Effects of electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) combined with neurodynamic mobilization on gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and expression of NF-κB and MuRF1 in rabbits after sciatic nerve injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) combined with neurodynamic mobilization (NM) on the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers after sciatic nerve injury in rabbits, and the expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and muscle-specific ring-finger protein 1 (MuRF1).@*METHODS@#A total of 180 common-grade New Zealand rabbits (half male and half female) were randomly divided into five groups, i.e. a normal control group, a model control group, a NM group, an EA group and a combined intervention group, 36 rabbits in each group. Except in the normal control group, clipping method was used to prepare the model of sciatic nerve injury in the rest groups. On the 3rd day of successful modeling, NM was delivered in the NM group. In the EA group, EA was exerted at bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) of L4 to L6, stimulated with disperse-dense wave and the frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. In the combined intervention group, after EA delivered at bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) of L4 to L6 , NM was operated. The intervention in each group was delivered once daily, for 6 days a week, and lasted 1, 2 or 4 weeks according to the collection time of sample tissue. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, in each group, the toe tension reflex score and the modified Tarlov test score were observed; the morphology of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed by HE staining and the cross-sectional area of muscular fiber was measured; using Western blot method, the expression of NF-κB and MuRF1 of the gastrocnemius muscle was detected.@*RESULTS@#After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the toe tension reflex scores and the modified Tarlov scores in the model control group were lower than those of the normal control group (P<0.05), and these two scores in the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group were all higher than those of the model control group (P<0.05); the scores in the combined intervention group were higher than those in the EA group and the NM group (P<0.05). The gastrocnemius fibers were well arranged and the myocyte morphology was normal in the normal control group. In the model control group, the gastrocnemius fibers were disarranged, the myocytes were irregular in morphology and the inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the local. In the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group, the muscle fibers were regularly arranged when compared with the model control group. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the cross-sectional areas of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers in the model control group were smaller than those of the normal control group (P<0.05). The cross-sectional areas in the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group were larger than those of the model control group (P<0.05), and the cross-sectional areas in the combined intervention group were larger than those in the NM group and the EA group (P<0.05). After intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the protein expressions of NF-κB and MuRF1 in the gastrocnemius muscle were higher in the model control group in comparison of those in the normal control group (P<0.05). In the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group, the expressions of NF-κB after intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks and the expressions of MuRF1 after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention were lower when compared with those in the model control group (P<0.05). In the combined intervention group, the protein expressions of NF-κB after intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks and the expressions of MuRF1 after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention were decreased when compared with those in the NM group and the EA group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) combined with NM may increase the muscle strength and sciatic function and alleviate gastrocnemius muscle atrophy in the rabbits with sciatic nerve injury. The underlying mechanism is related to the inhibition of NF-κB and MuRF1 expression.

Effect of Acupuncture on Constipation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on constipation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods:From January, 2019 to November, 2020, 50 ASD children with constipation from Rehabilitation Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine were admitted and randomly divided into acupuncture-rehabilitation group (n = 25) and medicine-rehabilitation group (n = 25). For constipation, the acupuncture-rehabilitation group used scalp acupuncture, body acupuncture combined with rehabilitation; the medicine-rehabilitation group took probiotics orally combined with rehabilitation. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation for constipation and the core symptoms. Constipation was treated for eight weeks, and ASD symptoms was treated for twelve weeks. After eight weeks and twelve weeks, the efficacy of constipation and the scores of main symptoms of constipation were compared, and they were also evaluated with Autism Child Behavior Scale (ABC) and Autism Treatment Evaluation Scale (ATEC). Results:Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the main symptoms of constipation, nor the scores of ABC and ATEC between two groups (P > 0.05). Eight weeks after treatment, the main symptoms of constipation significantly improved (t > 5.473, P < 0.001); twelve weeks after treatment, the efficacy of constipation and the main symptoms of constipation were better in the acupuncture-rehabilitation group than in the medicine-rehabilitation group (Z = 2.848, t = -2.139, P < 0.05). Eight weeks after treatment, the scores of ABC and ATEC significantly decreased (t > 7.139, P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05); the score of behavior of ATEC significantly decreased in the acupuncture-rehabilitation group (t = 3.849, P < 0.01), and was lower than that of the medicine-rehabilitation group (t = -2.643, P < 0.05), and no significant difference in other items was found between two groups (P > 0.05); twelve weeks after treatment, the scores of ABC and ATEC were lower in the acupuncture-rehabilitation group than in the medicine-rehabilitation group (|t| > 2.156, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Acupuncture-rehabilitation can improve the longer-lasting effect of constipation, and also improve the core symptoms of ASD, which is superior to medicine-rehabilitation.

Origin and development of umbilical therapy in traditional Chinese medicine / 中国针灸

The origin and development of umbilical therapy in traditional Chinese medicine is explored from related literature in the history. As a result, the Shang period is regarded as initial period of umbilical therapy, while periods from Han Dynasty, Jin Dynasty and Southern-Northern Dynasties to Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty could be taken as stage of primary development. Time from Song Dynasty, Jin Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty to Ming and Qing Dynasties is believed as mature stage. Also the manipulation, application principle, indications and contraindications of umbilical therapy are explained. A brief overview of modern development of umbilical therapy is also described.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of pituitary hyperplasia due to primary hypothyroidism / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of pituitary hyperplasia due to primary hypothyroidism.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The clinical presentations, laboratory examinations, and MRI findings of 11 patients with pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism diagnosed at our hospitals from the beginning of 2008 to the end of 2011 were retrospectively reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The clinical manifestations in 11 patients included growth arrest(7/8), mental retardation (6/8), cold intolerance and fatigue(6/11), slightly increased body weight (6/11), galactorrhea (3/11), paramenia (8/9), precocious puberty companying vaginal bleeding (2/2),and blurry vision (3/11). Laboratory investigations revealed grossly increased thyroid stimulating hormone, decreased thyroxine, and slightly elevated prolactin levels in all cases. Thyroid antibody was positive in six cases. On MRI, pituitary mass were detected a large intrasellar with/without suprasellar extension in all patients,showing the characteristic of symmetric enlargement. Spherical shape was viewed in 5 cases,with the height of (12.22 ± 3.12)mm. In the other 6 cases, the pituitary mass with the shape of calabash extended superiorly to suprasellar area, with a height of(18.95 ± 2.23)mm. The signal of pituitary mass was isointense to grey matter both on T1 weighted imaging and T2 weighted imaging. Bright short T1 signal in posterior lobe of pituitary was visible. Pituitary stalk was detected only in 4 cases from MRI without dislocation, while the width of pituitary stalk was within the normal limit.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Pituitary hyperplasia should be considered when homogenous enlargement of the pituitary gland is found on MRI. The integration of MRI findings, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings is helpful for the proper identification of the primary endocrine disease and thus avoid misdiagnosis.</p>

ID4 promoter methylation in acute myeloid leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

Objective of this study was to investigate the ID4 gene methylation status in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) was used to detect the promoter methylation status of ID4 gene in bone marrow samples from 46 AML patients with different subtypes and stage of disease and from 10 patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) as a control. The results showed that ID4 gene in bone marrow of IDA patients was completely non-methylated, while ID4 gene methylation was found in 39 out of 46 AML patients (positive rate 84.8%). The positive rates of ID4 gene methylation in different FAB types M₁, M₂, M₃, M₄, M₅, M₆ were 100% (4/4), 75% (9/12), 100% (8/8), 77.8% (7/9), 81.8% (9/11), 100% (2/2) respectively. The positive rates of ID4 gene methylation in newly diagnosed and complete remitted of AML patients were 90% (27/30) and 63.3% (7/11) respectively; ID4 methylation was detected in 5 relapsed and refractory AML patients. There were statistically significant differences in ID4 gene methylation between AML and IDA patients (p < 0.01). It is concluded that compared with IDA patients, ID4 gene methylation changes of different degrees occur in AML patients with different subtypes and stages, which suggests that ID4 gene methylation may be an early molecular event in the process of AML.

Establishment and application of an analytical method for PINK1 gene exon copy number / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a method for analyzing the PTEN-induced kinase 1 gene (PINK1) exon copy number and apply it to the analysis of PINK1 gene exon copy number variation (CNV) in patients with autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinsonism (AREP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Real-time PCR was used to analyze the exon copy number in 22 probands with AREP from unrelated Chinese Han families and 30 healthy controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Copy numbers of exons 1-8 of the PINK1 gene were analyzed, and satisfactory reaction conditions and primers for exons of the PINK1 gene were obtained. No exon CNV in the PINK1 gene was detected in this group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>An analytical method for PINK1 gene exon copy number was established. The exon CNV in the PINK1 gene was rare in Chinese patients with AREP.</p>

Mutation analysis of ATP13A2 gene in Chinese patients with familial autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mutation characteristics of ATP13A2 gene in Chinese patients with familial autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism (AREP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mutations of ATP13A2 gene were screened by polymerase chain reaction combined with DNA direct sequencing in patients with familial AREP.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No pathogenic mutations in ATP13A2 gene were detected in this group. Six reported polymorphisms were identified. They were IVS6+70A>G, IVS12+66A>G, m.1849C>T, IVS20-56 G>A, m2671C>T and m2824G>A.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ATP13A2 gene mutations may be rare in Chinese patients with familial autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism.</p>

Mutation analysis of GCH1 gene in Chinese patients with dopa responsive dystonia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect mutations of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) gene in Chinese patients with dopa responsive dystonia (DRD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six sporadic patients with DRD were examined. GCH1 gene mutations were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequence analysis and restriction enzyme digestion analysis. One hundred normal people were detected using PCR and restriction enzyme digestion analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A new point mutation, 151(G-->A) in exon one was found in a patient. It lead to substitution of a methionine for isoleucine at amino acid 1(M1I). This mutation was not found in normal control people.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The authors report a new heterozygotic point mutation 151(G-->A) in GCH1 gene. There are GCH1 gene mutations in Chinese sporadic patients with DRD.</p>

Mutation detection of parkin gene by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect parkin gene mutation of early-onset parkinsonism (EOP) by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The blood cell genomic DNA of 82 EOP patients was isolated. Exons of parkin gene were amplified by PCR. The PCR products were detected by DHPLC. The sample with abnormal peak shape was sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three point mutations were identified in 82 EOP patients compared with 100 healthy controls. Mutations in intron include IVS1-39 G --> T and IVS9 +18 C --> T. The T1422C mutation was in coding region and resulted in 441 Cys --> Arg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Three heterozygous mutations are found in sporadic EOP patients and genetic diagnosis of parkin gene by DHPLC is applicable in EOP patients.</p>

Protoplast transformation of Mortierella isabellina with hygromycin B resistance plasmid PD4 / 生物工程学报

A strain Mortierella isabellina M6-22-4, which was sensitive to hygromycin B, was selected by treating parental spores with N-methyl-N' -Nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Protoplasts of the strain Mortierella isabellina M6-22-4 were transformed successfully to hygromycin B resistance using the PD4 plasmid, which contains the Escherichia coli hph gene under the control of Mortierella alpina his H4.1 promoter. The PD4 plasmid was introduced by PEG/CaCl2 treatment. Transformation frequencies of 1.6 - 2.8 transformants/microg of DNA were achieved. Then they were successively incubated to non-selected PDA plates for 10 generations. About 31.6% transformants only from digested plasmid were mitotically stable and showed different hygromycin B resistance when they were incubated back to selection plates. The results of PCR and Southern analysis in three transformants indicated that the plasmid PD4 had been integrated into the fungal genome with 1 - 2 copies. This is the first report of Mortierella isabellina transformation system and supplies an important tool for further research into genetic manipulation of this filamentous fungus.