OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy difference on vegetative state in children between acupoint injection combined with plum-blossom needle and western medication based on basic treatment.

METHODSForty-eight children of vegetative state were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 24 cases in each one. On the basis of the treatment of transcranial magnetic stimulation apparatus, balancing treatment apparatus and massage, the acupoint injection and tapping method with plum-blossom needle were adopted in the observation group, in which Xingnaojing injection, mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF) injection, monosialotetrahexosylganglioside sodium injection (MSI), compound Danshen injection were divided in 6 pairs and were injected respectively in Baihui (GV 20), Yongquan (KI 1), Fengfu (GV 16), Yamen (GV 15) and the others, 0.5 mL in each acupoint, once a day for continuous 10 days. Additionally, the tapping method with plum-blossom needle was used on the Governor Vessel and Jiaji (EX-B 2) on the back. In the control group, the intravenous infusion was adopted with citicoline sodium injection, mannitol injection and dexamethasone injection. The treatment was given once a day, 20 days of treatment made one session and totally 3 sessions were required in the two groups. The clinical efficacy, the vegetative state score and the mean curing time were observed after 20 days, 40 days and 60 days of treatment between the two groups.

RESULTSThe effective rates were 58.3% (14/24), 70.8% (17/24) and 79.2% (19/24) in 20 days, 40 days and 60 days of treatment in the observation group and 20.8% (5/24), 45.8% (11/24) and 58.3% (14/24) in the control group respectively. The efficacy in the observation group was superior to those in the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The vegetative state score was improved apparently after 20 days, 40 days and 60 days of treatment as compared with those before treatment separately (all P < 0.05). It was improved obviously at the each time point after treatment in the observation group as compared with that in the control group (3.34 +/- 2.41 vs 2.64 +/- 11.56, 6.20 +/- 1.46 vs 4.34 +/- 1.64, 11.26 +/- 2.63 vs 8.75 +/- 2.18, all P < 0.05). The mean curing time was (45.67 +/- 16.24) days in the observation group, which was shorter apparently than that of (55.34 +/- 4.57) days in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBased on basic treatment acupoint injection combined with tapping method of plum-blossom needle achieve the reliable efficacy on vegetative state in children.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; Animals ; Child, Preschool ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mice ; Nerve Growth Factor ; administration & dosage ; Persistent Vegetative State ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Phenanthrolines ; administration & dosage ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To explore the effect of robot-assisted gait training on the standing and walking balance of persons with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) resulting from hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD).Methods Thirty-six persons with AFP resulting from HFMD were randomly divided into a control group and a training group,each of 18.Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation training,while the training group was additionally provided with robot-aided gait training.The control group received additional massage of their affected limbs.Before and after 15 days of treatment the subjects' standing and walking ability were evaluated using parts D and E of the gross motor function (GMFM) scale.Their balance was quantified using the Berg balance scale (BBS) and integrated surface electromyograms were recorded.Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before the treatment.After 6 weeks of treatment the average scores of both groups had improved significantly,with a significantly bigger increase observed in the training group.After the treatment,the average GMFM and BBS scores of the training group were significantly higher than those of the control group.Conclusion Gait training in addition to conventional rehabilitation training can significantly improve the standing,walking and balance of patients with HFMD resulting from AFP and promote their recovery.

Objective To provide updated recommendations for further adjustment of iodine deficiency disorders control strategy by evaluating awareness of the dangers of iodine deficiency disorders and their prevention and control measures among local residents and the willingness of choosing iodized or non-iodized salt in urban communities of Jiangsu province.Methods Trained health service workers did questionnaire investigation on iodine deficiency disorders prevention knowledge by calling computer-randomly selected family telephone numbers in every two blocks of provincial capital (Nanjing) and coastal city (Nantong) in Jiangsu province in 2010.The survey topics covered include:when supplied with both non-iodized and iodized salt,what kind of salt the local residents chose and the reasons; residents awareness of the dangers of iodine deficiency disorders and their prevention and control measures; resident's personal information(including only occupational category and age group).Key fields were rechecked from 10％ randomly selected valid questionnaires.Results Four hundred and fifty-five valid questionnaires were obtained by calling 2021 randomized telephone numbers in Nanjing and Nantong cities.After 10.1％(46/455) of the valid questionnaires were rechecked,the total coincidence rate was 87.0％(40/46).In the two cities,there were 73.2％ (333/455) of those 455 respondents saying they would choose iodized salt when iodized and non-iodized salt were supplied at the same time.There were 69.0％(314/455) of respondents had heard of iodine deficiency disorders,of which 79.6％(250/314) of them were aware of the dangers of iodine deficiency is endemic goiter,and 10.8％ (34/314) of them knew that iodine deficiency can cause varying degrees of mental damage.With respect to useful preventive methods of iodine deficiency disorders,there were 69.4％ (218/314) respondents know that eating iodized salt,and 41.1％ (129/314) respondents know that taking laver or kelp would prevent iodine deficiency disorders.Conclusions Remarkable achievements on iodine deficiency disorders health promotion and health education have been gained in urban communities of both the provincial capital and the coastal city Jiangsu province.However,some of the people are still not very clear why we should eat iodized salt.Salt industry in the current management system,is still premature to provide iodized salt and non-iodized salt simultaneously now.

Objective:To explore the core syndrome type and Chinese herbal medicine combination in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) remission phase based on the real and effective clinical data of the outpatient information system of the hospital.Methods:Medical records of patients with UC in remission who received Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) oral intervention from August 1, 2018 to October 31, 2021 in Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were collected. Medcase V3.2 data record mining system was used, and the enhanced FPGrowth algorithm was used to build a strengthened association rule data mining model. Xminer Operation Tool was used for mining and logical analysis, and Medcase Chart was used for deconstruction analysis and graphical representation of quantitative trend data. Based on the statistical analysis results, the core syndrome types, pathogenesis evolution rules, and core TCM compatibility law in remission stage of UC were explored.Results:A total of 302 patients were collected. Diarrhea, bloody stool, mucus stool, fatigue, light tongue, fine pulse, paroxysmal abdominal pain, and colonoscopy found intestinal polyps were the core symptoms in UC remission phase. Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome, Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Syndrome, Spleen Deficiency and Toxin Accumulation Syndrome were the core syndrome type. In Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome, the core drug combinationed Codonopsis Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Aucklandiae Radix, Amomi Fructus, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and Paeoniae Radix Alba. In Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Syndrome, the core drug combinationed Codonopsis Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Aucklandiae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Amomi Fructus, and Saposhnikoviae Radix. In Spleen Deficiency and Toxin Accumulation Syndrome, the core drug combinationed Codonopsis Radix, Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Mume Fructus, Sophorae Flos, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Saposhnikoviae Radix.Conclusion:Spleen deficiency was the core syndrome type in UC remission phase. The Chinese herbal medicine treatment options included replenishing qi supplemented with harmonizing the stomach, promoting blood circulation, stopping bleeding, removing dampness, clearing heat, and relieving depression.

BACKGROUND: The poor retention and survival of donor cells implanted into the myocardium limit the efficacy of cell therapy for myocardial infarction. Embedding cells in natural or synthetic biomaterials is a strategy to address this issue. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) encapsulated in hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel on cardiac function after myocardial infarction. METHODS:BMSCs from male Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated and cultured,and then HA-encapsulated BMSCs were cultured in vitro in the three-dimensional manner. A model of myocardial infarction was made by cutting the anterior descending artery of female Sprague-Dawley rats. After 1 week, the model rats were screened by ultrasonic testing and then eligible ones were randomly divided into four groups: PBS group (n=8), HA group (n=8), BMSCs group (n=29), and HA-encapsulated BMSCs group (n=29). At 1 week after modeling, the model rats underwent the secondary thoracotomy and the implants were injected into the marginal zone and infarcted region in corresponding groups. The survival rate and apoptosis of implanted cells were examined at post-injection day 1, week 1 and week 2 by RT-PCR and TUNEL respectively. At post-injection week 4, changes of cardiac microstructure and function were evaluated by histological examination and echocardiography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the BMSCs group, HA hydrogel significantly enhanced the survival rate and reduced the apoptotic rate of BMSCs at post-injection day 1 and week 2 (both P < 0.05). At post-injection week 4, the HA+BMSCs combined treatment yielded the best recovery of cardiac function (P < 0.05). To conclude, HA hydrogel can act as a vehicle for BMSCs delivery and improve the beneficial effects of implanted BMSCs in early myocardial repair(within 2 weeks after infarction)via enhancing cell retention and survival.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of transsacral local wide resection for mid-lower rectal tumors.

METHODSClinical data of 133 patients undergone transsacral local wide resection for mid-lower rectal tumors between September 1994 and September 2005 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSNo patient died during operation. Fecal fistula occurred in 6(4.5%) patients. Negative resection margin was proved histologically in all the patients. Postoperative diagnosis was adenoma in 28 patients, hyperplastic polyp in 3 patients, carcinoid in 8 patients, gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 1 patient,adenoma with intra-mucosal carcinogenesis in 29 patients and adenocarcinoma invading into submucosa in 64 patients. Median follow-up was 76 months in 64 patients with T(1) adenocarcinoma, whose 5-year cumulative local recurrence and overall survival were 2.0% and 100% respectively. No local recurrence was observed in other patients.

CONCLUSIONTranssacral local wide resection is simple and safe for mid-lower rectal tumors, which is an appropriate procedure for mid-lower rectal benign tumor and can serve as a sphincter-saving operation for selected T(1) lower rectal carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Rectal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Sacrococcygeal Region ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of treatment for calculous pyonephrosis with first stage percutaneous nephrolithotomy under the standard access.

METHODSThirty-six cases of calculous pyonephrosis and 36 cases of urolithiasis with no pyonephrosis were treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy. In the nephrostomy, the caliber was dilated to F24. All the operations were preformed through the EMS lithotrity system. The intrapelvic pressure was detected in the operation. The hemoculture before and after operation, the germi culture of urine, and the temperature and blood leucocyte changes after operation were recorded. All the patients were treated by antibiotics before and after the operation.

RESULTSAll the patients were treated successfully. The average intrapelvic pressure were 23.2 cmH(2)O in non-pyonephrosis group and 22.8 cmH(2)O in pyonephrosis group. Both of the groups had 1 case of transient bacteremia after the operation. No significant difference was found in the other indices between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONEMS lithotrity system is safe and feasible for treating calculous pyonephrosis with stage I percutaneous nephrolithotomy via the standard access.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Calculi ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nephrostomy, Percutaneous ; methods ; Pyonephrosis ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Mitochondria regulate numerous crucial cell processes, including energy production, apoptotic cell death, oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Here, we applied an efficient mitochondria-based centrifugal ultrafiltration/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method,also known as screening method for mitochondria-targeted bioactive constituents (SM-MBC). This method allowed searching natural mitochondria-targeting compounds from traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs), including Puerariae Radix (PR) and Chuanxiong Radix (CR). A total of 23 active compounds were successfully discovered from the two TCMs extracts. Among these 23 hit compounds, 17 were identified by LC/MS, 12 of which were novel mitochondria-targeting compounds. Among these, 6 active compounds were analyzed in vitro for pharmacological tests and found able to affect mitochondrial functions. We also investigated the effects of the hit compounds on HepG2 cell proliferation and on loss of cardiomyocyte viability induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. The results obtained are useful for in-depth understanding of mechanisms underlying TCMs therapeutic effects at mitochondria level and for developing novel potential drugs using TCMs as lead compounds. Finally, we showed that SM-MBC was an efficient protocol for the rapid screening of mitochondria-targeting constituents from complex samples such as PR and CR extracts.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of the combination of musk and olibanum on the tight junction protein expressions in prostatic epithelial cells of normal and chronic prostatitis (CP) rats.

METHODSEighty male SD rats were randomly divided into 8 groups of equal number: normal control, normal musk, normal olibanum, normal musk + olibanum, CP model control, CP model musk, CP model olibanum, and CP model musk + olibanum. At 60 days after modeling, the rats in the control, musk, olibanum, and musk + olibanum groups were treated intragastrically with normal saline, musk (0.021 g per kg body weight per day), olibanum (1.05 g per kg body weight per day), or musk + olibanum respectively, all for 3 days. Then, all the rats were sacrificed and their prostate tissues harvested for detection of the expressions of the tight junction proteins Claudin-1, Claudin-3, Occludin, and ZO-1 in the prostatic epithelial cells by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSIn the CP models, only the expression of Claudin-1 was significantly increased. In the normal rats, the expression of Claudin-1 was remarkably upregulated after treated with musk (824.6 ± 393.3, P < 0.05), olibanum (982.0 ± 334.0, P < 0.05), and musk + olibanum (1088.1 ± 640.2, P < 0.01); that of Claudin-3 was elevated markedly by olibanum (1 009.5 ± 243.6, P < 0.05) and insignificantly by musk (597.5 ± 80.7), but the increasing effect of olibanum was reduced by musk + olibanum (678.4 ± 255.1). No statistically significant differences were found in the expression of Occludin among the rats treated with musk (693.0 ± 424.8), olibanum (732.1 ± 302.0), and musk + olibanum (560.2 ± 202.3), or in that of ZO-1 in the animals treated with musk (290.0 ± 166.8) and olibanum (419.7 ± 108.1), but the latter was markedly decreased in the musk + olibanum group (197.7 ± 98.2, P < 0.05). In the CP rat models, both the expressions of Claudin-1 (823.0 ± 100.1, P < 0.01) and Occludin (1160.0 ± 32.2, P < 0.05) were significantly increased. The expression of Claudin-1 was remarkably down-regulated by musk (764.9 ± 179.0), olibanum (468.4 ± 220.4), and musk + olibanum (335.1 ± 204.0) (all P < 0.05), but that of Claudin-3 up-regulated by musk (744.6 ± 94.5) and olibanum (700.1 ± 223.7) (both P < 0.05). The expression of Occludin was reduced by musk (615.0 ± 221.0), olibanum (749.6 ± 321.7), and musk + olibanum (505.8 ± 523.7), while that of ZO-1 increased by olibaum (443.2 ± 44.9) and decreased by musk + olibanum (213.5 ± 24.9, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn physiological and pathological conditions, the combination of musk and olibanum acts on the expressions of tight junction proteins in prostate epithelial cells in a selective and dual-targeting manner, promoting their permeability by down-regulating the expression of ZO-1 and maintaining their structural stability by regulating the expressions of Claudin-1, Claudin-3, and Occludin.

Animals ; Claudins ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated ; chemistry ; Frankincense ; chemistry ; Male ; Occludin ; metabolism ; Prostate ; cytology ; Prostatitis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tight Junction Proteins ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVEFibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutations of ACVR1 gene and can be inherited from either mother or father. FOP is characterized by the presence of malformations of the big toes and of progressive extra-skeletal ossification. Direct sequence analyses of genomic DNA have demonstrated that there is an identical single nucleotide substitution (c617G-->A, R206H) in the glycine-serine (GS) activation domain of ACVR1 gene, responsible for all affected individuals reported so far. We report a Chinese girl with typical FOP characteristics, in whom the same mutation in ACVR1 was identified.

METHODSClinical diagnosis was based on physical examination, radiological findings, and biochemical tests. For mutation detection, peripheral blood was obtained with informed consent from the patient and the parents. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using standard method. Exon 4 of ACVR1 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the PCR products were subjected to automatic DNA sequencing.

RESULTSThe affected girl is 3-year-old and showed typical clinical manifestations of FOP. She had malformations of the halluces at birth and subsequently progressive extra-skeletal ossification developed at the age of 8 - 9 months. Then, she gradually developed stiffness of the knee joint and neck but remained ambulant. Radiographic changes were observable, e.g., the extra-skeletal ossification was found at cervical spine. Her mother has congenital malformations of the halluces, but had no postnatal progressive extra-skeletal ossification. Her father and other family members are normal. With direct sequencing of the PCR products, a G to A substitution at c617 of ACVR1 (R206H) was detected in the patient only but not in her parents. Paternity analysis suggested that it is a de novo mutation.

CONCLUSIONThis is the first case reported in a Chinese patient with FOP in the mainland of China, which was confirmed by direct sequencing. Although sporadic cases of FOP have been reported in diverse geographic and ethnic group, the mutations of ACVR1 c617 (R206H) are identical up to now. The presence of mutation hot spot facilitates molecular diagnosis in clinical practice. Genetic detection is important for FOP patients to avoid misdiagnosis and further damages, including those from medical intervention.

Activin Receptors, Type I ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Myositis Ossificans ; genetics ; Point Mutation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA