Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of tuina manipulations in treating different types of tic disorders (TD). Methods: Eligible TD patients were classified into three types, transient tic disorders (TTD), chronic multiple tic disorders (CMTD) and Tourette syndrome (TS), according to their disease duration and severity. The three types of children were treated with the same tuina manipulations. Changes in the Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) score, effective rate for tic, and cervical spine imaging examination results (including asymmetry of the lateral atlanto-dental interval, broadened anterior atlanto-dental interval, C2 spinous process deviation, occipito-atlanto-axial flexion/ extension instability) were observed after 1-month and 3-month treatments respectively. Results: The YGTSS score changed significantly after 1-month and 3-month treatments compared with that before treatment (both P<0.01); the effective rate for TD was 46.6％ and 86.7％ respectively after 1-month and 3-month treatments; there were significant differences comparing the effective rate for tic between different types of TD after 1-month and 3-month treatments (all P<0.05); comparing the effective rate for tic after 1-month treatment with that after 3-month treatment for the same type, the intra-group differences were statistically significant [TTD group (P<0.01), CMTD group (P<0.01), TS group (P<0.05)]; the abnormal parameter rates in neck imaging examination after 3-month treatment were significantly different from those before treatment (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Tuina manipulation is effective for TTD, CMTD and TS. It can correct the abnormal alterations of patients' cervical vertebrae, and its efficacy for TTD is most significant.

Objective To explore the expression of HCK gene during the cardiomyocyte differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells and analyze the role of HCK gene in maintenance of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells.Methods Mouse embryonic stem cells were cultured,then induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes.Total RNAs were isolated from mouse embryonic stem cells in the differentiation days:0 day(D0),the second day(D2),the fourth day(D4),the sixth day(D6),the eighth day(D8),respectively.The levels of HCK mRNAs were assessed by the method of semi-quantitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).In the meanwhile,Total proteins were also isolated from mouse embryonic stem cells in the differentiation D0,D2,D4,D6,D8,and the levels of HCK proteins were evaluated by Western-blot.Results HCK mRNAs could be detected in the mouse embryonic stem cells in D0 and D2,however,they were undetectable from D4 to D8.The expression of HCK mRNAs was rapidly down-regulated during cardiomyocyte differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.Expression of HCK proteins,which coincided with HCK mRNAs,down-regulated during differentiation and couldn't be detected in D4.Conclusions With the cardiomyocyte differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells,the expression of HCK in the levels of mRNA and proteins are sharply down-regulated;HCK may play an important role in maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cell.

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) plays critical roles in cell biological functions. Here we investigated the effects of SphK1 inhibitor SKI II on hepatoma HepG2 cell cycle progression and invasion. Cell survival was determined by SRB assay, cell cycle progression was assayed by flow cytometry, the ability of cell invasion was measured by Matrigel-Transwell assay and protein expression was detected by Western blotting. The results showed that SKI II markedly inhibited HepG2 cell survival in a dose-dependent manner, induced G1 phase arrest in HepG2 cell and inhibited cell invasion. SKI II markedly decreased the expressions of G1-phase-related proteins CDK2, CDK4 and Cdc2 and the levels of cell invasion-associated proteins MMP2 and MMP9. The results showed that SKI II inhibited cell cycle progression and cell invasion, implying SphK1 as a potential target for hepatoma treatment.
CDC2 Protein Kinase ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases ; metabolism ; G1 Phase ; drug effects ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Thiazoles ; pharmacology

The study aims to investigate the embryo-fetus development toxicity of the novel PPAR-δ agonist HS060098 on SD rats. The pregnant rats that were randomly divided into the solvent control group (1% hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose water solution) and HS060098 suspension groups (10, 30 and 100 mg x kg(-1) xd(-1)) were orally administered with HS060098 suspension or vehicle during the gestation of 6 -15 days (GD6-15). At termination (GD20), female rats were sacrificed. The pregnant females were evaluated by corpora lutea count, implantation sites, existence and death of embryos. Fetal sex, weight, externals, variations and malformations of viscus and skeleton were observed. The results show that there were no significant abnormality in maternal general conditions and fetal appearance as well as viscera, but in the 100 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) group, the maternal weight gain decreased greatly (P < 0.01) and the skeletal ossification delayed remarkably (P < 0.01); in the 30 mg x kg(-1) xd(-1) group, the fatal and litter number of incompletely ossified sternebrae II was higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05); the skeletal malformations occurred in all dose groups, which indicate that the novel PPAR-δ agonist HS060098 had maternal toxicity and adversely effected fetal skeletal development under the experimental conditions.
Animals ; Bone and Bones ; drug effects ; Embryonic Development ; drug effects ; Female ; Fetal Weight ; PPAR delta ; agonists ; Pregnancy ; Rats ; Toxicity Tests

Objective To investigate the potential association between 163A/G and 950T/C polymorphisms of osteoprotegerin(OPG)gene and severe pre-eclampsia.Methods Eighty-five severe preeclamptic patients and 81 normal term pregnant women(as control group)were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,West China Second University Hospital,Sichuan University during the period from July 2007 to March 2009,and they were all Han population living in Chengdu,China.Genotype and allele frequencies of 163A/G and 950T/C were determined by the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP)assay.Clinical and biochemical parameters for different alleles between the patients and controls were compared for statistical significance respectively,such as blood pressure,serum creatinine and 24-hour urine protein.Results The observed and expected genotype counts were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.No significant differences were found in the genotype and allele frequencies of 163A/G and 950T/C polymorphisms between the two groups(P ＞ 0.05).However,in the preeclamptic group,serum creatinine was significantly higher in women with the AG + GG genotypes [(76 ±24)μmol/L]compared with AA genotype[(56 ± 18)μmol/L].Reversely,birth weight was lower in the AG + GG genotypes[(2040 ± 721)g]than those in the AA genotype[(2520 ± 810)g],and the P ＜0.05,respectively.In the severe pre-eclampsia,950T/C TT genotype carriers exhibited significantly higher systolic blood pressure[(153 ± 16)mm Hg(1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa)]and 24-hour urine protein [(4.0±2.5)g]compared with TT + TC carriers[(145 ±17)mm Hg,(2.9±1.8)g],respectively,furthermore the P ＜ 0.05.Conclusions In severe pre-eclampsia,carriers with G allele at position 163A/G has more genetic predisposition than A allele carriers,as well as 950T/C T allele carriers compared with C carriers.Taken together,this study suggested that OPG gene polymorphisms might be associated with some clinical parameters of severe pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVETo treat unstable fractures of the distal end of the radius with open reduction and internal fixation with T-type plate.

METHODS45 patients were treated with T-type plate. Bone graft was used in fifteen patients with severe bone defect. Clinical findings of 45 patients with fractures of the distal end of the radius (one is bilateral fractures) showed fairly good results.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for an average period of 25.36 months. 41 patients showed excellent or good results with a rate of 91.11%.

CONCLUSIONIt is difficult to reduce unstable fracture of the distal end of the radius in the way of close reduction. Re-displacement is frequent for external fixation and is not reliable in maintaining reduction. These fractures should be treated with early open reduction and internal fixation, and reasonable exercise should be taken after the operation. Good results can be predicted. The most important factors affecting final outcome include radial shortening and reduction of articular surface.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; surgery

Objective To investigate the radiosensitizing effects of dihydroartemisinin(DHA)on human HeLa cells of cervical cancer irradiated by X rays.Methods Cell growth kinetics was determined using MTF assay.Cell survival was analyzed by elonogenic assay.The change of cell cycle and apeptosis was measured by flow cytometry.Results Dihydroartemisinin inhibited the growth of HeLa cells of human cervical cancer and showed a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner.Dihydroartemisinin(20 μmol/L)showed the radiosensitizing effects on HeLa cells,and the sensitizing enhancement ratio(SER)was 1.47.Dihydroartemisinin abrogated radiation-induced G2 arrest of the tested HeLa cells,the G2 ratio of medicine + radiation group dechned from 73.58% to 48.31%.Dihydroartemisinin enhanced the apoptosis of HeLa cells by X-irradiation,the apoptosis rates of medicine + radiation group significantly increased from 29.46%,48.04%,70.21% to 45.79%,66.36% and 79.58%,respectively for 2,4 and 6 Gy.Conclusions Dihydroartemisinin could increase the radiesensitivity of HeLa cells of human cervical cancer.Abrogation of radiation-induced C2 arrest could be part of the mechanism.

Objective To discuss the technical skill of super-selective catheterization for “one-way valve occlusion” of the common hepatic artery during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods A total of 128 patients with “one-way valve occlusion”of the common hepatic artery were enrolled in this study, who were admitted to authors’ department to receive TACE during the period from 2000 to 2011. The lesions included hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 110), cholangiocellular carcinoma (n = 3) and hepatic metastasis (n=15). “One-way valve occlusion”of the common hepatic artery occurred in 90 patients (70.3%, 90/128) after 2-5 times of TACE had been carried out, and in the other 38 patients (29.7%, 39/128) the “one- way valve occlusion” of the common hepatic artery was recognized at the initial TACE procedure. Super-selective hepatic catheterization was performed via the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) approach or celiac artery (CA) approach using coaxial micro-catheter catheterization technique. The success rate and fluoroscopy time of super-selective catheterization were recorded, and the results were compared between the two approaches. Results A total of 337 times of hepatic super-selection catheterization were performed in 128 patients, with a mean of 2.6 times for each case. The success rate was 100%. Of the 337 procedures, the catheterization was via CA approach in 148 (43.9%, 148/337) and via SMA approach in 189 (56.1%, 189/337). The mean fluoroscopy time in CA approach group was 3.2 minutes(ranged 1-6 minutes), and in SMA group was 15.3 minutes(ranged 5-40 minutes). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Super- selective hepatic catheterization for “one-way valve occlusion” of the common hepatic artery can be achieved through SMA approach or CA approach by using coaxial micro-catheter catheterization. Compared with SMA approach, the technique of hepatic catheterization through CA approach is much simpler and the fluoroscopy time is significantly shorter.

Objective To evaluated the clinical significance of embolization of arterio-portal venous shunt (APVS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with main portal vein tumor thrombus (MPVTT) treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and portal vein stenting. Methods Twenty-six HCC patients with MPVTT and marked APVS, who were treated with TACE and portal vein stenting, were enrolled in this study. Portal vein stenting was performed via percutaneous transhepatic approach, which was followed by the embolization of the feeding arteries of APVS by using suitable embolic agents. The portal vein pressure levels were separately measured before, after portal vein stenting and after APVS embolization. The results were statistically analyzed. Results Both the portal vein stenting and APVS embolization were successfully accomplished in all the 26 patients. Hepatic angiography and portal venography performed before portal vein stenting revealed bidirectional portal flow in 16 cases and hepatofugal portal flow in 10 cases. Among the 16 patients with bidirectional portal flow, remarkable improvement of portal vein to liver blood flow after portal vein stenting was seen in 14, and obvious recovery of main portal vein to liver blood flow after APVS embolization in 2. Obvious recovery of main portal vein to liver blood flow after APVS embolization was also demonstrated in 10 cases with hepatofugal portal flow. The portal vein pressure determined before, after portal vein stenting and after APVS embolization was (50.1±6.3) cmH2O,(43.5± 7.5) cmH2O and (36.9 ±8.2) cmH2O respectively. After portal vein stenting the portal vein pressure was significantly decreased when compared with the preoperative pressure, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); after APVS embolization the portal vein pressure was further decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion For HCC patients with MPVTT and marked APVS, portal vein stenting can effectively restore the portal blood flow and reduce the portal vein pressure; and embolization of APVS can further reduce the pressure of portal vein, thus the bidirectional portal flow or hepatofugal portal flow will return to normal hepatopetal flow.

Objective To observe the dynamic changes of ghrelin of spleen-qi-deficiency rats and the intervention effects ofSijunzi Decoction.Methods Experimental rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group andSijunzi Decoction group. Except for normal control group, spleen-qi-deficiency model was copied through the two-factor methods of breaking qi by bitter cold and swimming exhausted. Meanwhile,Sijunzi Decoction group was given 20 g/(kg?d)Sijunzi Decoction intervention. The activities of GAS, MTL, SS and VIP at different time points (14, 21, 28 d) in intestine and serum were detected by ELISA and RIA. At the same time the intervention effect of Sijunzi Decoction was studied.Results Compared with normal control group, GAS and MTL in intestine and serum of model rats decreased, while SS and VIP increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with model group, GAS and MTL in intestine and serum of rats in theSijunzi Decoction group increased, while SS and VIP decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Ghrelin in intestine and serum of spleen-qi-deficiency rats shows dynamic coincidental changes.Sijunzi Decoction can treat spleen qi deficiency by regulating the activities of rat ghrelin.