Objective: To observe the improving effect of muscle regions of meridians needling method on the upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy of spastic hemiplegic type. Methods: A total of 100 children with cerebral palsy of spastic hemiplegia type were divided into a treatment group and a control group according to the visiting sequence, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional rehabilitation plus conventional acupuncture treatment. The treatment group was treated with conventional rehabilitation plus muscle regions of meridians needling method. The electromyography (EMG) signal values of triceps brachii and pronator teres were detected before treatment, and 3 months and 6 months after treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by Peabody developmental motor scale-fine motor (PDMS-FM) and fine motor function measure (FMFM). Results: Three and six months after treatment, the EMG signal values of triceps brachii and pronator teres, grasping scores and visual-motor integrated scores of PDMS-FM and the FMFM scores in both groups increased to varying degrees compared with the same group before treatment, and the intra-group differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Six months after treatment, the results of the above three items in the treatment group were all better than those in the control group, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Muscle regions of meridians needling method added on the basis of conventional rehabilitation can effectively reduce the muscle tone of upper limb and enhance the muscle strength, and improve the upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy of spastic hemiplegia type. The efficacy is superior to that of the conventional rehabilitation plus conventional acupuncture treatment.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer stem cell is an important reason for the invasion and recurrence of prostatic carcinoma. However, separation efficiency of prostate cancer stem cells is very low.OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficient method for isolating and identifying the prostate cancer stem cells from human prostatic carcinoma cell lines PC-3 and LNCap. METHODS: Prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and LNCap were cultured in serum free medium (SFM) and serum supplemented medium (SSM), respectively. The percentage of prostate cancer stem cells from different medium was detected by flow cytometry through markers CD133 and CD44, and the properties of prostate cancer stem cells were preliminarily identified using inducing differentiation experiments.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: PC-3 and LNCap formed sphere cells in SFM, which can be induced into adherent cells after culture in SSM. Higher percentage of CD44+/CD133+cells was obtained from LNCap cells (1.71%; 0.73%) than PC-3 cells (0.59%; 0.32%) in both SFM and SSM. The number of CD44+/CD133+ LNCap cells was more than PC-3 using both methods (P < 0.05), but the efficiency of SFM and SSM had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). However, the culture cycle was longer and number of obtained cells was less by SFM culture, directly influencing functional determination of prostate cancer stem cells. Compared with suspension culture method with SFM, SSM is more convenient and effective in isolating prostate cancer stem cells from LNCap cells.

With its abilities of trans-synaptic tracing and self-replication and wide host range, pseudorabies virus (PRV) has been applied in the field of neuroanatomy since the 1970s. Four decades of PRV application have made many advances in researches on neuronal tracing with PRV. Mechanism studies focused on investigating infection of primary neurons and tracing direction in secondary neurons, while application studies focused on development of new pathological strains and innovation of tracing techniques. To date, the mechanism and application of viral tracing are not completely figured out yet. Integration of molecular biology technology will improve the efficiency in related researches.
Animals ; Cell Tracking ; Herpesvirus 1, Suid ; genetics ; physiology ; Humans ; Neurons ; virology ; Pseudorabies ; virology

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of needling thirteen ghost acupoints for children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods:A total of 90 cases with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged between 2 and 6 years were randomly allocated into 2 groups by random number table. The control group (n=45) received routine rehabilitative training, and the treatment group (n=45) received acupuncture at thirteen ghost acupoints plus routine rehabilitative training. The Beijing Gesell developmental (Gesell) scale and autism behavior checklist (ABC) were used to assess the intellectual, language and behavior development before and 3 months after the treatment. Results:After the treatment, the total effective rate in the treatment group was 82.2%, versus 55.6% in the control group, showing a statistical significance (P<0.05). As for the scores of social, emotional and language in Gesell scale, there were significant intra-group differences in the treatment group (allP<0.05), and all the five subscales in the Gesell scale in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group (allP<0.05). As for the scores of ABC, there were significant intra-group differences in the treatment group (P<0.05), and the scores in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group (allP<0.05). Conclusion: Rehabilitation training plus acupuncture at thirteen ghost acupoints can significantly improve the intellectual, language and abnormal behavior in autism spectrum disorder children.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of lentiviral vector-mediated RNA interfere gene Nogo receptor (NgR) of rat cortical neurons in repairing spinal cord injury.

METHODSThe recombinant-lentiviral vector with small inferring RNA siNgR199 which had been constructed was transfected into rat cortical neuron cells in vitro in 3 multiplicity of infection (MOI). The infection rate was determined with fluorescent microscope, and the target gene was detected by PCR analysis. Then, the recombinant was injected into the cortical motor area of the rats with severe spinal cord injury, and the saline was also injected into other rats with severe spinal cord injury as a match control. The functional recovery of the rats' hindlimb was assessed using BBB score and the nerve fiber of the injured region was observed by nerve tracing.

RESULTSThe rate of recombinant infecting rat cortical neuron in vitro exceeded 99%. PCR analysis confirmed that the effect of lentiviral vector-mediated RNA interfering gene NgR of rat cortical neurons in vitro was 61%. Although all rats with spinal cord injury were observed to have the hindlimb functional recovery, these rats injected with recombinant had better hindlimb functional recovery than others showing by more BBB score (P < 0.01). Moreover, it was found that some nerve fiber passed the injured spinal cord region of the rats which were injected with recombinant.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant lentiviral vector with siNgR199 which had been constructed is able to promote the growth of nerve fiber and the functional recovery of the rats' hindlimb.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Disease Models, Animal ; GPI-Linked Proteins ; Genetic Vectors ; Hindlimb ; physiopathology ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; Myelin Proteins ; Nerve Regeneration ; Neurons ; Nogo Receptor 1 ; RNA Interference ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; Receptors, Peptide ; genetics ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; genetics ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Spinal Cord Regeneration ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the two-tier system for the grading of ovarian serous carcinomas, and to analyze Pax2, p53, Ki-67 protein expression and their prognostic values for low- and high-grade ovarian serous carcinomas.

METHODSA total of 38 cases of low-grade and 100 cases of high-grade ovarian serous carcinomas were selected based on the two-tier grading system. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Pax2, p53 and Ki-67 protein expression in all cases. Correlation of the two-tier system with immunohistochemical results and prognostic parameters were performed.

RESULTS(1) The overall survival, disease-free survival and 5-year survival rates were significantly higher in the low-grade serous carcinoma cases than in the high-grade cases (P < 0.05). (2) Significant differences in protein expressions were found between the low- and high-grade serous carcinomas. The high-grade serous carcinomas had a significantly higher expression level of p53 (55.0% vs 13.2%, P < 0.05) and Ki-67 (42.1% vs 13.7%, P < 0.05), while low-grade carcinomas had a significantly higher expression level of Pax2 (65.8% vs 13.0%, P < 0.05). (3) Pax2 positive cases had a significantly better overall survival and 5-year survival rates than Pax2 negative cases (P < 0.05). The expressions of p53 and Ki-67 were found to have little correlation with overall survival and disease-free survival (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe two-tier system for the grading of ovarian serous carcinomas has a good prognostic value. There are significantly differences in expressions of Pax2, p53 and Ki-67 between low- and high-grade ovarian serous carcinomas. Compared with p53 and Ki-67, Pax2 is likely a better prognostic indicator for ovarian serous carcinoma.

CA-125 Antigen ; metabolism ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous ; classification ; metabolism ; mortality ; pathology ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Grading ; Neoplasm Staging ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; classification ; metabolism ; mortality ; pathology ; Ovary ; pathology ; PAX2 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Survival Rate ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the three-dimensional reconstruction methods of the portal vein using 64-slice spiral CT data and the anatomical variation of the portal vein.

METHODSThree-dimensional reconstruction of the portal vein was performed using Mimics software based on the 64-slice spiral CT data of 64 cases. Each model of the portal vein and its branches was evaluated according to the presentation rate, depiction quality and anatomic variation.

RESULTSThe reconstructed model showed a depiction rates of 100% for the 4-grade branches of the portal vein. The stem of the portal vein and the left and right branches of the level III or above were all displayed, but in 2 cases the superior mesenteric vein and in 1 case the spleen vein was displayed only to the level IV. Of the 64 cases, 50 (78.1%) had normal portal vein and 14 (21.9%) showed anatomical variations.

CONCLUSIONThe 3D model vividly mimics the anatomic variations of the portal vein to provide valuable information for surgical plans.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Portal Vein ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect and mechanism of zoledronate on prevention of collapse in an animal model of osteonecrosis.

METHODSIschemic osteonecrosis was surgically induced in 16 SD rats (which were further divided into zoledronate group and placebo group); another 8 rats were used as sham surgery group (n=8). The animals were killed 5 weeks after surgery. Radiographic, Micro-CT, histological, and immunohistochemical assessments were performed.

RESULTSRadiographic assessment showed better preservation of the femoral head shape in the zoledronate group than in the placebo group but not significantly different from the sham surgery group. Micro-CT assessment showed higher total volume, bone volume, and total mineralized content in the zoledronate group(all P0.05). Compared with the placebo group, the zoledronate group had reduced osteoclast and osteoblast activity, as confirmed by histological examinations.

CONCLUSIONZoledronate can decrease the femoral head deformity by reducing the osteoclast activity while suppressing new bone and vessels formation in a rat model of traumatic osteonecrosis, and therefore may delay the collapse of femoral head.

Animals ; Diphosphonates ; therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Femur Head ; drug effects ; pathology ; Femur Head Necrosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Imidazoles ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Osteoblasts ; drug effects ; pathology ; Osteoclasts ; drug effects ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on airway inflammation, airway remodeling and the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA in asthmatic rats.

METHODSTwenty-four SPF level SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): control group, low dose of LPS group, high dose of LPS group and asthma group. Using ovalbumin (OVA) to sensitize and challenge to establish asthmatic rat model. Observed pathological changes of lung tissue by HE staining, inflammatory cell infiltration was observed by airway wall eosinophils (EOS) counts; airway resistance was determined; image analysis software was used to determine the thickness of airway wall, detected airway smooth muscle TLR4 expression levels by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe rat airway resistance and the EOS number of airway wall and the thickness of airway wall in asthma group, low dose of LPS group and high dose of LPS group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). The above-mentioned parameters of high dose of LPS group showed significantly lower than those in asthma group and low dose of LPS group (P < 0.05). The expression of rat airway smooth muscle TLR4 mRNA in low dose of LPS group and high dose of LPS group were significantly higher than those in asthma group (P < 0.01). And the expression of rat airway smooth muscle TLR4 mRNA in high dose of LPS group was significantly higher than that in low dose of LPS group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTLR4 plays an important role in asthmatic airway inflammation and airway remodeling, LPS may play double-sided regulation in asthmatic airway inflammation and airway remodeling by activated TLR4.

Airway Remodeling ; drug effects ; Animals ; Asthma ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Inflammation ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Lung ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of Apaf-1 gene promoter methylation and apoptosis inhibitor protein Apollon in pathogenesis of acute leukemia (AL) and their clinical significance.

METHODSMethylation specific PCR (MSP) was used to detect the methylation status of Apaf-1 gene promoter in 53 AL patients (28 AML, 10 ALL and 15 relapsed) and 10 healthy or nonmalignant blood diseases patients as control. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of Apaf-1 mRNA and immunocytochemistry to detect the expression levels of Apollon protein.

RESULTSThe abnromal methylation of Apaf-1 gene promotor in AL was 18/53(33.9%). No Apaf-1 mRNA was detected in methylation positive patients. Only one case in healthy and nonmalignant individuals was deletion of Apaf-1 mRNA expression without abnormal methylation. The positive methylation rate in AL bone marrow mononuclear cells was significantly higher than that in controls (P < 0.05). The expressin levels of Apollon protein in AL patients was higher than that in control (P < 0.05). The positive methylation ratio and Apollon protein level were higher in white blood cell count > 10 × 10(9)/L than in ≤ 10 × 10(9)/L (P < 0.05). There is a positive correlaiton between positive methylation ratio and Apollon protein expression in AL patients.

CONCLUSIONAbnormal methylation of Apaf-1 gene promotor and high expression of Apollon might involved in leukemogenesis.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Apoptosis ; DNA Methylation ; Humans ; Leukemia ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics