Effects of Zusanli and Ashi Acupoint Electroacupuncture on Repair of Skeletal Muscle and Neuromuscular Junction in a Rabbit Gastrocnemius Contusion Model.

Objective. To explore the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 (EA-ST36) and at Ashi acupoints (EA-Ashi) on skeletal muscle repair. Methods. Seventy-five rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: normal, contusion, EA-Ashi, EA-ST36, and EA at Ashi acupoints and ST36 (EA-AS). EA (0.4 mA, 2 Hz, 15 min) was applied after an acute gastrocnemius contusion. The morphology of myofibers and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and expressions of growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Neuregulin 1 (NGR1), and muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) were assessed 7, 14, and 28 days after contusion. Results. Compared with that in contusion group, there was an increase in the following respective parameters in treatment groups: the number and diameter of myofibers, the mean staining area, and continuities of NMJs. A comparison of EA-Ashi and EA-ST36 groups indicated that average myofiber diameter, mean staining area of NMJs, and expressions of AChE and NRG1 were higher in EA-Ashi group, whereas expression of GDF-8 decreased on day 7. However, increases in myofiber numbers, expressions of MuSK and AChE, as well as decreases in GDF-8 expression, and the discontinuities were observed in EA-ST36 group on the 28th day. Conclusion. Both EA-ST36 and EA-Ashi promoted myofiber regeneration and restoration of NMJs. EA-Ashi was more effective at earlier stages, whereas EA-ST36 played a more important role at later stages.

PEG-imbedded PEO membrane developed by a novel highly efficient strategy toward superior gas transport performance.

Low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is deliberately incorporated into synthesized swellable poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) membranes via a facile post-treatment strategy. The membranes exhibit both larger fractional free volume (FFV) and a higher content of CO2-philic building units, resulting in significant increments in both CO2 permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity. The separation performance correlates nicely with the microstructure of the membranes. This study may provide useful insights in the formation and mass transport behavior of highly efficient polymeric membranes applicable to clean energy purification and CO2 capture, and possibly bridge the material-induced technology gap between academia and industry.

[The effect of the Sanqi qisodium hyaluronate gel on the collagen of epidural scar after rabbits laminectomy].

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of Sanqi qisodium hyaluronate gel on collagen-I and collagen-III expression in the process of rabbits' epidural scar formation after operation. METHODS: Ninety-six white rabbits with 6-month-old, half males and half females, weighted from 2 to 2.5 kg, which were randomly divided into normal saline group (A), Sanqi group (B), qisodium hyaluronate group (C) and Sanqi qisodium hyaluronate gel group (D). The laminectomy of rabbits were performed in group A, B, C, D, the duras were surrounded with normal saline, Sanqi liquid, qisodium hyaluronate and Sanqi qisodium hyaluronate gel respectively. Animals of each group were killed at 1, 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation. Use Masson staining for histological observation of collagen, and in situ hybridization staining for the analysis of collagen-I and collagen-III expression. RESULTS: In the Masson staining, Sanqi qisodium hyaluronate gel group was more regular than the control group in the shape of collagen texture. As to the expression of collagen-I, and Sanqi qisodium hyaluronate gel group was lower than normal saline group, the Sanqi group and qisodium hyaluronate group at 4 weeks after using medicine (P < 0.01); while the Sanqi qisodium hyaluronate gel group was higher than normal saline group, Sanqi group and qisodium hyaluronate group in the collagen-III expression (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sanqi qisodium hyaluronate gel could improve collagen's arrangement of the rabbit's epidural scar after operation, reduce its rigidity and increase flexibility.

[Study on the progress of the mechanism of TGF-beta in the scarring and the effect of TCM].

Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) plays a central role in wound healing and scarring. TGF-beta is a member of cytokine family, involving cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis, which subsequently trigger extracellular matrix (ECM) deposite and collagen overproduction. A number of regulators of TGF-beta expression bave been identified, including Decorin CTGF, etc. TCM can reduced later scarring, and it accelerates wound healing. TCM can reduce the expression of TGF-beta, resistance of fibrosis, so that lighten the development of scar. This article reviewed the mechanism of TGF-beta in the scarring and TCM can decrease the development of scar effected by TGF-beta.

[Phonation reconstruction and function assessment after total and near-total laryngectomy].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Total laryngectomy is a common surgery pattern for treating laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, but patients will lost phonation function after operation. This study was to retrospectively analyze usage of modified Amatsu, and modified Pearson operation in treating laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, and to analyze phonation function by subjective and objective assessment. METHODS: Clinical data of 69 patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer treated by total or near-total laryngectomy (modified Amatsu or modified Pearson operation) in our department from 1996 to 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. Phonation function of 69 patients was evaluated by acoustic analysis and Jiyan classification method, and compared with phonation quality of patients received vertical hemilaryngectomy (VHL) and healthy people. RESULTS: No patient appeared obvious aspiration. Four cases with post-operative radiotherapy all regained phonation function. The 3-year survival rate was 88% (22/25); 5-year survival rate was 80% (4/5). Results of acoustic assessment, and Jiyan classification method indicated that phonation function of patients received modified Amatsu or modified Pearson operation could meet daily requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Amatsu and modified Pearson operations can be learnt and applied easily for phonation reconstruction after laryngectomy. They may be optional surgery patterns, especially modified Pearson operation.