patients with initial brittle fracture are substantial. There is adequate time between the first and second fractures for interventions to reduce the risks of refracture, especially for the old women with a vertebral or hip fracture. Medication, motor functional rehabilitation and fall-down prevention training are helpful.

Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Density ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Skills ; Multivariate Analysis ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; etiology ; Risk Factors