OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Guizhi plus Gegen Decoction (GGD) on ultrastructural changes of intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells.

METHODSRats' intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells were isolated and cultured using adherence wall screening method. After annulus fibrosus cells were intervened by GGD, the microstructure and ultrastructural features of untreated annulus fibrosus cells and annulus fibrosus cells treated by GGD containing serum at different concentrations were observed under optical microscope and electron microscope.

RESULTSUnder optical microscope, most annulus fibrosus cells showed irregular polygons and few in star shape with rich superficial ecphyma. The nuclei were oval, large and complete. Under electron microscope, most cells in the blank group were oval after intervened by GGD containing serum at different concentrations. The nucleus was large, deviated, and irregular, the heterochromatin scattered diffusely, partial mitochondria vacuolized, and rough endoplasmic reticulum dilated. In the low dose GGD group, increased mitochondria and condensed density could be seen. The rough endoplasmic reticulum were expanded, lipid drops or glycogen could be occasionally seen. In the middle dose GGD group, increased endoplasmic reticulum expansion and condensed density could be seen. More medium density protein sediment could be seen. Increased mitochondria with condensed density could be seen, showing irregular cystic form with various sizes nucleus. In the high dose GGD group, increased rough endoplasmic reticulum with obvious expansion could be seen. More high density protein sediment could be seen. The nuclei were deviated. More mitochondria could be seen with secretory granules in them.

CONCLUSIONSAfter intervened by GGD containing serum at different concentrations, the ultrastructure of annulus fibrosus cells were manifested as follows: (1) The endoplasmic reticulum increased more in the middle and high dose GGD groups than in the blank group and the low dose GGD group. Greater density protein sediment occurred, especially in the high dose GGD group. (2) GGD played an important role in preventing ultrastructural changes induced by the degeneration of annulus fibrosus cells.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Intervertebral Disc ; cytology ; drug effects ; ultrastructure ; Rats ; Serum

OBJECTIVETo study the phenotypic and genotypic resistance to Fluoroquinolones in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) isolated in Jiangsu province of China.

METHODSIn-vitro, susceptibility testing of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin against ninety-five clinical isolates were determined by agar dilution method. Detection of mutation in the gyrA and parC genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and sequence analysis.

RESULTSThe clinical isolates demonstrated 100% resistance to ciprofloxacin. Based on gyrA and parC mutations, 18 types could be categorized among the 54 isolates. Based on the same gyrA mutations,isolates with high MIC appeared to have had more mutations in parC gene.

CONCLUSIONThe status of resistance to ciprofloxacin in NG was quite serious, and ciprofloxacin treatment for the treatment of NG infections in Jiangsu province should not be recommended. The results from this study suggested that mutations in the parC gene had contributed to the development of high Fluoroquinolone resistance in NG.

China ; DNA Gyrase ; genetics ; DNA Topoisomerase IV ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Fluoroquinolones ; pharmacology ; Genotype ; Gonorrhea ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; drug effects ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Phenotype

OJBECTIVETo investigate the predictive value of the qualitative assessment of general movements (GMs) for adverse outcomes at 24 months of age in full-term infants with asphyxia.

METHODSA total of 114 full-term asphyxiated infants, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between 2009 and 2012 and took part in follow-ups after discharge were included in the study. All of them received the qualitative assessment of GMs within 3 months after birth. The development quotient was determined with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 24 months of age.

RESULTSThe results of the qualitative assessment of GMs within 3 months after birth showed that among 114 infants, 20 (17.5%) had poor repertoire movements and 7 (6.1%) had cramped-synchronized movements during the writhing movements period; 8 infants (7.0%) had the absence of fidgety movements during the fidgety movements period. The results of development quotient at 24 months of age showed that 7 infants (6.1%) had adverse developmental outcomes: 6 cases of cerebral palsy and mental retardation and 1 case of mental retardation. There was a poor consistency between poor repertoire movements during the writhing movements period and the developmental outcomes at 24 months of age (Kappa=-0.019; P>0.05). There was a high consistency between cramped-synchronized movements during the writhing movements period and the developmental outcomes at 24 months of age (Kappa=0.848; P<0.05), and the results of predictive values of cramped-synchronized movements were shown as follows: predictive validity 98.2%, sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 99.1%, positive predictive value 85.7%, and negative predictive value 99.1%. There was a high consistency between the absence of fidgety movements during the fidgety movements period and the developmental outcomes at 24 months of age (Kappa=0.786; P<0.05), and its predictive values were expressed as follows: predictive validity 97.4%, sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 98.1%, positive predictive value 75.0%, and negative predictive value 99.1%.

CONCLUSIONSCramped-synchronized movements and absence of fidgety movements can predict adverse developmental outcomes at 24 months of age in full-term infants with asphyxia.

Asphyxia Neonatorum ; physiopathology ; Child Development ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Movement ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Qualitative Research

OBJECTIVETo establish a three-dimension finite element model of mandible with two kinds of dental implant and to study the stress of implant-bone interface.

METHODSMeasuring the data of the components of the dental implant and using spiral CT image reconstruction technique to scan the cross section of the mandible. Three-dimension finite element analysis software Unigraphics and MSC. Marc/Mentat were used to build the conjunction model and bone model of two implant systems. Loading 200 N axially and 100 N 30 degrees obliquely on the models respectively, the stress distribution patterns of the bone interface of two implant systems were analyzed.

RESULTSThe stress distribution on the bone interface of two implant systems was similar. The peak stress of oblique loading was higher than that of axial loading. The peak stress district of the bone was concentrated on the stricture of the implant cervix, which was more obviously displayed on the Replace Select implant. The peak stresses on the bone interface of Replace Select implant were higher than that of Replace implant in all loadings.

CONCLUSIONTo Replace Select especially, oblique force should be avoided in clinical practice in case of the bone absorption.

Computer Simulation ; Dental Implants ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Mandible ; Stress, Mechanical

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic relationship and diversity of 3 species which belong to Tripterygium.

METHODSamples were collected and divided into 4 types: typical T. wilfordii, typical T. hypoglaucum and their middle type according to morphological characters, and T. regelii. RAPD markers were used to measure the genetic relationship and diversity of 110 individuals from 22 natural populations in China.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION10 primers were selected from 100 ones screened. A total of 128 bands were scored and 123 of them were polymorphic. Cluster analysis indicated that all the samples could be divided into 3 parts: 5 individuals from T. regelii gathered closely and were separated from other population and formed single branch. All 4 populations from T. hypoglaucum gathered directly. The middle type showed a nearer relationship with T. wilfordii than with T. hypoglaucum, although there was genetic differentiation between populations from middle type and those from T. wilfordii. The middle type has more diversity than T. wilfordii. The distance between different middle type populations and T. wilfordii was different. The existence of middle type populations between T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum suggested that the 2 species should be combined into one species. Considering all populations except T. regeli, the generic differentiation among populations was significant and the genetic diversity existed mainly among different populations. So samples of Tripterygii should be collected from different ppopulations for the reservation of the genetic diversity.

Biodiversity ; China ; Cluster Analysis ; DNA, Plant ; analysis ; genetics ; Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; Phylogeny ; Plants, Medicinal ; classification ; genetics ; growth & development ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique ; Tripterygium ; classification ; genetics ; growth & development

Objective To investigate the clinical improving effect on the symptoms of acupuncture at point Weizhong(BL40) plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Method Sixty patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were randomized to a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The treatment group received acupuncture at point Weizhong plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training and the control group, oral administration of celecoxib capsules. After treatment, the clinical improving effect on the symptoms was evaluated in the patients using the NRS, JOA Lumbar Scoring and ODI. Result The total efficacy rate was 100% in the treatment group and 53.3%in the control group. Post-treatment NRS, JOA and ODI scores were better in the treatment group than in the control group; there were statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Conclusion Acupuncture at point Weizhong plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training can effectively treat lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

OBJECTIVETo observe the influences of seasonal factors on peripheral facial paralysis by acupuncture.

METHODSFour hundred cases of facial paralysis were divided into spring, summer, autumn and winter groups, 100 cases in each group. All these cases were treated by routine puncture. Fengchi (GB 20), Yifeng (TE 17), Qianzheng (Extra), Jiache (ST 6), and Dicang (ST 4), etc. were applied at affect side, once a day. 2 months observation was carried on to compare the clinical therapeutic effects and average courses. The facial symptoms, physical sign and functional activities were taken as observation indexes of therapeutic effect.

RESULTSThe effect rate was 78.0% (78/100) in spring group, 82.0% (82/100) in summer group, 89.0% (89/100) in autumn group and 92.0% (92/100) in winter group; the effect rate in summer or autumn group was superior to those in spring group and in summer group (all P < 0.05); the average course was (47.6 +/- 22.3) days in spring group, (43.7 +/- 18.4) days in summer group, (31.5 +/- 11.3) days in autumn group and (22.6 +/-9.2) days in winter group, indicating the significant differences between groups except that between spring and summer group (all P < 0.01). The cured and markedly effective rate was 80.1% (161/201) for wind cold type, 53.5% (61/114) for wind heat type, and 36.5% (31/85) for damp heat type, indicating that it of wind cold type was superior to that of wind heat type or damp heat type (P < 0.001, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe syndrome distribution and courses of peripheral facial paralysis are different in different seasons, hence, the diseases should be treated according to attack time and syndromes.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Facial Paralysis ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Seasons

OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility and the effect of laparoscopic hepatectomy for primary liver cancer(PLC).

METHODSA retrospective study on 61 cases of laparoscopic hepatectomy for PLC was made between November 2002 and June 2007, among which there were 49 male and 12 female, aged from 14 to 71 years. All patients were diagnosed as PLC by type-B ultrasonic, CT or MRI, and APF.

RESULTSFifty-six patients were completed laparoscopically successfully. Five cases underwent conversion to open operation because of hemorrhage. The mean operative time was 60 min (30-150 min). The mean blood loss was 450 ml (100-2000 ml). The mean hepatic portal block time was 20 min (15-30 min). All the patients had excellent recovery without any postoperative surgical complications. The patients were mobilized out of the bed in 24 hours. Oral intake of food started in 1 to 3 days. The average postoperative hospital stay was 6.6 d (5-10 d).

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic hepatectomy for PLC is safe and feasible by using hepatic portal block instrument.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Liver Neoplasms ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation on the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) after the spinal cord injury (SCI) of rats, and to investigate the mechanism of repairing the SCI by NSCs transplantation.

METHODSNeural stem cells were cultured from the hippocampus of rats' embryo and identified by immunocytochemistry. Seven days after the operation of SCI, the NSCs were transplanted into the injured site. Sixty adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: SCI cured with NSCs transplantation (group A), SCI received DMEM solution (group B), control group (group C). Then the expression of BDNF of the lesion and neighbor areas were examined by reverse transcsription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry, so as to investigated the mechanism of repairing the SCI after NSCS transplantation.

RESULTSAccording the RT-PCR results analysis, the expression of BDNF mRNA of group A enhanced higher than that of group B on the 1st, 3rd, 5th day after transplantation of NSCs. According the immunohistochemistry results analysis, the expression of BDNF mRNA of group A enhanced higher than that of group B on the 7th, 14th, 28th day similarly.

CONCLUSIONThe transplantation of NSCs can change the tiny-entironment by upregulating the expression of BDNF. It maybe one of the mechanism of repairing the SCI by NSCs transplantation.

Animals ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Neurons ; metabolism ; transplantation ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; genetics ; metabolism ; surgery ; therapy ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) .

METHODSA total of 220 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI from Guangdong general hospital were recruited. Patients were divided into four groups according to the quartile of hs-CRP (Q1 group:hs-CRP < 6.26 mg/L,Q2 group:6.26-14.44 mg/L, Q3 group:14.45-33.08 mg/L, Q4 group:hs-CRP > 33.08 mg/L) . Baseline data, CIN incidence and other in-hospital outcomes were compared among groups. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of more than 5 mg/L from baseline within 48-72 hours after contrast media exposure. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves and multivariate logistic regression were used to assessed the correlation between hs-CRP and CIN.

RESULTSCIN occurred in 21 (9.8%) patients. CIN incidence of hs-CRP quartitles were 1.8%(1/55), 1.8% (1/55), 14.5% (8/55) and 20.0% (11/55) (P-trend < 0.01), respectively. In-hospital death (P-trend > 0.05) , required renal replace therapy (P-trend > 0.05) were similar among groups. ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value of hs-CRP to predict the onset of CIN was 16.85 mg/L (sensitivity: 81.0%, specificity: 61.8%, AUC: 0.748). Univariate logistic analysis showed that hs-CRP was strongly related with CIN incidence (OR = 6.88,95%CI:2.23-21.21, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting other traditional risk factors including female gender, anemia, ACEI/ARB use, IABP support, LVEF < 40%, age > 75 years, baseline eGFR and diabetes, hs-CRP > 16.85 mg/L was still a significant independent predictor of CIN in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Additionally, age > 75 years (OR = 7.27,95%CI:1.85-28.63, P < 0.01), eGFR (OR = 6.38,95% CI:1.48-27.41, P < 0.05) were also independent risk factors of CIN.

CONCLUSIONShs-CRP is positively correlated with CIN incidence. STEMI patients with higher hs-CRP level post PCI is at higher risk of developing CIN.

Aged ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Contrast Media ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Diseases ; chemically induced ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; ROC Curve