Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at affected-limb gallbladder meridian points and its effect on the recovery of lower limb function in treating hemiplegia patients with cerebral infarction. Methods Sixty hemiplegia patients with cerebral infarction were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups, 30 cases each. The treatment group received acupuncture at the gallbladder meridian points of the affected-side lower limb as main therapy and the control group, conventional acupuncture. After two courses of treatment, a pre-/post-treatment change in the Lower Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment score was observed in the two groups and post-treatment walking paces, pace lengths and incidences of strephenopodia were compared between the two groups.Results There was a statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference in the Lower Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment score in the two groups (P<0.01). There was a statistically significant post-treatment difference in the Lower Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment score between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in walking pace, pace length and the incidence of strephenopodia between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture at affected-limb gallbladder meridian points can improve lower limb function and reduce the incidence of strephenopodia in hemiplegia patients with cerebral infarction.

Objective To study the expression of programmed death 1(PD-1) on the peripheral T lymphocytes and the serum cytokine levels in different phases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (immune tolerance,immune clearance and non-replicating phases).Methods A total of 105 HBV infected patients in different phases of infection were enrolled in Wuxi No.5 People's Hospital from Apr to Sep 2011,and divided into three groups:the immune tolerance group (35 cases),the immune clearance group (35 cases) and the non-replicating group (35 cases).Meanwhile,20 healthy people were enrolled as controls.The peripheral blood was collected and PD-1 expressions on the surface of T lymphocytes were assessed by flow cytometry.The cytokine levels in different groups were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The data were analyzed by t test and Pearson correlation analysis.Results The PD-1 expression on surface of CD8+ T lymphocytes of HBV infected patients was (12.35± 3.48)％,which was significantly higher than healthy control group [(4.65±1.21) ％] (t=9.76,P＜0.01).The PD-1 expression on CD4+ T lymphocytes was (4.95±2.87) ％,which was not significantly different from the healthy controls [(4.08±2.14) ％] (t =1.29,P＞0.05).The PD-1 expressions on CD8+ T lymphocytes of patients in the immune tolerance group,the immune clearance group and the non-replicating group were (15.87±3.18)％,(7.69±3.64)％and (10.12±2.84) ％,respectively; that in the immune tolerance group was higher than the immune clearance group (t=10.01,P＜0.01) and that in healthy control group was lower than those in the other 3 groups (t=15.12,3.61 and 8.17,respectively; all P＜0.01).The PD-1 expression on the surface of CD8+ T lymphocytes in chronic HBV infected patients was positively correlated with the serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) level (γ=0.377,P＜0.05),while that was negatively correlated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) level (r=-0.620,P＜0.05).Conclusions PD-1 is up-regulated on the surface of CD8+ T lymphocytes from chronic HBV infected patients.And PD-1 is negatively correlated with serum IFN-γ levels and positively correlated with serum IL-10 levels.The expression of PD-1 on the surface of CD8+ T lymphocytes influences the balance of helper T cell (Th)1/Th2,which might play a role in the persistence of HBV infection.

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacies between heat-sensitive moxibustion and warm needling in treating cervical spondylosis of vertebroarterial type.MethodTotally 120 patients with cervical spondylosis of vertebroarterial type were randomized into a heat-sensitive moxibustion group and a warm needling group, 60 in each group. In addition to acupuncture at bilateral Fengchi (GB20), Wangu (GB12), Tianzhu (BL10), Dazhui (GV14) and Baihui (GV20), the heat-sensitive moxibustion group was given mild moxibustion to the heat-sensitive points in cervical and scapular regions, while the warm needling group was given regular moxibustion.ResultGenerally, after 20 treatment sessions, efficacy wasfound in both groups, and there were significant differences in both groups after intervention (P<0.05), while the improvements of integral score, dizziness, cervical and shoulder pain, and the recovery and markedly-effective rate in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were significantlysuperiorto that in the warm needling group (P<0.05).ConclusionCompared to warm needling treatment, heat-sensitive moxibustion can more significantly improve dizziness and pain in patients with cervical spondylosis of vertebroarterial type, and thus enhance the therapeutic efficacy.

BACKGROUND:At present, the proteome is a mature technology that has been applied in basic research fields related to liver transplantation. But, it has been not reported in research related to reduced-size liver transplantation.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the expression of differential proteins related to hepatic energy metabolism fol owing reduce-size liver transplantation in rats by using by proteomic technology.
METHODS:The improved model of reduced-size liver transplantation was used in this experiment. The donor was health female Lewis rats and the recipient was male Wistar rats for liver transplantation. The difference between the donor and the recipient was about 20 g. The weight of donor liver/the weight of recipient donor was approximately equal to 50%. The donor liver tissue was harvested and trimmed to the required size. The portal vein and infrahepatic vena cava were cannulated, and the biliary tract was implanted into the donor bile duct for transplantation. Then the donor was transplanted into the recipient after the removal of original liver tissue. Hepatic specimens were harvested by 1, 3 and 7 days after reduced-size liver transplantation. Then, the harvested specimens were compared with the normal donor and recipient liver tissue that were previously harvested and frozen, to generate two-dimensional gel electrophoresis profile using proteome technology. Then tandem mass spectrometry and databases analysis were performed after two-dimensional electrophoresis for identifying differential protein stains.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In this experiment, 72 differential protein stains with over lo-fold changes were selected. After identification, 32 proteins showed clear functions, and among them three differential proteins (ATP synthase beta subunit, electron-transferring flavoprotein beta peptide and proton-transferring ATP synthase) were involved in the process of cel energy metabolism. The proteins were distributed on 1 and 7 days after reduce-size liver transplantation, accounting for 6%.

Objective To explore the changes of programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with different baseline of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels after treatment with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV).Methods One hundred CHB patients with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg),1 × 104 copy/mL≤HBV DNA≤1 × 107 copy/mL,and positive human leukocyte antigen-A2 were divided into two groups according to the baseline HBV DNA level:47 cases in low virus load group whose HBV DNA level was ≤1 × 105 copy/mL; 53 cases in high virus load group whose HBV DNA level was＞1 × 105 copy/mL.Both groups were treated with ADV 10 mg/d.Serum HBV DNA,HBeAg seroconversion rate,alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TBil) levels of both groups before treatment and 12 months after treatment were compared.Flow cytometry was used to test peripheral blood HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) surface PD-1 and peripheral blood HBV-specific CTL level.Categorical data were tested by x2 test; quantitative data was compared with t-test.Results Peripheral blood HBV-specific CTL surface PD-1 of CHB patients in low virus load group was 20.17 ％±1.69％,which was lower than that in high virus load group (41.38％±2.30％,t =53.02,P＜0.01) ; peripheral blood HBV specific CTL levels in two groups were 0.37％±0.02％ and 0.17％± 0.02％,respectively (t=50.47,P＜0.01) ; ALT and TBil levels in low virus load group were both lower than those of high virus load group (t=13.07,P＜0.01; t=5.06,P＜0.01).Twelve months after treatment,HBV DNA of 25 cases (53.2％) in low virus load group and 10 cases (18.9％) in high virus load group were lower than the detectable level (HBV DNA＜500 copy/mL,x2 =12.89,P＜0.01);HBeAg seroconversion was achieved in 15 cases(31.9％) and 1 case (1.9％),respectively (x2 =16.72,P＜0.01) ; peripheral blood HBV-specific CTL surface PD-1 expression levels were 9.00 ％ ±1.38 ％ and 29.40 ％ ± 3.76 ％,respectively (t =36.80,P＜ 0.01) ; peripheral blood HBV-specific CTL levels were 0.65％±0.10％ and0.48％±0.07％,respectively (t=9.61,P＜0.01).Conclusions After treatment with ADV,along with the decrease of HBV DNA load,HBV-specific CTL surface PD-1 expression decreases,while HBV-specific CTL level increases.The changes in low virus load group are much more remarkable.

Objective To explore the effect of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds incorporating ADM-PLGA microspheres in repairing large bone defects of rabbit femoral condyle. Methods Animal models of bone defects were induced in 21 New Zealand white rabbits by drilling holes in bilateral femoral lateral condyles , and the rabbits were equally divided into 3 groups:group A as the control group with the defects untreated , group B treated by filling with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds (NHAC), and group C treated by filling with the nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds incorporating ADM-PLGA microspheres (ADM-PLGA-NHAC). At week 12 after implanting , the rabbits were all sacrificed for the implanted scaffolds , which were then examined by X-ray , and Micro-CT 3D reconstruction and in histology for evaluation of the new bone formation. Results X-ray, Micro-CT and the measurement and analysis of BMD indicated thatthere was no significant differencein the new bone formation between group B and group C (P > 0.05). The histological examination revealed that. 12 weeks after operation an evident number of new born bones were seen on the implanted scaffolds in groups B and C , while very few were seen scattering in group A. Conclusion The nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds incorporating ADM-PLGA microspheres is effective in repairing bone defect without influencing the prosthetic process.

BACKGROUND:The proteome is a highlight technology in medical research fields lately, and has been reported to be applied in basic research fields related to liver transplantation. However, it has not been heard that the proteome has been used in research related to reduced-size liver transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To study expression of hepatic differential proteins related to signal transduction using proteomics after reduced-size liver transplantation in rats. METHODS:On the basis of successful establishment of rat models of reduced-size liver transplantation, transplanted liver tissues were obtained at 1, 3 and 7 days after transplantation. Postoperative liver tissue and normal donor, receptor liver tissues were subjected to solid pH gradient two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis patterns were set up. Differentialy expressed protein spots were identified using tandem mass spectrometry analysis and database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Seventy-two differential protein stains were found taking 10 times measure. Finaly, 32 proteins with clear functions were identified. Of them, four proteins participated in signal transduction, and they distributed at 3 and 7 days after liver transplantation, accounting for 6%. Results verified that on the basis of successful and stable establishment of rat models of reduced-size liver transplantation, proteomics technology was utilized to study differential proteins involving in signal transduction after reduced-size liver transplantation, and this study provides data for further deep investigation of regulating MicroRNA of these proteins.

BACKGROUND:Nuclear factor-κB as an important nuclear transcription factor, is a converge point for various signal transduction pathways, and participate in the regulation of reactive substances gene expression such as the immune cel proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The nuclear factor-κB plays an important role in humoral and cel ular immune. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between the nuclear factor-κB p65 protein expression and acute rejection in transplanted liver tissue of rhesus monkey. METHODS:The rhesus monkey recipients were randomly divided into two groups:acute rejection group and control group. The acute rejection group did not received anti-rejection treatment after liver transplantation, and the control group was given anti-rejection treatment during and after liver transplantation. The blood samples were col ected at 6, 12, 24 and 72 hours after transplantation, and the automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the levels of alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of transplanted liver tissue was performed to observe the morphological structure and rejection. The degree of rejection was evaluated according to the Banff scoring system, and the expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 in the liver tissue was detected with Western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:When the acute rejection occurred after liver transplantation, the liver function change was observed after liver histopathological examination, the expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 in the liver tissue was up-regulated, and the degree of acute rejection was increased. In the early stage of acute rejection, the liver function and pathology were changed slightly, while the expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 was significantly increased. The results indicate that the detection of nuclear factor-κB p65 in the transplanted liver tissue has great significance for the early diagnosis of acute rejection after liver transplantation, and the nuclear factor-κB may be the new target for control ing the acute rejection.

BACKGROUND:Interleukin-6 is an important cytokine in the immune inflammatory response, strongly links with graft rejection reaction, and plays an important role in diagnosis of graft rejection and evaluation of anti-rejection. OBJECTIVE:To measure the expression of interleukin-6 in acute rejection of the liver transplantation in the rhesus monkey, and to evaluate the value as an early diagnosis of acute rejection after liver transplantation. METHODS:A total of 16 rhesus monkeys were used as the object and randomly divided into experimental group (no treated by immunosuppressant in perioperative period), and control group (treated by immunosuppressant in perioperative period). The al ograft orthotopic liver transplantation models were established in those monkeys. Then serum and liver tissue were col ected at 6, 12, 24, and 72 hours after surgery. Al ograft rejection was monitored by liver function tests, and hematoxylin-eosin staining of liver and Banff score. Final y, the expression levels of interleukin-6 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Acute graft rejection reaction appeared at 12, 24 and 72 hours after liver transplantation in the experimental group. The expressions of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group at 24 and 72 hours (P<0.05). Histological manifestations were severer and Banff score was higher in the experimental group at 72 hours than in the control group (P<0.05). Interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher in the serum and liver tissue of experimental group than in the control group at 12, 24 and 72 hours after liver transplantation (P<0.05), especial y at 72 hours. Results suggested that interleukin-6 possibly participated in rejection after liver transplantation. The expression of interleukin-6 was probably of significance in the early diagnosis of acute rejection after orthotopic liver transplantation in rhesus monkeys.

BACKGROUND:Tumor necrosis factor-αis an inflammatory cytokine involved in the immune response and increasing graft antigen expression. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between tumor necrosis factor-αin the liver tissue and acute rejection after liver transplantation in a rhesus monkey. METHODS:Liver transplant models in rhesus monkey were constructed by the improved vascular dual cuff, supporting tube of biliary tract and artery anastomosis method. The successful models were randomly divided into experimental group (no immunosuppressant treatment in perioperative period) and control group (treated by immunosuppressant in perioperative period). Then the blood samples and liver tissue were col ected at 6, 12, 24, and 72 hours after surgery. Al ograft rejections of liver transplantation were monitored by liver function tests, hematoxylin-eosin staining and Banff score. Final y, the expression level of tumor necrosis factor-αwas detected by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry technique. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The expression of tumor necrosis factor-αin the experimental group and control group began to increase at 6 hours, reached the peak at 12 hours, and then decreased at 24-72 hours. The changes of expression level were the most obvious in the experimental group. At 6, 12, 24 and 72 hours, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-αin the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). This change appeared earlier than pathological changes in the liver and liver function. Variations in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-αafter liver transplantation have important implications for early diagnosis of acute rejection after liver transplantation.