Objective To investigate the effect of local injection of Botulinum toxin type A(BTXA) on spasticity and function of the affected upper limb in stroke patients.Methods A total of 32 stroke patients were re- cruited and randomly divided into two groups:a BTXA group and a control group.All the patients had spasticity of upper limb muscles,which scored grade 2 to 3 with the Modified Ashworth Scale(MAS) ,and decreased elbow joint range of motion.The 16 patients in the BTXA group received BTXA injection in the biceps brachii muscles and flexor muscles of forearm on 10～15 points,while those in the control group did not.All the patients in both groups were treated with rehabilitation training techniques.The MAS,Fugl-Meyer upper limb function assessment and Barthel In- dex were employed to evaluate the changes of muscle tone,upper limb function and activity of living (ADL)perform- ance of the patients before injection and at 1st,2nd,6th 12th weeks after injection.Results The therapeutic effect between the BTXA group anti control group was significantly different in terms of biceps muscle tone,the scores of Fugl-Meyer upper limb function assessment and Barthel Index.Compared with preinjection,muscle tone was de- creased significantly and ADL performance was improved after injection in BTXA group.The effects of BTXA lasted more than 12 weeks.Conclusion Intramuscular muhipoint injection of BTXA was useful in reducing muscle spas- ticity,and was helpful for increasing motor ability of the affected upper limb and ADL performance of the stroke pa- tients.

0.05);however there were significant difference between D4T+DDI+NVP group and AZT+DDI+NVP group(P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis and HLA-DRB1 * 1301,1302 gene.

METHODSHLA-DRB1 * 1301,1302 allele in 27 patients with chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis and 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B was analyzed by using the polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) technique.

RESULTSThe frenquency of HLA-DRB1 * 1301,1302 allele in the chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis group was markly higher than that in the chronic hepatitis B group.

CONCLUSIONHLA-DRB1 * 1301,1302 is closely associated with the suseptibility to chronic hepatitis cirrhosis.

Adult ; Alleles ; Female ; HLA-DR Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-DRB1 Chains ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; genetics ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; genetics ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate effect of connective tissue growth factors (CTGF) on secretion of extracellular matrix synthesis of meniscal fibrochondrocytes, expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and angiogenesis during the repair of meniscal tearing damage.

METHODSMeniscal fibrochondrocytes were isolated from the inner--1/2 of rabbits' meniscus by collagenase enzymatic digestion, centrifugal separation, and treated with 100 ng/ml CTGF in vitro. Characterization of fibrochondrocytes was identified by flow cytometry analysising CD31, CD44, CD45 and CD105, and was further tested by type II collagen immunocytochemistry. Changes in gene expression of meniscal fibrochondrocytes were monitored by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In vitro, the sections of the 3 mm of the longitudinal teared in the middle of the rabbit's meniscus, and then the defects were dealed with simple suture, suture and implanting with PBS-fibrin glue, sutured and implanting with 1.5 microg CTGF respectively. Expression and distribution of type I and II collagen and VEGF, the tearing healing were observed by fluorescence-immunohistochemisty analysis on the 1st week, the 4th week and the 10th week.

RESULTSQuantitative RT-PCR assays showed that type I and type II collagen,and VEGF mRNA expression in the 100 ng/ml CTGF group had been remarkably enhanced than in the PBS group on the 14th day. Consistent with these effects in vitro, fluorescence-immunohistochemical analysis revealed that in the group implanted with CTGF-fibrin glue, type I collagen, type I collagen and capillaries completely filled the defect on the 10th week postoperatively. In contrast, only soft tissue repair occurred after the PBS-fibrin glue was implanted.

CONCLUSIONCTGF can significantly promote extracellular matrix (I collagen, II collagen) of the meniscal avascular zone synthesis, and CTGF can greatly heighten the expression of VEGF activity at the same time in vitro, so that it can further enhance the repair of meniscal tearing damage in the avascular zone.

Animals ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; Collagen Type II ; genetics ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; therapeutic use ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Male ; Menisci, Tibial ; surgery ; Rabbits ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo establish a mathematical model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and develop a working theory for antiviral therapy in order to understand the dynamics of HCV replication.

METHODSPeripheral blood cells of 4 hepatitis C patients were cultured. Quantities of the HCV were detected every 15 min by real-time PCR. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. A mathematical functional relationship between HCV RNA and the time lapse was established.

RESULTSThe quantity of HCV RNA declined and it fell into a mathematical model: Y=3E+0.8e(-0.5467x) (r=0.9547). The estimated virion half-life was 45 min on the average.

CONCLUSIONSThe decline of HCV RNA in the blood is not of a linear trend and the HCV RNA lasts a longer time although the speed of the decline is faster than that in vivo.

Adult ; Half-Life ; Hepacivirus ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; blood ; virology ; Humans ; Models, Theoretical ; Nonlinear Dynamics ; RNA, Viral ; blood ; Viral Load ; Virus Replication

Objective To explore the plague epidemical trend of nearly a 10 years data in Qinghai province to provide basis for making the prevention and control measures. Method The regional distribution and time distribution of animal and human plague, monitoring and plague foci of survey data in Qinghai from 2001 to 2010 were analyzed with Excel software 2003. Results In Qinghai province, a total of 167 strains of Yersinia pestis were isolated from infected animals and insects in 10 years. Yersinia pestis was mainly distributed in Wulan,Delinha, Geermu, and Tianjun, along the Qinghai-Xizang railway. Human plague was occurred every year from 2001 to 2010 except 2002, 2007, 2008, and 2010. In the 10 years, there were 37 plague cases and 16 of these cases died, the mortality was 43.24％. The plague cases were mainly distributed in Nangqian, Qumalai, Chenduo,Zhiduo, Xinghai, Tongde, Tianjun, Wulan and Qilian. And these cases were found mostly in the period from May to October, especially in the period from August to October. Major clinical type of the plague cases was lung-type (62.16％,23/37). Conclusions The plague epidemic situation in Qinghai province is still severe, animal plague occurred year after year, and human plague outbreaks occasionally. Monitoring and early warning in the key areas should be strengthened, and the comprehensive measures of plague prevention and control should be carried out to reduce the incidence and prevalence of plague.

OBJECTIVETo study the association between HLA-DRB1 gene polymorphism and severe chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS26 patients with severe chronic hepatitis B were investigated for HLA-DRB1 gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers technique. The results were compared with those from 45 normal healthy people by use of chi2-test of Microsoft SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSThe frequency of HLA-DRB1 * 1301/1302 allele in severe chronic hepatitis B group was significantly higher than the frequency in the control group, while the frequencies of HLA-DRB1 * 1201/1202, 1501/1502 allele were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONHLA-DRB1 * 1301,1302 is closely associated with the suseptibility to severe chronic hepatitis B, While HLA-DRB1 * 1201/1202, 1501/1502 have no association with severe chronic hepatitis B.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; HLA-DR Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-DRB1 Chains ; Hepatitis B virus ; physiology ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; genetics ; pathology ; virology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Severity of Illness Index ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of soft tissue incision and rigid internal fixation in the treatment of zygomatic fracture.

METHODS70 cases with zygomatic fracture were entered into the study. The clinical data of 65 patients who were performed operations in the treatment were analyzed. The study focused on the incision, number and locations of Titanium plate. The facial contour, reduction,fixation, healing of incision, facial bisymmetry and complications of the operation were followed up 3 - 24 months after surgery.

RESULTSAll the incisions were primary healing. Clinical and radiologic assessment of reduction was symmetric and stable in 91.5% of all cases, asymmetric in 8.5% of all cases. Subcutaneous hematoma happened in 5 cases, Ti plate exposure 1 in case, scalp scar width was more than 0.5 cm in 6 cases, frontal part or scalp paresthesia 8 cases.

CONCLUSIONSCoronal scalp incision has advantages such as good exposure, precise removal of the bone block and good symmetry of both sides. RIF can improve the stability of fracture, promotes fracture healing and guarantees the rehabilitation of zygomatic complex. direct reduction and rigid internal fixation with Titanium microplate or miniplate are satisfactory in zygomatic fracture.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Titanium ; Zygomatic Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo assess the prevalence of occult HBV infection in HIV-infected patients inacquired immune deficiency syndrome area.

METHODSSerum samples were obtained from 97 HIV-infected patients who transmitted by paid blood donation. ELISA was used to detect HBV erologic markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe and anti-HBc) and HCV antibody. Flow Cytometry were used to detect CD4+ T cell count. Nested PCR was used to amplify surface protein region of HBV DNA.

RESULTSNinety two patients were HBsAg negative in the 97 HIV-infected patients (94.85%). Twenty seven patients were co-infected with occult hepatitis B virus infection in the 92 HBsAg negative patients (29.35%). Seventy three patients were co-infected with HCV in the 92 HBsAg negative patients(79.35%). CD4 cell count of subjects with occult HBV infection were significantly lower (212.11 +/- 133.1 cells/mm3 versus 318.9 +/- 172.2 cells/mm3, respectively, P < 0.01). A significantly higher prevalence of isolated anti-HBc was observed in HIV-infected subjects co-infectioned with occult HBV infection [62.96% (13 of 27) versus 18.46% (15 of 65), P < 0.01]. No statistical significant association could be established between the age, sex and whether co-infected with HCV.

CONCLUSIONIt is found that occult HBV infection did occurs in HIV-infected patients. Individuals co-infected with HIV and occult HBV infection are more likely to have isolated anti-HBc than subjects with HIV alone. Co-infection with HIV and occult HBV is more likely to occue in subjects with lower CD4.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; immunology ; virology ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; HIV ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; HIV Infections ; immunology ; virology ; Hepatitis B ; immunology ; virology ; Hepatitis B virus ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key cytokine in immunology system and is related to many human diseases. In order to inhibit the activity of TNF, cDNA coding for soluble TNF receptor II (sTNFRII) and human IgG Fc were linked using a flexible hinge. This gene was expressed in E. coli as a chimeric protein and purified by metal chelate chromatography. The results show that the fusion protein exists in the physiological form as a dimer, has the ability to bind with TNF and inhibits the cytotoxicity of TNF on L929 cells. Contrasting to monomer sTNFRII, the chimeric protein has an improved bioactivity, and displays potential prospects for research and application.
Antigens, CD ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; methods ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Cloning, Molecular ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Engineering ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Immunoglobulin G ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Recombination, Genetic ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism