BACKGROUND:Intervertebral disc degeneration is an important cause of low back pain.At present,there are many modeling methods for disc degeneration in China and abroad,but there is not a model for low back pain due to disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE:To compare the effect of mechanical puncture combined with tumor necrosis factor α and complete Freund's adjuvant with a conventional disc mechanical puncture alone. METHODS:A total of 18 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups,with 6 animals in each group.No treatment was given in the blank group.Animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration were made in the L4-5 segments of rats in the control using conventional mechanical puncture.In the experimental group,on the basis of mechanical puncture,tumor necrosis factor α+complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into the L4-5 intervertebral discs using a microinjector to establish a model of disc degeneration induced by mechanical puncture combined with inflammatory factors.Four weeks after surgery,the pain threshold of rats was measured by the hot plate method for assessing the perception of heat injury in rats with intervertebral disc degeneration.MRI examination was performed to observe the disc degeneration in each group.ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor α,interleukin 1β,interleukin 6 and prostaglandin E2.Hematoxylin-eosin and Safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphological changes of the disc. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In terms of pain,the behavioral pain threshold of the experimental group was continuously decreased,and the levels of serum inflammatory factors were significantly higher compared with the control group.In terms of morphology,the MRI results showed that the L4-5 nucleus pulposus signal completely disappeared in the experimental group.Histopathological results showed that in the control group,the nucleus pulposus was intact,more notochord cells were visible,and some fiber rings were ruptured,while in the experimental group,there are fewer notochord cells and the structure of the nucleus pulposus and fibrous ring is disturbed,with the boundary disappearing.To conclude,mechanical puncture combined with tumor necrosis factor alpha and complete Freund's adjuvant can successfully establish a discogenic low back pain model in rats.This operation is simple and economical to achieve obvious disc degeneration and low back pain,with greatly shortened molding cycle.This model can be used as a reference for studying discogenic low back pain models.

Humans ; Asthma/drug therapy* ; Biological Therapy

Background::Essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are common movement disorders. ET-PD syndrome is characterized by the occurrence of PD in patients with a previous history of ET, which may be an independent phenotype distinct from PD. This study aims to identify clinical characteristics and subtypes in ET-PD.Methods::A total of 93 newly diagnosed ET-PD patients and 93 newly diagnosed PD patients matched for age, sex, education, and disease duration of PD were selected using propensity score matching analysis. The K-means cluster analysis was performed for 11 variables derived from the ET-PD group, and cluster profiles were established through statistical analysis of demographic and clinical variables.Results::The ET-PD group consisted of a high number of patients with a family history of ET exhibiting evident tremor with milder hypokinesia and postural instability symptoms, as compared to the PD group. Through the cluster analysis, two clusters of ET-PD patients were identified. The ET-PD cluster 1 ( n = 34) had a shorter ET duration before PD onset, lower number of patients with a family history of ET, higher unified PD rating scale instability scores, higher non-motor symptoms scores (non-motor symptoms scale D1 scores, Hamilton depression scale scores, Hamilton anxiety scale scores, and PD sleep scale-2 scores), and higher Chinese version of the PD questionnaire-39 scores relative to the ET-PD cluster 2 ( n = 59). Conclusion::ET-PD patients had significantly different characteristics for motor symptoms as compared to PD patients, and may be distinctly divided into two clinical subtypes, namely, the ET-PD complex type and the ET-PD simple type.

Objective:To investigate the application value of new urinary biomarkers insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) and tissue matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-2 (TIMP-2) in acute kidney injury with decompensated hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis.Methods:45 newly hospitalized cases with decompensated hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis were selected. Among them, 19 cases were combined with AKI on admission (cirrhosis-AKI group), 26 cases without AKI (cirrhosis-non-AKI group), and 12 healthy cases (normal control group). First-morning urine samples were collected and IGFBP7 and TIMP-2 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Urinary IGFBP7 and serum creatinine (SCr) were dynamically monitored after hospitalization in cirrhosis-non-AKI group. Normally distributed measurement data were compared by t-test, and non-normally distributed measurement data were compared by rank sum test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the indicators.Results:Urinary IGFBP7, IGFBP7 with TIMP-2 (IGFBP7×TIMP-2) in cirrhosis-AKI group ( n = 19) were equally higher than that of the cirrhosis-non-AKI group ( P < 0.05). Urinary IGFBP7, TIMP-2 and IGFBP7×TIMP-2 in cirrhosis-AKI group or cirrhosis-non-AKI group were significantly higher than those of the normal control group ( P < 0.01). The AUC of urinary IGFBP7 and urinary IGFBP7×TIMP-2 for diagnosis of AKI were 0.703 (95% CI 0.547-0.860) and 0.700 (95% CI 0.541-0.859), respectively. In the liver cirrhosis-non-AKI group ( n = 26), 5 cases of AKI were newly diagnosed according to the changes in SCr during hospitalization (progressive group). Urinary IGFBP7 was significantly increased 2 days before the diagnosis of AKI. The concentration of urinary IGFBP7 at admission in the progressive group ( n = 5) was higher than that of the non-progressive group ( n = 21) ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Urinary IGFBP7 and TIMP-2 concentrations were significantly increased in patients with decompensated hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis. When AKI occurred, urinary IGFBP7 and IGFBP7×TIMP-2 was further increased. Urinary IGFBP7 is valuable for early AKI diagnosis, and may play a role in predicting AKI occurrence.

Objective: To compare the differences between roles of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and that of echocardiography in early diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD). Methods: Medical records of patients with KD at the Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were collected retrospectively.The levels of NT-proBNP and the echocardiographic parameters on admission were compared between patients with varying days of fever by the Chi-squared test. Results: A total of 154 patients with typical KD (TKD) were identified.Among them, 104 cases had fever ≤7 days on admission, 90 cases out of them with NT-proBNP≥300 ng/L, 14 cases with coronary artery lesion detected by echocardiography, and 13 cases with positive findings in both NT-proBNP and echocardiography.For patients having ≤7 days of fever, the positive rate of NT-proBNP value was significantly higher than that of echocardiographic examination (χ²=74.05, P<0.05). Forty-four cases had 8-11 days of fever, and among them 7 cases with NT-proBNP≥300 ng/L, 8 cases with coronary artery lesion, 3 cases with two indexes positive.For patients with 8-11 days of fever, there was no significant difference in the positive rate between NT-proBNP and echocardiography (χ²=0, P>0.05). Among 6 total cases who had 12-21 days of fever, 3 cases had coronary artery lesion, none with NT-proBNP≥300 ng/L.For patients with 12-21 days of fever, there was no significant difference in the positive rate between NT-proBNP and echocardiography (χ²=0, P>0.05). A total of 102 cases with incomplete KD (IKD) were enrolled, and among them of 69 cases had fever ≤7 days on admission, 56 cases with NT-proBNP≥300 ng/L, 6 cases with coronary artery lesion, and 6 cases with positive findings in both indexes.For IKD patients with ≤7 days of fever, the positive rate of NT-proBNP value was significantly higher than that of echocardiographic examination (χ²=50.00, P<0.05). Twenty-nine cases had 8-11 days of fever, and among them 5 cases with NT-proBNP≥300 ng/L, 4 cases with coronary artery lesion.For IKD patients with 8-11 days of fever, there was no significant difference in the positive rate between NT-proBNP and echocardiography (χ²=0, P>0.05). In cases with 12-21 days of fever, 2 cases had coronary artery lesion, none with NT-proBNP ≥300 ng/L.Echocardiography revealed coronary artery lesions in 2 cases.For patients with 12-21 days of fever, there was no significant difference in the positive rate between NT-proBNP and echocardiography (χ²=0, P>0.05). Conclusions Higher levels of NT-proBNP can be helpful for early diagnosis of KD in children, which is a better predictor than echocardiography.

Objective To explore the effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on activity in the intact motor cortex controlling the suprahyoid muscles and thus on dysphagia after an unilateral stroke.Methods Forty patients suffering dysphagia more than two weeks after a unilateral cerebral stroke were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group,each of 20.Both groups were given traditional swallowing rehabilitation training,while the experimental group was additionally provided with 5 Hz rTMS for two weeks.Before and after the treatment,all of the patients were characterized using X-ray fluoroscopy,video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and surface electromyography,and their swallowing was evaluated using a standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and a penetration-aspiration scale (PAS).Results After the treatment,significant improvement was observed in both groups in the average swallowing time and in the maximum amplitude of sEMG,as well as the average SSA,PAS and VFSS scores (P＜0.05).The average values in the experimental group were in all cases significantly better than the control group's averages (P＜0.05).Conclusion Applying rTMS at 5 Hz to the motor cortex of the contralateral hemisphere controlling the suprahyoid muscles can effectively improve unilateral-hemisphere dysphagia after stroke.

There are many ways to identify circulating tumor cells in the current.Fluorescence has a wide range of applications in the identification of circulating tumor cells.The labeled cells can be observed and counted more intuitively by labeling the tumor cells with fluorescent group containing antibodies,probes and aptamers,and cytokine,CD45 and fluorescence in situ hybridization are widely used in the identification of various circulating tumor cell related tests.In recent years,people have explored the feasibility of using fluorescent probes to directly identify circulating tumor cells.With the development of biopsy probes and optical sectioning imaging technology of confocal microscopy,it is possible to directly identify circulating tumor cells with fluorescent probes in the future.

Objective To compare the effect of primary suture and T tube drainage of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE) in the treatment of patients with choledocholithiasis.Methods A total of 57 patients with calculus of extrahepatic bile duct were selected and they were randomly divided into observation group(n =25,treated by LCBDE) and control group(n =32,treated by T tube drainage).The operation time,postoperative recovery time of gastrointestinal tract,abdominal drainage time,postoperative hospital stay,hospitalization expenses and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results All the patients were successfully completed surgery,and no patients had open surgery.The recovery time and postoperative hospital stay of the observation group were (1.7 ± 0.5) d,(5.3 ± 1.6) d,respectively,which were significantly shorter than (2.1 ± 0.3) d,(9.2 ± 1.9) d of the control group (t =11.73,6.27,all P ＜ 0.05),and the cost of hospitalization of the observation group was (6873 ± 2 541)RMB,which was significantly higher than (6 079 ± 2 492)RMB of the control group (t =5.93,P ＜ 0.05).The operation time and drainage time of the observation group were (86.3 ± 19.6) min,(89.7 ± 21.6) h,respectively,which were shorter than (97.1 ± 21.1) min,(98.2 ± 22.7) h of the control group,but the differences were not statistically significant(all P ＞ 0.05).There were 4 cases of postoperative bile leakage and 1 case of common bile duct residual stones in the observation group,and the incidence rate of complications was 20.00％.There were 2 cases of bile leakage,3 cases of common bile duct residual stones and 2 cases of biliary peritonitis in the control group,and the incidence rate of complications was 21.87％.There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of complications between the two groups (x2 =0.15,P ＞0.05).All the patients were followed up for 1 to 2 years,the recurrence rate of stones in the observation group was 12.00％,which was similar to 15.60％ in the control group (x2 =0.36,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Primary suture of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration has the advantages such as less trauma,less pain,faster recovery and shorter hospital stay in the treatment of patients with choledocholithiasis,which is worthy of clinical application and popularization.

According to folk usage of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., the present study was designed to determine the feasibility of the stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as a new medicinal resource. Fourteen alkaloids in mother roots, fibrous roots, stems, and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. And multivariate analysis methods, such as clustering analysis and principal component analysis, were applied to analyze the difference among various parts. In addition, the acute toxicity, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory tests were carried out. The results suggested that the contents of alkaloids in mother roots and fibrous roots were approximate, but those of leaves and stems were different from mother roots and fibrous roots. The results of the acute toxicity testing demonstrated the toxicity of fibrous root was strongest, and mother roots were slightly less toxic than fibrous roots. The stems and leaves were far less toxic than mother and fibrous roots. In addition, the analgesia and inflammatory tests showed the effects of the various tissues had no difference each other. These results provided a basis for developing new complementary and alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Simultaneously, the approach may also turn wastes into treasure and promote the development of circular economy.
Aconitum ; chemistry ; Alkaloids ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; drug therapy ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of prenatal MRI in fetal Joubcrt syndrome and related disorders (JSRD).Methods Prenatal MRI data of 5 JSRD fetuses were analyzed retrospectively.The ratio of AP diameters of crown to root of molar tooth sign,the ratio of AP diameters of isthmus to interpeduncular fossa,and the ratio of the transverse to AP diameters of the roof of the fourth ventricle on the axial images of the midbrain were measured.Results Molar tooth signs were observed in 5 fetuses on the axial images of midbrain.The cerebellar vermis disappeared,and cleft sign was observed.Enlarged cisterna magna was observed in 3 fetuses.The ratios of AP diameters of crown to root were 0.58-0.90,of AP diameters of isthmus to interpeduncular fossa were 0.84-1.00,and of transverse to AP diameters of the fourth ventricle roof were 0.42-0.60.Conclusion Molar tooth sign and cleft sign were characteristic findings for JSRD on MRI,therefore being helpful to prenatal diagnosis of JSRD.