Objective To explore the importance of gene diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy(SMA),and improve the clinical diagnosis of SMA by analyzing the electrophysiological and gene characteristics of SMA.Methods Fifteen cases with SMA including 9 male and 6 female were enrolled in this study.The age was 5 months to 12 years.The 15 cases were subdivided into 3 clinical types,5 cases of type Ⅰ including 3 male and 2 female aging 5-18 months;7 cases of type Ⅱ including 4 males and 3 females aging 5 months-3 years;3 cases of type Ⅲ including 2 male and 1 female aging 3-12 years.They were all characterized by symmetric muscle weakness(more proximal than distal)associated with atrophy,absence or marked decrease of deep tendon reflexes,loss of voluntary movement and inability to sit or stand.The clinical characteristics and changes of electromyography(EMG)and nerve conduction velocity were assessed in all cases by using Danish Medoc Keypoint myoelectricity and evoked potentials inducer.The survival of motor neuron(SMN)gene was detected by PCR and restriction endonuclease spectrum analysis in 10 cases.Results EMG analysis found 94% patients had spontaneous potential,90% patients had increased duration of motor unit,and amplitude increased in 89% patients.Motor nerve conduction velocity was determined in 78 nerves.Motor nerve compound action potential wave amplitude decreased in 52 nerves,among them,distal latent period prolonged and motor conduction velocity reduced slightly in 36 nerves.Sensory nerve conduction velocity was determined in 45 nerves and remained normal.The SMN gene detection revealed deletion of exon 7 and 8 in 9 cases,deletion exon 7 in 1 case.The SMN gene detection in 10 patients and their parents didn't find any deletion of exon 7 and 8.Conclusions The definite diagnosis of SMA will rely on the typical clinical characteristics,changes of EMG and gene deletion analysis.Gene diagnosis of SMA lays a basis for prenatal diagnosis.

To evaluate the effect of Hexue mingmu tablets on traumatic hyphema caused by blunt ocular trauma.
●METHODS: Totally 150 patients of traumatic hyphema were divided into seven types by using ultrasound biomicroscopy combining with anterior segment abnormalities, each type was randomly classified as trial group and control group. The trial group was administered Hexue mingmu tablets, control group was treated by hemocoagulase.
●RESULTS: The absorbing time of trial group was shorter than that of the control group. And there was statistical significance between the two groups (P<0. 05).
● CONCLUSlON: Hexue mingmu tablets is an effective medicine to treat traumatic hyphema. Ultrasound biomicroscopy can be used as a routine examination method in traumatic hyphema.

OBJECTIVETo study the antalgic and antiphlogistic functions and mechanism of ronggudingtong (RGDT) plaster (traditional Chinese medicine).

METHODSThe painful models were established with hot plate test or acetic acid writhing and the inflammatory models were established with daubing dimethylbenzene on auricle or injecting formaldehyde in toe or synovial envelope to study the antalgic and antiphlogistic functions of RGDT Plaster. The total protein and leukotriene B4(LTB4) in inflammatory exudate were detected to investigate the antalgic and antiphlogistic mechanism of RGDT plaster. The mice were randomly divided into different groups (n = 11), on the basis of drug using, the indexes of pain threshold, swelling degree were observed. Sixty-six mice were used to establish gasbag synovitis model and randomly divided into normal control group,model control group, positive control group (Voltaren gel 0.8 mg/d)and low/medium/high dosage RGDT plaster treating groups(30 mg/d, 60 mg/d, 120 mg/d).

RESULTS30 mg/d, 60 mg/d,120 mg/d RGDT plaster could upgrade the pain thresholds, remit auricular and foot swelling (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and degrade total protein and LTB4 in inflammatory exudates (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONRGDT plaster has some antalgic and antiphlogistic functions, and one of the mechanisms is depressing synthesis of LTB4.

Analgesics ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Leukotriene B4 ; metabolism ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Mice ; Pain ; drug therapy

Calcaneus ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Radiography ; Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy difference in treating irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea (IBS-D) of liver-qi stagnation and spleen-deficiency pattern with different treatment protocols, and the effects on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), for unveiling the mechanism of intradermal needle therapy plus pinaverium bromide in treating IBS-D. Methods: A total of 123 IBS-D patients were divided into an observation group, a Western medication group and an integrated Western and Chinese medication group using the random number table method, with 41 cases in each group. The Western medication group was given oral pinaverium bromide, 50 mg each time and 3 times a day. The integrated Western and Chinese medication group was given additional Chinese herbal medicine Tong Xie Yao Fang, one dose each day. The observation group was given additional intradermal needle therapy on the basis of the Western medication group. The whole intervention lasted for 6 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of gastrointestinal symptoms, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) and IBS quality of life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire, as well as the serum levels of 5-HT, SP and VIP were observed. The clinical efficacy was estimated. Results: The total effective rate was 92.7％ in the observation group, 68.3％ in the Western medication group and 78.1％ in the integrated Western and Chinese medication group. The total effective rate was higher in the observation group than in the other two groups, and higher in the integrated Western and Chinese medication group than in the Western medication group, showing statistical significance (all P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of gastrointestinal symptoms, TCM symptoms and IBS-SSS showed significant decreases in the three groups, presenting statistical significance compared with the baseline (all P<0.05); the scores of gastrointestinal symptoms, TCM symptoms and IBS-SSS were notably lower in the observation group than in the other two groups (all P<0.05), and lower in the integrated Western and Chinese medication group than in the Western medication group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the eight component scores of IBS-QOL showed significant increases in the three groups compared with the baseline (all P<0.05); the eight component scores in IBS-QOL were significantly higher in the observation group than in the other two groups (all P<0.05), and higher in the integrated Western and Chinese medication group than in the Western medication group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of 5-HT, SP and VIP decreased markedly in the three groups compared with the baseline (all P<0.05); the serum levels of 5-HT, SP and VIP were significantly lower in the observation group than in the other two groups (all P<0.05), and lower in the integrated Western and Chinese medication group than in the Western medication group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Treatment with intradermal needle therapy plus pinaverium bromide results in significant improvements in the gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in patients with IBS-D of liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern, and effectively regulates the gastrointestinal hormone production.

It is a common understanding that turbidity and precipitation of traditional Chinese medicine are easy to occur in the process of decocting. At present, our research group found that the cause of "multi-phase of traditional Chinese medicine decoction" mainly came from the interaction between the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine, especially the interaction of acid and base components. For example, the Liquorice and Rhizoma chinensis was a supramolecular system formed by a large number of active components in the decoction (>30%), and could stably exist in the decoction system. In this study, the supramolecular part was extracted, and the morphology of the supramolecular part was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. It was observed that the supramolecular particles were uniform in size and regular in shape. The main components of supramolecular sites were identified by liquid mass spectrometry (LC-MSⁿ). The results of UV and IR spectra showed that the chemical components of Liquorice and Rhizoma chinensis in the co-decocting process collided with each other, and weak bonds were formed between the functional groups of the molecules, which then induced the aggregation to form supramolecules. Thereafter, Through the diarrhea model of mice, sensory evaluation and antibacterial activity evaluation found that Liquorice and Rhizoma chinensis decocted together enhanced the antibacterial activity of Rhizoma, and compatibility "reconcile" Rhizoma "big bitter cold" property compared with single decoction group and interval administration group. All animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and the relevant regulations of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine on experimental animals were strictly followed. In this study, supramolecular chemistry method was used to preliminarily discuss the scientific connotation of "increasing efficiency and decreasing toxicity" of Liquorice and Rhizoma chinensis combined decoction from three perspectives of "property, efficacy and taste", and provide new ideas for the basic research of "reconcile" compatibility of Liquorice.

OBJECTIVETo apply pulse magnetic acupuncture at scalp acupoints to treat acute cerebral infarction and to explore the mechanism.

METHODSA pulse magnetic acupuncture group, a routine acupuncture group and a static magnetic acupuncture group were set up, 30 cases in each group. Their clinical therapeutic effects were observed.

RESULTSThe cured-markedly effective rate was 80.0% in the pulse magnetic acupuncture group and 70.3% in the routine acupuncture group with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05), which were significant difference with 36.6% in the static magnetic acupuncture group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONPulse magnetic acupuncture and routine acupuncture at scalp acupoints have same therapeutic effect on acute cerebral infarction, which is superior to that of static magnetic acupuncture.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Cerebral Infarction ; therapy ; Humans ; Scalp ; Stroke ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo study changes in the radiographic appearance during weight-bearing and non-weigh-bearing in hallux valgus, and to analyse the correlation between the elasticity of plantar soft tissue of hallux valgus and the pain under the metatarsal head.

METHODSFrom May 2012 to October 2012, 240 feet of 120 patients with hallux valgus were enrolled in the study. The degrees of the pian under the metatarsal head of all the patients were observed. AP and lateral X-ray films of feet were taken on the condition of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing. So the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals (IM1-2), the inter-metatarsal angle between the first and fifth metatarsals (IM1-5), top angle of the medial longitudinal arch (TAOTMLA),and anterior angle of the medial longitudinal arch (AAOTMLA) were measured on the X-ray films. The differences of HVA, IM1-2, IM1-5, TAOTMLA and AAOTMLA between two groups were compared, and the correlation between the changes of IM1-2, IM 1-5, TAOTMLA, AAOTMLA and the degree of the pain under the metatarsal head were analysed.

RESULTSOne hundred and forty-eight feet had the pain under the metatarsal head. The IM1-2, IM1-5 and TAOTMLA increased on weight-bearing position compared with those on non-weight-bearing position, but the HVA and AAOTMLA decreased on weight-bearing position compared with those on non-weight-bearing position. There was a moderate relationship between the changes of IM 1-2,IM1-5 and the degree of the hallux valgus deformity, as well as the relationship between the different of IM1-5 and the degree of the pian under the metatarsal head.

CONCLUSIONThe degree of the collapse of the arch of foot with hallux valgus becomes serious with its deformity increasing. The pain under the metatarsal head of hallux valgus increases with the increased changes of IM 1-2,IM 1-5 and TAOTMLA. Analysis of the X-ray observation indexes of hallux valgus on weight-bearing position and non-weight-bearing position has important significance in evaluating the degree of the collapse of the arch of foot with hallux valgus,preventing and curing the the pain under the metatarsal head.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hallux ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Hallux Valgus ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Metatarsalgia ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Weight-Bearing ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of posterior fixation with 3.5-mm pedicle screws in the atlantoaxial vertebrae of children.

METHODSIn this study, atlantoaxial vertebrae specimens were obtained from 10 cadavers of children aged 6-8 years. We measured the height and width of the C(1) pedicle and the midportion of C(1) lateral mass; the width of C(1) posterior arch under the vertebral artery groove and the height of the external and internal one-third of this part; the external, internal height and the superior, middle, inferior width of the C(2) pedicle (transverse foramen). Furthermore, computed tomography (CT) axial scan was performed on 20 age-matched volunteers to obtain relative data of their atlantoaxial vertebrae. We measured the length and width of the C(1) and C(2) pedicles in the atlantoaxial cross-sectional plane. On CT workstation, we also measured the angles between the longitudinal axes of the atlantoaxial pedicles and the midsagittal plane.

RESULTSFor the cadaveric specimen group, the height and width of the C1 pedicle were (5.26+/-0.44) mm and (6.26+/-0.75) mm respectively. The height of the medial one-third of the C1 posterior arch under the vertebral artery groove was (4.07+/-0.24) mm. The external, internal height and superior, middle, inferior width of the C2 pedicle was (6.86+/-0.48) mm, (6.67+/-0.49) mm, (6.63+/-0.61) mm, (5.41+/-0.39) mm and (3.71+/-0.30) mm, respectively. For the volunteer group measured by CT scan, the height and width of the C(1) pedicle were (5.47+/-0.34) mm and (6.63+/-0.54) mm respectively, while (6.59+/-0.51) mm and (5.13+/-0.42) mm of the C2 pedicle. The angles between the atlas, axis pedicles and the midsagittal plane were (9.60+/-1.32) degree and (27.80+/-2.22) degree respectively.

CONCLUSIONIt is feasible to place a 3.5-mm pedicle screw in the C(1) and C(2) pedicles of children aged 6-8 years old.

Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Bone Screws ; Cervical Atlas ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Child ; Humans ; Radiography

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the changes in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) following hemodialysis.

METHODSThe urea nitrogen and the blood creatinine levels were determined with an automatic biochemistry analyzer, HO-1 and IL-6 levels by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CRP by chemoluminescence technique, and MDA by thiobarbituric acid assay.

RESULTSHO-1, CRP, IL-6, and MDA levels were significantly elevated in patients with ESRF in comparison with the control group. After hemodialysis, HO-1 and CRP levels increased and IL-6 and MDA levels decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONIn ESRF patients who have elevated inflammatory factors and HO-1 levels, hemodialysis can increase HO-1 and CRP levels and lower IL-6 and MDA levels.

Adult ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Creatinine ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; blood ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; blood ; therapy ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Renal Dialysis