Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with back Shu acupoint catgut embedding therapy in treating allergic rhinitis. Methods Totally 66 allergic rhinitis patients were included. Random number table method was used to divide the 66 patients into observation group and control group, with 33 cases in each group. The control group was given Ketotifen Fumarate Nasal Drops nose drops 2 drops each time, 3 times a day, Loratadine Tablets 10 mg orally, once a day for 4 weeks. The experimental group was treated with acupuncture, once a day, 10 d as a treatment course, three courses in total; at the same time, back Shu acupoint catgut embedding therapy was given, 15 d each time, twice treatment in total. After the end of treatment, clinical efficacy, clinical symptom score, life quality score, serum levels of inflammatory factors, serum immunoglobulin, peripheral blood eosinophil count and the incidence of adverse reactionsof the two groups were observed. Results The total effective rate was 93.94％ (31/33) in observation group and 75.76％ (25/33) in the control group, with statistical significance in the two groups (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the TNSS score, TNNSS score and RQLQ score of the two groups were significantly lower than after treatment (P<0.05); the IgE and EOS levels significantly decreased (P<0.05); the serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the TNSS, TNNSS and RQLQ score and the levels of IgE, EOS, IL-17 and IL-22 in the treatment group were lower after treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture combined with catgut embedding therapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis has a significant clinical efficacy, which can improve the level of inflammatory factors in patients with high safety.

Objective To study the activation of Janus protein tyrosine kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway and its inhibitor-signal transducer and activator of transcription-1(SOCS-1) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods A total of 45 patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 30 healthy controls were randomly selected. Western blot was performed to measure the expression of Stat1 protein and phospho-Stat1 protein (an activated form of Stat1 protein) in the monocytes after stimulation with recombinant high mobility group box1 (rHMGB1) at various time points. Expression of Stat1 protein in the skin or lesional skin was also detected. Phasic expressions of SOCS-1 mRNA in the monocytes after rHMGB1 stimulation were detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. SOCS-1 gene expression in the skin or lesional skin was also detected. Results The expression level of Stat1 proteins in the monocytes from patients with SLE was higher than that from healthy controls (t=9.16,P＜0.01) and positively correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (r=0.59,P＜0.01). Expression of phospho-Stat1 in the monocytes from SLE patients was time-dependently upregulated after stimulation with rHMGB1 at various time points, while expression of SOCS-1 mRNA remained unchanged(all P＞0.05). Expressions of phospho-Stat1 protein and SOCS-1 mRNA in the monocytes from healthy controls were increased transiently after stimulation with rHMGB1(all P＜0.05). Both expressions of phospho-Stat1 protein and SOCS-1 gene in the lesional skin from patients with SLE were upregulated compared with those in normal skin from healthy controls (all P＜0.01). Conclusion There are hyperactivation of JAK-STAT1 signaling pathway and negative feedback down-regulation of SOCS-1 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. HMGB-1 may be partly involved in the pathogenesis of SLE by the abnormal mediating function of JAK-STAT1 signal transduction pathway.

The regulatory region and the signal peptide sequence of the sacB gene has been amplified by PCR using Bacillus subtilis chromosomal DNA as template, and an inducible secretion vector has been developed based on this sequence, which was ligated with Bacillus subtilis alkaline proteinase gene. Transform Bacillus subtilis DB403 with this vector, and the expression of the inserted Bacillus subtilis alkaline proteinase gene can be induced by addition of sucrose into the medium.

Objective:To investigate the value of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) on the diagnosis of SCA3/MJD,and to calculate the correlation between 1H-MRS ratio and the clinical score.Methods:Sixteen patients with SCA3/MJD and 19 healthy volunteers were scanned with 1H-MRS.The data of N-acetyl aspartate,creatine,choline-containing compounds,myoinositol,NAA/Cr,Cho/Cr,and mI/Cr ratio were collected,which were grouped for comparative study.The onset patients with SCA3/MJD were evaluated with the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia,the correlation between NAA/Cr,Cho/Cr or mI/Cr ratio and the clinical score was calculated.Results:The NAA/Cr in the pons and cerebellar dentate nucleus from the onset patients with SCA3/MJD was significantly reduced compared to that in the normal control group.The NAA/Cr in the cerebellar dentate nucleus of onset patients with SCA3/MJD was obviously correlated with ICARS.Conclusion:SCA3/MJD lesions are mainly located in the cerebellum and brainstem,where gray and white mater are also involved.The cerebellar dentate nucleus may be the earliest involved area.There is a correlation between the ICARS and the cerebellar lesion degree.The ICARS reflects the severity of clinical manifestations.1H-MRS is useful in the diagnosis of SCA3/MJD.

3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured with various concentrations of high-density lipoprotein ( HDL, 0, 10, 50, and 100 μg/ml ) for 16 h and with lipopolysaccharide ( LPS, 100 ng/ml ) for another 6 h. Interleukin-8 in the medium was determined by ELISA, and PPAR-γ mRNA expression by reverse transacription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Interleukin-8 levels were increased in LPS-treated cells ( P＜0.05 ), but decreased in HDL-treated cells in the dose-dependent manner. PPARγ mRNA expressions were increased in HDL-treated groups than those treated only with LPS. These results suggested HDL may decrease interleukin-8 secretion via up-regulating PPARγ expression in adipocytes.

Objective To find out the current thyroid volume of school children and its influencing factors in Chongqing.Methods Probability sampling method(PPS) was used to select 30 counties in Chongqing in 2011.Forty children aged 8-10of 1 randomly selected school from every county chosen were enrolled in the study.Thyroid volume of children was examined by B-ultrasonograghy.Body height and body weight were measured.The relationship between gender,age,height and weight and thyroid volume was analyzed,respectively.Results One thousand three hundred and twenty-two children aged 8-10 were investigated.The median of thyroid volume was 3.53 ml.The goiter rate was 5.52％ (73/1322).Thyroid volume of female and male was 3.55 and 3.51 ml,respectively.There was no significant difference of thyroid volume between female and male (H =0.68,P ＞ 0.05).Thyroid volume of children aged 8,9 and 10 was 3.30,3.53 and 3.76 ml,respectively.There was a significant difference of thyroid volume among different age groups(H =52.49,P ＜ 0.01).Thyroid volume of children height (110-,120-,130-and ≥140 cm,respectively) was 2.96,3.22,3.59 and 4.13 ml.There was a significant difference of thyroid volume among different height groups (H =149.23,P ＜ 0.01).Thyroid volume of children weight(17-,20-,30-and ≥40 kg,respectively) was 2.71,3.31,3.91 and 4.74 ml.There was a significant difference of thyroid volume among different weight groups(H =138.44,P ＜ 0.01).For the coefficients of simple and partial correlation,there was a significant correlation between thyroid volume and age,height and weight (P ＜ 0.05).The Spearman coefficient was 0.2411,0.3950 and 0.4285,respectively.The partial correlation coefficient was 0.0640,0.1154 and 0.2319,respectively.The standard partial coefficient of age,height and weight was 0.640,0.1154 and 0.3410,respectively.The proportion of the standard partial coefficients was 1 ∶ 1.8 ∶ 5.3.The function of body weight to thyroid volume was 5.3 times that of age and 3.0 times that of body height.Conclusions The goiter rate of schoolchildren in Chongqing is relatively high.Thyroid volume is affected by age,body height and body weight.The relationship between thyroid volume and iodine nutrition needs further study.

AIM: To investigate the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and α-SMA in human lens epithelium cell (HLEC) line B3 after transfection by liposome-coated siRNA targeting CTGF.METHODS: HLECs were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting CTGF,labeled with 5`-fluorescein isothiocyanate (5`-FITC) and coated with lipofectamine.The transfection ratio was evaluated via fluorescence intensity.Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to assess cytoviability of both non-transfected and transfected HLECs.Quantitative RT-PCR,cell immunochemistry and Western blot analysis were conducted to detect the expression changes of CTGF and α-SMA after transfection.RESULTS: A highly effective transfection ratio was observed in siRNA co-transfected with lipofectamine.The transfection ratio reached 95% at 24h.The proliferation of HLECs was inhibited by siRNA after 72h transfection.The expression of CTGF and α-SMA significantly decreased in HLECs after transfected by CTGF siRNA for 24h.This effect was not found in negative control siRNA.CONCLUSIONS: SiRNA targeting CTGF decreased CTGF and α-SMA expression in HLECs,which is a potential therapeutic strategy for posterior capsular opacification.

Objective:To investigate the effects and the possible mechanisms of Neiguan(PC6)and Gongsun(SP4)on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD),thus to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of the Eight Confluent Points.Methods:Forty specific-pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a blank group,a model group,an electroacupuncture(EA)group,and a Western medicine group by the random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.Rats in the blank group did not receive modeling or intervention.Rats in the other three groups were subjected to the FD with mood disorder model using the compound etiology modeling method.After the successful modeling,rats in the model group did not receive any interventions,rats in the Western medicine group received deanxit and mosaprid intervention,and those in the EA group received EA intervention on the ipsilateral Neiguan(PC6)and Gongsun(SP4)for 21 d.The sugar-water consumption rate was measured before the experiment and before and after interventions to assess the emotional status.The gastric emptying rate was measured after interventions to assess the gastrointestinal dynamics.The expression levels of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),and adrenal corticosterone(CORT)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared with the blank group,the sugar-water consumption rate and the gastric emptying rate were decreased(P<0.01),and the hypothalamic CRH,pituitary ACTH,and adrenal CORT expression levels were increased(P<0.01)in the model group.Compared with the model group,the sugar-water consumption rate and the gastric emptying rate were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the expression levels of hypothalamic CRH,pituitary ACTH,and adrenal CORT were significantly decreased(P<0.01)in the EA group and the Western medicine group.The differences between the EA group and the Western medicine group were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:The Eight Confluent Points Neiguan(PC6)and Gongsun(SP4)can improve the mood and gastrointestinal dynamics in FD rats,which may be achieved by down-regulating the hypothalamic CRH,pituitary ACTH,and adrenal CORT,as well as by correcting the HPA axis hyperfunction.

Objective To investigate the relationship between spina bifida occulta in lumbasacral portion and functional defe-cation abnormality among middle-aged and elderly people.Methods The cross-sectional and cluster random sampling survey meth-od was adopted to select the residents aged 45-90 years old in 7 communities of Zhengzhou City as the respondents.All respond-ents underwent the physical examination and lumbosacral digital radiography(DR)examination in the physical examination center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University,and filled the related questionnaire about defecation abnormality.The rela-tionship between SBO and functional defecation abnormality among middle-aged and elderly people was studied by diagnosing and analyzing the functional constipation(FC)and functional incontinence(FC).Results The effective sample amounts were 1 057 ca-ses,including 497 males and 560 females,167 cases of SBO(86 males and 81 females).The morbidity rate of functional defecation abnormality was 26.02%(275/1 057),23.34%(116/497)in males and 28.39%(159/560)in females.Among 275 cases of functional defecation abnormality,there were 72 cases of complicating SBO.The Logistic regression analysis results showed that age,SOB,physical activity status,diet and living habits,education level and psychological factors were the risk factors for functional defecation abnormality (P<0.05),while there was no relationship between between past-history of stroke and functional defecation abnormality(P>0.05).Con-clusion SBO may be one of risk factors for functional defecation abnormality among middle-aged and elderly people.

Objective To evaluate the effect of PTH gene polymorphisms on bone mineral density (BMD) at multiple skeletal sites in normal females.Methods PTH gene phenotype was determined by PCR-RFLP of restriction enzyme Bst BⅠin 596 females aged (46.3?13.7) years (20-80 years),and PCR products with or without enzymolytic site were considered as genotype B or genotype b respectively.BMDs of the anteropesterior spine (AP) and supine lateral spine (Lat) of lumbar vertebrae (L_1-L_4),femoral neck (FN),total hip (T-hip), Ward's triangle (Ward),Trochanter (Troch),forearm [radius+ulna ultradistal (RUUD) and total area of radius + ulna (RUT) ] were measured by DEXA (QDR4500A).Results (1) Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was evident for PTH polymorphisms.The frequencies of genotype were BB 0.784,Bb 0.208,bb 0.008 and frequencies of alleles B,b were 0.888 and 0.112 respectively in 596 normal females.Frequencies of BB,Bb,bb genotypes were 0.781,0.210,and 0.009 respectively in 347 postmenopausal women and their frequencies of alleles B,b were 0.886,0.114.No significant difference was found between post- and premenopausal women in genotype frequen- cy.(2) Comparing their BMDs of AP,Lat,FN,T-hip,Ward,Troch,RUUD and RUT,there was no significant difference between BB and Bb genotypes of pre- and postmenopansal women groups.(3) Logistic regression analysis failed to show any statistical difference between normal and osteoporosis women with regard to PTH phenotype.Conclusion PTH gene polymorphism has little effect on BMD in normal females.