OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Dazhui" (GV 14) on Wnt-β-catenin signal pathway in annulus fibrosus cells in intervertebral disc in rats with cervical spondylosis.

METHODSForty SD rats were randomized into a control group, a model group, an EA group and a medication group, 10 rats in each one. Rats in the control group were treated with sham operation, only incision on local skin; rats in the remaining groups were made into cervical spondylosis models. After model establishment, rats in the control group and model group received fixed treatment under identical condition; rats in the EA group were treated with EA at "Dazhui" (GV 14), 30 min per treatment; rats in the medication group were treated with intragastric administration of meloxicam tablets. Treatments were both given once a day, and 14 days were taken as one session; there was an interval of 2 days between two sessions, and totally two sessions were given. After the treatments, immunohistochemistry was applied to measure the expression of Wnt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and Axin in annulus fibrosus cells; western blot was used to test the expression of P-β-catenin.

RESULTSIn the control group, there were more positive cells of Wnt, GSK-3β and Axin, which were intensively distributed, deeply colored, and strongly positive; In the model group, there were less positive cells of Wnt, GSK-3β and Axin, which were sparsely distributed and weakly positive. The expression of Wnt, GSK-3β, Axin and P-β-catenin in the model group was less than that in the control group (all P < 0.05); expression of Wnt, GSK-3β, Axin and P-β-catenin in the EA group and medication group was higher than that in the model group (all P < 0.05); expression of Wnt, GSK-3β, Axin and P-β-catenin was not significantly different between EA group and medication group (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEA could delay the degeneration of intervertebral disc, which may be related to EA inhibiting signal pathway of Wnt-β-catenin.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Fibrosis ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Rats ; Spondylosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; beta Catenin ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To observe the photocoagulation treatment effect of using 532 semiconductor laser in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy .Methods A total of 50 cases(95 eyes) of nonproliferative and proliferative dia betic retinopathy received local retinal photocoagulation ,grid photocoagulation or panretinal photocoagulation treatment carried out by 532 semiconductor laser .We observed visual acuity ,slit lamp biomicroscopy ,intraocular pressure ,oph-thalmoscopy,fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).These patients were followed up for 6 months after laser treatment .Results Among the 95 eyes,visual acuity was improved in 36 eyes (37.9%),unchanged in 52 eyes(54.7%) and decreased in 7 eyes(7.4%).Among the 26 eyes with clinical signifi-cant macular edema ( CSME ) , macular edema was resolved completely or partly resolved after photocoagulation . Conclusion Photocoagulation with 532 semiconductor laser in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy was safe and ef-fective.

Animals ; Arecoline ; pharmacology ; Cholinergic Agonists ; pharmacology ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth ; physiology ; Pyloric Antrum ; physiology ; Receptor, Muscarinic M3 ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestation of hMPV in infants and young chil-dren presented with acute respiratory tract infection and to identify the molecular character. Methods Na-sopharyngeal aspirates were taken from 310 hospitalized pediatric patients from February to May in 2006, March to April in 2008, and September 2008 to February 2009, and the N gene fragments of hMPV were de-tected by nested PCR amplification. Phylogenetic analysis of 17 strains hMPV N genes was performed. The clinical materials of patients were collected and analyzed. All hMPV-positive samples were examined by multi-PCR for other respiratory viruses. Results Of 310 pediatric patients, 20 (6.5%) were positive for hMPV. The median age of hMPV infected children was 15.0 months(from 16 days to 9 years old), 90% (18/20)of the cases were under 2 years, and 60% were male. Phylogenetic analysis of 17 N gene fragments showed that 11 hMPV strains were A2b subtype. 20 hMPV-positive children were subjected to pneumonia, accounting for 7.1% (20/282) among all pneumonia subjects in this study. The common clinical manifesta-tions of hMPV infected patients were cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and fever. 35% (7/20) needed intensive care, 15% (3/20) were given oxygen therapy. The median length of hospital stay was (11.9 ±4.8) d. No significant seasonal distribution of hMPV was displayed. Two patients were coinfected with ade-novirus and rhinovirus respectively. Conclusion hMPV was an important respiratory pathogen in young children subjected to pneumonia in Tianjin. Three subtypes(A2a/A2b, B1, B2) were prevalent in Tianjin, and A2b was the predominant subtype. No significant difference of clinical characters was observed between A and B type hMPV infected patients.

Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Reproduction ; physiology ; Social Behavior ; Tupaiidae ; physiology

Objective To establish HPLC characteristic spectrum of Polygonum Capitatum from GAP planting base, and provide reference for the overall quality control of Polygonum Capitatum. Methods HPLC analysis was performed on a DiamonsiL C18 chromatographic column (250 mm× 4.6 mm, 5μm) with the eluting system of gradient consisted of methanol and 0.2% H3PO4. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was maintained at 25℃ and the detection wavelength was at 254 nm.Results HPLC characteristic spectrum of Polygonum Capitatum samples from 10 different areas was established, which contained 11 common peaks, and the similarities of comparative results were over 90%.Conclusion The established method can be used to determine the characteristic spectrum of Polygonum Capitatum and can provide a basis for the overall quality control and quality standards of Polygonum Capitatum.

Objective To explore the anti-inflammatory effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury in fatty liver rats.Methods A total of 100 male SD rats were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks.After the model was successfully established,the fatty liver rats were randomly divided into sham-operation (SHAM),the ischemia-reperfusion (IR) and EPO preconditioning group.Serum ALT and AST as well as hepatic histopathological changes were measured.Xanthine oxidase method was used to detect the liver tissue SOD.Thiobarbituric acid method was used to detect the MDA.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent adsorption assay (ELISA) was used to detect the plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFαt) and interleukin 1 (IL-1).Results In the EPO preconditioning groups the swelling hepatocytes was observed,but the inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly decreased and no necrosis of hepatocytes was found.ALT and AST in the EPO preconditioning groups were significantly lower than those in IR group (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of SOD activity in the EPO preconditioning groups were significantly higher,but MDA were significantly lower than that in IR group (P ＜ 0.05).The TNF-α and IL-1 in the EPO preconditioning groups were significantly lower than those in IR group (P ＜0.05).The values of ALT,AST,TNF-α,IL-1 and MDA in the EPO groups were:EPO-1 ＞ EPO-2 ＞ EPO-3 (P ＜ 0.05);but the values of SOD in the EPO groups were:EPO-1 ＜ EPO-2 ＜ EPO-3 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions EPO preconditioning has a protective effect against hepatic IR injury in fatty liver rats,possibly through inhibiting the inflammatory reaction to prevent the IR injury.The anti-inflammatory effect of high-dose EPO is better than that of low-dose EPO.

Objective To discuss the correlation between cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN) and uterine cervix cancer and the combination of TCT and colposcope for the investigation of cervical lesion.Methods 5545 patients were preliminarily screened by cervical fluid basement cell folium smear,in which 307 patients are masculine and 219 are negative,the 526 patients are suspected cervical lesions in clinical symptoms and they further underwent colposcopy and biopsy,the results were analyzed by pathohistology which is golden standard.Results CIN coherent dangerous factors analyzed by single factor Logistic regression analysis are:cervical HPV pollution,age of sexual activity,sexual partners numbers,protection of sexual life, STD history,age and frequency of miscarriage ( P < 0.05 ).The coincidence between TCT,colposeopy and pathologic diagnosis are 49.4%, 83.8% ;the omission diagnostic rate of LSIL,HSIL and CC from TCT are 63.63% ,74.44% ,100% ;the omission diagnostic rate of LSIL,HSIL and CC from colposcopy are 33.37%, 12.22% ,0;the sensitivity of TCT,colposcopy and TCT combine colposcopy for CIN are 61.2% ,84.6% ,94.5% and specificity are 85.4% ,88.2.% ,90.8%.Conclusions (1)The generation of CIN and cervical cancer are correlated with cervical HPV pollution,sexual behavior and various kinds of lower genital tract infection.(2) Fluid basement cell folium smear can promote the property of diagnosis,meet the demands of early stage uterus neck cancer and precancer lesion investigation,are suitable to be routine cheek methods in primary hospital.

Objective To investigate the relationship between alteration of gene in cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) signal transduction system in rats after myocardial damage and changes of cardiac function and ventricular remodeling. Methods Twenty eight male Wistar rats weighing 220 g to 250 g were randomly divided into three groups: acute myocardial damage group(AMD, n = 10), chronic myocardial damage group (CMD,n = 9 ) and sham-operation group (control, n = 9). Animal model of acute myocardial damage was established by ligation of rats left coronary artery in the AMD and the CMD groups. Rats in control group were treated similarly, except that the coronary suture was not tied. Hemodynamics and echocardiography were measured before rats were sacrificed 24 hours after operation in control and AMD groups but those in CMD groups were sacrificed 8 weeks later. Cadiocyte apoptosis were estimated by TUNEL method, cAMP levels in heart were tested by radioimmunity and the mRNA expressions for inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) and bcl-2 were assayed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results The difference of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end diastolic pressure(LVEDP), maximal rising and falling rate of ventricular pressure,left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), eject fraction (EF) and fraction shortening (FS) were statistically significant among the three groups(F = 285.9, 196.8, 83.2, 80.4, 54.9, 196.6, 95.2, all P ＜ 0.01). LVEDD[(7.03 ±0.28), (8.20 ± 0.27)mm] and LVEDP[(11.19 ± 2.89), (19.76 ± 3.34)mmHg] in AMD and CMD groups were significantly increased, compared with those in control group[ (5.05 ± 0.30)mm, (- 5.62 ± 3.01 )mmHg, all P ＜0.01 ]. While maximal rising rate[ (2964 ± 449), (2214 ± 434)mmHg/s] and falling rate[(- 2617 ± 441),(- 1891± 424)mmHg/s] of left ventricular pressure, LVSP[ (94.19 ± 4.03), (85.85 ± 6.39)mmHg], EF[ (41.6 ±5.9)%, (35.9 ± 4.1 )%] and FS[ (36.9 ± 4.6)%, (23.1 ± 4.9)%] of left ventricular in the two groups were lower than those in control[(4759 ± 406)mmHg/s, (- 4327 ± 388)mmHg/s, (116.29 ± 8.25)mmHg, (80.9 ± 5.6)%,(53.1 ± 4.3)%, all P ＜ 0.01 ]. These changes in CMD group were more significant than those in AMD groups(P ＜0.05 or P ＜ 0.01 ). The difference of apoptotic index, cAMP and expression of ICER, CREB, PDE3A mRNA and bcl-2 mRNA were statistically significant among the three groups(F= 172.5, 141.0, 540.8, 246.8, 165.1, 563.9,all P＜ 0.01 ). Apoptotic index[ (32.8 ± 4.2)‰, (18.4 ± 3.9)‰] and cAMP in heart[ (9.95 ± 0.30), (5.60 ± 0.25)nmol/kg] in AMD and CMD groups were increased compared to control group[ (3.9 ± 1.7)‰, (2.48 ± 0.29)nmol/kg,all P ＜ 0.01 ], and those in CMD group were lower than in AMD group(all P ＜ 0.01 ). Expression of ICER mRNA (1.434 ± 0.093, 0.942 ± 0.076) and CREB mRNA(5.70 ± 0.50, 2.64 ± 0.51) in AMD and CMD groups were higher, and expression of PDE3A mRNA(48.98 ± 8.14, 16.68 ± 8.46) were lower than those in control group (0.154 ± 0.063, 1.08 ± 0.35, 105.94 ± 12.61, all P ＜ 0.01 ). The three genes in CMD group were fewer than those in AMD group(all P ＜ 0.01 ). bcl-2 mRNA was up regulated in AMD group(4.55 ± 0.27) and was down regulated in CMD group(0.35 ± 0.15) compared to control(2.18 ± 0.30, all P＜ 0.01). Conclusions There is PDE3A-ICER positive-feedback loop leading to myocyte apoptosis and heart failure after myocardial damage. The downregulation of PDE3A mRNA observed in chronic myocardial damage may play a causative role in the progression of ventricular remodeling and heart failure, in part, by inducing ICER mRNA and promoting cardiac myocyte dysfunction.

Objective To evaluate the effect of different nebulization inhalation methods on blood oxygen degree of saturation(SaO2) in infants with asthma.Methods Sixty-two infants with asthma were randomly assigned into 3 groups: air-high-frequency flow stonized inhalation group(n=22),oxygen-high-frequency flow stonized inhalationthe group(n=20) and ultrason jet nebulization group(n=18).Three groups all were gived budesonide suspl.SaO2 was monitored during nubulization.Results There were significant differences of SaO2 levels between oxygen-high-frequency flow stonized inhalationthe group and air-high-frequency flow stonized inhalationthe group,ultrason jet ne-bulization group after 10 min and during inhalation(Pa