Acupuncture Points ; China ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Medicine in Literature ; Terminology as Topic

Biofilms ; Biomedical Research ; DNA, Bacterial

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of electric acupuncture (EA) at Sishencong (EX-HN 1) on insomnia.

METHODSTwo hundred and seventy-six patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, 138 in each group, the EA group treated with EA at Sishencong, and the control group with oral administration of Tianmeng Capsule. The treatment course for both groups was 3 weeks. The quality and related parameters of sleep before and after treatment were evaluated with a multi-channel sleep detector.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the quality of sleep was improved in both groups (P < 0.05), as compared with before treatment, the difference in related parameters was significant respectively (P<0.05 or P <0.01), however, the improvement in the EA group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONEA at Sishencong has obvious effect on insomnia.

Acupuncture Points ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polysomnography ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective:To evaluate the bond strength of root canal sealer AH Plus and GuttaFlow to root canal walls after final rinse with 4 different final irrigation regimens.Methods:60 teeth with single-canal were prepared chemomechanically using 5.25% sodi-um hypochlorite (NaOCl)as root canal irrigant.The teeth were then randomly distributed into 3 groups(n =20)according to the final irrigation protocol:1 7% EDTA followed by 2% chlorhexidine(CHX)(group 1 ),5.25% NaOCl followed by 1 7% EDTA(group 2), 0.9% normal saline(NS)(group 3).The root canals were then filled with sealers using a lentulo spiral and each group was distribu-ted into 2 subgroups according to the sealers(n =1 0):a.AH Plus;b.GuttaFlow.The roots were transversally sectioned to obtain 2mm thick dentinal slices.Then a push-out bond strength test was carried out and failure mode was observed by stereomicroscope. Results:The bond strength of AH Plus was significantly higher than that of GuttaFlow(P <0.05)regardless of the final irrigation reg-imens.When the root canals were filled with AH Plus,the push-out bond strength of group 1 (5.37 ±2.80)MPa was significantly lower than group 2(8.81 ±4.38)MPa and group 3(9.07 ±2.77)MPa(between group 1 and 2 or 3,P <0.05;between group 2 and 3,P >0.05).When the root canals were filled with GuttaFlow,the push-out strength of group 1 ,2 and 3 was (1 .40 ±0.59)MPa, (1 .26 ±0.62)MPa and (1 .05 ±0.27)MPa respectively(P >0.05).The failure modes of AH Plus and GuttaFlow were both mainly mixed,but the proportion of adhesive failure in the canals filled with GuttaFlow were obviously higher than AH Plus.Conclusion:The bond strength to root canal wall of GuttaFlow is significantly lower than that of AH Plus.1 7% EDTA followed by 2% CHX as fi-nal irrigant can reduce the bond strength of AH Plus but has no marked effect on GuttaFlow.

Objective To investigate the effects of D-tryptophan (D-Trp) on the formation of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm and the dispersal of 24 h-old biofilm, and the drug susceptibility of S. mutans against chlorhexidine (CHX) under the role of D-Trp. Methods Optical density assay was used to evaluate the growth curve of S. mutans exposed to 5.0 mmol/L D-Trp for 28 h. The non-treated group was not added with D-Trp. After treatment with 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mmol/L D-Trp, crystal violet staining was used to observe the changes of S. mutans biofilm formation in treatment group and non-treatment group. Crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were applied to illustrate the effects of 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mmol/L D-Trp on the dispersal of 24 h-old S. mutans biofilm. Resazurin sodium was used to indicate the effect of 5.0 mmol/L D- Trp on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of treatment groups and negative control group. Results The growth curves of planktonic S. mutans within 28 h was consistent in treatment group and the non-treated group, both attained exponential phase after 4 h and reached stationary phase at 22 h. Notably, when compared with non-treated group, the biomass of S. mutans biofilm was increased with time from 0 to 72 h after treatment with 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mmol/L D-Trp. And at the same time point, the biomass was significantly less in each subgroup of treatment group than that of non-treated group (P<0.05). Crystal violet staining demonstrated that values of biomass(OD570)were less in treatment groups treated with 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mmol/L D-Trp than those of non-treated group (P<0.01). CLSM also showed that bacteria was adhered to the surface of media intreatment groups treated with 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mmol/L D-Trp. The values of biomass were lower in treatment groups than those of non-treated group (P<0.01). The MIC against S. mutans was 0.073 mg/L in both experimental group and negative control group. The values of MBIC were 0.293 mg/L and 2.344 mg/L in experimental group and negative control group, respectively. Under the action of 5.0 mmol/L D-Trp, the MBIC of S. mutans was reduced to 1/8. Conclusion Results indicate that D-Trp may inhibit the formation of S. mutans biofilm and promote the dispersal of biofilm already formed. D-Trp may further help CHX exert its bactericidal activity to S. mutans.

The objective of this research was to explore whether the number of CD34(+)CD38(+) cells infused affects hematopoietic reconstitution after cord blood transplantation. The number of CD34(+)CD38(+) cells in cord blood was analysed with flow cytometry after freezethawing. The body weight and time for neutrophil and platelet recovery were measured in 20 children with acute leukemia. The results showed that the median number of CD34(+)CD38(+) cells infused was 29.47 (9.85 - 325.71) x 10(4)/kg. A median time for neutrophil recovery (> 5 x 10(8)/L) in 20 patients was 18.5 (11 - 32) days, and time for platlet recovery (> 2 x 10(10)/L) in 19 of 20 patients was 45 (12 - 118) days. The number of CD34(+)CD38(+) cells infused correlated with time to neutrophil and platelet recovery (r = -0.577, P < 0.01 and r = 0.503, P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, the number of CD34(+)CD38(+) cells infused is correlated with the time for hematologic recovery.
ADP-ribosyl Cyclase ; analysis ; ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1 ; Adolescent ; Antigens, CD ; analysis ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; transplantation ; Hematopoiesis ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; blood ; therapy ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; blood ; therapy

OBJECTIVESeveral studies have shown that L-selectin on CD34-positive cells play a role in hematopoietic reconstitution after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and allograft bone marrow transplantation. This study sought to investigate whether the numbers of CD(34)(+)CD(62L)(+) cells infused affect the engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and the time to neutrophil and platelet recovery after unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation for the treatment of childhood acute leukemia.

METHODSTwenty-three children with acute leukemia who received unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation of mostly mismatched HLA locus were included in this study. Flow cytometry was used to count the numbers of CD(34)(+)CD(62L)(+) cells after freezing-thawing by labelling the cells with anti-CD(34) and anti-CD62L. The patients' clinical data including body weight, engraftment of the HSC, times to neutrophil and platelet recovery were evaluated.

RESULTSTwenty-one patients who received CD(34)(+)CD(62L)(+) cell infusion at a number ranging from 1.37 x 10(5)/kg to 2.68 x 10(6)/kg (median, 3.567 x 10(5)/kg) had successful engraftment of the unrelated umbilical HSC. The numbers of CD(34)(+)CD(62L)(+) cells infused were statistically different between patients who had successful engraftment of the umbilical HSC and those who had not (P < 0.05). The engraftment occurred more commonly in patients who received > 1.3 x 10(5) CD(34)(+)CD(62L)(+) cells/kg. The time of neutrophil recovery (> 500/ microl) ranged from 11 days to 32 days (median, 17.5 days). The data of the time to platelet recovery (> 2 x 10(5)/ microl) were obtained in 18 patients, and it ranged from 12 days to 118 days (median, 14 days). There seemed to be a tendency of correlation between the numbers of CD(34)(+)CD(62L)(+) cells infused and time to platelet recovery (gamma = -0.324, 0.05 < P < 0.1), whereas the numbers of CD(34)(+)CD(62L)(+) cells infused correlated with the time to platelet recovery (gamma = -0.470, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that the numbers of CD(34)(+)CD(62L)(+) cells infused might be involved in the engraftment of HSC and hematologic reconstitution after umbilical cord blood transplantation.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Antigens, CD34 ; blood ; Blood Platelets ; metabolism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infusions, Intravenous ; L-Selectin ; blood ; Leukemia ; immunology ; therapy ; Male ; Neutrophils ; metabolism ; Treatment Outcome

Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PB) are associated with newborn mortality and diseases in adulthood.We explored factors related to LBW and PB by conducting a population-based case-control study from January 2011 to December 2013 in Wuhan,China.A total of 337 LBW newborn babies,472 PB babies,and 708 babies with normal birth weights and born from term pregnancies were included in this study.Information of newborns and their parents was collected by trained investigators using questionnaires and referring to medical records.Univariate and logistic regression analyses with the stepwise selection method were used to determine the associations of related factors with LBW and PB.Results showed that maternal hypertension (OR=6.78,95％ CI:2.27-20.29,P=0.001),maternal high-risk pregnancy (OR=1.53,95％ CI:1.06-2.21,P=0.022),and maternal fruit intake ≥300 g per day during the first trimester (OR=1.70,95％ CI:1.17-2.45,P=0.005) were associated with LBW.BMI ≥24 kg/m2 of mother prior to delivery (OR=0.48,95％ CI:0.32-0.74,P=0.001) and gestation ≥37 weeks (OR=0.01,95％ CI:0.00-0.02,P＜0.034) were protective factors for LBW.Maternal hypertension (OR=3.36,95％ CI:1.26-8.98,P=0.016),maternal high-risk pregnancy (OR=4.38,95％ CI:3.26-5.88,P＜0.001),maternal meal intake of only twice per day (OR=1.88,95％ CI:1.10-3.20,P=0.021),and mother liking food with lots of aginomoto and salt (OR=1.60,95％ CI:1.02-2.51,P=0.040) were risk factors for PB.BMI ≥24 kg/m2 of mother prior to delivery (OR=0.66,95％ CI:0.47-0.93,P=0.018),distance of house from road ≥36 meters (OR=0.72,95％ CI:0.53-0.97,P=0.028),and living in rural area (OR=0.60,95％ CI:0.37-0.99,P=0.047) were protective factors for PB.Our study demonstrated some risk factors and protective factors for LBW and PB,and provided valuable information for the prevention of the conditions among newborns.

Objective To study the changes of permeability of blood brain barrier (BBB) in rats after acute traumatic brain injury and explore its mechanism. Methods Ninety-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (S group) and traumatic brain injury group (TBI group).Each group was divided into 6 subgroups (3,6,12,24,48 and 72 h after trauma).Brain injury animal models were established according to Feeney' s method.Measurement of Evans Blue (EB) was performed at different time points after injury to measure the changes of BBB permeability.Brain water content was tested by wet-dry weighting method. Expression of tight junction protein Claudin-5 was detected by Western blotting. Results As compared with that in rats of the S group,the brain water content and content of EB in rats of the TBI group were significantly increased at each time point (P＜0.05); and in TBI subgroups,the brain water content and content of EB were begun to increase 3 h after TBI,reaching its peak level 24 h after TBI.As compared with that in rats of the S group,the expression of Claudin-5 in rats of the TBI group was significantly decreased at 12,24,48 and 72 h after TBI (P＜0.05); and in TBI subgroups,the expression of Claudin-5 was begun to decrease 6 h after TBI,reaching its lowest level 24 h after TBI. Negative correlations were noted between protein expression level of Claudin-5 and both the brain water content and content of EB (r=-0.994,P=0.000; r=-0.846,P=0.036); positive correlation was observed between the brain water content and content of EB (r=0.863,P=0.027). Conclusion The degree of brain injury and changes of permeability of BBB may be time dependent in rats after acute brain traumatic injury; and Claudin-5 may be correlated with the changes of BBB.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine (N) and epirubicin (E) as the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).

METHODSFrom September 2001 to December 2004, 158 patients with LABC were treated with NE chemotherapy before operation. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy containing vinorelbine (N), 25 mg/m(2) (days 1 and 8) and epirubicin (E), 60 mg/m(2) (days 1) was administered every 3 weeks for three cycles before local treatment.

RESULTSResponse in the breast: the clinical objective response was 81.6% [23.4% (37/158) cCR and 58.2% (92/158) PR], 16.5% (26/158) SD and 1.9% (3/158) PD. Pathological complete response was found in 29 cases (18.3%). Eighteen cases (26.5%) who have positive FNA result in the axillary lymphnode before chemotherapy showed negative result in the surgery specimen. The most common toxicities were neutropenia, alopecia and nausea/vomiting. Neutropenia grade 3 - 4 was reported in 111 patients (70.3%) and there was no toxic deaths.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of vinorelbine and epirubicin is a very active and well-tolerated regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the LABC.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Epirubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Treatment Outcome ; Vinblastine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives