This review introduces the mechanism and advantages of laser acupuncture and moxibustion, the biological effect of low-level laser, the characteristics of acupuncture point area and the experimental laws of biological effect.On this basis, the existing problems in clinical application of laser acupuncture and laser acupuncture apparatus are pointed out.The combination therapy method with various wavelength are also discussed, and future development directions in the study are prospected.

Objective To observe the CT findings of hypoplasia of cochlear nerve foramen. Methods CT findings of cochlear nerve foramen were observed in 50 volunteers (100 ears)and in 9 cases with hypoplasia of cochlear nerve foramen.The width of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve were measured in both groups.Results The fissure in the cribriform area were seen in every volunteers.The width of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve was (2.32?0.25)mm in normal group.The stenosis of cochlear nerve foramen were shown in 9 cases (10 ears),the lacking of fissure in the cribriform area were seen in 8 ears, while the fissure were shown in 2 cases.The stenosis of internal auditory canal was shown in 4 cases. Abnormality of vestibule and horizontal semicircular canal was shown in one case.The maximum value of the width of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve was 1.5mm,the minimum value was 0.9 mm.Conclusions The typical CT findings of hypoplasia of cochlear nerve foramen were stenosis of cochlear nerve foramen,the lacking of fissure in the cribriform area and cochlear nerve foramen without helix shape.The hypoplasia of cochlear nerve foramen may be a subtype of cochlear dysplasia.

Objective To evaluate the value of 64-slice spiral CT angiography based on pre- contrasted raw data in diagnosing pulmonary arteriovenous fistula.Methods 64-slice spiral CT plain scan and enhanced scan was performed in 16 patients with pulmonary arteriovenous fistula,pulmonary angiography based on pre-contrast and post-contrast raw data was performed respectively,including maximum intensity projection(MIP),shaded-surface display(SSD),and volume rendering(VR).According to the results of angiocardiography and surgical findings,comparson of the three methods was made in the display of PAVF in pre-contrast and post-contrast phase images.Results 8 of the 16 PAVF cases were single lesion,8 cases were multi-lesions.30 PAVF lesions were found in all the patients.MIP,SSD and VR based on pre-contrast raw data displayed PAVF lesions in 20,14,and 22,respectively.The combination of the 3 methods based on pre-contrast raw data could show 26 PAVF lesions.MIP,SSD,and VR based on post-contrast raw data displayed PAVF lesions in 24,18,and 30,respectively.The combination of the 3 methods based on post- contrast raw data could show 30 PAVF lesions.Conclusion 64-slice spiral CT angiography based on pre- contrasted raw data can clearly show the position,number,and shape of PAVF lesions,which is of great value in diagnosing PAVF.

BACKGROUND:Calcaneus is a kind of irregular bone, with complicated three-dimensional structure. Calcaneus is often measured with X-ray plain film, while spiral CT three-dimensional imaging is a potent technology for anatomic measurement and has good application prospect. However, little is known about it. OBJECTIVE:To measure calcaneal anatomic data in Chinese peoples with spiral CT three-dimensional reconstruction and to explore its clinical significance.
METHODS:Calcaneal spiral CT three-dimensional reconstruction in 100 Chinese adults (including 50 males and 50 females) were performed. The length, width, height of calcaneus, and Bohler’s and Gissane’s angles were measured after reconstruction, and compared with the data of westerners.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mean length, width and height of the Chinese calcaneus were respectively (74.60±5.06) mm, (29.71±2.93) mm and (45.23±4.46) mm in male group, and (71.48±5.36) mm, (26.65±3.01) mm and (42.23±4.49) mm in female group. There were no significant differences between male group and female group in al the above parameters (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the Gissane’s angle between the two groups (123.3±8.5° versus 122.7±8.9°;P>0.05). The Bohler’s angle in male group (35.98±4.34)° was significantly lower than that in female group (38.81±4.43)° (P<0.05). The length, width and height of Chinese calcaneus were significantly lower than those of westerners (P<0.05). The Bohler’s angle and Gissane’s angle in Chinese adults showed no statistical significance compared with the westerners (P>0.05). Experimental findings indicate that, the length, width and height of Chinese calcaneus in female were lower than that in male, but Bohler’s angle is significantly higher than that in male, there was no significant difference in Gissane’s angle between males and females. Compared with the data of westerners, the length, width and height of Chinese adult calcaneus are significantly decreased, and no difference is found in Bohler’s angle and Gissane’s angle.

Limulus Factor C, a serine protease zymogen from the amoebocytes of the limulus, has high affinity for endotoxin. When Factor C is activated by endotoxin, it hydrolyses artificial tripeptide substrate and measurable products are released, so it can be used as an alternative reagent for endotoxin analysis. Factor C gene of Tachypleus tridentatus was obtained through RT-PCR and the recombinant protein was expressed by Bac-to-Bac/BmNPV baculovirus expression system in silkworm larvae. The activity of Factor C was detected with diluted serum of silkworm larvae, and the sensitivity of endotoxin detected was 0.2 EU/mL when the serum was diluted at 1:500. The silkworm larvae expressed limulus Factor C could be used to develop a new low-cost endotoxin test reagent.
Animals ; Arthropod Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Baculoviridae ; Bombyx ; metabolism ; Enzyme Precursors ; biosynthesis ; Genetic Vectors ; Larva ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Serine Endopeptidases ; biosynthesis

BACKGROUND: There are a variety of methods for establishing periprosthetic osteolysis animal model, and the models established by different methods and with different animals have their own characteristics.OBJECTIVE: To review the research profiles of the periprosthetic osteolysis and the characteristics of the various models, and to provide a reference for the related research. METHODS: The relevant articles on the periprosthetic osteolysis animal models were searched in PubMed from January 1999 to May 2017, with the key words of "animal model, osteolysis" in English by the computer. Similarly, Chinese Journal Full-text Database was retrieved for related articles published from January 1999 to May 2017, with the key words of "animal model, osteolysis" in Chinese. Articles that were unrelated to the periprosthetic osteolysis animal model were excluded. Classic and recently published articles were selected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The artificial induced animal models are the principal means to establish animal models of periprosthetic osteolysis and they have been widely used in the study of periprosthetic osteolysis pathogenesis, pathological process and treatment. (2) Small-animal models present many advantages: inexpensive to purchase, high physiological turnover, controlled source, homogenous and established genetic background. However, a limitation of these small-animal models is that the temporal pattern of osteolysis is different from the long-term osteolysis that occurs in patients. (3) The large animal model is more similar to the bone dissolution process around the human prosthesis, but the cost is high; the breeding is difficult; the operation requirement is hard. Thus, its widespread use is limited. (4) Furthermore, innovative models that combine the advantages of both are also constantly explored. Overall, the selection of models should be based on research conditions and needs to be considered.

Objective To investigate the effects of ciprofloxacin on anastomotic stoma,small intestinal inflammation and fibrosis in interleukin-10 knock-out mice (mice model of Crohn′s disease (CD)) after ileocaecal resection.Methods Twelve interleukin-10 knockout male C3H/HeJBir mice were evenly divided into control group and ciprofloxacin group.The mice model was established with ileocaecal resection and ileocolostomy.There was no intervention in control group.Ciprofloxacin (50 mg/kg per day)was orally administrated in ciprofloxacin group for four weeks.All the mice were executed.The intestine around anastomotic stoma was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE)and Sirius red staining and histological scoring.The level of interferon (IFN)-γand tumor growth factor (TGF)-βin intestine around anastomotic stoma and small intestine was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.The content of procollagen α1 was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction.The data were analyzed by t test.Results The inflammatory reaction level of anastomotic stoma and small intestine in mice of ciprofloxacin group (2.50±0.55 and 1 .67±0.52)was significantly lower than those of control group (3.67±0.63 and 2.83±0.75 ,t=-8.273,-5 .188,both P <0.05 ).The IFN-γof anastomotic stoma and small intestine also significantly decreased ((0.72 ±0.22 )pg/mg vs (1 .76 ±0.43 )pg/mg, (0.23±0.12)pg/mg vs (0.78 ± 0.52 )pg/mg;t = - 7.354,- 5 .268,both P < 0.05).However, ciprofloxacin could not significantly decrease fibrosis in anastomotic stoma and small intestine of CD mice. There was no significant difference in the level of TGF-βcompared with control group.Conclusions The role of ciprofloxacin in improving inflammatory reation in anastomotic stoma of CD mice was limited. Maintenance therapy may be necessary to reduce the relapse of anastomotic stoma diseases.

Berberine is a naturally occurring benzylisoquinoline alkaloid with a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, anticancer, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic and antidiarrheal. Although berberine has a wide range of curative effects, the extremely low bioavailability (< 1%) limits its clinical application. Pure berberine preparations have not yet been approved for any specific disease. The low oral bioavailability of berberine is mainly due to poor solubility caused by self-aggregation under acidic conditions, low permeability, P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated efflux, and liver and intestine metabolism. To improve the oral bioavailability of berberine, researchers have adopted a variety of strategies, including the application of various nano-delivery systems, penetration enhancers and P-gp inhibitors, structural modifications, and development of berberine derivatives. Improving the oral bioavailability of berberine can improve the pharmacological activity of berberine, reduce the dosage, and then reduce the toxic and side effects. This review summarized the various pharmacological activities, metabolism progress and pharmacokinetic characteristics of berberine, the newly discovered berberine target intestinal microbiota and focused on the strategies to improve the oral bioavailability of berberine by improving solubility and permeability, inhibiting P-gp efflux, and structural modification. The research on berberine was prospected, which provided guidance for the in-depth study of berberine.

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Ang-2 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods Serum levels of VEGF,Ang-1 and Ang-2 were measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Twenty-one healthy subjects,24 osteoarthritis patients and 82 rheumatoid arthritis patients were included.We defined active and inactive group according to RA disease active score,while early active RA and late active RA group were defined on the basis of disease course.There were 28 early active patients,32 late active patients and 22 inactive patients with rheumatoid arthritis.At the same time 29 RA patients were examined with ultrasound.Synovial hypertrophy (US joint count SH,US index SH),synovial fluid(US joint count SF,US index SF),resistance index and power Doppler signal (US joint PD,TSS) were scored.The correlation was analyzed.We also detected the serum levels of VEGF,Ang-1,Ang-2,ESR,CRP and DAS28 in 25patients with active RA after 3 month regular treatment.We used one-way ANOVA to compare the differences between groups,and Wilcoxon test to compare the differences between before and after treatment.We analyzed the correlation with linear correlation or Spearman rank test.Results The serum level of VEGF [(1285 ±272) pg/ml],Ang-1 [(0.55±0.25)ng/ml] in patients with rheumatoid arthritis were higher than osteoarthritis patients [(934±80) pg/ml,(0.32±0.16) ng/ml] and normal controls [(565±115) pg/ml,(0.24±0.21) ng/ml],and the serum level of Ang-2 [(1.36±0.40) ng/ml] was higher than normal controls [(0.52±0.32) ng/ml].The serum level of VEGF [(1355±194) pg/ml] in early active patients was higher than late active patients [(1096±477) pg/ml] and inactive patients [(862±91) pg/ml].The serum level of Ang-1 in early active patients,late active patients and inactive patients with rheumatoid arthritis had no statistically significant differences.The serum level of Ang-2 in inactive patients [(2.0±2.0) ng/ml] was significantly higher than late active patients [0.9±0.8) ng/ml].The serum level of VEGF was positively correlated with US joint SH,US index SH,US joint PD,and TSS.The serum level of Ang-1 was positively correlated with US joint SH,US joint PD,and TSS.The serum level of VEGF and Ang-1 were negatively correlated with RI.The serum level of Ang-2 was not correlated with US joint SH,US index SH,US joint SF,US index SF,US joint PD,TSS and RI.In the active RA patients,the serum level of VEGF,Ang-1 and Ang-2 was positively correlated with each other.In the inactive RA patients,the serum level of VEGF,Ang-1 and Ang-2 was not correlated with each other.The serum level of VEGF and Ang-1 before treatment was slightly higher than that of after treatment,but the difference was not statistically significant.The serum level of Ang-2 after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment.ESR,CRP and DAS28 of after treatment were lower than those before treatment.Conclusion The serum VEGF and Ang-1 level could be used as useful index to reflect RA synovial thickening and angiogenesis The serum level of Ang-2 could be used as one of the efficacy indices.They may influence each other,and they may be the key factors that mediate the onset and development of RA angiogenesis and synovial inflammation.

OBJECTIVETo examine the benefits of anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps in reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects.

METHODSPatients were recruited from February 2002 to June 2013 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Central South University. All patients (1,185 patients, 1,212 transferred flaps) underwent reconstructive surgery employing anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps. Basic information for all patients including defect side, flap size and type, recipient vessel processing method, donor complications, and postoperative quality of life were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTSAmong the 1 212 transferred flaps, 1 176 survived and 36 showed necrosis, for a survival rate of about 97.0%. No cases presented with local serious complications, and 90% of patients achieved good functional recovery and aesthetically acceptable results after reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects at various locations using anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps. The time for anastomosis of one vein was significantly less than that for two veins (P=-0.000 3), which indicated one vein anastomosis could significantly reduce the operating time. The incidence of venous crisis, the survival rate after treatment, and the rate of venous crisis resulting in flap necrosis were comparable between the groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONAnterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps can be easily obtained and provide a good amount of muscle for filling dead space and fascia lata. These flaps can meet the various requirements of oral and maxillofacial defects. Therefore, the anterolateral thigh myocutaneous free flaps are more suitable for oral and maxillofacial defects than other flaps.

Free Tissue Flaps ; Humans ; Maxillofacial Abnormalities ; surgery ; Myocutaneous Flap ; Necrosis ; Quality of Life ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Surgery, Oral ; Thigh ; Wound Healing