Comparison of clinical effects of endoscopic thyroidectomy using the modified gasless transsubclavian approach and traditional open surgery for cN0 unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of endoscopic thyroidectomy using a modified gasless transsubclavian approach and the traditional neck approach for unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (cN0). Methods: The clinical data of 135 patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent unilateral thyroidectomy in the Department of Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University from October 2020 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 37 males and 98 females, aging (43.2±8.8) years (range: 21 to 59 years). There were 51 cases using the modified gasless transsubclavian approach (TS group) and 84 cases using the traditional neck approach (TN group). Comparative analyses were performed between the operative results of the 2 groups by t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and χ2 test. Results: All endoscopic operations were successfully completed without conversion to the traditional neck approach. Compared to the TN group, the TS group had a longer operation time (M(IQR)) (73.5 (22.5) minutes vs. 90.0 (30.0) minutes, Z=-5.831, P<0.01), more postoperative drainage (60 (25) ml vs. 95 (45) ml, Z=-6.275, P<0.01), higher hospitalization costs (22 687 (3 488) yuan vs. 26 652 (2 431) yuan, Z=-6.944, P<0.01), and a higher rate of parathyroid autotransplantation (15.5% (13/84) vs. 60.8% (31/51), χ2=29.651, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the total exposure rate of the central compartment, postoperative hospitalization time, the number of dissected lymph nodes, the number of metastatic lymph nodes, C-reactive protein ratio before and after operation, and preoperative and postoperative parathyroid hormone (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Endoscopic thyroidectomy using the modified gasless transsubclavian approach is safe for cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma, with longer operating time, more postoperative drainage, higher hospitalization costs, and moredifficulty in preserving the inferior parathyroid gland in situ compared to traditional open surgery.

Discussion on how to optimize active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in China / 中华外科杂志

Active surveillance, as a first-line treatment strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, has been recommended by guidelines worldwide. However, active surveillance has not been widely accepted by doctors and patients in China. In view of the huge challenges faced by active surveillance, doctors should improve their understanding of the "low risk" of papillary thyroid micropapillary cancer, identify some intermediate or high-risk cases, be familiar with the criteria and methods of diagnosis for disease progression, and timely turn patients with disease progression into more active treatment strategies. By analyzing the long-term cost-effectiveness of active surveillance, it is clear that medical expense is only one cost form of medical activities, and the health cost (thyroid removal and surgical complications) paid by patients due to"over-diagnosis and over-treatment" is the most important. Moreover, the weakening of the patients' social function caused by surgical procedures is a more hidden and far-reaching cost. The formulation of health economic policies (including medical insurance) should promote the adjustment of diagnosis and treatment behavior to the direction which is conducive to the long-term life and treatment of patients, improving the overall health level of society and reducing the overall cost. At the same time, doctors should stimulate the subjective initiative of patients, help them fully understand the impact of various treatment methods on their psychological and physical status, support patients psychologically, and strengthen their confidence in implementing active surveillance. By strengthening multi-disciplinary treatment team and system support, doctors can achieve risk stratification of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, accurate judgment of disease progress, timely counseling for psychological problems, and long-term adherence to active surveillance. Improving the treatment level of advanced thyroid cancer is the key point of improve the prognosis. It is important to promote the development of active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. In the future, it is necessary to carry out multi-center prospective research and accumulate research evidence for promoting the standardization process of active surveillance. Standardized active surveillance will certainly benefit specific papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients.

Etiological analysis and epidemiological significance of plague in Qinghai, 1980-2011 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To analyze the pathogenic characteristics and epidemiological significance of human plague related strains in Qinghai Province in recent 30 years, so as to provide scientific basis for on-the-spot disposal and prevention and control measures of plague outbreak in Qinghai Province. Methods　A total of 35 strains of Yersinia pestis isolated from 29 typical human plague outbreaks in Qinghai Province from 1980 to 2011 were selected and studied by biochemical fermentation experiments. Virulence factors detection of Fraction 1 antigen (Fra1), virulence antigen (VW), pigmentation (Pgm) and Yersinia pestis Ⅰ (PstⅠ), determinants and genotyping of differential regions (DFRs) were used to study the pathogenic characteristics. At the same time, according to the epidemic situation of human and animal plague in Qinghai Province in recent years, the current situation of plague prevention and control and epidemic characteristics were analyzed. Results　The biotypes of 35 strains of Yersinia pestis were classical, and the biotypes of 29 strains (82.86%) were of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau type, mainly distributed in southern Qinghai and around lake areas, 2 strains (5.71%) belonged to Qilian Mountains type, mainly distributed in Qilian mountains, and 6 genotypes were identified by DFR. Among them, 16 were type 5, 12 were type 8, 2 were type 10, 1 was type 36, 3 were type 30 and 1 was type 1b, the strains of type 5 and 1b were mainly distributed around the lake and the southern foot of Qilian Mountains, while the strains of type 8, 10, 36 and 30 were mainly distributed in the southern part of Qinghai. Conclusions　The pathogen of Yersinia pestis in Qinghai Plateau has complex biochemical types, the epidemic situation among animals is continuous year after year, the situation of prevention and control is serious, the occurrence and prevalence of plague seriously endanger people's health and social development, so it is necessary to do a solid job in the prevention and control of plague to ensure the safety of people's lives.

Retrospective Analysis of Hematological Phenotypes in Patients with Gene Mutation and Deletion α-Thalassemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the differences between hematological phenotypes of patients with different genotypes in gene mutations and deletion α- thalassemia.@*METHODS@#By screening the α- thalassemia gene test results in the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2015 to April 2020, the patients with mutation and deletion α- thalassemia were obtained, then the differences between hematological phenotypes of patients with different genotypes were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#There were 96 patients with mutation combined with deletion α- thalassemia from the results of 24 054 α- thalassemia patients screened out, including 79 patients with non-deletion Hb H disease (α@*CONCLUSION@#The hematological phenotype changes caused by α

Epidemiological investigation and follow-up study of indeterminate HIV antibody test results in Jiading, Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the rate and the population distribution of subjects with indeterminate result of HIV antibody test and to understand the relationships between the western blot(WB)banding patterns and HIV infection through follow-up reexamination. Methods Samples with indeterminate results of HIV antibody test were collected by Jiading Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2013 to 2017. They were used for analysis of the source, the distribution of Western blotting band pattern and the follow-up results. Results Among 698 samples required to be re-tested for confirmation of HIV infection, 151(21.63%)showed indeterminate WB test results. There were 18 types of WB band in 151 HIV antibody-indeterminate samples. The most common band types, accounting for 79.47%, were p24, gp160, and gp160p24. One hundred(among 151)subjects were followed up and the success follow-up rate was 50.00%. Among them, 28(56.00%)samples were still with indeterminate results of HIV antibody, 11(22.00% turned to be negative and 11(22.00%)turned to positive. The follow-up confirmatory tests showed that 67.86% of the samples with p24 band were still with indeterminate results and 40.00% of the samples with gp160 band became HIV antibody-negative. The samples with one of the three band patterns of gp160gp120p24, gp160p24p17 and gp160gp120p66p51 all became HIV antibody-positive. Conclusion The detection rate of indeterminate HIV antibody results varies in different populations. Positive conversion rates with different WB band patterns are different. Follow-up of the populations with specific WB band patterns should be strengthened to detect HIV infection cases as early as possible.

Clinical value of PCR-flow Fluorescence Hybridization in Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis of Thalassemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the value of PCR-flow fluorenscence immunmicrobeads assay in prenatal gene diagnosis of thalassemia.@*METHODS@#A total of 1001 pregnant women and their couples checked in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2016 to August 2019 were selected. Both pregnant women and their spouses were the carriers of thalassemia gene. Samples such as amniotic fluid, were used to extract genomic DNA at the right time. Parallel detection of α- and β- thalassemia genes to samples should be carried out by PCR-flow cytometric fluorescence hybridization and traditional multiple Gap-PCR and PCR-RDB techniques. The consistency of two methods in gene diagnosis of thalassemia was evaluated by analyzing the results of detection.@*RESULTS@#389 normal genotypes (38.86%, 389/1001) and 59 abnormal genotypes (61.14%, 612/1001) was cheked out by the two methods, including 416 cases of α-thalassemia, 162 cases of β-thalassemia and 34 cases of αβ- complex thalassemia. The main genotypes of α-thalassemia were --@*CONCLUSION@#Guangzhou is a area with high incidence of thalassemia, and the genetic types of thalassemia are complex and diverse. Prenatal diagnosis is the final barrier to the prevention of thalassemia. PCR flow-cytometric fluorescence hybridization, as a simple and fast technique, combined with traditional techniques in parallel contributed to the accuracy of prenatal gene diagnosis of thalassemia.

Effects of scaffold microstructure and mechanical properties on regeneration of tubular dentin / 华西口腔医学杂志

Tubular dentin is of great significance in the process of tooth tissue and tooth regeneration, because it is not only the structural feature of primary dentin, but also can affect the tooth sensory function, affect the differentiation of dental pulp cells and provide strong mechanical support for teeth. Scaffold is one of the three elements of tissue engineering dentin regeneration. Most experiments on dentin regeneration involve the study of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the scaffold. The microstructure and mechanical characteristics of scaffold materials have important effects on the differentiation and adhesion of odontoblast, it can directly affect the tissue structure of regenerated dentin.

Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of varicella epidemic in Jiading District in Shanghai from 2015 to 2018 / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of varicella outbreak in Jiading District in Shanghai from 2015 to 2018. Methods Varicella epidemic report data was collected from the national system of disease control and prevention and analyzed by spatial-temporal scanning statistic methods. Results There were 5 889 varicella cases reported from the year 2015 to 2018, and the annual average incidence rate was 91.68 per 100 000.The incidence rate for children below 3 years old was found to be the highest, reaching 621.45 per 100 000, which was significantly higher than that for the group of 18 years old and above (χ2=16 616.788, P < 0.001).There were 5.41% and 5.31% of the cases in September and February, respectively, which were lower than other months, and the peak incidence occurred in December and November, accounting for 13.41% and 11.95%, respectively.The highest and lowest incidence rates were 151.80 per 100 000 occurring in central urban area and 59.89 per 100 000 in rural area, respectively.The spatial-temporal scanning showed that the low population density area had a wide cluster range and a low effect value.The high population density area has small cluster range and high effect value. Conclusion The incidence of vanicella presents a trend of population, seasonal and regional clustering.Therefore, targeted measure should be taken to prevent varicella in focus population.

Antibody levels against diphtheria monitored in Jiading District, Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the antibody levels against diphtheria among healthy population in Jiading District of Shanghai, and to make evaluation of the effect of diphtheria toxoid vaccination strategy. Methods Serum samples were collected from healthy population in Jiading District of Shanghai in 2010-2013.Antibody against diphtheria was tested by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Geometric mean titer (GMT) of diphtheria antibody was compared between different population characteristics. Results A total of 1 029 serum samples were collected from the healthy population.With 1 003 of 1 029 diphtheria antibody titer of IgG (over 0.01 IU/mL), the positive rate was 97.47%, reaching the level of security protection (over 0.1 IU/mL) that accounted for 70.36%, and achieving the long-term protection level (over 1 IU/mL) that accounted for 35.57%;IgG GMT 0.325 IU/mL.There was significant difference in the positive rates and antibody levels between city residents and floating population in the field of diphtheria antibodies (χ2=4.708, P < 0.05;t=2.787, P < 0.05).There were statistically significant differences between different age groups in diphtheria antibody positive rates (χ2=30.262, P < 0.001) and statistically significant differences in GMT diphtheria antibody levels between different age groups (F=99.500, P < 0.001), GMT ranged in 0.029 IU/mL (30 years age group)~1.526 IU/mL (5 years age group). Conclusion The investigation of diphtheria antibody levels in Shanghai Jiading District truly reflects the effect of routine diphtheria immunization in Jiading District.DT (diphtheria & tetanus) vaccination for third grade junior is effective.We suggest a booster dose of diphtheria-containing vaccine for adolescents or adults so as to maintain immune levels.

Incidence and epidemiological characteristics of hand injuries in Jiading District of Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To understand the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of hand injuries among registered population in Jiading District of Shanghai, so as to provide evidence for scientific prevention and control. Methods Anting town, Huangdu town and Huating town were selected for investigation.Incidence of hand injuries among registered population was investigated by questionnaires. Results A total of 10 083 registered population was included in the study, with the average age being 57.1 ± 10.4 years old.Of them, 4 039 were male and 6 044 were female, 92.2% were married and 7.8% had college degree or above.The 26.8% of the subjects smoked at least one cigarette per day for more than six months, 13.1% drank at least three times per week for more than six months, and 43.7% exercised at least 10 minutes per week.The 37.9% had hypertension, 8.6% had diabetes, and 14.5% had hyperlipidemia.The incidence of hand injuries was 2.1%, of which 61.8% occurred at home and workplaces.Multivariate analysis showed that hypertension was the risk factor and smoking was the protective factor associated with hand injuries. Conclusion The incidence of hand injuries is low in Jiading District.Household hand injuries may be crucial for prevention; in addition, patients with hypertension might be a key population for prevention.

Combined detection of urine specific gravity and BK viruria on prediction of BK polyomavirus nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) is an important cause of dysfunction and failure of renal transplants. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of morning urine specific gravity (MUSG) in diagnosing BKPyVAN in kidney transplant recipients.@*METHODS@#A total of 87 patients, including 27 with BKPyVAN, 22 with isolated BKPyV viruria, 18 with T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), and 20 with stable graft function, were enrolled in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from March 2015 to February 2017. MUSG at biopsy and during a follow-up period of 24 months after biopsy was collected and analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the ability of MUSG to discriminate BKPyVAN.@*RESULTS@#At biopsy, the MUSG of BKPyVAN group (1.008 ± 0.003) was significantly lower than that of isolated BK viruria group (1.013 ± 0.004, P < 0.001), TCMR group (1.011 ± 0.003, P = 0.027), and control group (1.014 ± 0.006, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in MUSG among the isolated BK viruria group, TCMR group, and control group (P = 0.253). In BKPyVAN group, the timing and trend of MUSG elevate were consistent with the timing and trend of the decline of viral load in urine and plasma, reaching a statistical difference at 3 months after treatment (1.012 ± 0.003, P < 0.001) compared with values at diagnosis. ROC analysis indicated that the optimal cut-off value of MUSG for diagnosis of BKPyVAN was 1.009, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.803 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.721-0.937). For differentiating BKPyVAN and TCMR, the optimal MUSG cut-off value was 1.010, with an AUC of 0.811 (95% CI: 0.687-0.934).@*CONCLUSION@#Combined detection of MUSG and BKPyV viruria is valuable for predicting BKPyVAN and distinguishing BKPyVAN from TCMR in renal transplant recipients.

Surveillance of cockroach population and evaluation of control effects in households from 2017 to 2019 in Jiading District of Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To learn the population and infestation rates of cockroaches from 2017 to 2019 in Jiading District of Shanghai, to evaluate the effect of cockroach termination in household, and to provide information for cockroach control. Methods Cockroaches were controlled by dinotefuran baits and clean-up in households.Sticky trap and visual method were employed for density monitoring in farmers markets, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and residential areas.Visual method was used in households before and after using the insecticide. Results Sticky trap result showed the room infestation rate was 3.24%, mean adhesion rate was 3.29%, the density was 0.06 per board, and the density peak appeared in May.Rate of invasion and density decreased year by year.Blattella germanica was the dominant species, counting for 71.88%.The density, and rate of infestation, as determined by sticky trap method, were the highest in the farmers markets, followed by hospitals and residential areas.Determined by visual method, room infestation rate was 1.16%, and the infestation rate was 4.44%.The peak appeared in January.Infestation rate of the farmers markets was the highest, followed by hospitals and residential areas.By visual method, the room infestation rate was 59.01%, and 48.45% for nymphs.The room infestation and ootheca rates were 54.04% and 17.39%.The rate decreased more than 80% in 30 days after use of the insecticide. Conclusion Infestation rate of cockroach remains at low level in Jiading District.The effect of bait combined with environmental cleaning is remarkable.Future work should strengthen monitoring and control in farmers markets, hospitals and residential areas.

Epidemiological and pathogenic characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Jiading District of Shanghai from 2007 to 2016 / 上海预防医学

[Objective]To explore the prevalence trend and pathogenic characteristics of hand-food-mouth disease (HFMD) in Jiading District of Shanghai from 2007 to 2016. [Methods] Information on cases of hand-food-mouth disease in Jiading District from 2007 to 2016 was collected and analyzed. [Results]There were 37 520 reported cases from 2007 to 2016 with average age of 2.81 years old, in which 92.05％ cases were aged 5 years old or below. The incidence rate showed fluctuation over years was from the lowest incidence of 217.03/105 in 2015 to the highest of 461.83/105 in 2016. There were 55.95％ of reported cases from the period of April to July and 94.98％ were from rural and urban-rural areas. Samples from 799 patients as pharynx swab and anal swab, etc. were found to be enterovirus 71 (EV71) , the dominant pathogen, accounting for 44.56％ of total isolation. There were 0.59％ severe cases, 96.23％ of which were positive of EV71. [Conclusion] The HFMD prevalence in Jiading District of Shanghai showed periodicity and seasonality. Children aged 5 years old below and living in non-urban areas showed higher incidence risk. EV71 is the dominant pathogen, especially for the severe cases. These findings suggested that targeted measures should be carried out according to the prevalence and pathogenic characteristics, strengthening the prevention and control of HFMD among preschool children in rural and urban-rural areas.

Characteristics of sexual partner network and high-risk sex behaviors among men who have sex with men / 上海预防医学

[Objective]To ascertain characteristics of sexual partner network and high-risk sex behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) , providing references for intervention of high risk behavior in MSM. [Methods] Face-to-face questionnaire interview was conducted among MSM recruited by voluntary counseling and testing clinics, peer mobilization, internet mobilization, outreach intervention, and so on.Descriptive statistics, χ2test, logistic regression analysis were applied for statistical analysis. [Results]A total of 334 MSM was investigated. Over the past 6 months, proportion of female partners, fixed male partners, multiple male partners, occasional and business male partners was 37.13％, 43.11％, 52.69％, 56.29％, and 4.19％ respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that respondents who were married, less educated, non-Shanghai domicile, and non-homosexual had more female partners in proportion, those with high income and homosexuality had more fixed male partners in proportion, and those who were married, non-Shanghai domicile had more multiple or occasional male partners in proportion. In the past 6 months, MSM who had unprotected sexual behaviors with female partners, fixed male partners, multiple or occasional male partners accounted for 75.21％, 65.97％, 59.66％, and 48.40％respectively. And analysis showed that respondents had more high-risk sexual behaviors with multiple male partners with their age increasing. [Conclusion] Sexual partner network of MSM is complex. MSM has a variety of sexual partners. Multiple sexual partners and unprotected sexual behaviors exist extensively among MSM. Related factor of sexual behaviors with multiple sexual partners is age.

Nerve growth factor expression in astrocytoma and cerebrospinal fluid: a new biomarker for prognosis of astrocytoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Recent studies have discovered that nuclear translocation of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor fragments function differently from the traditional model. This study aimed to uncover the nuclear expression of NGF in astrocytoma and its biological significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-four paraffin-embedded astrocytoma specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical (IHC) and hemotoxylin & eosin (HE) staining. Preoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens and intraoperative snap-frozen astrocytoma tissues were assayed for NGF expression by ELISA and Western blotting. The outcome of patients who contributed samples was tracked. Each ten tissue samples from patients with traumatic brain injury who had received decompression surgery and CSF samples from patients undergoing spinal anesthesia but with no history of nervous system disease were taken as control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NGF-positive immunoreactive products were distributed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of astrocytoma, but were only located in the cytoplasm of traumatic brain injury (TBI) tissue. NGF nuclear-positive rate (NPR) of grades III - IV astrocytomas (70.0%) was higher than that of grades I - II astrocytoma (28.6%, P < 0.05). NGF-NP expression positively correlated with the NGF concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (r = 0.755, P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the median survival time was 25 months for NGF-NP astrocytoma grade I - II patients and 42 months in NGF nuclear negative (NGF-NN) astrocytoma grade I - II patients (P < 0.05). In astrocytoma III - IV patients, the median survival was 7 months for NGF-NP patients and 24 months for NGF-NN patients (P < 0.01). Two types of NGF with molecular weights of 13 and 36 kDa were present in astrocytoma, but only the 36 kDa NGF was found in the CSF. NGF expression elevated as the malignancy increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NGF-NP expression and NGF level in CSF were significant prognostic factors in astrocytoma patients. Because of the easy access of CSF, it may be developed as an index for early diagnosis and surveillance of astrocytoma.</p>

Research on compensatory of contralateral vertebral artery by MRA in unilateral stenosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To evaluate the MRA by measuring the diameter of the stenosis artery and the contralateral normal vertebral artery with unilateral stenosis. Methods Seventeen-six patients were divided into normal group and vertebral arterial type of cervical spondylosis group.Among 26 vertebral arterial type of cervical spondylosis cases,13 cases appeared as vertebral arterial type with unilateral stenosis of ≤1.6 mm in diameter .Statistics assessment of MRA in stenosis and contralateral artery was engaged. Results The unilateral artery stenosis diameter measured

Survival and growth of Vibrio cholerae O139 inside Acanthamoeba / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the survival and growth of Vibrio cholerae inside the Acanthamoeba polyphage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Survival and growth of Vibro cholerae O139, co-cultured with Acanthamoeba polyphaga, was observed inside the trophozoites and cysts, using Gram stain and electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Viable O139 was observed inside the amoebal vacuoles in 24 hours. Vacuoles were filled with more bacteria along with the longer period of co-culture. The process of O139 infection with Amoebae would include uptake, formation of O139 vacuole, multiplication, trophozoites lysed and expel under electron microscopy. Some infected trophozoites could subsequently encyst and the surviving O139 could locate in the vesicles inside the cysts.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>O139 might survive and multiply in the trophozoites and reside inside the cysts of Amoebae, suggesting that Acanthamoebae might serve as one of the environmental hosts of Vibro cholerae.</p>

Effects of electro-acupuncture on behavioral recovery and its molecular basis in chronic spinal cord injured rats / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo study the therapeutic mechanisms of electro-acupuncture on chronic spinal cord injury in rats.MethodsA model of chronic spinal cord injury was made. After 60 days, the pressure installs were removed, and the animals were treated with electro-acupuncture. A quantitive analysis was carried out using Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale (BBB scale). The expression of Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and its receptor TrkC were observed through immunohistochemistrical method and western blotting.ResultsAfter spinal cord injury, enhanced NT-3 and TrkC immunoreactivities were evident in neurons and glial cells. Furthermore, they were diminished in the electro-acupuncture group. Meanwhile, both evoked potentials and BBB scales were improved after EA treatment (P<0.05). ConclusionThe treatment of electro-acupuncture may promote behavioral function recovery of experimental animals, and NT-3 and TrkC may take part in the recovery.