Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at meridian point on the mRNA expressions of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and corticosteroid (CORT) in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats.MethodsA total of 150 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups by random number table method: normal control group, sham operation group, model group, meridian point electroacupuncture group and non-meridian point electroacupuncture group, with 30 rats in each group. A model of focal cerebral ischemic reperfusion was induced using the modified intraluminal thread method. In the meridian point electroacupuncture group, at 6 h after cerebral ischemia reperfusion, acupuncture “LI11” on both sides, bilateral “ST36”, “GV20”, ”GV16” daily for 7 d. The neurological deficits were evaluated 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d after cerebral ischemia reperfusion, and then all rats were sacrificed and the hippocampi were harvested. The mRNA expressions of CRF and CORT in the hippocampus were determined by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsThe mRNA expressions of CRF (1.122 ± 0.249, 1.190 ± 0.666, 0.454 ± 0.612 in the model group; 0.021 ± 0.049, 0.021 ± 0.027, 0.035 ± 0.005 in the sham operation group) and CORT (0.917 ± 0.113, 1.024 ± 0.290, 0.709 ± 0.055 in the model group; 0.016 ± 0.013, 0.016 ± 0.006, 0.043 ± 0.006 in the sham operation group) in the hippocampus 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly increased in the model group compared with the sham operation group (all P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of CRF (0.424 ± 0.104, 0.339 ± 0.476, 0.095 ± 0.021) and CORT (0.377 ± 0.073, 0.138 ± 0.025, 0.158 ± 0.010) in the hippocampus 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly decreased in the meridian point electroacupuncture group compared with the mode1 group (allP<0.01). The neurological deficits scale 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly decreased in the meridian point electroacupuncture group compared with the mode1 group (1.83 ± 0.75, 1.50 ± 0.55 and 1.17±0.41 in the meridian point electroacupuncture group; 2.50 ± 0.84, 2.33 ± 0.52 and 1.67 ± 0.52 in the model graoup; allP<0.01). Conclusion Electricacupuncture at meridian point can reduce the mRNA expressions of CRF and CORT in the hippocampus, and improve neurological deficits after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats.

BACKGROUND: Geshu (BL 17) is one of eight influential points of blood, acting on tonifying blood, nourishing blood, activating blood circulation and resolving stasis.OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Geshu (BL 17) on activating blood circulation and resolving stasis in blood stagnation syndrome with acupuncture.DESIGN: Randomized controlled and normal controlled observations were designed.SETTING: Union Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 65 cases of blood stagnation syndrome were selected from inpatients in Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Union Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology.METHODS: Totally 65 cases were randomized into experiment group (33cases) and the control (32 cases). In the control, the patent Chinese drug,longxuejie was administrated orally for activating blood circulation and resolving stasis, 4 tablets/time, 3 times/day, 15 days made 1 course of treatment. In experiment group, Geshu (BL 17) was localized bilaterally; after routine sterilization on the points, a filiform needle, 25 mm in length was inserted and manipulated with even technique after arrival of qi for 5 minutes. In 15 minutes of needle retaining, the needle was manipulated for another 5 minutes and retained for 10 minutes, and then, the needle was withdrawn. The treatment was given once a day. Radioimmunoassay (RIA)was applied to determine the levels of 6-K-P and thromboxane B2 (TXB2)in plasma. Criteria on clinical therapeutic effects: Being cured is determined by slight red tongue, retarded and forceful pulse, disappearance of limb pain, skin and mucosal ecchymosis and dysmenorrhea, basic recovery of motor function in hemiplegia and disappearance of numbness. Being effective is by dark red tongue, slightly hesitant pulse, alleviation of limb pain, reducing of skin and mucosal ecchymosis, alleviation of dysmenorrhea, partial recovery of motor function in hemiplegia and alleviation of numbness. No effect is by none of any change of clinical symptoms in comparison before and after treatment.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Observation of therapeutic effects between two groups. ② Observation of plasma 6-K-P and TXB2 levels and 6-K-P/TXB2RESULTS: Totally 65 cases were all in the result analysis. ① Observation of therapeutic effects between two groups: The therapeutic effect in experiment group was higher remarkably than that in the control [be cured:(15,10); be effective: (13,11)]. ② Comparison of plasma 6-K-P levels: In experiment group, it was higher remarkably after treatment compared with that before treatment [(159.28±16.48), (117.25±16.47) μg/L, P ＜ 0.05]. In the control, it was higher remarkably after treatment compared with that before treatment [(133.51±13.97), (114.64±16.39) μg/L, P ＜ 0.05]. ③Comparison of plasma TXB2 level: In experiment group, it was lower remarkably after treatment compared with that before treatment [(98.21±11.38), (110.45±1067) μg/L, P ＜ 0.05]. In the control, it was lower remarkably after treatment compared with that before treatment [(101.15 ±12.14), (109.21±11.58) μg/L, P ＜ 0.05]. ④ Plasma 6-K-P/TXB2: In experiment group, it was higher remarkably after treatment compared with that before treatment (1.621±0.203, 1.101±0.316, P ＜ 0.05). In the control,it was higher remarkably after treatment compared with that before treatment (1.322±0.216, 1.234±0.305, P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION: Acupuncture on Geshu (BL 17) increases 6-K-P level and 6-K-P/TXB2 and reduces TXB2 level. It is explained that acupuncture on Geshu (BL 17) regulates imbalance of PGI2-TXA2 system in blood stagnation syndrome so that the blood circulation is activated and stasis is resolved.

