Objective To study whether the mechanism of mifepristone in treating adenomyosis is suppressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1(MMP-9/TIMP-1). Methods Thirty-five patients in the mifepristone treated group(19 cases of adenomyosis) and the control group(16 cases of adenomyosis,non-drug treated) underwent hysterectomy.Endometrium was looked as eutopic endometrium and adenomyosis as ectopic endometrium.Expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium were measured by immunohistochemical techniques. Results The ectopic endometrium of the mifepristone treated group expressed lower level of MMP-9,higher level of TIMP-1 and lower ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 than the ectopic endometrium of the control group(P

Jin's three-needle technique is named after Professor JIN Rui. The connotation of Jin's three-needle technique is summarized by his followers through long-term teaching and clinical practice. His principle and method of point combination are based on syndrome differentiation of acupuncture. And his unique needling technique and treating principle of mental tranquilization also play an important role in his clinical practice.
Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Needles

Student preparation for laboratory sessions is the first step of conducting laboratory experiments. It makes students maximize use of laboratory time and efficiently perform laboratory exercises in open labs. In view of teaching features and requirements of Microbiology experiment, we designed and developed ‘Online Student Preparation and Management System of Microbiology Experiment’, which integrated func- tions of student preparation for laboratory sessions and teacher management. In the system each experiment consists of six successive parts, viz., learning objectives, principle, materials and equipments, procedure video, manipulation simulation and online quiz. Teaching practices showed that the application of the system enhanced the preparing quality and makes the management of the experiment teaching more normalized and efficient. It was an effective measure in improving experimental teaching of Microbiology.

The proposed registration algorithm based on wavelet transform is a multi-resolution block matching one, which exploits the hierarchical self-similarity of Digital Subtraction Angiography images. This method befittingly trades off between the estimation precision and computational complexity, because the registration precision is from coarse to fine, which reduces the searching complexity of motion vector. This technique has been proved that the convergence speed is exponential. The proposed method takes full advantage of the precise location both temporally and frequently which characterizes the wavelet transform. Both the matching speed and consistency are boosted without the loss of matching performance.
Algorithms ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; methods ; Artifacts ; Artificial Intelligence ; Brain ; diagnostic imaging ; Image Enhancement ; methods ; Motion ; Sensitivity and Specificity

In order to demonstrate PTB bind to HPRE,reverse transcription,PCR-mediated detection,were used.HepG2.2.15 cell line and HBs-HPRE transient expression cells were adopted to identify PTB function in HBV life cycle.The results showed that PTB could directly bind to HPRE RNA.Functional analysis indicated that PTB could inhibit the expression of HBs antigen and this inhibition was in a dose-dependent manner in HepG2.2.15 cells.Higher expression of HBs in cells transfected pcDNA3-HBs-HPRE comparing with pcDNA3-HBs,and this high expression could also be inhibited by PTB.The data demonstrated that PTB inhibits HBs expression by interacting with HPRE.

U-shaped sacral fractures are rare and often difficult to diagnose primarily due to the difficulty in obtaining adequate imaging and the severe associated injuries.These fractures are highly unstable and frequently cause neurological deficits.The majority of surgeons have limited experience in management of U-shaped sacral fractures.No standard treatment protocol for U-shaped sacral fractures has been available till now.This study aimed to examine the management of U-shaped sacral fractures and the early outcomes.Clinical data of 15 consecutive patients with U-shaped sacral fracture who were admitted to our trauma center between 2009 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Demographics,fracture classification,mechanism of injury and operative treatment and deformity angle were assessed.All the patients were treated with lumbopelvic fixation or (and) sacral decompression.EQ-5d score was applied to evaluate the patients' quality of life.Of the 15 consecutive patients with U-shaped sacral fracture,the mean age was 28.8 years (range:15-55 years) at the time of injury.There were 6 females and 9 males.The mean followup time was 22.7 months (range:9-47 months) and mean full weight-bearing time was 9.9 weeks (range:8-14 weeks).Ten patients received lumbopelvic fixation and sacral decompression,one lombosacral fixation,and 4 merely sacral decompression due to delayed diagnosis or surgery.The post-operation deformity angle (mean 27.87°,and range:8°-90°) of the sacrum was smaller than that pre-operation (mean 35.67;range:15-90) with no significance difference noted.At the latest follow-up,all patients obtained neurological recovery with different extents.Visual analogue score (VAS) was reduced from preoperative 7.07 (range:5-9) to postoperetive 1.93 (range:1-3).All patients could walk without any aid after treatment.Eight patients were able to care for themselves and undertook some daily activities.Five patients had returned to work full time.In conclusion,lumbopelvic fixation is an effective method for stabilization of U-shaped sacral fractures with fewer complications developed.Effective reduction and firm fixation are the prerequisite of early mobilization and neurological recovery.Sacral decompression effectively promotes neurological recovery even in patients with old U-shaped sacral fractures.

Nomination, apparatus, manipulating techniques, indications and theoretical basis of 14 single moxibustion styles including Chuijiu (insufflating moxibustion), Dianjiubi Jiu (pecking moxibustion with a pen-like stool), Jiujia Xunjiu (moxibustion with frame), Tongmai Wenyang Jiu (moxibustion for removing meridian obstructions and warming up yang), QifuJiu (moxibustion on umbilicus and abdomen), Xiongyang Jiu (moxibustion on the chest for reinforcing yang qi), Toujing Jiu (moxibustion on head and neck), Anmo Jiu (moxibustion with massage), Zhiti Jiu (moxibustion on extremities), Guan Jiu (moxibustion with a tube), Zu Jiu (moxibustion on foot), Wenzhenjiu (warm needling), Huanong Jiu (festering moxibustion) and Gewu Jiu (indirect moxibustion) are expounded in this article. And 10 compound moxibustion with the combination of 2 or more than 2 above mentioned single moxibustion style under the instruction of combination of local and distal points, combination of upper and lower points as well as combination of frontal and back points are also stated. It suggests to classify moxibustion into categories of festering moxibustion and mild moxibustion, indirect moxibustion and direct moxibustion, and to classify moxibustion apparatus into the categories of treating tools and assisting tools.
Acupuncture ; education ; history ; Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; methods ; China ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; history ; methods ; Schools

OBJECTIVETo study the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of total glycosides of Acanthopanax Giraldii (TGA).

METHODSThe changes of prostaglandin E(2)(PGE(2)), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), nitric oxide (NO), and expressions of COX-1 mRNA and COX-2 mRNA in BALB/c mouse macrophages were observed by the radioimmunoassay, ELISA and nitric acid reduction and RT-PCR in the presence or absence of TGA.

RESULTS(1) TGA could significantly decrease the production of PGE(2)and NO in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The inhibitory rate to LPS-induced PGE(2)production was 87% (TGA 100 mg/L, P<0.05, vs. LPS) and 62% (TGA 20 mg/L, P<0.05, vs. LPS), respectively. The inhibitory rate of NO production in mouse peritoneal macrophages was 49% (TGA 100 mg/L, P<0.05, vs. LPS) and 21% (TGA 20 mg/L, P<0.05 vs. LPS), respectively. TGA could not inhibit LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in mouse peritoneal macrophages. (2) TGA also inhibited the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA in RAW264.7 cells. The inhibitory rate of TGA to COX-1 mRNA was 22% (TGA 100 mg/L, P<0.05, vs. blank). The inhibitory rate of TGA to COX-2 mRNA was 55% (TGA 20 mg/L, P<0.05, vs. LPS) and 100% (TGA 100 mg/L, P<0.01 vs. LPS), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe anti-inflammatory mechanisms of TGA for inhibiting the production of NO and PGE(2)are through inhibiting COX-2 mRNA expression without TNF-alpha changes.

Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Cyclooxygenase 1 ; genetics ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; genetics ; Dinoprostone ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Eleutherococcus ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; drug effects ; Glycosides ; pharmacology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical and radiologic outcomes of bilateral uncovertebral joints resection and decompression in treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy through anterior approach.

METHODSFrom January 2007 to December 2009, the clinical data of 56 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy undergoing sugical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. There were 33 males and 23 females with an average age of (58.83 +/- 8.01) years (ranged 41 to 72). The course was from 5 to 48 months with an average of (14.09 +/- 8.54) months. All patients underwent bilateral uncovertebral joints resection, vertebral canal decompression and fusion through anterior approach. Perioperative, radiologic,nerve functional parameters were analyzed before and after operation. Perioperative parameters included hospital stay days and blood loss volume and operative time; radiologic parameters included vertebral height and lordosis angle and fusion rate; and according to JOA score to evaluate the nerve function.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 12 to 30 months with an average of 18.2 months. Hospital stay days, blood loss volume and operative time were (4.42 +/- 0.25) d, (195.51 +/- 23.67) ml and (145.52 +/- 28.29) min, respectively. Preoperative vertebral height was (5.19 +/- 0.03) cm, and postoperative 1 year arrived to (5.37 +/- 0.29) cm, there was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative (P > 0.05). Lordosis angle increased from preoperative (1.53 +/- 0.03) degrees to (7.78 +/- 0.66) degrees at the 1 year after operation (P<0.01). Fusion rate was 96.5% at the 1 year after operation. JOA score increased from preoperative 8.69 +/- 2.13 to 15.58 +/- 2.45 at the 1 year after operation (P < 0.001). According to standard of JOA scoring, 20 cases were excellent, 28 good, 7 fair and 1 poor.

CONCLUSIONUncovertebral joints resection and decompression through anterior cervical approach in treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is safe and reliable, which can get satisfactory clinical outcomes. This surgical procedure is suitabl oe for the patients of cervical spondylosis, especially combined canal stenosis and osteophytosis of the uncovertebral joint.

Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiculopathy ; etiology ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Spondylosis ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the operation techniques and clinical effects of hollow lag screws for the treatment of Hoffa fractures.

METHODSFrom February 2001 to May 2009, 13 patients with Hoffa fractures were treated with hollow lag screws, including 8 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 23 to 45 years, with a mean age of 34.2 years. Six patients had the fractures on the left, 7 patients on the right. According to the Letenneuer type, femur lateral condyle: type I in 3 cases, type III in 2 cases; femur medial condyle: type I in 3 cases, type II in 2 cases, type III in 3 cases. According to the type of fracture, hollow lag screws were used to treat the fracture with different approach.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 23 months,with a mean of 16.5 months. All the patients had no complications such as popliteal artery, tibial nerve or peroneal nerve injuries. According to Letenneur knee function score: 10 patients got an excellent result, 3 good. At the half year after operation, the X-ray showed all the fractures had bone union. There were no hollow lag screw loosening, broken or nonunion.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical effect of hollow lag screw for the treatment of Hoffa fractures is satisfactory. The surgical approach and fixation should be determined by the type of fracture, the location of the fracture line and the size of fracture fragments.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged