Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of DZWJY-1 type electronic moxibustion apparatus and traditional moxibustion in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A total of 76 eligible patients were randomized into an electronic moxibustion apparatus group and a traditional moxibustion group, with 38 cases in each group. The electronic moxibustion apparatus group was intervened by DZWJY-1 type electronic moxibustion apparatus, and the traditional moxibustion group received moxa stick moxibustion for treatment. Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35), Xuehai (SP 10) and Liangqiu (ST 34) were selected for both groups and the treatment was conducted 3 times a week for a total of 12 times. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores were observed before treatment and after 6 and 12 sessions of treatment, respectively. Results: There were 4 dropout cases in the traditional moxibustion group. Therefore, this trial had 72 valid cases, including 38 cases in the electronic moxibustion apparatus group and 34 cases in the traditional moxibustion group, the differences in the baseline data between the two groups were statistically insignificant (P>0.05). After 6 and 12 sessions of treatment, the VAS scores decreased significantly with the increase of treatment sessions in both groups (all P<0.01), and the betweengroup differences were statistically insignificant at the same time points (both P>0.05). The pain intensity was evaluated using the weighted value of VAS score. The markedly effective rate was 47.4％ and the total effective rate was 89.5％ in the electronic moxibustion apparatus group, versus 50.0％ and 94.1％ in the traditional moxibustion group, and the betweengroup differences were statistically insignificant (both P>0.05). After 6 and 12 sessions of treatment, the total score and the component scores including pain, stiffness and difficulty moving in the WOMAC decreased significantly with the increase of treatment sessions in both groups (all P<0.01), and the between-group differences were statistically insignificant (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Electronic moxibustion apparatus and traditional moxibustion both are effective in reducing joint pain and improving joint function in KOA patients, and they are equivalent comparing the clinical efficacy.

Objective To learn the quality of life (QOL) and mental health status of the physically disabled people in Zhejiang Province,in order to provide evidence for improving the quality of life and mental health of the physically disabled people.Methods Using questionnaires and interviews to make household surveys of 950 physically disabled people.The questionnaire included the brief quality of life scale (SF-36) and the general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) in the anxiety and depression scale,physical and mental health status.The basic information and other living conditions of physically disabled people were collected through interviews.Results A total of 907 valid questionnaires were recovered,and the effective response rate was 95.47％.Scores of QOL of 907 physically disabled people was 60.89,and anxiety and depression scores were more than 4 points and there was a high score on anxious and depression.The scores of quality of life,anxiety and depression were not statistically significant between males and females(P ＞0.05).There were significant differences in all dimensions of SF-36 and anxiety and depression in different levels of physically disabled people(P ＜ 0.01).There was a significant negative correlation between the quality of life and anxiety and depression in physically disabled people(rs =-0.626、-0.639,P ＜ 0.01).The multiple linear regression showed that physiological function,role physical,physical pain and general health were the influencing factors of anxiety of the physically disabled people,and role physical,physical pain and general health were the influencing factors of depression of the physically disabled people.Condusion The quality of life of physically disabled people were comparably poor,and presented anxiety,depression and other psychological problems.Physical function status directly affects the quality of life and mental health status.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Jinshuibao Capsule (JC) combined losartan potassium on some indices of early renal damage of hypertension patients of yin and yang deficiency syndrome (YYDS), such as levels of serum cystatin C (Cys C), beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), uric acid (UA), blood pressure, blood lipids, and fasting blood glucose (FBG), and to explore their protective effects on early renal damage of hypertension patients and on the metabolisms of blood lipids and blood glucose.

METHODSTotally 106 hypertension patients of YYDS were randomly assigned to two groups, 53 patients in the control group (treated by losartan potassium) and 53 patients in the treatment group (treated by JC + losartan potassium). The treatment lasted for 16 weeks. The serum changes of UA, Cys C, beta2-MG, hs-CRP, blood lipids [including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], and FBG levels were measured to evaluate the renal protective effects and to assess their effect on the metabolisms of blood lipids and blood glucose.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment in the same group, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased in the two groups after treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was not obviously declined in the two groups after treatment, showing no statistical difference. Compared with before treatment in the same group, the LDL-C level decreased obviously after treatment in the control group. But there was no obvious change in FBG, TC, HDL-C, and TG in the control group, showing no statistical difference when compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). The FBG, TC, and LDL-C obviously decreased in the treatment group more obviously after treatment than before treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference when compared with the control group after treatment (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, the levels of UA, Cys C, beta2-MG, and hs-CRP all decreased in the two groups, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The SCr level decreased in the treatment group more obviously after treatment than before treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the levels of Cys C, beta2-MG, and hs-CRP decreased more obviously after treatment in the treatment group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSJC combined losartan potassium showed better effects in treating early renal damage of hypertension patients of YYDS. They could protect and stabilize the renal functions more effectively. JC could regulate blood lipids and blood glucose.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Cystatin C ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Kidney ; pathology ; Losartan ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Yang Deficiency ; drug therapy ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy ; beta 2-Microglobulin ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate if the Ribbond polyethylene fiber has the effect of reinforcing polymethyl methacylate.