0.05), the IFN ?R1 in advanced cases without splenectomy was low ( P

Objective To investigate the clinical value of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT)in diagnosis of internal abdominal hernia (IAH).Methods The MSCT findings in 1 5 patients with IAH confirmed by surgery were retrospectively analyzed.Results MSCT showed intestinal obstruction in 14 patients with strangulating intestinal obstruction in 8.The typical features of MSCT were as follows:translocated position of intestines (occupying effect),closed loop intestinal obstruction (gathered intestinal loops with different forms),assembled,expanded and translocated blood vessels of mesenteries,and thickened intestinal walls with ischemic edema and abnormal density.Surgical results showed paraduodenal hernia in 2,transomental hernia in 2,transmesenteric hernia in 5,ankylenteron strap hernias in 4,pericecal hernia in 1 and hernia through the Douglas fossa in 1,Intestinal obstruction in 14 and strangulating intestinal obstruction in 8 were also confirmed by surgery.The CT findings of IAH were correlated with the surgical results,and the accurate rate of grading of intestinal obstruction with CT was also consistent with the surgical results (Kappa=0.758,t=3.462,P=0.001).Conclusion IAH can be diagnosed accurately by MSCT in most patients,MSCT is helpful for guiding the surgical programs.

Objective To evaluate the value of proton magnetic resonance spectrum (1H-MRS) in the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) patients with white matter lesions (WMLs).Methods Multi voxel 1H-MRS were performed to 30 patients with AD,30 patients with VD,and 30 normal control volunteers.The levels of the N-acetylaspartate (NAA),myo-inositol (mI),glutamate (Glu),and creatine (Cr) were measured in the white matter adjacent to the lateral ventricles.The ratios of NAA/Cr,mI/Cr and Glu/Cr were calculated and compared among the group.Comparisons of the 1H-MRS indexes among AD,VD and NC group were conducted by one-way ANOVA.Results NAA/Cr ratios of the region of interesting in AD (1.59±0.15)and VD(1.53±0.12) group were significantly decreased compared with NC (1.79±0.22)group (P＜0.05),and Glu/Cr ratios of the region of interesting in AD(0.41±0.03) and VD(0.49±0.04) group were significantly decreased compared with NC(0.57±0.05) group (P＜0.05).However,there were not significant differences for NAA/Cr ratios of the paraventricular white matter region between AD and VD group (P＞0.05),and Glu/Cr ratios in AD and VD groups were significantly different (P＜0.05).A significantly increased mI/Cr was found in AD (0.68±0.05) group than in VD(0.57±0.04) and NC(0.55±0.03) groups (P＜0.05),and there were no significant changes in mI/Cr ratios between VD and NC groups (P＞0.05).Conciusion Multi-voxel 1H-MRS is an effective method in the differential diagnosis of dementia,and changes of the mI/Cr and Glu/Cr ratios of the white matter adjacent to the lateral ventricles may help to identify the AD and VD patients.

