Effect of acupuncture at the anterior oblique parietotemporal line on gray matter remodeling in patients with hemiplegia of cerebral infarction / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the intervention effect of acupuncture at the anterior oblique parietotemporal line on gray matter remodeling in patients with hemiplegia of cerebral infarction based on voxel-based morphology (VBM), and to reveal the advantages and central effect sites of scalp acupuncture for hemiplegia of cerebral infarction. METHODS: A total of 18 patients with hemiplegia of cerebral infarction in the right basal ganglia and 18 healthy subjects were enrolled and T1 structural scan was performed. The patients were randomly divided into scalp acupuncture group and non-scalp acupuncture group, with 9 patients in each group. SPSS20.0 was used to analyze the degree of neurological deficit (NIHSS) before and after treatment, and SPM8 software package was used to compare the change in gray matter after treatment between the two groups, the difference in gray matter between patients and healthy subjects. RESULTS: After treatment, the scalp acupuncture group had a significant reduction in NIHSS (P0.05); the scalp acupuncture group had a significantly lower NIHSS than the non-scalp acupuncture group after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy subjects, the patients with cerebral infarction had a voxel increase of gray matter in the bilateral cerebellum; after 2 weeks of treatment, the scalp acupuncture group had a voxel increase of gray matter in the motor-related cortex (such as the cerebellum, the anterior cingulate, the basal nucleus, and the medial frontal gyrus) and some parts of the sensory cortex, while the non-scalp acupuncture group had a slight voxel increase of gray matter in few brain regions which were not associated with motor. After treatment, the scalp acupuncture group had a voxel increase in the brain regions of the basal ganglia, mainly the lenticular nucleus and the claustrum. Compared with the non-scalp acupuncture group after treatment, the scalp acupuncture group had a greater gray matter increase in the brain regions mainly in the bilateral cerebellar cortex. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at the anterior oblique parietotemporal line can promote neurological function recovery in patients with hemiplegia, possibly by promoting gray matter remodeling in the motor centers of the extrapyramidal system (mainly the bilateral cerebellum and the contralateral basal ganglia) and some parts of the sensory cortex and inducing functional compensation in corresponding brain regions.

Expressions of interleukin-17 and interleukin-8 in the prostatic tissue of the patients with BPH or BPH with inflammation / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the expressions of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and BPH complicated with histological inflammation and their significance.@*METHODS@#According to the results of HE staining, we divided 60 cases of BPH treated by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) into a BPH group (n = 23) and a BPH with inflammation group (n = 37). We analyzed the clinical data of the patients and determined the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-17 and IL-8 by immunohistochemistry, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and Western blot, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the BPH patients complicated with inflammation, the BPH group showed significantly lower International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (29.1 ± 6.2 vs 21.6 ± 3.7), quality of life score (QoL) (5.4 ± 1.3 vs 4.4 ± 1.6), postvoid residual urine volume (RUV) (［198.6 ± 15.5］ vs ［98.2 ± 19.3］ ml), prostate volume (［69.2 ± 24.1］ vs ［49.8 ± 16.5］ ml), PSA level (［7.4 ± 1.9］ vs ［2.8 ± 0.8］ μg/L) and serum c-reactive protein content (CRP) (［5.1±2.0］ vs ［1.5±0.6］ mg/L), but a higher maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) (［4.7 ± 2.1］ vs ［8.2 ± 1.8］ ml/s) (all P<0.05). The former group had a significantly higher incidence rate of urinary retention than the latter (32.4% ［12/37］ vs 8.69% ［2/23］), mRNA expressions of IL-17 (0.303 ± 0.076 vs 0.042 ± 0.019) and IL-8 (0.536 ± 0.059 vs 0.108 ± 0.025), and protein expressions of IL-17 (0.88 ± 0.10 vs 0.34 ± 0.05) and IL-8 (1.07 ± 0.08 vs 0.43 ± 0.04) (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The expressions of IL-17 and IL-8 are upregulated in the prostatic tissue of the BPH patients with inflammation, which may play a significant role in the development and progression of BPH.

Internal and external fixation materials for the repair of pelvic fracture:reasonable choice and biocompatibility / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Pelvic fractures are mostly caused by high energy trauma. With the development of imaging techniques and in-depth study of the anatomical structure of the pelvis and biomechanics, internal fixation and external fixation materials are gradual y being used in the repair of pelvic fracture. OBJECTIVE:To summarize features and applications of external fixation stent material, percutaneous screw fixation, percutaneous sacral iliac screw material for internal fixation and intramedul ary tensile screw material for internal fixation after pelvic fracture. METHODS:We retrieved Wanfang Database and PubMed for studies on the application of internal fixation material and external fixation material in pelvic fracture from 1994 to 2015. Al data were analyzed and summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Application of pelvic external fixation materials contributed to the stability of early pelvic fractures, showed smal injury, could increase the reliability of fixation. However, the biomechanical stability of external fixation materials was lower than other internal fixation, could only be used for the early temporary fixation of unstable pelvic fractures in particular cases. Internal fixation materials can achieve anatomical reduction, accorded with the requirements of the physical mechanics of the pelvis, improve the stability of the pelvis, and have become the first choice for repair of unstable pelvic fractures. Currently used methods are percutaneous hol ow screw fixation, percutaneous fixation of the sacral iliac screw, and intramedul ary lag screw fixation. The combination of external fixation and internal fixation can effectively restore the stability of the pelvic cavity. Therefore, we should consider the location, type and stability of the fracture to select the appropriate internal fixation and external fixation materials.

Imaging Observation of Scalp Acupuncture on Brain Gray Matter Injury in Stroke Patients with Cerebral Infarction / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study features of brain gray matter injury in cerebral infarction patients and intervention of scalp acupuncture by using voxel-based morphology.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 16 cerebral infarction patients were recruited in this study, and assigned to the scalp acupuncture group and the control group, 8 in each group. Another 16 healthy volunteers were recruited as a normal group. All patients received scanning of T1 structure. Images were managed using VBM8 Software package. Difference of the gray matter structure was compared among the scalp acupuncture group, the control group, and the healthy volunteers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with healthy volunteers, gray matter injury of cerebral infarction patients mainly occurred in 14 brain regions such as cingulate gyrus, precuneus, cuneus, anterior central gyrus, insular lobe, and so on. They were mainly distributed in affected side. Two weeks after treatment when compared with healthy volunteers, gray matter injury of cerebral infarction patients in the scalp acupuncture group still existed in 8 brain regions such as bilateral lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, left cuneus, right precuneus, and so on. New gray matter injury occurred in lingual gyrus and posterior cingulate gyrus. Two weeks after treatment when compared with healthy volunteers, gray matter injury of cerebral infarction patients in the control group existed in 23 brain regions: bilateral anterior cingulum, caudate nucleus, cuneate lobe, insular lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, precuneus, paracentral lobule, superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, lingual gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, precentral gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, and so on. New gray matter injury still existed in 9 cerebral regions such as lingual gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and so on.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Brain gray matter structure is widely injured after cerebral infarction. Brain gray matter volume gradually decreased as time went by. Combined use of scalp acupuncture might inhibit the progression of gray matter injury more effectively.</p>

Anthraquinones and triterpenoids from roots of Knoxia roxburghii / 中国中药杂志

Nine compounds were isolated from an ethanol extract of the roots of K. roxburghii by using a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography over silica gel, MCI gel, Sephadex LH-20, and reversed-phase HPLC. On the basis of physical-chemical properties and spectroscopic data analysis, their structures were identified as munjistin (1), 1-methoxy-3,6-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-9,10-anthraquinone (2), 1,2,3-trihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (3), arjunolic acid (4), hyptatic acid-A (5), hyptatic acid-B (6), 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (7), 2α,3β,23-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (8), and daucosterol (9). Compounds 1-9 were obtained from this genus for the first time.

Effect of siRNA-mediated inhibition of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B on apoptosis of hepatocarcinoma cells / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of siRNA-mediated inhibition of NF-κB on apoptosis of hepatocarcinoma cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Specific small interfering RNA Targeting NF-κB gene was synthesized and transfected into HepG2 cells by liposomes. Nested RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR were used to detect the mRNA expression of NF-κB. Immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot were performed to examine the protein expression of NF-κB. Annexin V-FITC was used to test cell apoptosis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of NF-κB in HepG2 cells (1.13+/-0.03) was significantly higher (t=27.02, P<0.05) than that in normal hepatocytes (0.29+/-0.07). The down-regulation of NF-κB expression was depended on the dosage of siRNA and the time after transfection. 72 h after siRNA transfection, NF-κB expression reduced by 93% and 62% at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The apoptosis of HepG2 cells increased by 85% with NF-κB inhibition.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NF-κB is abnormally active in HepG2 cells and NF-κB inhibition mediated by siRNA promotes HepG2 cells apoptosis. It suggested that NF-κB could be a potential target for HCC prevention gene therapy.</p>

Regulation of hypoxia-induced mRNA expressions of HIF-1alpha and osteopontin and in vitro radiosensitization by tirapazamine in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE-1 and CNE-1 cells / 癌症

<p><b>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE</b>Combined hypoxic cytotoxic drugs and chemoradiotherapy is an important mean of oncotherapy, and Tirapazamine (TPZ) is one of the most remarkable drugs. It has been shown that TPZ has a synergistic effect with radiotherapy on tumor cells, but whether TPZ would down-regulate the expression of the hypoxia-induced genes has not been reported. This study was to investigate the hypoxia-induced mRNA expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and osteopontin (OPN) in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE-1 and CNE-1 cells and the radiosensitization of TPZ, a hypoxia-specific drug, on HNE-1 and CNE-1 cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The IC50 values of TPZ for HNE-1 and CNE-1 cells were measured using MTT assay, and the mRNA expressions of HIF-1alpha and OPN in HNE-1 and CNE-1 cells was determined using RT-PCR under aerobic and hypoxic conditions, respectively. The survival rates of HNE-1 and CNE-1 cells treated with or without TPZ at IC10 in the presence or absence of oxygen for 6 h were determined using colony formation assay following exposure to 1-6 Gy of 60Co radiation. The dose-survival curves were plotted and the values of D0, Dq and SER were calculated as a single-hit multitarget model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The IC50 values of TPZ were 34.81 μmol/L and 35.02 μmol/L in HNE-1 and CNE-1 cells under aerobic condition, and 30.20 μmol/L and 28.48 μmol/L under hypoxic condition, respectively. The expressions of HIF-1alpha and OPN mRNA were reduced by TPZ in HNE-1 cells, but not in CNE-1 cells under hypoxic condition. For the HNE-1 cells, the respective values of D0 and Dq were 0.89 Gy and 0.28 Gy following normoxic irradiation versus 1.47 Gy and 0.44 Gy following hypoxic irradiation. For the CNE-1 cells, the respective values of D0 and Dq were 0.72 Gy and 0.68 Gy following normoxic irradiation versus 0.95 Gy and 0.56 Gy following hypoxic irradiation. The values of D0 and Dq for HNE-1 and CNE-1 cells treated with TPZ under hypoxic condition following irradiation were 0.66 Gy, 0.21 Gy and 0.85 Gy, 0.79 Gy, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TPZ can down-regulate hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1alpha and OPN mRNA of HNE-1 cells and radiosensitize the HNE-1 cells but not CNE-1 cells, and act as a hypoxia modifier.</p>

Dynamic expression and quantitative analysis of hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B and its gene during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the kinetic expression and alteration of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and its gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A hepatoma model was established with N-(2-fluorenyl) acetamide (2-FAA) using male SD rats. Morphological changes and dynamic alterations of NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB mRNA of the rat livers at different stages of HCC development were observed by pathological examinations. The liver specimens from HCC patients were collected by self-control method. The expression of NF-kappaB was quantitatively analyzed by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hepatocytes showed vacuole-like denaturation, atypical hyperplasia, and transformation into highly differentiated cancerous hepatocytes with increasing tendencies of liver NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB mRNA expressions. The NF-kappaB positive material was granule-like and stained brown, with dot-nest-like staining localized in the nuclei and cytoplasm of HCC cells, but only in the cytoplasm of the cells of park cancer tissues. Its expression in HCC cells was stronger than that in their surrounding tissues (chi2 = 13.1, P less than 0.01). No positive relationship was found between NF-kappaB expression and histological grades, the number of tumors, or size of the tumors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of NF-kappaB and its gene are associated with the development of HCC. To inhibit the expression may be useful to HCC therapy.</p>

Multi-center phase II clinical trial of humanized anti-epidermal factor receptor monoclonal antibody h-R3 combined with radiotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safty of the humanized anti-epidermal factor receptor monoclonal antibody h-R3 in combination with radiotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally, 137 patients from 7 medical center around China were randomly divided into combined therapy group or control group. There was no difference in Karnofsky performance score between two groups. All patients in both groups received radical conventionally fractionated radiotherapy to the total dose of D(T) 70-76 Gy. For the combined therapy group, h-R3 was added at a dose of 100 mg i.v. weekly for 8 weeks started at the beginning of radiotherapy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 137 eligilbe patients, 70 were in the combined therapy group treated by h-R3 plus radiotherapy and 67 in the control group by radiotherapy alone. The intent-to-treat (ITT) population consisted of 130 patients, while the per-protocol (PP) population was composed of 126 patients. The efficacy was assessed respectively at three point of time: the end of treatment, the 5th- and 17th-week after treatment. The complete response (CR) of the combined therapy group was significantly higher than that of the control group in both ITT and PP (ITT: 65.63%, 87.50%, 90.63% versus 27.27%, 42.42%, 51.52%; PP: 67.21%, 90.16%, 93.44% versus 27.69%, 43.08%, 52.31%; P < 0.05, respectively). The most common h-R3-related adverse reactions were fever (4.3%), hypotension (2.9%), nausea (1.4%), dizziness (2.9%) and rash (1.4%), which could be reversible if treated properly. Radiotherapy combined with 100 mg h-R3 i. v. weekly was tolerable and did not aggravate the side effects of radiation. The quality of life in the combined therapy group was comparable to that in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This phase 1 multicenter clinical trial shows that h-R3 in combination with radiotherapy is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.</p>

Advances in researches on genes and their pathophysiological implications of schizophrenia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

Considering the great progress in the field of molecular genetics research on schizophrenia, this review is aimed at discussing advances in genes of schizophrenia and their pathophysiological implications for the disorder.