Studying on the acupoints in the hairline region of the scalp, it is discovered that a group of acupoints are orderly arranged in the hairline region of the scalp. Furthermore, the arrangement is highly consistent with the meridian route of zang-fu organs. Manipulating needles at acupoints in the hairline regions of the scalp may treat certain diseases, including insomnia, migraine, and Alzheimer disease. The characteristics of the acupuncture treatment at acupoints in the hairline of scalp resemble the characteristics of ear acupuncture and eye acupuncture. Thus forms a special micro-acupuncture system in the hairline regions of the scalp. This paper states the theoretical basis, the arrangement of acupoints, clinical application and operating norms.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Scalp ; anatomy & histology

OBJECTIVETo search for an effective therapy for vascular dementia (VD).

METHODSOne hundred and twenty cases of VD were randomly divided into 2 groups, 60 cases in each group. The observation group were treated with puncturing with needles in alignment at the hairline region and the control group with oral administration of Duxil. Hasegawa's dementia scale (HDS), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), functional activity questionnaire (FAQ), nerve function defect (NFD) and main symptoms (MS) scales were used for assessment of symptoms and signs before and after treatment.

RESULTSChanges of scores for HDS, MMSE, FAQ, NFD and MS before and after treatment had statistically very significant differences (P < 0.01) in the two groups, with significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 88.33% in the observation group and 81.67% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPuncturing with needles in alignment at the hairline region has definite therapeutic effect on vascular dementia.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Aged ; Dementia, Vascular ; psychology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo search for the morphological evidence of five-shu-point so as to explain the theory of the five-shu-point more reasonably.

METHODSCarefully study on Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic and compare with the modern anatomic knowledge.

CONCLUSIONThe theory of five-shu-point is closely related with the theory of blood vessels. The distributional pattern of the superficial vein on the remote parts of the limbs (below the elbow or the knee joints) is the morphological basis for the theory of five-shu-point.

Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; blood supply ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Upper Extremity ; blood supply ; Veins ; anatomy & histology

This study was aimed to investigate the molecular genetic basis and serological phenotype of Rh weak D type 15 individuals. Samples were identified by serological tests and genotyped by sequence specific primer-PCR (SSP-PCR), and were sequenced to detect the changes of all ten RHD exons. The number of gene RHD was detected through SSP-PCR. The results showed that in tested individuals of weak D type confirmed by the IAT, 18 cases (56% in weak D) were weak D type 15. Rh factors found in 2 weak D type 15 individuals (11%) were C+c+E+e; Rh factors found in 2 weak D type 15 individuals (11%) were C+c+E-e+; others (78%) were c-c+E+e+. The results by serological tests were consistent with the results genotyped by PCR-SSP method. In all 18 samples, the sequencing result revealed a gene mutation 845G > A at the exon 6 of the RHD and the point mutation changed amino acid G282D of the RhD polypeptide. The zygosity test demonstrated that 2 out of 18 weak D type 15 individuals were RHD(+)/RHD(+) homozygous (two DCe/DcE), 16 cases were RHD(+)/RHD(-) heterozygous (two DCe/dce and fourteen DcE/dce). It is concluded that Weak D type 15 is predominant in weak D individuals of Chinese Han Nationality, and most of them are heterozygous with various RH haplotypes.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Blood Donors ; China ; ethnology ; Erythrocytes ; immunology ; Exons ; genetics ; Genotype ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phenotype ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System ; genetics ; immunology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

To study the genetic polymorphism of HPA 1-16 platelet antigen alleles among unrelated volunteer donors and establish a typed platelet donor panel in Handan, typing was perfomed by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (SSP-PCR); 148 random unrelated blood donors in Handan were genotyped for each of the HPA 1-16 antigen. The gene frequencies were analyzed and the genetype frequencies were determined by direct counting, and these data were compared with HPA distribution among various population by the chi-square test. The results indicated that HPA-1a, 2a, 4a-14a, 16a genes were found among the 16 HPAs in every sample tested. Monomorphic HPA-4a, 7a-14a, 16a were found in the samples. For HPA-1, 2, 5 and 6, a/a homozygosity was predominant with frequencies of 0.9595, 0.8108, 0.9865, 0.9797, respectively, and none of HPA b/b was found in the samples. HPA-1b, 2b, 5b, 6b were rarely found among subjects. HPA-15 had the greatest heterozygosity with a gene frequency of 0.2230, 0.5270, 0.2500 for HPA15a/15a, HPA15a/15b, HPA15b/15b, respectively. HPA-3 showed the second greatest heterozygosity with a gene frequency of 0.3851, 0.5135, 0.1014 for HPA3a/3a, HPA3a/3b, HPA3b/3b, respectively. HPA genotype frequencies showed a good fit to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. HPA1-5 gene frequencies for Chinese people in Handan were consistent with those of Chinese people in Shijiazhuang (P > 0.05). Among the HPA1-13, -15, the frequencies of HPA-1, -2, -6 for Chinese people in Handan differed appreciably from those for Chinese people in Taiwan (P < 0.05), others were similar to those of Chinese people in Taiwan. Among the HPA 1 - 8, a similarity was noted between Chinese people in Handan and Koreans (P > 0.05), except for HPA-3. Frequencies of HPA-1, -2, -5 significantly were differed from those in African Americans, as compared with HPA 1-5 (P < 0.05). Comparison of gene frequencies from HPA-1 and -5 showed significant differences between Chinese people in Handan and people in UK (P < 0.05). It is concluded that HPA-2, -3, -5, -15 of people in Western region of China have polymorphism, incompatible frequency of HPA antigen distribution is higher, which inevitably results in the increase of immunologic exposure, therefore attention must be paid to the importance of HPA-2, -3, -5, -15 in clinical disorders. This study for the first time completely analyses HPA1-16 gene frequencies in China, and provides data for establishing a typed platelet donor panel in Handan, China.
Antigens, Human Platelet ; classification ; genetics ; Blood Donors ; statistics & numerical data ; China ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Platelet Transfusion ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVESTo study the effect of Houxue Zhitong decoration on the expression of the mitochondria-initiated apoptosis pathway and transmembrane protein I an II of the epidural scar tissue.

METHODSA total of 60 New Zealand rabbits (weight: 2.5-3.0 kg) were randomly divided into four groups, sham operation group (D, n=15), control group (B, n=14), sodium hyaluronate group (C, n=15), Houxue Zhitong decoration group (D, n=15). Except for group A, 1.0 cm x 1.0 cm dura mater uncovered area laminectomy was performed at I (4) and I(5), covered with 0.5 ml sodium hyaluronate in group C, covered with same amount of saline in group B and D. First 2 weeks after operation, animals in group D were lavaged with 2.5 ml/kg Houxue Zhitong decoction by one a day for 14 days. Five rabbits of each group selected randomly were killed in the 2,4,8 weeks after laminectomy. The specimens were prepared for determination of the expression of Fas and FasL, at scar tissue by semiquantitative reserve transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The degree of scar adhesion was evaluated according by Rydell method.

RESULTSThe adhesion area in group B was larger than of group C and D in the 4th and 8th week. However, the number of fibroblasts and inflammantory cells in group D was the least among the three groups in the 8th week. At 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation, as compared with group B the expression of Fas, FasL of group C and D were decreased (P < 0.05). Especially, at 2 weeks, as compared with group B the expression of this two cytokines of group D was significant decreased (P < 0.05), too. In group C and D the duramater adhesion was decreased (P < 0.05). The proliferation of fibroblast and fibroblastic function were inhibited (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHuoxue Zhitong is able to down-regulated the expression of Fas, FasL, which inhibited the proliferation of fibroblast, the fibroblastic function and the synthesis of extracellular matrix in the epidural scar tissue. It is an effective way of reducing peridural scar formation and prevent the failed back surgery syndrome.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cicatrix ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epidural Space ; pathology ; Fas Ligand Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Rabbits ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; fas Receptor ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Huoxuezhitong recipe on the pathway of mitochondrial apoptosis and the expression of related gene (Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2) in epidural scar tissue.

METHODSA total of 60 New Zealand rabbits, ranging in weight from 2.5 to 3.0 kg, were randomly divided into sham operative group (group A), control group (group B), sodium hyaluronate group (group C), Huoxuezhitong recipe group (group D, included Danggui 20 g, Chishao 20 g, Honghua 20 g, Ruxiang 15 g, Myrrh 15 g etc.) with 15 rabbits in each group. Except for group A, L4,5 vertebral plate were resected leading to 1.0 cm x 1.0 cm dura mater exposed area, which were covered with 0.5 ml sodium hyaluronate in group C, covered with same amount of saline in group B and D. At 2 weeks after operation, the rabbits of group D were administered with Huoxuezhitong recipe (2.5 ml/kg, once a day, continuous 14 d). Five rabbits of each group were selected randomly and were killed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after operation; and the expression of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 in scar tissue were surveyed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSThe results by RT-PCR showed significant different in expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 of group A and others groups at each period (P < 0.01). At 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation, compared with group B, the expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bcl-2 in group C and D were decreased (P < 0.05), but the expression of Bax in group C and D were increased (P < 0.05). At 8 weeks after operation, the expressions of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 in group D was significant decreased compared with group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHuoxuezhitong recipe can regulate the levels of expression of Caspase-3, -9, Bax, Bcl-2 mRNA and further induce the pathway of mitochondrial apoptosis, thereby, achieve the effect of prophylaxis for the proliferation and conglutination of epidural scar tissue.

Actins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; genetics ; Carthamus tinctorius ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Genes, bcl-2 ; drug effects ; genetics ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the prognosis and the factors affecting the prognosis in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

METHODSSeventy-eight children with ARDS were enrolled. The states of their survival within 30 days were followed-up.

RESULTSOf the 78 children with ARDS, 51 cases demised, 27 cases survived, with a 30-days survival rate of 35%. The average survival time was 14.4 days (median: 8 days). The peak of death appeared within 3 days after ARDS. There were significant differences in aspects of age, primary disease, percentage of neonatal hyaline membrane disease, pediatric critical illness score (PCIS), duration of mechanical ventilation, oxygenation index (PaO(2)/FiO(2)), white blood cell count and number of involved organs between the died and survived children (P<0.05 or 0.01). The Cox multiple factors analysis showed that the age (HR 3.924~3.938), primary disease (HR=1.817) and PCIS (HR=0.469) were the risk factors of death.

CONCLUSIONSThe peak of death usually appears within 3 days after ARDS. Age, primary disease and PCIS are the independent factors of prognosis in children with ARDS.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; mortality ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVE: To identify the optimal factors in diffusion tensor imaging for predicting corticospinal tract (CST) injury caused by brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 33 patients with motor weakness and 64 patients with normal motor function. The movement of the CST, minimum distance between the CST and the tumor, and relative fractional anisotropy (rFA) of the CST on diffusion tensor imaging, were compared between patients with motor weakness and normal function. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain the optimal factor predicting motor weakness. RESULTS: In patients with motor weakness, the displacement (8.44 ± 6.64 mm) of the CST (p = 0.009), minimum distance (3.98 ± 7.49 mm) between the CST and tumor (p < 0.001), and rFA (0.83 ± 0.11) of the CST (p < 0.001) were significantly different from those of the normal group (4.64 ± 6.65 mm, 14.87 ± 12.04 mm, and 0.98 ± 0.05, respectively) (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). The frequencies of patients with the CST passing through the tumor (6%, p = 0.002), CST close to the tumor (23%, p < 0.001), CST close to a malignant tumor (high grade glioma, metastasis, or lymphoma) (19%, p < 0.001), and CST passing through infiltrating edema (19%, p < 0.001) in the motor weakness group, were significantly different from those of the patients with normal motor function (0, 8, 1, and 10%, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased rFA and CST close to a malignant tumor were effective variables related to motor weakness. CONCLUSION: Decreased fractional anisotropy, combined with closeness of a malignant tumor to the CST, is the optimal factor in predicting CST injury caused by a brain tumor.
Anisotropy ; Brain Neoplasms* ; Brain* ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging* ; Diffusion* ; Edema ; Glioma ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prospective Studies ; Pyramidal Tracts*

Objective To assess the iodine nutritional status of special target population in coastal saltproducing areas and coastal non-salt-producing areas in Xiamen city,and to provide a basis for take appropriate measures for prevention of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods The Xiang-An salt-producing areas and the JiMei non-salt-producing areas were chosen as research spots in 2009.One sample of produced water and 2 samples of tap water were collected to test iodine level; 600 children aged 8 to 10 were selected and thyroid palpation was performed,besides,the urine sample and household salt sample were also collected for iodine determination.Sixty pregnant women,breasffeeding women,and 0 - 2 year old infants were recruited,respectively,and urine samples and household salt samples were collected to perform the determination of iodine level.Results The iodine levels in drinking water of Xiang-An district and Ji-Mei district were 3.23 and 6.05 mg/L,respectively.The consumption rates of edible qualified iodinated salt were 84.4％ (438/519) and 98.3％ (392/399),respectively.The goiter rates of children aged 8 - 10 were 3.03％(19/628) and 0.67％(4/600),respectively.The medians of urinary iodine were 202.80 and 238.40 μg/L,respectively.The proportions of urinary iodine level ＜ 50 μg/L were 3.5％ (14/405) and 1.0％(2/202),respectively.The medians of urinary iodine of the pregnant women were 120.55 and 153.35 μg/L,respectively,and the proportions of urinary iodine level ＜ 150 μg/L were 62.1％ (46/74) and 46.8％ (29/62),respectively.The medians of urinary iodine in three trimester were 173.10,144.75 and 101.90 μg/L,respectively,early trimester of pregnancy ＞ second trimester and third trimester (Z =6.151,3.052,all P ＜ 0.05),second trimester ＞ third trimester (Z =2.016,P ＜ 0.05 ).The medians of urinary iodine of the breastfeeding women were 131.20 and 104.35 μg/L,respectively.The proportions of urinary iodine level ＜ 100 μg/L were 35.3％ (24/68) and 46.7％(28/60),respectively.The medians of urinary iodine of the infants were 81.95 and 80.20 μg/L,respectively,the proportions of urinary iodine level ＜ 100 μg/L were 59.7％(37/62) and 61.6％(40/65),respectively,＜ 50 μg/L were 32.3％ (20/62) and 30.8％ (20/65),respectively.Conclusions The levels of iodine nutrition in pregnant women,breastfeeding women,and 0 - 2 year old infants from Xiang-An district and Ji-Mei district in Xiamen city are still below the desired level of iodine nutrition,and the infants and pregnant women in coastal salt-producing areas are poor in iodine nutrition,we should pay close attention.We should strengthen market supervision on iodized salt,carried out iodine nutrition monitoring on pregnant women,breasffeeding women,and infants,and disseminate knowledge of iodine nutrition among high-risk population should be carried out immediately.