Objective To explore the multi-modal MRI characteristics of breast cancers in dense breasts.Methods 120 patients with breast cancer shown on mammography underwent breast MRI,which were solitary and confirmed by pathological examination. According to the BI-RADS classification of breast,the 120 cases were divided into two groups including dense type breast and non-dense type one.The differences in morphological features,ADC values (b=1 000 s/mm2 )and time-signal intensity curve (TIC)of the lesions between two groups were analyzed and compared.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS1 6.0.Results The breast cancers in dense breast were vulnerable to have a spiculated margin (44/68 in the dense breast group vs.1 6/52 in the non-dense breast group,P =0.000).The size of the lesion in dense breast (1.83 ±0.98)cm was bigger than that in non-dense breast (1.40±0.46)cm (P =0.005).The non-mass-like enhancement of the lesion in dense breast was much more than that in non-dense breast (P =0.000).In addition,the average ADC values of the lesion in dense breast (0.89±0.12)×10 -3 mm2/s were lower than in non-dense breast (0.95±0.10)×10 -3 mm2/s(P =0.01 6).Conclusion The breast cancer in the dense breast has different MRI findings in comparison with non-dense breast.

Aim To observe the physical coupling between transient receptor potential channel vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4 ) and cPLA2 in endothelial cells. Methods We investigated the physical association of TRPV4-cPLA2 coupling by immunofluorescence reso-nance energy transfer (immuno-FRET)to assess the spatial proximity between TRPV4 and cPLA2 in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC),primary cul-tured endothelial cells and in thoracic aortas rings from high salt-induced hypertension mice.Results At the cellular level,with high salt treatment,the physical in-teraction of TRPV4 and cPLA2 was significantly en-hanced in primary vascular endothelial cells and HMEC.Furthermore, in thoracic aortas rings from high salt-induced hypertension mice,we found an in-creases interaction between TRPV4 and cPLA2 in en-dothelial cells from arterial segments .Conclusion High-salt treatment increases the endothelial TRPV4-cPLA2 coupling,indicating that this coupling may pro-vide a new target for vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Objective To evaluate the application of abbreviated protocol (AP) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in screening of breast cancer with dense breast tissue.Methods Total 478 patients with dense breast tissue,who had negative X-ray mammography (MG),underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI).The AP MRI,which consisted of first postcontrast subtracted (FAST) and maximum-intensity projection (MIP),and full diagnostic protocol (FDP) MRI images were analyzed by Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS).Among 478 patients the histopathological diagnosis was available in 39 cases (41 breast lesions).With pathological diagnosis as gold standard,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of AP and FDP in breast cancer detection were evaluated.Results In 41 breast lesions there were 16 malignant lesions and 25 benign lesions.FDP detected all 16 malignant lesions,including 9 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ,6 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma and 1 case of mucinous carcinoma;AP detected 15 out of 16 cases of breast cancer.The sensitivity of FDP and AP in detection of breast malignant lesions was 16/16 and 15/16,respectively (x2 =0.725,P =0.224).The specificity of FDP and AP was 92％ (23/25) and 76％ (19/25),respectively (x2 =6.327,P =0.012).Conclusion For women with dense breast tissue AP of MRI can be used in early screening of breast cancer.

Objective To label neural stem cells (NSCs) with superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIO) and to explore the tropism of NSCs after transplantation into the hippocampus of APP/PS1 AD mice by MRI.Methods NSCs from C57BL/6 mouse were cultured and identified.Feridex and Poly-L-Lysine were added into the medium to be co-cultured to make magnetic labeled NSCs and transmission electron microscopy was used to identify the iron particles in NSCs.Transgenic (tg) and wild-type (wt) mice at 12 months of age were divided into three groups: SPIOs labeled NSCs group (A and C),unlabeled NSCs group(B).Feridex-labeled NSCs were migrated into the hippocampus of APP/PS1 AD mice to monitor in vivo by MRI.After 1,2,4 and 6 weeks,the mice were sacrificed and their brain tissues were sectioned to investigate the migration of SPIO labeled NSCs and compared with MRI.Results NSCs of C57BL/6 mice were cultured successfully.Transmission electron microscope showed visible iron granules in cytoplasm.MRI detection of labeled cells: T2WI and T2* WI showed remarkable low signal intensity at the hippocampus injection points 1 week after transplantation,particularly on T2* WI.Area of low signal intensity enlarged increasingly along the injection points after 2 weeks.At 4 weeks,area of low signal intensity spread throughout the hippocampus,but intensity shadowed Six weeks later,low signal intensity almost disappeared.There was no obvious low signal change in unlabeled cell transplantation group.For wt mice,size and location of low signal did not appear obvious change at all designated time points.Prussian blue positive cells were observed in the hippocampus,indicating that NSCs labeled with SPIO could survive,migrate and differentiate in the brain of the APP/PS1 AD mice.Changes of pathology were well correlated with the area where a signal intensity loss was observed in MRI 1,2,4 and 6 weeks after transplantation Conclusions Diffuse migration of transplanted NSCs labeled with SPIO is observed in the hippocampus in APP/PS1 tg mice,and MRI technique is an ideal method for tracking labeled stem cells after grafting in vivo.

