Ultrasound-guided dry needling versus traditional dry needling for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of ultrasound (US)-guided dry needling (DN) with traditional DN in the treatment of pain and dysfunction for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients (25 male and 65 female), age 50-80 years diagnosed with KOA were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio for intervention: real US-guided DN with exercise therapy (G1), placebo US-guided DN with exercise therapy (G2), and exercise therapy solely (G3). G1 and G2 were blinded to the application of real or placebo US guidance by turning the monitor of US imaging out-of-view from participants' vantage points. The effectiveness of blinding was evaluated by asking the participants whether they had received real-US guided DN. The responses were assessed by Chi-square test. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Knee injury, and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales (KOOS-pain, KOOS-symptoms, KOOS-quality-of-life (QoL)) were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks by a blinded assessor. Data were analyzed by mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Eighty-four participants (61.26±5.57 years) completed the study. G1 achieved significant improvement in VAS at 8 weeks compared to G2 and G3 (G1 vs. G2: MD = -15.61, 95% CI [-25.49, -5.51], p = 0.001; G1 vs. G3: MD = -19.90, 95% CI [-29.71, -10.08], p< 0.001). G1 achieved significant improvement in KOOS-pain at 8 weeks compared to G2 and G3 (G1 vs. G2: MD = 9.76, 95% CI [2.38, 17.14], p = 0.006; G1 vs. G3: MD = 9.48, 95% CI [2.31, 16.66], p = 0.010). KOOS-symptoms and KOOS-QoL were not statistically significant between groups. G2 had no significant difference of the perceptions as G1 with p = 0.128. G2 were successfully blinded to placebo US-guided DN. CONCLUSION: US-guided DN with exercise therapy may be more effective than traditional DN with exercise therapy or exercise therapy alone in reduce pain of KOA.

Surface Treatment on Physical Properties and Biocompatibility of Orthodontic Power Chains.

The conventional orthodontic power chain, often composed of polymer materials, has drawbacks such as a reduction of elasticity owing to water absorption as well as surface discoloration and staining resulting from food or beverages consumed by the patient. The goal of this study was to develop a surface treatment (nanoimprinting) for orthodontic power chains and to alleviate their shortcomings. A concave template (anodic alumina) was manufactured by anodization process using pure aluminum substrate by employing the nanoimprinting process. Convex nanopillars were fabricated on the surface of orthodontic power chains, resulting in surface treatment. Distinct parameters of the nanoimprinting process (e.g., imprinting temperature, imprinting pressure, imprinting time, and demolding temperature) were used to fabricate nanopillars on the surface of orthodontic power chains. The results of this study showed that the contact angle of the power chains became larger after surface treatment. In addition, the power chains changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The power chain before surface treatment without water absorption had a water absorption rate of approximately 4%, whereas a modified chain had a water absorption rate of approximately 2%-4%. Furthermore, the color adhesion of the orthodontic power chains after surface modification was less than that before surface modification.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome impairs erectile function through increased endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and corporal fibrosis in a rat model.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is an independent risk factor for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). But the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between CP/CPPS and ED are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CP/CPPS on erectile function in a rat model and the possible mechanisms. A rat model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) was established to mimic human CP/CPPS. Then twenty 2-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into EAP group and control group. Intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured during cavernous nerve electrostimulation, the ratio of max ICP/MAP was calculated. Blood was collected to measure the levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and testosterone, respectively. The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in corpus cavernosum were detected. We also evaluated the smooth muscle/collagen ratio and apoptotic index (AI). The ratio of max ICP/MAP in EAP group were significantly lower than that in control group. The levels of serum CRP, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in EAP group were all significantly higher than these in control group. The expression of eNOS and cGMP levels in corpus cavernosum of EAP rats were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, decreased SOD activity and smooth muscle/collagen ratio, increased MDA levels and AI were found in corpus cavernosum of EAP rats. In conclusion, CP/CPPS impaired penile erectile function in a rat model. The declines of eNOS expression and cGMP levels in corpus cavernosum may be an important mechanism of CP/CPPS-induced ED. CP/CPPS also increased oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio in corpus cavernosum of rats, which were all important for erectile function.

Zhi-Long-Huo-Xue-Tong-Yu modulates mitochondrial fission through the ROCK1 pathway in mitochondrial dysfunction caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney injury.

Zhi-Long-Huo-Xue-Tong-Yu (ZLHXTY) is a defined mixture of 5 herbs developed by Professor S.J. Yang according to the Buyang Huanwu decoction method, which has been recorded in the Yilingaicuo. This study investigated the renoprotective effects of ZLHXTY on mitochondrial dysfunction induced by diabetic kidney injury in a diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin. Rats were daily fed either ZLHXTY or vehicle beginning in the 1st week after injection. Levels of mitofusin 2 (mfn2), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), caspase-9, and rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) were detected using Western blotting. Levels of intracellular calcium and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An electron microscopic examination of kidney tissue was performed. The levels of mfn2 and ATP in the diabetes and ZLHXTY groups decreased from the 4th week after modeling. The expression levels of Drp1, ROCK1, and caspase-9 increased in the diabetes group but decreased in the ZLHXTY group from the 4th week after modeling. Compared with the diabetes group, ZLHXTY treatment decreased the mesangial expansion index and proteinuria levels, and improved the pathological changes typical of diabetic kidney injury. Furthermore, ZLHXTY treatment inhibited the activation of ROCK1 and expression of Drp1 and caspase-9, but did not affect the expression of mfn2. This study indicates that ZLHXTY treatment could protect kidney tissue from diabetic injury through the ROCK1 pathway response to mitochondrial dysfunction induced by diabetes.

Prognostic impact of pERK in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with sorafenib.

BACKGROUND: Sorafenib represents the standard of care targeted therapy for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, biomolecules that predict a patient's response to sorafenib treatment for HCC remain largely unknown. Thus, this study was designed to investigate whether phosphorylated ERK (pERK) and members of the sorafenib target or PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway predict the efficacy of sorafenib in advanced HCC patients. METHODOLOGY: From December 2008 to October 2011, pathological specimens from 54 advanced HCC patients received sorafenib treatment were obtained. Clinicopathological variables, treatment response, survival and time to progression (TTP) were recorded. Immunophenotypical analysis was carried out using antibodies against pERK, phosphorylated S6K (pS6K), VEGFR2 and PTEN. RESULTS: The median overall survival (OS) and TTP were 14.2 and 3.4 months, respectively, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 59.3%. Better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) (95% CI: 3.27-4.93 m vs. 1.15-2.85 m, p = 0.01), Child-Pugh class A score (95% CI: 3.47-4.53 vs. 1.14-2.06 m, p < 0.01), and higher pERK (3.34-6.66 m vs. 1.33-2.67 m, p = 0.03) and VEGFR2 (3.49-6.52 m vs. 2.15-2.73 m, p = 0.04) immunohistochemical staining score were associated with increased TTP by univariate analysis. The ECOG PS (p = 0.022), Child-Pugh class (p = 0.045) and pERK staining score (p = 0.012) were found to be associated with TTP using multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Sorafenib treatment outcome is favorable in advanced HCC patients who received tumor resection and who have a good ECOG PS and Child-Pugh class A liver function. The pERK immunohistological staining score, ECOG PS and Child-Pugh class may be helpful in determining patients most likely to benefit from sorafenib therapy.

Impact of Lotensin and Salviae on the changes of TGF-beta1 and its receptors in a rat model of chronic cyclosporine-induced nephropathy.

OBJECTIVES: Transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and its receptors, type 1 (TR-1) and type 2 (TR-2) play important roles in chronic cyclosporine (CsA)-induced nephropathy. Lotensin is known as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and may reduce chronic CsA-induced nephropathy. Recently it is reported that Salviae (a Chinese medicine), which can improve microcirculation and decrease the expression of TGF-beta(1) has the same effect as that of lotensin. Therefore, in this study we assessed the effects of Lotensin or Salviae on the chronic CsA-induced upregulation of TGF-beta(1), TR-1, and TR-2 in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sodium-depleted rats were administered CsA by gastric gavage and a new rat model of chronic CsA-induced nephropathy was established. Rats with chronic CsA-induced nephropathy were treated by lotensin or Salviae. The proteins of TGF-beta(1), TR-1, and TR-2, and the mRNA of TR-1 and TR-2 in the kidneys of CsA-treated rats, were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). The results were investigated semiquantitatively by image analysis. RESULTS: Lotensin or Salviae individually attenuated CsA-induced nephropathy in the rat models, and downregulated the protein expressions of TGF-beta(1), TR-1, and TR-2, and the mRNA transcripts of TR-1 and TR-2 in the rat model. CONCLUSION: Our studies show that treatment with lotensin or Salviae is useful in preventing chronic CsA-induced nephropothy.

The possible study of HuaXi-1 solution for all intra-abdominal organ preservation: a study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: University of Wisconsin (UW) solution continues to be the most commonly used solution for intra-abdominal organs. However, it is expensive. Therefore, we have formulated HuaXi-1 (HX-1) solution. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of HX-1 solution compared to UW, Collins 2, and hypertonic citrate solutions on intra-abdominal organs. METHODS: The effects of HX-1 solution for all intra-abdominal organ preservation were studied in a noncirculated, isolated, perfused rat liver model, in rat pancreas isografts in diabetic rats, and in a kidney autotransplant model. The effects were investigated by measuring hepatic tissue water content, sinusoidal lining cell mortality, Krebs-Henseleits perfusate, aspartate aminotransferase, the number of livers secreting bile during isolated perfusion, blood glucose, glucose tolerance tests, serum insulin of the rat pancreas-transplant recipients, the maximum serum creatinine levels, kidney graft survival rates, and observing the morphological changes in liver, pancreas, and kidneys. RESULTS: HX-1 solution preserved rat liver well for 24 hours as effectively as UW, rat pancreas as well for 48 hours, and dog kidney as well for 72 hours. CONCLUSION: The experimental findings indicated that HX-1 solution was effective to preserve all intra-abdominal organs; it may simplify cold storage of organs for transplantation.

Altered processing of pro-orphanin FQ/nociceptin and pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides in the brains of mice expressing defective prohormone convertase 2.

The bioactivity of neuropeptides can be regulated by a variety of post-translational modifications, including proteolytic processing. Here, gene-targeted mice producing defective prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) were used to examine the post-translational processing of two neuroendocrine prohormones, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and pro-orphanin FQ (pOFQ)/nociceptin (N), in the brain. Reversed-phase HPLC and gel-exclusion chromatography were combined with specific radioimmunoassays to analyze the processing patterns of these two prohormones in the hypothalamus and the amygdala. In the case of POMC, the lack of PC2 activity completely prevented carboxy-shortening of beta-endorphins and greatly diminished conversion of beta-lipotropin to gamma-lipotropin and beta-endorphin. Although conversion of beta-lipotropin to beta-endorphin decreased, the lack of PC2 activity caused an increase in beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin levels in the mutant animals, but no increases in POMC or biosynthetic intermediates were seen. The extent of OFQ/N production was significantly lower in PC2-deficient mice and there was an accumulation of relatively large amounts of pOFQ/N and biosynthetic intermediates. These results demonstrate that PC2 is directly involved in the biogenesis of two brain neuropeptides in vivo and suggest that the specific prohormone and cellular context influences neuropeptide processing by PCs.

[The effect of salvia miltiorrhiza and shengmai on inflammatory mediator and renal function of post-operative patients with obstructive jaundice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of salvia miltiorrhiza and shengmai (SS) on inflammatory mediator and renal function in patients with obstructive jaundice (OJ). METHODS: This study included three groups: the OJ patients receiving SS for 6 days after operation (the SS group, n = 15); the OJ patients not receiving SS (the OJ group, n = 15); the patients with other hepato-biliary disorders (the Non-OJ group, n = 15). The levels of ET, LPs, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8 and urine RBP, TFR, ALB were measured one day before operation and 1, 4, 7 days after operation. RESULTS: The SS group's LPs, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, ET, RBP, TFR and ALB levels were obviously lower on Day 7 after operation as compared with those on Day 1 after operation (P < 0.05). The urine RBP and ALB levels were significantly lower in the SS group than in the OJ group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The post-operative use of salvia miltiorrhiza and shengmai for patients with obstructive jaundice may effectively decrease the postoperative levels of plasma LPs, ET, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8. At the same time, salvia miltiorrhiza and shengmai may protect renal function by inhibiting inflammatory mediator and improving blood dynamics.

[Effect of Fucong tablets and its ingredients on ototoxicity of gentamycin in guinea pigs].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the antagonistic effect of Fucong Tablet (FCT) and its ingredients on ototoxicity of gentamycin in guinea pigs. METHODS: The guinea pigs were given gentamycin 80 mg/kg intramuscularly once daily for 20 days and FCT or its ingredients separately oral taken for 20 days. The auditory brain stem evoked response (ABR) threshold, vascular stria blood circulation condition, outer hair-cell count and cochlear ultrastructure of guinea pigs were observed before and after treatment to assess the antagonistic effect and protective effect of FCT on cochlear structure. RESULTS: FCT and its ingredients of tonifying Kidney, replenishing Qi and blood, promoting blood circulation could lower the impairment ratio of outer hair-cell induced by gentamycin (P < 0.05), protect morphosis and function of cochlea and lower the elevated ABR threshold (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FCT and its ingredients could reduce the toxic damage on ear induced by gentamycin effectively.

[Mechanism of Canscora lucidissima xanthones against arrhythmia induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of 1,8-dihydroxy-3,5- dimethoxyxanthone (Xan-I) 1-hydroxy-5-dimethoxyxanthone(Xam-II) and 1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyanthone (Xan-III) on arrhythmia induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and their mechanism. METHOD: A rat model was used. The experimental result shows that. RESULT: An intravenous injection of Xan-I, Xan-II and Xan-III 1 mg/kg given 3 min before left coronary artery ligation reduces significantly the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and its duration, diminishes the release of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase, elevates the activity of superoxide dismutase and reduces the amount of malondialdehyde. The potency of the above effect among 3 Xans is Xan-I > Xan-III > Xan-II. CONCLUSION: It follows that the protective effect of Xans on myocardial ischemia reperfusion induced by arrhythmia might be associated with the reduction of myocardial lipid peroxidation and the enhancement of SOD activity, and the amount and site of-OH(hydroxy) and -OCH3 (methoxy) on the benzenoid structure may be related to the affinity of Xan.

[Successful 48-72 h cold storage of dog kidneys with HX-1 solution].

HX-1 solution was used in this study to determine its effects on long term kidney preservation. 20 female and male mongrel dogs were randomly divided into control (HC-WCU solution) and experimental (HX-1 solution) groups. Kidneys were flushed with HC-WCU or HX-1 solution and stored at 0.4 degree C for 48 or 72 h. After being preserved, the kidney was implanted in the right groin of the animal and anastomosed to the iliac vessles. This procedure was immediately followed by a contralateral nephrectomy. The experimental findings were: 1. The maximum serum creatinine levels were 642.60 +/- 158.60 mumol/L and 686.20 +/- 154.04 mumol/L respectively in HC-WCU solution subgroups for 48 or 72 h cold storage. But the maximum serum creatinine levels were 448.32 +/- 36.90 mumol/L and 524.60 +/- 109.38 mumol/L respectively in HX-1 solution subgroups. 2. 80% of the kidneys were viable after 48 h storage in HC-WCU kidney solution, but 100% viable when stored in HX-1 solution: 40% of the kidneys were viable after 72 h storage in HC-WCU solution, but 60% viable when stored in HX-1 solution. 3. Histologically the kidney of dogs that died of renal failure was damaged worse in HC-WCU solution group than that in HX-1 solution group. These results suggest that HX-1 solution is superior to HC-WCU solution for preserving kidneys and HX-1 solution may store up the kidney of dogs to 48-72 h.

[Mineralization of human dental pulp cells in continued culture].

The purpose of this study was to understand the mineralization of human dental pulp cells in vitro. Pulp cells were isolated from human normal permanent teeth and cultured in normal tissue-culture medium. With continued culture, pulp cells formed cell nodules after 12-15 days, but no cell nodules were found from human gingiva fibroblasts. Pulp cells showed high alkaline phosphatase activity and the nodules were strongly stained by Von Kossa. Furthermore, the nodules showed high level of calcium and phosphorus by Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and pulp cells had similar ultrastrusture with odontoblasts under TEM. The continued culture of pulp cells provides a useful system for studying differentiation and calcification of pulp tissue.

[Effects of gu chi san on cultured human gingival fibroblasts].

The present study demonstrates that Gu Chi San is able to increase the bone density in the clinical and animal tests. This study finds that Gu Chi San has no cytotoxicity on HGFs, and 1g/L Gu Chi San extracts can stimulate the mitosis and enhance the DNA synthesis of HGFs. The results indicate that certain substances are present in Gu Chi San.

Serum response element associated transcription factors in mouse embryos: serum response factor, YY1, and PEA3 factor.

Many mammalian transcription factors, including human and mouse serum response factors (SRFs), are post-translationally modified with O-linked N-acetylglucosamine monosaccharides on multiple serine and/or threonine residues. Nuclear extracts were prepared from 9.5 to 19 days postcoitum mouse embryos and subsequently were fractionated by wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-agarose affinity chromatography. SRF binds WGA-agarose and apparently is O-glycosylated. On the other hand, the low molecular weight serum response element (SRE)-binding proteins, including the previously named band I and band II factors, did not bind WGA-agarose. Furthermore, we showed that the fastest migrating complex contains the Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) factor. YY1 binds to the c-fos SRE and skeletal alpha-actin muscle regulatory element (MRE), but not the cardiac alpha-actin MRE. Nuclear extracts from NIH/3T3 fibroblasts contain similar, if not identical, SRE-binding complexes. Besides these SRE-binding factors, mouse PEA3-binding factor, presumably an ETS domain-containing protein, was found to bind SRF protein. This physical interaction, between SRF and ETS domain proteins, was shown to involve the DNA-binding domain-containing region of SRF and not the carboxyl-terminal transactivation domain.

[Effect of Tibetan drug Arenavia kansuensis Maxim. var. ovatipetala Tsui on inflammation and immunological function].

It has been found that the Tibetan drug Arenaria kansuensis has significant inhibitory action on edema in the ears of mice induced by cotton oil and granuloma, on acute inflammation in the form of swollen feet of rats induced by albumen injection and carrageenan, on phagocytosis of histiocytes in the abdomen of mice, and on the formation of antibody (serum HC50). Being low in toxicity, the drug is conducive to the smooth functioning of the liver and kidney.

Effects of locust bean gum on glucose tolerance, sugar digestion, and gastric motility in rats.

Effects of selected undigestible gel-forming complex carbohydrates, including locust bean gum, guar gum, and pectin, on glucose tolerance and food motility were studied in rats. Addition of 2.5% of guar gum or locust bean gum to an oral glucose tolerance test solution significantly altered the postprandial serum glucose response. Although all three complex carbohydrates tested did not reduce the initial rise in serum glucose, locust bean gum and guar gum significantly reduced its subsequent rebound hypoglycemia. Further tests with locust bean gum showed that these effects were dependent on the concentration of the gum added to the test solution or diet. Addition of locust bean gum to test diets reduced the rate of gastric emptying and thus slowed down the passage of food from the stomach into the upper small intestine. The study suggests that addition of locust bean gum to the diet can flatten the postprandial serum glucose curve by slowing the rate of food passage from the stomach into the small intestine. It is probable that locust bean gum and other similar materials may be useful as an adjunct dietary treatment of diabetes mellitus in humans.