OBJECTIVEThe clinical effect of the Shi's cervical reduction technique for cervical spondylosis and related disorders has confirmed, however, there were few studies on the body motion during manipulation in vivo study. This study is to summary the law of motion and the motion characteristics of the right operation shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle joints by data acquisition and analysis with the 3D motion capture system.

METHODSThe markers were pasted on the head, trunk, left and right acromion, elbow joint, wrist joint inner side and the outer side of the inner and the outer side and the lateral upper arm, forearm lateral, anterior superior iliac spine, posterior superior iliac spine, trochanter, femoral and tibial tubercle, inner and outer side of knee, ankle, fibular head, medial and lateral in first, 2,5 metatarsal head, heel and dual lateral thigh the calf, lateral tibia of one manipulation practioner, and the subject accepted a complete cycle of cervical "Jin Chu Cao and Gu Cuo Feng" manipulation which was repeated five times. The movement trajectory of the practioner's four markers of operation joints were captured, recorded, calculated and analyzed.

RESULTSThe movement trajectories of four joints were consistent, while the elbow joint had the biggest discrete degree. The 3D activities of the shoulder and elbow were more obvious than other two joints, but the degree of flexion and extension in the knee was significantly greater than the rotation and lateral bending.

CONCLUSIONThe flexibility of upper limb joint and stability of lower limb joint are the important guarantees for the Shi's cervical reduction technique, and the right knee facilitated the exerting force of upper limb by the flexion and extension activities. The 3D model built by the motion capture system would provide a new idea for manipulation teaching and further basic biomechanical research.

Adult ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; methods ; Movement

Objective To observe the dynamic changes of bone density and bone strength after alveolar ridge augmentation with Titanium Nickel shake memory alloy (TiNi-SMA) distractor and acellular dermal matrix (ADM).Methods Twelve adult healthy male dogs were selected.After the animal model of alveolar atrophy was set up,on one side of mandible,two S-shaped distractors were placed.The diameter of S-shaped distractor was 1 mm and the rebound temperature was 33℃.The ADM was placed on the distraction gap and fixed by the feet of distractors.The other side was placed only with distractors,serving as control side.Six dogs' mandibles were harvested after 1 and 3 months respectively.Dual energy X-ray absorptimetry (DEXA) was used to scan bone density around the distraction gap.Mechanical machine was used to test compression strength and elastic modulus.Results Months after distraction,the bone density of upper distraction gap ,distraction gap and low distraction gap were respectively (0.714±0.238) g/cm2,(0.512±0.435) g/cm2 and (0.615±0.043) g/cm2 on experimental side.The compression strength and elastic modulus were (36.54±7.32) Mpa and (1674.10±256.43) Mpa.All of above were higher than those of control side.Conclusions ADM can improve the bone quality, increase bone density and intensity and is an ideal guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane for alveolar ridge agumentation with TiNi-SMA distraetor.

BACKGROUNDSingle-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) abnormality in the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) was reported in ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG), which indicated subclinical involvement beyond extraocular muscles in OMG patients. The relationship between the abnormal findings of SFEMG in EDC and the probability for OMG to develop generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) is unknown. This retrospective study aimed to determine the predictive value of abnormality of SFEMG in EDC of OMG patients.

METHODSOne-hundred and two OMG patients underwent standard clinical diagnosis process and SFEMG test in EDC muscle when diagnosed and were clinically followed up for 5 years. The SFEMG data were compared between different clinical groups according to thymus status, onset age, and different outcome of OMG developing. Chances of progressing to GMG were compared between two different groups according to SFEMG and repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) results, acetylcholine receptor antibody (AchRAb) titer, thymus status, and onset age.

RESULTSAbnormal SFEMG results were observed in 84 (82.4%) patients. The mean jitter, percentage of jitter >55 μs (%), and blocking were higher in OMG patients than in healthy volunteers. There were no statistical differences in jitter analysis between thymoma group and non-thymoma group (P = 0.65), or between the later OMG group and the later GMG group (P = 0.31), including mean jitter, percentage of jitter >55 μs (%), and blocking. Elderly group (≥45 years old) had a higher mean jitter than younger group (t = 2.235, P = 0.028). Total 55 OMG developed GMG, including 47 in abnormal SFEMG group while 8 in normal SFEMG group. There was no statistical difference in the conversion rates between the two groups (χ2 = 0.790, P = 0.140). RNS abnormality, AchRab titer, or onset age had no correlation with OMG prognosis (P = 0.150, 0.070, 0.120, respectively) while thymoma did (χ2 = 0.510, P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONSFEMG test in the EDC showed high abnormality in OMG, suggesting subclinical involvement other than extraocular muscles. Nevertheless, the abnormal jitter analysis did not predict the prognosis of OMG according to clinical follow-up.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Electromyography ; methods ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myasthenia Gravis ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Prognosis ; Receptors, Cholinergic ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the protective effects of salidroside on injury induced by hypoxia/hypoglycemia in cultured SH-SY5Y cell.

METHODApoptosis and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured by flow cytometry, morphological changes and neuronal necrosis were observed with fluorescence microscope, and the lactic dehydrogenate (LDH) release was measured by LDH kits.

RESULTHypoxia/hypoglycemia cultures for 2 hours induced neuronal apoptosis and necrosis. They were 18.59% (P < 0.01) and 4.94% (P < 0.01) respectively. There were morphological changes including chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation and formed apoptotic bodies after exposed to hypoxia/hypoglycemia for 2, 4, 6, 12 hours. After 2 hours of hypoxia/hypoglycemia, neuronal [Ca2+]i and the release of LDH were significantly increased. They were 8.46 nmol/L (P < 0.01) and 16.59% (P < 0.01) respectively. The effects were enhanced with the extending time of hypoxia/hypoglycemia. Salidroside might have significantly decreased the percentage of neuronal apoptosis and necrosis, reduced neuronal [Ca2+]i and the release of LDH. The effects of salidroside were strengthened with the increasing of Salidroside dosage.

CONCLUSIONSalidroside has effect of anti-neuronal apoptosis. This effect might be related to its function of decreasing intracellular free calcium concentration.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; metabolism ; pathology ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Neurons ; pathology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Phenols ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhodiola ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo develop a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting Bartonella henselae.

METHODSAccording to the 16S-23S rRNA intervening sequences (IVS) specific for B. henselae, one pair of primers and one TaqMan-MGB probe were designed. A quantitative real-time PCR was developed with the primers, the probe, and the IVS, a standard template, in DNA sequence detection system (ABI 7900HT).

RESULTSThe standard curve was established with the standard template and the relationship between the value of threshold cycle (Ct) and the DNA copy number was linear (r = 0.997). The sensitivity of this quantitative real-time PCR was about 1000 times higher than that of a common PCR used to detect homologous DNA. By this quantitative real-time PCR, the DNA sample of B. henselae was positively detected but not from other rickettsial or bacterial DNA samples. The variation coefficients of intra- and inter-assay reproducibility were 0.2%-1.9%. Using the real-time quantitative PCR to detect samples from mice that were experimentally infected with B. henselae, the small amount of B. henselae DNA was detected in blood samples on days 2, 3, and 5 and large amount of B. henselae DNA was detected in spleen samples on days 1 and 2 after infection.

CONCLUSIONResults from our study suggested that this quantitative real-time PCR was highly specific, sensitive and with good repeatability for detection of B. henselae. It seemed quite useful for rapid detection of tiny DNA of B. henselae in various samples and laboratory diagnosis of bartonellosis caused by B. henselae.

Animals ; Bartonella Infections ; diagnosis ; Bartonella henselae ; genetics ; DNA, Bacterial ; analysis ; Mice ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo develop a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) assay for detecting Rickettsia rickettsii.

METHODSThe primers and TaqMan-MGB probe were designed according to the ompB gene of R. rickettsii. A DNA fragment of ompB gene amplified from R. rickettsii by PCR was used as a standard template for the development of the method.

RESULTS5 copies of ompB fragments of R. rickettsii were detected. The genomic DNA of R. rickettsii was detected by the developed quantitative PCR assay. However, the genomic DNA from another rickettsial or bacterial agent was not determined. Through this developed method, the positive results were obtained from the animals and cells, artificially infected with R. rickettsii.

CONCLUSIONThe real-time quantitative PCR assay seemed to be highly sensitive and specific which might be used to rapidly detect R. rickettsia DNA in various samples and to early diagnose patients infected by R. rickettsii.

DNA Primers ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Rickettsia rickettsii ; genetics ; Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ; diagnosis ; Sensitivity and Specificity

BACKGROUNDSingle-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) has been suggested as a quantitative method for supporting chronic partial denervation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by the revised EI Escorial criteria. Although concentric needle (CN) electrodes have been used to assess jitter in myasthenia gravis patients and healthy controls, there are few reports using CN electrodes to assess motor unit instability and denervation in neurogenic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether quantitative changes in jitter and spike number using CN electrodes could be used for ALS studies.

METHODSTwenty-seven healthy controls and 23 ALS patients were studied using both CN and single-fiber needle (SFN) electrodes on the extensor digitorum communis muscle with an SFEMG program. The SFN-jitter and SFN-fiber density data were measured using SFN electrodes. The CN-jitter and spike number were measured using CN electrodes.

RESULTSThe mean CN-jitter was significantly increased in ALS patients (47.3 ± 17.0 μs) than in healthy controls (27.4 ± 3.3 μs) (P < 0.001). Besides, the mean spike number was significantly increased in ALS patients (2.5 ± 0.5) than in healthy controls (1.7 ± 0.3) (P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of ALS were 82.6% and 92.6% for CN-jitter (cut-off value: 32 μs), and 91.3% and 96.3% for the spike number (cut-off value: 2.0), respectively. There was no significant difference between the SFN-jitter and CN-jitter in ALS patients; meanwhile, there was no significant difference between the SFN-jitter and CN-jitter in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONCN-jitter and spike number could be used to quantitatively evaluate changes due to denervation-reinnervation in ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ; physiopathology ; Electrodes ; Electromyography ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Needles ; ROC Curve

OBJECTIVETo determine the epidemiological characteristics of seasonal influenza in Shenzhen from 2005 to 2007 and the molecular variation of HA1 domain of influenza H3N2 viruses.

METHODSThe consultation rate for influenza-like illness (ILI) were calculated weekly for indicating the influenza activities (the Shenzhen Influenza Surveillance System mainly consisted of 16 institutions with 9 hospitals, 6 districts and one municipal centers of disease control and prevention). Pharyngeal swabs from the cases of ILI, which were collected during 2005 to 2007 from the city-wide and quality-controlled surveillance network, were used to propagate the viruses. The HA1 region of the influenza A/H3N2 viruses were detected by RT-PCR and sequenced subsequently. The analyses of pairwise amino acid variations, genetic clustering and phylogenetics was performed.

RESULTSThe activity levels of influenza showed certain changes during each year from 2005 to 2007, and there were summer peaks from May to July in 2006 and 2007. The positive rates of influenza virus were 4.78% (114/2385), 5.77% (212/3674) and 12.12% (343/2831) from 2005 to 2007 respectively. The weekly isolating rates changed accordingly with the trend of the percentages of ILI. The proportions of influenza H3N2 virus were 25.46% (28/114) and 2.83% (6/212) in 2005 and in 2006 respectively, but the proportion increased to 62.68% (215/343), which indicated that H3N2 virus became the predominant strain in 2007. Phylogenetic clustering analysis of influenza H3N2 virus revealed that there were 5 clades. The viruses which were isolated in 2005 contained in the clade I and II, the viruses in 2006 were comprised in clade III, and clade IV and V included the viruses isolated in 2007. Although the stem of cladogram developed with one accord of the time isolated viruses, the viruses which were similar to vaccine strains had circulated in Shenzhen before a given strain was determined as vaccine strain by WHO. It was also noticed that more amino acid changes at antigenic sites, especially at sites A and B in the H3N2 viruses, were found in 2007 than that in 2005 and in 2006. But the sequences at the receptor-binding sites and disulphide bond sites were conserved and no new circulating strain for genetic reassortment had been found in the period.

