Objective To explore the effects of walking in water on surface electromyography (sEMG) of lower limbs and neural func-tion in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Methods From June, 2014 to May, 2016, 42 patients with incomplete thoracolumbar SCI were di-vided into control group (n=21) and experimental group (n=21) randomly. All the patients accepted routine rehabilitation, while the experi-mental group accepted extra walking in water. Average electromyography (AEMG) of quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscles was measured, and the motor and sense function was assessed with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Classification before and six weeks after treatment. Results The AEMG (t>5.763, P<0.01) and the scores of motor and sense (t>10.871, P<0.001) increased in both groups after treatment, and increased more in the experimental group than in the control group (t>4.036, P<0.01). Conclusion Walking in water could further improve lower limbs muscle strength and neural function in patients with incomplete thoracolumbar SCI.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of short tandem repeat(STR) genotyping of cell free DNA in plasma for individual identification and paternity testing. Methods EDTA-Na2 DNA anti-coagulant blood samples were collected from 36 unrelated healthy volunteers,and both DNA in leukocytes and cell free DNA in plasma were extracted respectively using phenol-chloroform method. Target DNA in blood cells and plasma were amplified using regular STR typing and fluorescent multiplex STR assay separately,accordingly,the PCR products were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis. Results Using either normal PCR-STR or fluorescent multiplex STR assay,the consistent STR genotyping results were detected with similar efficiency for cell DNA and plasma DNA samples from the same individual. Conclusion Cell free DNA in plasma samples can be used as useful biological samples for STR genotyping,which can be applied to individual identification and paternity testing in forensic practice.

Objective:To compare the effects between electroacupuncture (EA) at Chize (LU 5, the He-Sea point of the Lung Meridian) and Shangjuxu (ST 37, the lower He-Sea point of the large intestine) in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) on the variations of mesenteric microcirculation and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the colon, lung, and hypothalamus. The relative specificity of acupoints was also explored.
Methods: A total of 28 male Wistar rats were randomized into a normal group, a model group, a Chize (LU 5) group and a Shangjuxu (ST 37) group, 7 rats in each group. The UC model was established by enema with acetic acid. Since the third day after modeling, rats in the Chize (LU 5) group and Shangjuxu (ST 37) group respectively received EA at Chize (LU 5) and Shangjuxu (ST 37), 15 min each time for successive 7 d. The variations of mesenteric microvascular calibers and blood flow status were observed by a microcirculation microscopic tester; VIP in the colon, lung and hypothalamus was measured by radioimmunoassay.
Results:Compared with the normal group, the mesenteric microvascular calibers were significantly expanded in the model group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the model group and Chize (LU 5) group (P>0.05); compared with the model group and Chize (LU 5) group, the calibers were obviously shrunk in Shangjuxu (ST 37) group (P<0.05). The four groups showed no significant inter-group differences in comparing blood flow status (P>0.05). The colonic VIP levels in the model group and Chize (LU 5) group were significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01,P<0.05); the VIP level in Shangjuxu (ST 37) group was markedly lower than that in the model group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences among the four groups in comparing VIP level in lung and hypothalamus (P>0.05).
Conclusion:The effects of Chize (LU 5) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) were different in treating UC. Shangjuxu (ST 37) showed a more significant efficacy in down-regulating VIP in the colon and regulating mesenteric microcirculation, while the effects of Chize (LU 5) were not obvious.

Objective To investigate normal patellar morphology,then to explore its possible instructive significance in the design of patella prosthesis for Chinese people and in the process of resurfacing patella.Methods CT scan examinations were performed in 60 normal knees (left or right knee was selected randomly； scan region,from half proximal tibia to half distal femur) of 60 healthy Chinese adults (32 males,28 females； age range,18-54 years； mean age,33.7 years),then mimics software was used to reconstruct the 3-D morphology of each patella and new coronal and sagittal planes were created.Each patella's height,width,thickness,the position of the dome,the ratio of height/width,and the residual thickness after patella was resected at the level of the subchondral bone of the lateral facet during the stimulating process of patella resurfacing were measured or calculated.Results Patella of Chinese male:height 31.95±2.77 mm,width 45.02±2.70 mm,thickness 22.38 ±1.63 mm,the residual thickness after patella was resected 13.18±1.62 mm； Patella of Chinese female:height 28.72±2.17 mm,width 39.57±2.57 mm,thickness 19.88±1.36 mm,the residual thickness after patella was resected 11.20±1.20 mm.Significant differences existed between male and female for all the above four parameters.Patella of Chinese male:the ratio of width/height 1.42 ±0.11,the position of the dome (medial 42.9％)； Patella of Chinese female:the ratio of width/height 1.38±0.10,the position of the dome (medial 42.6％).No significant differences existed between male and female for the above two parameters.Conclusion The patella of Chinese people is small,thin and slim,especially in Chinese female.These findings should be considered in selecting or designing patella prosthesis to fit the Chinese people.For Chinese female,more attention should be paid to keep appropriate residual thickness after the patella was resected during the process of patella resurfacing.

Objective To investigate the relationship between daily physical activities determined by walking-steps and the obesity indices including body weight，Body Mass Index (BMI)，waist and hip circumference and their ratio in adults. Methods 125 individuals who participated in routine physical examinations of health were measured with body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference/ratio, daily physical activities determined by walking steps. Results For males, daily physical activities correlated negatively with body weight （r=-0.397，P＜0.01）, BMI （r=-0.499，P＜0.01）, waist circumference （r=-0.490, P＜0.01） and the ratio of waist vs. hip circumference （r=-0.478，P＜0.01）, whereas body weight（r=-0.342，P＜0.01）, BMI （r=-0.249，P＜0.05）, and hip circumference （r=-0.303，P＜0.05） for females. Daily walking-steps were significantly different among the groups of normal weight (11491±6100) steps/d, overweight (9314±5722) steps/d, and obesity (6141±2985) steps/d (P＜0.01). Conclusion Daily physical activities determined by walking steps correlated significantly with obesity indices.

Objective To investigate the relationship between daily walking-steps and serum lipids.Methods 120 individuals who participated in routine physical examinations of health were investigated, objective measurements included triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL), and daily walking-steps were determined by pedometer.Results The daily walking-steps were correlated negatively to TG ( r=-0.351, P＜0.01), and positively to HDL ( r=0.284, P＜0.05) for male after adjustment for age.Conclusion Daily walking-steps determined by pedometer are correlated negatively to TG levels, and positively to HDL levels for male. No correlations are found between daily walking-steps and levels of TC, LDL for male. No correlations are found between daily walking-steps and serum lipids for female.

Objective To investigate the relationship between objectively determined daily physical activities and blood pressure levels in Chinese adults. Methods 125 individuals who participated in routine physical examinations of health were investigated, include systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, and daily walking steps determined by pedometer. Results The daily walking steps correlated negatively with systolic pressure（Male r=－0.613, P＜0.01; Female r=－0.430, P＜0.01） and diastolic pressure (male r=－0.686, P＜0.01; female r=－0.388,P＜0.01). Daily walking steps of normotensive, pre-hypertensive, and hypertensive groups were (18249±6066) step/d, (10395±3788) step/d, (6232±3967) step/d for males, and (12564±6927) step/d, (11458±5084) step/d, (6153±3569) step/d for females respectively （P＜0.05）. Conclusion The daily physical activity determined by walking steps correlated negatively with blood pressure in Chinese adults. Hypertensives often live in low active or sedentary lifestyle. Active lifestyle （≥10000 step/d） may help keep normal blood pressure for Chinese adults.

ObjectiveTo observe occupational therapy combing with physical therapy on the upper limb movement function and the activities of daily living for the old stroke patient.Methods62 stroke patients with hemiplegia were divided into the observation group (occupational therapy with physical therapy) and control group (physical therapy). All patients were evaluated with Bathel Index (BI) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) before and 3 months after treatment.ResultsThe scores of BI and FMA increased significantly in the observation group compared with the control group after the treatment (P<0.01).ConclusionOccupational therapy combing with physical therapy can obviously improve the upper limb movement function and the activities of daily living for the old stroke patient.

Objective To investigate the serum lipids levels of Chinese men with chronic paraplegia.Methods A total of 650 male paraplegics admitted to the China Rehabilitation Research Center (CRRC) for rehabilitation therapy from Jan 2004-Dec 2008 were investigated. The inclusion criteria were a definite paraplegic history (T2-L5 spinal cord injury); complete data; age 18-60 years; and no history of stroke. TG, TC, LDL and HDL serum lipid profiles were studied. Results These male paraplegics showed significantly higher mean TG and TC levels and lower mean HDL levels than the nation-wide averages for similar males ( TG 1.72 mmol/L vs. 1.36 mmol/L; TC4.42 mmol/L vs. 4.30 mmoL/L; HDL 0.99 mmol/L vs. 1.18 mmol/L). No difference in average LDL levels was found. TG, TC and LDL levels were correlated positively with age, but HDL was not. Duration of paraplegia correlated positively with HDL levels, but negatively with LDL. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 67% , and the prevalence of low HDL was 64%. Conclusions The serum lipid profiles of the young male paraplegics showed a high prevalence of dislipidemia, significantly low HDL levels with a high prevalence of low HDL, and no correlation with age. TG, TC and LDL levels increased with age. The duration of paraplegia was correlated positively with HDL but negatively with LDL, probably due to increased exercise of the upper limbs.

A modification of Watkinson's method was used for the flaorimetric determination of selenium in blood, hair, urine and animal tissues with 2,3-Di-aminonaphthalene. A mixture of sulphuric, perchloric acid and sodium molybdate was used for digestion. As little as 3 ng selenium in the sample could be estimated out. Coefficients of variation and recoveries for blood, hair, urine and animal tissues were 3.9, 5.5, 3.3 and 5.6%, and 97.0, 95.0, 97.8 and 99.8% respectively. No significant difference in selenium content estimated was found as graded amounts of samples were taken for analysis, indicating no foreign interference in the extracts. Both precision and accuracy of this method are satisfactory.