Objective To explore the value of 1H-MRS on the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation in an APP-PS1 double transgenic (tg) AD mouse model.Methods NSCs from C57BL/6 mice were cultured and amplified.APP-PS1 tg mice (n =30) aged 12 months were used as the study group,and mild-type mice (n =15) were used as the control group.Animals in the study group were randomized into two subgroups,the AD mice in one subgroup received NSCs transplantation (NSCs group) and in another subgroup received phosphate buffer saline (PBS,PBS group)in bilateral hippocampal CA1.Animals in the control group were not treated.Using a 7.0 T high-fieldstrength MR imager,1H-MRS was performed before and 6 weeks after transplantation to measure the area under the peak of n-acetyl aspartate (NAA),glutamate (Glu),myo-inositol ( mI),choline (Cho) and creatine (Cr) in the hippocampal area,NAA/Cr,Glu/Cr,mI/Cr and Cho/Cr ratio were calculated and compared with histopathological results (including Nissl's staining and electron microscope examination).Comparisons among NSCs,PBS and control groups were conducted by one-way ANOVA.Results NSCs from C57BL/6 mice were cultured successfully. Before transplantation,the mean NAA/Cr,Glu/Cr and mI/Cr in NSCs,PBS and control groups were 0.89 ± 0.05,0.88 ± 0.04 and 1.15 ± 0.05,0.40 ± 0.03,0.39 ± 0.03 and 0.45 ± 0.05,0.67 ± 0.05,0.67 ± 0.05 and 0.52 ± 0.04,respectively,and differences were statistically significant (F =148.918,7.529,59.468,P ＜ 0.01 ). There were no significant differences in NAA/Cr,mI/Cr and Glu/Cr ratios between NSCs and PBS groups before transplantation (t =0.147,0.096,0.207,P ＞ 0.05 ),but the differences were significant compared with the control group (t =0.255,0.467,0.171 and t =0.269,0.527,0.151,P ＜0.05).Six weeks after transplantation,the mean NAA/Cr,Glu/Cr and mI/Cr in three groups were 1.13 ±0.07,0.86 ±0.05 and 1.14 ±0.05,0.45 ± 0.04,0.38 ± 0.02 and 0.44 ± 0.03,0.58 ± 0.04,0.67 ± 0.04 and 0.53 ± 0.04,respectively,and differences were statistically significant ( F =112.092,23.076,44.367,P ＜ 0.01 ).NAA/Cr and Glu/Cr ratios were increased and mI/Cr was decreased in NSCs group,and the difference was significant compared with PBS group at the same time point ( t =0.271,0.071,0.089,P ＜ 0.05 ).There were no significant differences in NAA/Cr and Glu/Cr ( t =0.013,0.012,P ＞ 0.05 ),but there was a significant difference in mI/Cr between NSCs and control groups ( t =0.046,P ＜ 0.05).There were no significant differences in Cho before and after transplantation among the three groups (P ＞ 0.05 ). Nissl's staining showed that the number of neurons in the hippocampal area increased more significantly in tg mice receiving NSCs than that without receiving NSCs.Electron microscopy showed that most hippocampal NSCs in NSCs group were morphologically normal with abundant organelles,while hippocampal NSCs in PBS group were swollen with sparse synapses.Conclusion 1H-MRS is able to display intracranial metabolite changes before and after NSCs in APP-PS1 double transgenic AD mice and has an applicable value in evaluating the therapeutic effect of NSCs on AD.