METHODS28 specimens were fabricated and divided into 3 groups: group of chemical-cured PMMA, group of chemical-cured PMMA reinforced by stainless steel wire and group of chemical-cured PMMA reinforced by Ribbond polyethylene fiber. A three-point bending test was used to measure the flexural strength and flexural modulus of specimens. Then the data were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTSThe flexural strength of chemical-cured PMMA group was (51.383 +/- 2.761) MPa, the flexural modulus was (1791.2 +/- 113.760) MPa; The flexural strength of stainless steel wire reinforced group was (58.725 +/- 1.218) MPa, the flexural modulus was (2092.76 +/- 120.28) MPa; The flexural strength of Ribbond polyethylene fiber reinforced group was (80.975 +/- 2.58) MPa, the flexural modulus was (2866.53 +/- 107.51) MPa. The one-way analysis of variance showed that the results were significant (P < 0.001). Newman-Keuls method showed that the differences among all groups were significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe Ribbond polyethylene fiber can raise the flexural strength and flexural modulu of polymethyl methacylate.

Dental Bonding ; Dental Materials ; chemistry ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Materials Testing ; Polyethylene ; chemistry ; Polyethylenes ; chemistry ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; chemistry ; Stress, Mechanical ; Tensile Strength

Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) animal model was established in female SD rats fed with high iodine diet.The concentrations of FT_3 and FT_4 were increasing in order of normal control group, iodine excess control group,EAT control group and EAT iodine excess group (Pl＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Semi- quantitative RT-PCR and Western-blotting results showed that the expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) existed in thyrocytes of each group,while the expression was increasing in order of normal control group,iodine excess control group,EAT control group and EAT iodine excess group (P＜0.01).The results suggested that high iodine diet might induce thyrocytes' apoptosis by increasing the expression of TRAIL and hence influencing functional and pathologic changes of thyroid grand.

Objective To study the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(Hiv),sexually transmitted infection(Sti),risk behavior and the sexual neworks among men who have sex with men (MSM)in Taizhou city，Zhejiang province.Methods cross-sectional Astudy was applied with venue-based sampling in 2 MSM gathering sites in Taizhou.'Informed Consent'principle was applied and MSM were studied through a structured questionnaire．Blood samples were collected from thee who accepted free and confidential HIV/STI counseling and then tested for HIV,syphilis,HCV and HsV-2 antibodies with ELISA.HIV positive sera were certified with western blot．Results 106 MSM were investigated and 97 qualified questionnaires were collected.25.0％(23/92)of these MSM have ever had l female sex partner while 47.8％(44/92)had 2 or more.14.3％(13/91)of them reported having had 1 male partner who had engaged in anal sex and 80.2％(73/91)had 2 or more.22.1％(19／86)of therh had partieipated in group sex but 62.5％(55／88)of them did not always use condom when having analintercourse.15.1％(14／93) of them had l orfll sex partner while 75.3％(70／93)having 2 or more.38.9％(37／95)of them had sex with female sex worker,and 35.5％(33／93)had sex with male-to-male sex worker.15.3％(13/85)0f them had once been male-to-male sex worker themselves.3.9％(3/77)of them were found HIV positive in blood tests,with 24.7％(18/73)positive of syphilis,15.1％(11/73)positive ofHSV-2 but HCV appeared to be negative.46 csses reported their egocentric recognition networks,with mean degree of 5.91(ranging0-10),and mesa density of 0.548(ranging 0．000-1.000).43 sexual networks were identified,with mean degree of 2.70(ranging 0-10),and mean density of 0.246(ranging 0.000-1.000).Conclusion Risk behaviors,such as multiple sex partners，IOW proportion of condom use and commercial sex engagement both with heterosexuals and homosexuals,were extensively existed among MSM in Taizhou,and the prevalence of HIV/STI was relatively high.Their sexual networks seemed complicated but there might be in place of some sukstantiaUy isolated MSM groups with high risk of Hlv/sTl infection.More study should be applied to identify the relationship between scxual networks and HIV/STI transmigsion.

A patient referred to our hospital, diagnosed with left idiopathic chronic orchialgia, was evaluated with a thorough medical and psychiatric history, physical examination, scrotal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Conservative management failed. The patient had temporary pain relief after undergoing outpatient cord block three times. Microsurgical denervation of the left spermatic cord was operated in March, 2011. A pain questionnaire was used to determine efficacy before and after operation, and complete pain relief was noted at one week after operation. The follow up period was 12 months, at the end of which the pain score was still zero. No complications, including testicular atrophy and hydrocele, occurred. Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord can be a minimally invasive, safe and effective management option for treatment of idiopathic chronic orchialgia.
Denervation ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spermatic Cord ; surgery ; Testicular Diseases ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between polymorphisms of FAS and FASL genes and genetic susceptibility of silicosis.

METHODSA case-control study was conducted. The case group was 183 male patients with silicosis and the control group was 111 male silica-exposed but without silicosis miners. Data on total dust concentrations was collected to estimate cumulative total dust exposure (CTE) of each subject and each person's characteristics and work history were obtained from questionnaire. Polymerase chain reaction re-strained fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP) was applied to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAS-1377, FAS-670 and FASL-844. Associations between polymorphisms and risk of silicosis and stages, interactions between polymorphisms, between polymorphisms and CTE and smoking and haplotypes were analyzed.

RESULTSThere were no differences in the FAS-1377, FAS-670 and FASL-844 genotypes between the case group and the control group (P > 0.05). No association was observed between FAS-1377, FAS-670 and FASL-844 polymorphisms and silicosis and stages (P > 0.05). The frequencies of FAS-1377G/-670G haplotype in the cases (9.6%) were higher than those in the controls (3.6%) (P < 0.05). No interactions between the polymorphisms of different genes, the gene polymorphism and the total accumulative total dust, the gene polymorphism and smoking were observed (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONFAS-1377, FAS-670 and FASL-844 polymorphisms are not susceptible factors of silicosis. The FAS-1377G/-670G haplotype might be a susceptibility marker of silicosis.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Fas Ligand Protein ; genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Silicosis ; genetics ; fas Receptor ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the morphology, immunophenotype, cytogenetics and clinical features of TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene positive adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

METHODSR banding was used to analyze conventional cytogenetics (CC), interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH) and RT-PCR to detect the TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene, and flow cytometry to immunophenotype. The clinical and laboratory features and long-term follow-up of the patients were analyzed.

RESULTSThe incidence of 19 TCF3-PBX1-positive adult ALL was 3.13% of total ALL patients. Of them, 12 and 7 cases were diagnosed as L(1) and L(2) morphology respectively; 7 cases with balanced translocation of chromosome 1 and 19; 10 with der(19) t(1;19) formed from unbalanced translocation and 2 with normal karyotypes. TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene was detected by RT-PCR in 9 cases, and by iFISH in 17. 16 cases were B-phenotype and the other 2 T-phenotype; 17 cases had lymph node, spleen or liver infiltration. Of 18 patients received chemotherapy, 17 (94.7%) achieved complete remission (CR); the median relapse-free survival (RFS) and median overall survival was 3.2 months and 7.2 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSTCF3-PBX1-positive adult ALL had unique clinical and pathological features with high remission rate, high relapse rate and short survival time and should be considered to receive intensified treatment strategies. iFISH combined with CC and RT-PCR can increase the detection rate of t(1;19)/TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene.

Adult ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; genetics ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; Translocation, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of adhesion molecules alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 and their ligands Del-1 and L1 in the tumor-endothelial cell adhesion in vitro.

METHODSThe expression of alphavbeta3, alphavbeta5 and ICAM-1 in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and liver cancer endothelial cells (T3A) cultured under normoxia or hypoxia were analyzed by RT-PCR and fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS). The expression of Del-1 and L1 in six tumor cell lines under normoxia or hypoxia were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The adhesion of dye-labeled tumor cells and endothelial LSEC and T3A cells was measured by a fluorescence plate reader after their culture.

RESULTSThe expression of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 were higher in T3A cells than that in LSEC cells, and were upregulated under hypoxia, while the expression of ICAM-1 was lower in T3A cells than that in LSEC cells, and was upregulated under hypoxia only in LSEC. The expression of Del-1 and L1 molecules were obviously different in various tumor cell lines and were differentially regulated under hypoxia. The adhesion of tumor cells with Del-1 or L1 expression was higher in T3A cells than that in LSEC cells, and was significantly increased under hypoxia condition. Furthermore, the adhesion of tumor cells to T3A could be inhibited by antibodies against alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5, or SiRNAs for beta3 and beta5.

CONCLUSIONalphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 and their ligands Del-1 and L1 may play an important role in tumor cell migration.

Antibodies ; immunology ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Integrin alphaVbeta3 ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; immunology ; metabolism ; Ligands ; Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; pharmacology ; Receptors, Vitronectin ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism