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Objective:To evaluate influence of electroacupuncture combined point massage on aptients with cartid ar- tery arteriosclerosiss.Methods:A total of 106 patients with carotid atherosclerosis were randomly divided into rou- tine group (n=54,received health education based on routine therapy)and electroacupuncture+ massage group (n=52,received additional electroacupuncture and point massage based on routine group).Both groups were treated for two courses,20 times/course, 1 time/d.Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT)and thickness of carotid plaques were measured and compared between two groups before and after treatment.Results:There were no sig- nificant difference in thickness of carotid plaques and IMT between two groups before treatment,P>0.05 all. Compared with before treatment,after treatment,there were significant reductions in thickness of carotid plaques [left:(0.104±0.103)mm vs.(0.044±0.031)mm,right:(0.111±0.093)mm vs.(0.055±0.046)mm]in elec- troacupuncture + massage group,and they were significantly thinner than those of routine group [left:(0.190± 0.175)mm,right:(0.223±0.183)mm],P<0.01 all;significant reductions in carotid IMT [left:(0.096±0.021) mm vs.(0.086±0.019)mm,right:(0.091±0.019)mm vs.(0.087±0.018)]in electroacupuncture + massage group,and they were significantly thinner than those of routine group [left:(0.105±0.016)mm,right:(0.103± 0.020)mm],P<0.05 or <0.01.Conclusion:Electroacupuncture combined point massage can effectively reduce thickness of carotid plaques and carotid intima-media thickness.
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BACKGROUND:The repair and management of ful-thickness skin defects resulting from burns and chronic wounds remain a significant unmet clinical chal enge. Using epidermal stem cel s and keratinocyte growth factor for ful-thickness wound repair is a promising approach. Low-frequency electromagnetic fields which are a non-invasive physical stimulation therapy have been recognized as a good method to enhance wound healing. OBJECTIVE:To develop a new strategy to accelerate wound healing by transplanting transfected epidermal stem cel s and keratinocyte growth factor and treating with low-frequency electromagnetic fields in a mouse model. METHODS:Epidermal stem cel s from Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro, then the cel s were labeled with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine and transfected by Ad-KGF, a recombinant adenovirus carrying the keratinocyte growth factor. Mice were given to create ful thickness skin wound on the dorsum and randomly assigned to four groups:control group, transplantation of epidermal stem cel s group, transplantation of keratinocyte growth factor gene modified epidermal stem cel s group, and transplantation of keratinocyte growth factor gene modified epidermal stem cel s plus low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The best healing pattern was observed in the keratinocyte growth factor gene modified epidermal stem cel s plus low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure group (P<0.05) at days 9 and 16. 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine labeled cel s existed in the wound in the treated groups at day 9. A significantly increased expression of endogenous keratinocyte growth factor was detected in the transplantation of Keratinocyte Growth Factor gene modified epidermal stem cel s group, and transplantation of keratinocyte growth factor gene modified epidermal stem cel s plus low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure group at day 16. A wel-advanced epithelialization was observed in transplantation of keratinocyte growth factor gene modified epidermal stem cel s plus low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure group at days 16 and 30. These results suggest that low-frequency electromagnetic fields enhanced wound healing fol owing the transplantation of keratinocyte growth factor gene modified epidermal stem cel s.
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@#Objective To explore the effects of long-term Tai Ji exercise on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and incidence of chronic diseases. Methods The elderly involved were divided into control group (n=62) and Tai Ji group (n=63). Both of them received 2-years health education. The Tai Ji group exercised with the frequency of 30~40 minutes each time, 3 times a week, while the control group didn't change their daily behavior. They were observed 2 and 6 years later. Results 2 years later, the blood pressure, weight and waistline decreased in Tai Ji group compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 6 years followed, 1 people died and 4 people occured cardiovascular diseases in Tai Ji group, while 2 people died and 12 people occured cardiovascular diseases in the control group. The incidence of chronic diseases was lower in Tai Ji group (9.52%) than in the control group (33.87%) (P<0.01). And the blood pressure, waistline, and hipline in Tai Ji group decreased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion Long-term Tai Ji Exercise can ameliorate the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases.
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Objective To observe the effects of low intensity electromagnetic fields (LIEMFs) in promoting the reconstruction of full skin loss wounds grafted with human epidermal stem cells (ESCs). Methods Fifty nude mice aged 7 to 8 weeks with full skin loss wounds were equally divided into 3 experimental subgroups ( 1 Hz, 10Hz and 50Hz) and two control groups (a cell suspension control group and a blank control group) , with ten mice each. In the 3 experimental subgroups and the cell suspension control group, ESCs separated from human foreskin and cultured in vitro were grafted to the wounds using collagen sponge scaffolds. The experimental subgroups were then stimulated with an LIEMF (magnetic field intensity 5mT) at the appropriate frequency for 30min/day for 15 days. The blank control group was put under the same conditions without the cell suspension and LIEMF. The healing rates of the wounds were observed, and tissue slices were stained and observed under a light microscope. The inner structure of the regenerating skin was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Results The ESCs were successfully grafted. A few human integrin β1 positive stained cells appeared in the regenerating skin. The average healing rates in the experimental subgroups were significantly superior to those of the control groups. Well differentiated epidermis and dermis could be seen in the regenerating skin in all of the experimental groups. The epidermis had more cell layers and was thicker than in the control groups. More desmosome, hemidesmosome and keratin filaments were seen among the epidemic cells of the experimental groups. Conclusions LIEMF promotes the healing of full skin loss wounds grafted with ESCs in nude mice, and can promote complete repair of skin defects and the regeneration of skin function.
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Objective To observe the effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields (LFEMFs) on the proliferation of human epidermal stem cells (hESCs) cultured in a three dimensional environment so as to provide an experimental basis for applying LFEMF in skin tissue engineering.Methods hESCs from human prepuces were isolated and purified by the method of rapid adherence to collagen type ⅣV. They were grafted into a type-I collagen sponge or chitosan scaffold in vitro, and then stimulated with different frequencies of LFEMF ( 1 Hz, 10 Hz or 50 Hz) at a magnetic field intensity of 5 mT for 30 min/d. The cells' growth and proliferation were tracked using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and diamine pheny1 indole (DAPI) staining and observed under the scanning electron microscope at different time points ( on 2nd, 7th, 10th and 14th days of LFEMF intervention). The amounts of cell proliferation at every time point were analyzed and compared.Results LFEMFs of different frequencies showed significantly different efficacy in promoting hESC proliferation. The two scaffolds also showed significantly different effects.By the 10th day, hESCs had grown significantly better on collagen sponge scaffolds than on the chitosan ones. All LFEMF frequencies could promote proliferation of hESCs, but the differences in their effects were statistically significant.Conclusion Collagen sponge may be a preferable scaffold for hESCs cultured in vitro. Rapid proliferation of ESCs in three-dimensional settings can be promoted by LFEMF intervention. LFEMF has relatively great potential in skin tissue engineering.
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Objective To compare the effects of semi conductor laser nasal cavity irradiation with He Ne laser intravenous irradiation therapy on patients with brain lesion. Methods Ninety six cases of cerebral infarction(CI), traumatic brain injury(TBI) were randomly divided into semi conductor laser group (group A, n =50, ?=650nm , 2.4mW, 30mins/nasal cavity), He Ne laser group (group B, n =46, ?=632.8nm, 2.5mW, 40mins/ intermedia cubiti vein or basilic vein). The changes of the blood lipids, hemorheology parameters, scores with Fugl Meyer movement scale and Barthel index assessment were compared after the semi conductor laser and He Ne laser irradiation. Results After laser irradiation,The CHOL, TG, LDL, ESR and HCT were significantly reduced in both groups( P 0.05). The brain damage area was reduced in all the patients as revealed by CT examination. Conclusion The influence of the two kinds of laser irradiation therapies is similar when applied in patients with brain injury. But semi conductor laser nasal cavity irradiation is a simple, safe, inexpensive therapy for the patients.