Objective To investigate the effects of sensorimotor therapy on patients with knee osteoarthritis.Methods Ninety-two patients with knee osteoarthritis were divided into a treatment group and a control group by using random digits table. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation therapy, including knee isometric and isotonic contraction training, ultrashort wave diathermy as well as aerobic exercise. The treatment group was also administered with sensorimotor training, in addition to the conventional training,including the muscle strengthening and control training of quadriceps and hamstring muscle using sling exercise therapy system and on the Thera-band mattress. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, manual muscle testing and knee range of motion as well as the Japanese Orthopedic Association knee function evaluation form were used to evaluate the patients. Results There was no statistic difference between the 2 groups before treatment, with regard to the evaluation parameters used in this study. After 2 months of treatment, both groups improved significantly (P ＜0.05),with the treatment group improved to a significantly greater extent (P ＜0.05). Conclusions Sensorimotor training in addition to the conventional rehabilitation treatment can further relieve the pain of patients with knee osteoarthritis joints arthritis and improve the function of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Coronary Vessel Anomalies ; complications ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mobility Limitation ; Stents

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) in the patients with severe heart failure (HF). Methods A prospective multicenter study was conducted. Patients whose age > 18 years old, and with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function grade overⅢ - Ⅳ , acute cardiac insufficiency and the acute exacerbation of chronic cardiac insufficiency admitted to intensive care unit/cardiovascular care unit (ICU/CCU) of 58 Hospitals in China were enrolled. On the basis of the conventional treatment, all patients would be given rhBNP (neo adjuvant) with a loading dose of 1.5 μg/kg for 3-5 minutes, and followed by a maintenance dose of 0.010-0.015 μg·kg-1·min-1 for 3-7 days. Before the treatment and 1, 3, 7 days after treatment, researchers detected indexes of cardiac and renal function, the levels of N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac output (CO), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), central venous pressure (CVP), urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), and urine output; the renal function index was re-evaluated at 30 days after administration, and the time entering ICU again, re-admission, cardiovascular events were recorded. Results 408 patients were enrolled, with 241 males and 167 females. Age range was 28-95 years, the average age was (63.0±15.8) years, and 50-70 years old accounted for 46.8%. Compared with the data before treatment, NT-proBNP, PCWP and CVP significantly decreased at 6 hours after treatment [NT-proBNP (μg·kg-1·min-1): 4378.58±4082.29 vs. 6403.41±5759.48, PCWP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa):12.41±2.21 vs. 14.26±2.85 , CVP (mmHg): 10.63±2.62 vs. 11.45±3.45, all P < 0.05], and with the prolongation of injection, NT-proBNP, PCWP and CVP were gradually declined; CO 1 day after treatment (mL: 4.89±0.81 vs. 4.40±0.92) and LVEF 3 days after treatment (0.465±0.100 vs. 0.431±0.107) were significantly increased (both P < 0.05), and with the prolongation of injection, CO and LVEF were gradually increased. There were no obvious changes in BUN and SCr during the treatment, but 30 days after treatment, SCr was significantly lower than that pre-treatment (μmol/L: 110.98±47.40 vs. 132.62±75.60, P < 0.01). Compared with the data pre-treatment, urine output per hour was significantly increased at 3 hours after treatment (mL: 129.59±82.16 vs. 89.60±53.49, P =0.000); urine output every 24 hours was significantly increased at day 1 and day 2 after administration (mL: 2676.54± 1006.83, 2678.74±975.97 vs. 2150.36±283.76, both P < 0.01). In 7 days, the re-entry ICU rate was 2.7%, and the re-hospitalization rate was 2.88% within 30 days, re-cardiac failure rate was 1.43% in 30 days, and the overall fatality rate was 9.55% in 30 days. Conclusions The rhBNP can significantly improve heart function in patients with HF. And, it has a certain effect on renal function. The rhBNP is effective and safe for the treatment of cardiac insufficiency.

Objective To investigate the relationship of matrix metalloproteinases(MMP?3 and MMP?9)and the tissue inhibitor TIMP?1 with left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH)in patients with primary hypertension. Methods Totally 140 patients with primary hypertension and 132 healthy controls were included. Matrix metalloproteinase?3(MMP?3),matrix metalloproteinase?9(MMP?9)and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase?1 (TIMP?1)were measured. All subjects were taken echocardiography examination ,then left ventricular mass index(LVMI)was calculated. Re?sults MMP?3,MMP?9,TIMP?1(488.32±100.32 vs 314.59±99.78;340.56±43.21 vs 290.15±33.98;389.16±57.53 vs 243.45±62.31;P<0.001) and LVMI(113.7±9.9 vs 88.3±10.4,P<0.001)in patients with primary hypertension were significantly higher than those in controls. In a multiple stepwise regression analysis with LVMI as the variable,it was found that age,SBP,MMP?3,MMP?9 and TIMP?1 were main determinants for LVMI (r2=0.78,P<0.001). 3. Patients with primary hypertension were divided into two subgroups according to LVMI,i.e.,hypertension with LVH (group A)and hypertension without LVH(group B). SBP,MMP?3,MMP?9 and TIMP?1(178±31 vs 166±25;490.14±99.13 vs 405.56±53.12;340.56±43.21 vs 290.15±33.98;393.45±47.69 vs 301.58±39.57;P<0.05)of group A were significantly higher than those of group B. Conclusion MMP?3,MMP?9 and TIMP?1 are influencing factors for LVH in patients with primary hypertension.

Objective: To observe the effect of Ginkgo Biloba extract (EGb) on Form deprivation Myopia (FDM) in the chick. Methods: 30 two day chicks were divided into three groups (Control Group, Drug Group Ⅰ, Drug Group Ⅱ). All of them were monocularly deprived by suturation of eyelids. Axial length was measured by A Scan ultrasonograph, the posterior cartilaginous sclera, the sclera fibrous and retina were observed under the light microscope. Results: Both refraction and axial eye length were changed by form deprivation in control group. refraction change ( P

Objective To investigate the effects of a new sling exercise treatment combined with injections of sodium hyaluronate on the radiographic findings and clinical variables of patients with patellofemoral pain.Methods Seventy patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were divided into a group which was treated using a new sling exercise therapy combined with injections of sodium hyaluronate (the combined therapy group,n=34) and another which received only sodium hyaluronate injections (the control group,n=36).The patients of both groups were assessed pre-and post-treatment.The clinical assessment modalities were pain scores (using a visual analogue scale,VAS),quadriceps and hamstring strength and range of motion in the active flexion and extension of the knee.Q angles were measured supine and standing.Patellofemor tilt angle and congruence and sulcus angle were determined by CT scanning.Results After 5 weeks the average VAS pain score of the combined therapy group was significantly lower than that of the control group.Muscle strength and range of motion in the combined therapy group were both significantly higher than pro-treatment,the Q angles were significantly smaller,and the congruence and sulcus angles were significantly better.Conclusion Five weeks of practicing the new sling exercise therapy combined with injections of sodium hyaluronate can yield satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND:Under the in vitro conditions of cell harvesting, culture, and transplantation, whether bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can be effectively applied in local gene therapy remains unclear.OBJECTIVE: To construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid carrying human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (hBMP-7) gene, and to expect to enhance osteoinductive properties of rabbit BMSCs transfected.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A cell-genomics in vitro observation was performed at the Laboratory of Scientific Research, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between July 2006 and July 2007.MATERIALS: Human healthy fresh placental tissue was provided by the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. Written informed consent was obtained from the women. One healthy male New Zealand rabbit was provided by the Laboratory Animal Center, Harbin Medical University.METHODS: hBMP-7 gene was cloned from human placental tissue to construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid carrying hBMP-7 gene by conjugating with eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1. BMSCs were isolated from rabbit bone marrow and cultured in vitro. Then they were divided into 3 groups: pcDNA3.1-hBMP-7-transfected, pcDNA3.1 -transfected, and untransfected. 5×106 BMSCs were inoculated into a 60 mm3 flask containing antibiotic-free medium 1 day prior to transfection.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect hBMP-7 expression in BMSCs, alkaline phosphatase activity, hydroxypreline content, and osteocalcin production in each group. RESULTS: After 72-hour transfection, a 1.3 kb fragment was seen in the pcDNA3.1-hBMP-7-transfected group, showing brown granules in the endochylema, but not seen in the pcDNA3.14ransfected and untransfected groups. ALP activity in the pcDNA3.1-hBMP-7-transfected group significantly increased at 2 days after transfection, peeked at 8 days, and still increased at 10 days. At each time point, alkaline phosphatase activity, hydroxyproline content, and osteocalcin production were significantly higher in the pcDNA3.1-hBMP-7-transfected group than in the pcDNA3.1 -transfected and untransfected groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1- BMP-7 was constructed successfully. Results indicated that hBMP-7 was expressed in BMSCs sufficiently and was involved in inducing differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts. The method would provide substantial basement for hBMP-7 gene therapy.

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical efficacy and action mechanism of acupuncture for premature ovarian failure (POF).

METHODSAccording to prospective cohort study design, 30 cases were included. Based on theory of regulating Chong and Conception Vessels as well as soothing the liver and calming the nerves, acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Dahe (KI 12), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), Baihui (GV 20) was applied, three times per week and 3 months were considered as one session. Totally two sessions were performed. The menstruation condition, estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and scores of the clinical perimenopausal symptoms were taken as treatment outcomes.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 86.7% (26/30) and the cured rate was 16.7% (5/30). The recovery rate of menstruation was 16.7% (5/30) and the regain rate of menstruation was 56.7% (17/30). After the treatment, the level of E2 was significantly increased from (45.41 +/- 18. 09) pmol/L to (59.07 +/- 24.21) pmol/L (P < 0.05), and the score of perimenopausal symptoms was obviously reduced from 14.28 +/- 8. 30 to 4.04 +/- 3.28 (P < 0.01). However, no statistical differences could be seen in FSH before and after treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture has certain effect on improving menstruation and perimenopausal symptoms in POF patients, which is likely to he related with increasing the level of E2.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Estradiol ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; metabolism ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency ; metabolism ; therapy ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo examine the role of lactoferrin (LF) on Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs).

METHODSPrimary hPDLCs were cultured by tissue block enzymolytic method. Cells obtained from four passages were identified and used in this experiment. Cells without stimulation served as the controls and cells treated with LPS (0.1 microg x mL(-1)) comprised the LPS group. The LPS + LF group was pretreated with LPS (0.1 microg x mL(-1)) for 2 h, and then treated with LF (10 microg x mL(-1)). Four hours after LF stimulation, the mRNA expression levels of TLR4 were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein expression of TLR4 was observed by cell immunofluorescence staining after LF stimulation of 24 hours.

RESULTSTLR4 mRNA expression in the LPS + LF group was significantly more decreased than that in the LPS group (P < 0.05), but exhibited no difference with that in the control group (P > 0.05). Cell immunofluorescence staining showed that the protein expression of TLR4 in the LPS + LF group was significantly more decreased than that in the LPS group (P < 0.05), but exhibited no difference with that in the control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLF can decrease the expression of TLR4 stimulated by LPS in hPDLCs, thus presenting potential application for controlling the TLR4 immune pathway of periodontitis.

Down-Regulation ; Humans ; Lactoferrin ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Periodontal Ligament ; Periodontitis ; Toll-Like Receptor 4