Influence of electroacupuncture on indocyanine green metabolism in liver: display of in vivo fluorescence imaging / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on indocyanine green (ICG) metabolism in the liver and the action mechanism of acupuncture for hepatic regulation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Kunming mice were randomly divided into an EA group and a control group, 20 cases in each one. Combined with classical hepatic metabolism test of ICG, after tail vein injection of ICG, twenty mice were treated with EA at "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 20 min. The ICG fluorescence intensity and distribution in the liver were observed with animal in vivo fluorescence imaging apparatus during 20 min of EA and 60 min of needle withdrawal. Twenty mice, taken as control group, were treated with ICG injection and no EA. The differences of fluorescence intensity and distribution in both groups were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) There was blocking and gathered fluorescent sign in both groups when ICG was injected immediately. With the extension of observation time, the fluorescence brightness and area were increased until 30 min of injection. This was in accordance with known metabolism activities of ICG in the liver. (2) At 10 min and 20 min of EA and after needle withdrawal, compared with the control group, the fluorescence intensity in the liver of the EA group was weaker and the distribution area was smaller. (3) According to quantitative statistics of fluorescence intensity, at each time point of treatment, the value in the control group was higher than that in the EA group, which appeared regularly all along. As for the total mean difference of ICG fluorescence intensity at all time points, there was statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA could reduce fluorescence intensity and lasting time of ICG, indicating that EA accelerates metabolic process of ICG in the liver. Also it is feasible to apply animal in vivo fluorescence imaging technology to the principle research of acupuncture effect.</p>

Retrospective analysis: the earthquake-injured patients in Barakott of Pakistan / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide the experience on medical rescue and care for any giant earthquake by analysing the patients treated by the Chinese Medical Rescue Team in the Barakott earthquake of Pakistan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>On October 8, 2005, a giant earthquake (7.8 Richter scale) earthquake occurred in the northwest Pakistan. We belonged to the Chinese Medical Rescue Team and worked in the earthquake-affected town---Barakott from October 28, 2005 to November 17, 2005. The patients were classified into upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, trauma and other diseases. All the data of patients who were injured during the earthquake were analysed. The difference was analyzed by X(2) test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 2 194 patients treated by the Chinese Medical Rescue Team, trauma patients only accounted for 29%, diarrhea patients for 4%, upper respiratory infection patients for 14%, and other types of diseases for 52%. Among the 630 trauma patients, 426 patients were injured during the earthquake. Of the 426 patients, 291 (68%) patients were found having open wounds, 85 (20%) patients mainly complained of soft tissue pain without any wound or fracture, and 76 (18%) patients had fractures with or without open wound. The most frequent site of wound was lower extremity. Head injury in children was 30%, obviously higher than that in the adults. Wound infection was common among the injured patients, with the rates of 72%, 64% and 78% in male, female adult patients and children, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Prevalence of common diseases, trauma, wound infection and fracture are main problems presented at late stage of the giant earthquake. Great attention should be paid to head and lower extremity injuries.</p>

Operative treatment for separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the influence of separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on ankle joint and to compare various operative methods so as to find suitable stabilization for separated distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July 1997 to July 2002, we treated 87 patients (64 males and 23 females, aged 18-54 years) with separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, among whom, 79 were combined with fracture of malleolus. Manipulative reduction, internal fixation with cancellous screws and external fixation with plaster support were performed on 37 patients, fixation with plate and screws for fibular fracture and fixation with cancellous screws for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on 34 patients, and repair of the distal tibiofibular ligaments with tendon of peroneus longus, reduction of the separated distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, and fixation with cancellous screws on 16 patients. The ankle joint had been dorsiflexed for 30 degrees when the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis was fixed with cancellous screws. And the cancellous screws were taken out at 8-10 weeks after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>These patients were followed up for at least two years. The curative effects were assessed according to the complaints of the patients and the contour, function and radiogram of the ankle joint: excellent in 55 patients (63%), good in 18 patients (21%), and fair in 14 patients (16%). Separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis recurred in 2 patients, who underwent a reoperation for repairing the distal tibiofibular ligaments with tendon of peroneus longus and recovered. One cancellous screw was broken off. No necrosis developed in the anterior skin of the ankle mortise.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis can be treated with various reasonable operations. Repair with tendon of the peroneus longus can get excellent outcomes for complete separation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.</p>

Classifications and Manipulation of the Abnormality of Cervical Curvature / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo analyze the classifications of the abnormalities of cervical curvature and its treatments with manipulation. Methods209 patients with cervical lordosis were analyzed. The abnormalities of the cervical curvature were classified as over-curvature (>45°), hypo-curvature (0°～30°), the straightened cervix (0°), backward curvature(0°～―20°), multiple curvatures (the cervical curvature showed "S" shaped). The C_5 subluxation were restored with manipulation in patients with hypo-curvature and straightened cervix, or other vertebra subluxation in multiple curvatures. Results1~4 yeared follow-up, 127 cases were excellently well being, 59 were well being, 23 were improved.ConclusionManipulation is effective on abnormalities of cervical curvature.