OBJECTIVETo observe the effect on female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated with the pudendal nerve stimulation of electroacupuncture therapy at different frequencies.

METHODSSixty patients were divided into a group treated three times every week (group A) and a group treated twice every week (group B), 30 cases in each one. The pudendal nerve stimulation of electroacupuncture therapy was adopted at Disixue (four acupoints on sacral region), 60 min in each time in the two groups, treated three times a week or twice a week respectively. SUI severity and the score of life quality were observed before and after 12 treatments separately. The efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.

RESULTSAt the end of treatment, SUI severity was relieved and the score of life quality was improved in the two groups (all P<0.01). The results in group A were superior to group B [0 (0-4.3) vs 4 (0-5), P<0.01]. At the end of treatment, the total effective rate in group A was 90.0% (27/30) and was 76.7% (23/30) in group B; the efficacy in group A was better than that in group B (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe pudendal nerve stimulation of electroacupuncture therapy achieves the definite efficacy on female SUI and the results in the treatment of three times a week are superior to those in the treatment of twice a week.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Incontinence, Stress ; psychology ; therapy

Angiopoietin-2 levels were 5. 80 ( 3. 83-8. 00 ) , 4. 42 ( 2. 56-5. 55 ) , and 2. 75 ( l. 40-4. 64 )ng/ml in type 2 diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy, patients with non-proliferative retinopathy, and patients without retinopathy, respectively. Statistical significances existed between any two groups (all P ＜0. 01 ). Angiopoietin-1 level in patients with non-proliferative retinopathy was higher than that in patients without retinopathy [10. 57 ( 8. 99-12. 05 ) vs 9. 21 (7. 71-11.2 ) ng/ml, P＜0. 05]. No difference in receptor Tie-2 was found among the 3 groups (P＞0. 05 ). The results suggested that serum angiopoietin-2 level might be associated with the severity of retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients.

Objective To investigate the effects of rehabilitation training on hippocampal amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) and insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) levels in vascular dementia (VD).Methods Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a rehabilitation group (n =10),a model group (n =10) or a sham-operation group (n =10).An experimental VD model was established in the rats of the first 2 groups by bilateral common carotid artery permanent ligation.The rats in the rehabilitation group then received 1 h of rehabilitation training daily.Learning and memory were assessed at 4 weeks aftet the operation.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect Aβ and IDE expression in the hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG) area.Results The rats in the rehabilitation group showed significantly better learning ability compared with the model group.The expression of Aβ in the rehabilitation group was significantly less than in the model group.The expression of IDE in the rehabilitation group was significantly greater Conclusion Rehabilitation can accelerate the recovery of learning and memory in VD,at least in rats The mechanism is possibly related to decreased accumulation of Aβ in the hippocampus due to up-regulation of the expression of IDE.

ObjectiveTo study the effect of exercise training on β-amyloid polypeptide (Aβ) and β-secretase(BACE) in the hippocampus of the rats with vascular dementia (VD).Methods 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were carried out to an exercise group (n =10 ),a model group (n =10 ),and a sham-operation group ( n =10 ).VD rat models were made by the ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries.Morris water maze test were carried out 4 weeks after the operation to assess the ability in learning and memory of the rats and Aβ and β-secretase (BACE)expression was detected in the hippocampus of the rats using immunohistochemical techniques.ResultsIn the Morris water maze test,the model group showed reduction in the learning and memorizing ability,with obvious longer escape latencies ( ( 101.34 ± 19.67 ) s,(95.42 ± 23.89 ) s,( 89.39 ± 22.67 ) s,( 90.12 ± 19.77 ) s,respective-ly) than that of sham-operation group ( ( 62.13 ± 11.38 ) s,( 24.84 ± 13.69 ) s,( 16.98 ± 12.51 )s,( 11.41 ± 8.93 ) s,correspond-dingly) (P ＜ 0.05 ),and the exercise group was improved in the learning and memorizing ability ( corresponding to ( 80.15 ± 21.56 ) s,( 51.24 ± 20.91 ) s,( 43.78 ± 22.36) s,( 45.67 ± 20.87 ) s ),compared with the model group(P＜0.05).The grey values of Aβ in the hippocampus of the rats for the exercise group was ( 130.12 ± 19.01 ),( 116.77 ± 23.67 ) for the model group and ( 148.44 ± 17.67 ) for the sham-operation group(P＜ 0.05).The grey values of BACE in the hippocampus of the ratsfor the exercise group were( 131.21± 25.25 ),( 120.53± 10.21 ) for the model group(P＜ 0.05 ) and ( 162.38 ± 28.11 ) for the sham-operation group (P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionExercise training can lower the expression of BACE and Aβ in the hippocampus of rats with VD,therefore improving the learning and memory ability of rats with VD.

·Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are common outer retinal degenerative problems, which are also the predominant causes of most blinding retinal diseases. Retinal prosthesis is a promising solution for such photoreceptor degeneration diseases.Most of current concepts for a retinal prosthesis are based on neuronal electrical stimulation. In the past twenty years, retinal prosthesis has been developed in two different directions: epiretinal prosthesis and subretinal prosthesis. Each prosthesis technique has its advantages and disadvantages. For epiretinal prosthesis, it is easier to be implanted and has the advantage of keeping most of the electronics in the vitreous cavity, off the retinal surface, which greatly helps in dissipating the heat generated by the implant device. In this paper, a brief overview of retinal prostheses concepts is introduced. After that, several important aspects of epiretinal electrical stimulation will be discussed. Moreover, some practical epiretinal prosthesis devices developed by researchers in United States, Germany and Japan in the past have been reviewed. We hope that the devices will be used widely in the near future.

Objective To evaluate the effect of lipoxin A4 receptor agonist BML-111 on acute lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in rats.Methods Thirty-two healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 200-250 g,were randomized into 4 groups (n =8 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (S group),hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation group (HSR group),BML-111 group,and BML-111 plus BOC-2 (lipoxin A4 receptor antagonist) group (BOC-2 group).The animals were anesthetized with 2％ pentobarbital sodium 80 mg/kg,tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated.Left common carotid artery was cannulated for blood-letting and fluid infusion.Hemorrhagic shock was induced according to the method described by Kochanek et al.MAP was reduced to 35-45 mmHg and maintained at this level for 30 min.The animals were then resuscitated for 30 min with infusion of the blood withdrawn and lactated Ringer' s solution 2 times the volume of blood withdrawn.In BML-111 and BOC-2 groups,BML-111 (1 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at the beginning of resuscitation.In BOC-2 group,BOC-2 (50 μg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally before blood-letting.The rats were sacrificed at 2 h after completion of resuscitation.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for determination of neutrophil count.Lungs were excised for microscopic examination of the pathological changes and for determination of wet/dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio),contents of interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and IL-6,and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).Results Compared with group S,the neutrophil count in BALF,W/D ratio,contents of IL-1β and IL-6,and phosphorylation of MAPK were significantly increased in HSR group (P ＜ 0.05).The neutrophil count in BALF,W/D ratio,contents of IL-1β and IL-6,and phosphorylation of MAPK were significantly lower in BML-111 group than in HSR group,and higher in BOC-2 group than in BML-111 group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion BML-111 can attenuate acute lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in rats and inhibition of activation of MAPK pathways and reduction of inflammatory responses in lung tissues are involved in the mechanism.

Background Researches demonstrated that CpG ODN,a immunostimulatory sequences,has preventing and treating effect on allergic conjunctivitis caused by protein allergen.However,its effect on allergic conjunctivitis caused by fungal allergen is unclear. Objective This study aimed to investigate into whether the Th1-Th2 switching immunostimulatory CpG ODN could reverse the response in the murine allergic conjunctivitis model caused by aspergillus fumigatus. Methods A mixture of spores and hyphae of aspergillus fumigatus strain was used to induce allergic conjunctivitis in male BALB/C mice aged 6-8 weeks.This experiment was designed into preventive or therapeutical treatment program.Under both settings,allergic conjunctivitis of the animals were treated with CpG ODN,nonstimulatory GpC ODN or PBS.After the last challenge with the allergen,the clinical symptoms of the animals were scored based on the criteria of Magone.The animals were sacrificed and the histopathological examination of conjunctiva was performed.Expression of TLR4 mRNA in conjunctiva was analyzed by real-time PCR assay.The responsiveness and populations of lymphocytes in spleen and draining lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry.The use complied with the Standard of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Results In the prevention mode.CpG ODN decreased subconjunctival infiltration compared with GpC ODN and PBS groups with the average neutrophil count index(21.25 ±11.59/section,30.75 ±11.44 section and 69.00±9.90/section,respectively).Expression of TLR4 mRNA was up-regulated significantly by CpG ODN.The clinical scores for CpG ODN group were insignificantly lower than those in GpC ODN group and PBS group(P＞0.05).In the therapeutic mode,compared with GpC ODN and PBS groups,the allergic symptom score in CpG ODN group manifested significantly lower(t=4.000.t=2.750,P＜0.01)and showed fewer cellular infiltration(t=4.870,t=3.829,P＜0.01)and higher expression of TLR4 mRNA(P＜0.01).In cultured splenic and draining lymph node cells,increased percentages of CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+ CD25+ CD69+ in CpG ODN group were observed compared with control groups(|P＜0.05). Conclusion CpG ODN can relieve aspergillus fumigatus-induced allergic conjunctivitis via either subconjunctival injection or topical application by upregulating expression of TLR4 and activating Treg lymphocytes.

Objective To understand the situation of iodized salt consumption at the household level and non-iodized salt distribution in those areas with low iodized salt coverage.Methods In 2010,iodized salt was monitored in 31 provinces and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in accordance with the Monitoring Program of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders (Trial) (hereinafter referred to as the Program) requirements.Under the jurisdiction of counties (cities,districts,banners) with more than 9 townships (towns,street offices),based on the location of east,west,south,north and center,9 townships (town,district offices) were selected using simple random sampling method; 4 administrative villages (neighborhoods) were selected in each township (town,district office); and 8 residents in each administrative village (neighborhood) were selected.Under the jurisdiction of counties (cities,districts,banners) with less than 9 townships (towns,street offices),based on the location of east,west,south,north and center,1 township(town,district office) was selected using simple random sampling method; 4 administrative villages(neighborhoods) were selected in each township(town,district office);and 15 residents in each administrative village(neighborhood) were selected.Iodized salt coverage rate,qualification rate of iodized salt and consumption rate of qualified iodized salt were calculated in various provinces.The salt samples were tested by semi-quantitative method on the spot and then tested with quantitative method in laboratories.The standard of qualified iodized salt was set as 20-50 mg/kg and that of non-iodized salt was set as ＜ 5 mg/kg (GB/T 13025.7-1999).Results In 2010,a total of 2862 counties(districts,cities and banners) and 14 divisions of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps,reported the monitoring results,and the monitoring coverage rate was 99.79％(2876/2882).A total of 826 696 copies of edible salt samples were tested,the coverage rate of iodized salt was 98.63％,the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.95％,and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 96.63％.At province level,only in Tibet iodized salt coverage rate was ＜ 90％.At county level,2755 counties qualified iodized salt coverage rate was ≥90％,and 33 counties iodized salt coverage rate was ＜ 80％.The counties with qualified iodized salt coverage rate of 90％ or more accounted for 96.63％(2785/2882) of the total counties.Conclusions The counties where non-iodized salt coverage is higher than 20％ mainly distributed in the western or coastal areas and adjacent areas with higher iodine.These areas need policy and funding support from governments at all levels to reducc the gap between these areas and other areas.

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in the diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted in 12 patients with the diagnosis of TAPVC established by MSCT. Multi-planar reconstruction (MPR), curved-planar reconstruction (CPR), volume rendering (VR), maximum intensity projection (MIP) and minimum intensity projection were performed in all the cases, and the results were analyzed in comparison with those of ultrasound echocardiography (12 cases) and surgical findings (10 cases). Cardiovascular angiography was performed in 2 cases.

RESULTSIn the 10 patients receiving surgical interventions, 7 presented with supracardiac TAPVC, 2 with cardiac TAPVC, and 1 with infracardiac TAPVC. MSCT allowed qualitative diagnosis and identified the location of the lesions in all the 10 surgical patients, whereas echocardiography established the diagnosis in only 5 patients. In the 2 cases undergoing cardiovascular angiography, the diagnosis was established in only 1 case without clear display of the draining vein.

CONCLUSIONMSCT combined with 3-dimensional reconstruction provides a noninvasive and accurate means for the diagnosis of TAPVC.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Infant ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Scimitar Syndrome ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo compaire results of recombinant virus assay and live virus assay on evaluateing anti-HIV-1 drugs.

METHODSThe pseudoviruse was generated by cotransfection of the plasmid B01 containing gp160 genes and pSG3 delta env plasmid. After co-incubation of pseudovirus with serially diluted drug, the EC50 and ED50 were calculated according to RLU(relative light unit) for each drug. After co-incubation of live virus with serially diluted drug, the EC50 was calculated according to cytopathic effect.

RESULTSEC50 of IDV measured by the recombinant virus assay and live virus assay was 88.9 nmol/L, 89.5 nmol/L, respectively, while EC50 of NVP measured by the recombinant virus assay and live virus assay was 0.36 micromol/L, 0.23 micromol/L, respectively. The recombinant virus assay showed good reproducibility with coefficient variation of 0, however coefficient variation of live virus assay reached to 60%. ED50 of IDV and NVP measured by the recombinant virus assay were 70.6 nmol/L and 0.62 micromol/L, respectively. Coefficient variations for IDV and NVP were 14.3% and 9.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe pseudoviruses could be used in evaluating anti-HIV-1 drugs. The recombinant virus assay showed good reproducibility and could calculate not only the EC50 but also the ED50 of drugs.

Anti-HIV Agents ; pharmacology ; Drug Evaluation ; HIV-1 ; drug effects ; Recombination, Genetic