CONCLUSIONShenzhen might be one of areas where the ongoing genetic drift of influenza H3N2 viruses appeared earlier in China. The changes of influenza H3N2 virus showed the active status in the population. The results suggested that monitoring seasonal influenza viruses by sequence analysis could provide important and timely information on the appearance of strains with epidemiologic significance.

China ; epidemiology ; Genetic Drift ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; virology ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; Population Surveillance ; Sequence Analysis, RNA

OBJECTIVEInterventional treatment for childhood combined congenital heart disease (CHD) has developed very quickly and more new types of occluders have emerged in recent years. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency and safety of interventional treatment for combined CHD in children.

METHODSEight children with combined CHD (4 boys and 4 girls), aged 6.1+/-2.9 years, underwent simultaneous transcatheter therapy. Of the 8 children with CHD, 1 case had atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 1 case had ASD, PDA and pulmonary stenosis (PS), 1 case had ASD and PDA, 1 case had patent foramen ovale (PFO) and PS, and 4 cases had ASD and PS. The methods of transcatheter intervention for these patients were as follows: in patients with ASD,VSD and PDA, the occlusion of VSD was performed first, followed by PDA and ASD occlusions; in patients with ASD, PDA and PS, the occlusion of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) was performed first, followed by PDA and ASD occlusions; in patients with PFO and PS, the occlusion of PBPV was performed first, and PFO occlusion followed; in patients with ASD and PS, the occlusion of PBPV was performed first, and ASD occlusion followed.

RESULTSThe intervention operation was successfully performed in all of the 8 patients. No serious adverse events occurred during the operation. No residual shunt was found and all the occlusion devices were in the suitable sites shown by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and X-ray right after the operation. In the 6 patients with PS, the systolic pressure across the pulmonary valve decreased from 75.3+/-15.6 mmHg (before operation) to 14.0+/-5.6 mmHg after operation (P<0.05).A 3.4+/-1.2 years follow-up demonstrated that no residual shunt occurred and gradients across valve or coarctation sites were within the limit of satisfactory results. No complications were observed during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSTranscatheter interventional therapy for childhood combined CHD can obtain satisfactory results by proper procedures.

Cardiac Catheterization ; adverse effects ; methods ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; surgery ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; surgery ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis ; surgery

In order to study whether erythroleukemia was really a subtype of acute leukemia, the clinical laboratory characteristics and development of disease in 21 cases of erythroleukemia were analyzed. The results indicated that the percentage of patients with leucocytopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia were 42.9%, 81% and 81% respectively at the time of diagnosis. These were 85.7% of patients with myelocytes and premonocyte, 52.4% of patients with erythroblast in their blood smear respectively. All of the bone marrow showed active or significantly active proliferation. The median percentage of erythro-lineage, myeloblast of NEC and displasia were (58.3 +/- 8.0)%, (58.0 +/- 18.4)% and 66.7% respectively, that is different from typical AML. 52.4% of M(6) patients transferred to RAEB/RAEB-T and AML-M(2) subtype in the disease progression. 11/19 cases (57.4%) achieved remission (CR 10; PR 1) after chemotherapy. The median remission length were 6 months for CR patients and 2 months for PR patients, but most of CR patients displayed obvious displasia of bone marrow and cytopenia of blood in the period of CR. The median survival length of M(6) and MDS-->M(6) from time of diagnosis were 13.0 +/- 13.2 and 2.3 +/- 1.3 months respectively. It is concluded that there are differences between M(6) and typical AML. Most of M(6) patients would rather be classified MDS RAEB and RAEB-t with over-hyperplasia of erythron lineage than a subtype of AML.
Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Examination ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute ; blood ; diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; classification ; diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies