Repair of cartilage defects in BMSCs via CDMP1 gene transfection

This study aimed at investigating the ability of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein 1 (CDMP1) gene-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) loaded on the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold for the repair of laryngeal cartilage defects and make a preliminary assessment of its repair effect. The mRNA and protein expressions of hCDMP1 were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The expression of type II collagen (Col II) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The cytoskeletal culture systems before and after transfection were transplanted into the rabbit full-thickness defects of thyroid cartilage for observation of the repair of cartilage defects from general and histological aspects. The exogenous hCDMP1 gene could be successfully transplanted into BMSCs through adenovirus infection to obtain a stable expression. Compared with the control group, hCDMP1 gene-transfected BMSCs had enhanced secretory abilities of Col II, GAG, and other cartilage-specific matrices, with a trend of promoting cartilage differentiation. The transfected cytoskeletal complexes could more effectively repair laryngeal cartilage defects. hCDMP1 gene-transfected BMSCs/PLGA 3-D biological scaffold compounds transplanted into animal bodies could effectively repair laryngeal cartilage defects.

New proposed conceptual mathematical models for biomass viability and membrane fouling of membrane bioreactor

The production and accumulation of soluble microbial products (SMP), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and colloidal inert compounds within a membrane bioreactor (MBR) may greatly affect the biomass viability and subsequently the permeability of the membrane. This paper aims at presenting new mathematical models of biomass viability and membrane fouling that has been conceptually developed through establishing links between these biomass parameters and operating parameters of the MBR. The proposed models can be used to predict the biomass viability and membrane fouling at any state of operation of MBR. Meanwhile, easily measurable parameters of the proposed model can also serve to estimate SMP/EPS concentration in the supernatant of MBR without the tedious and expensive measurement.

Effects of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism on obstetrical outcomes during early pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Maternal hypothyroidism [overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH)] during early pregnancy is suspected to associate with adverse obstetrical outcomes.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether maternal SCH during the early stage of pregnancy increase obstetrical complications and whether treatment results in an improvement in these outcomes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 756 women in the 1st trimester (≤12 weeks) of pregnancy were enrolled through 10 hospitals in Shenyang from 2007 to 2009. All participants underwent thyroid function testing in early pregnancy and their obstetrical outcomes were studied following delivery.

RESULTS

The incidence of spontaneous abortions in the SCH group was higher than the normal TSH group (15.48% vs 8.86%, p=0.03). No significant association was observed between SCH and other obstetrical complications including gestational hypertension, premature delivery, anemia, post-partum hemorrhage, low neonatal Apgar scores and low birth weight. Although levo-T4 (L-T4) treatment decreased the incidence of spontaneous abortions in women with SCH, it was not statistically significant when compared to women who did not receive treatment in the SCH group. None of the 28 women who received L-T4 treatment had premature delivery, low birth weight, hemorrhage, and low Apgar score.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of spontaneous abortion in pregnant women with SCH increases in early pregnancy.

Occurrence of fipronil and its biologically active derivatives in urban residential runoff

Insecticides are commonly used around homes for controlling insects such as ants, termites, and spiders. Such uses have been linked to pesticide contamination and toxicity in urban aquatic ecosystems. Fipronil is a relatively new and popular urban-use insecticide that has acute toxicity to arthropods at low-ppb levels. In this study, we collected runoff water from 6 large communities, each consisting of 152 to 460 single-family homes, in Sacramento County and Orange County, California, and evaluated the occurrence of fipronil and its biologically active derivatives over 26 months under dry weather conditions. Statistical modeling showed that the levels of fipronil and derivatives in the runoff water were both spatially and temporally correlated. More than 10-fold differences were observed between the Sacramento and Orange County sites, with the much higher levels for Orange County (southern California) coinciding with heavier use. The median concentrations of combined fipronil and derivatives for the Orange County sites were 204-440 ng L(-1), with the 90th percentile levels ranging from 340 to 1170 ng L(-1). These levels frequently exceeded the LC50 values for arthropods such as mysid shrimp and grass shrimp. The highest levels occurred from April to October, while decreases were seen from October to December and from January to March, likely reflecting seasonal use patterns and the effect of rain-induced washoff. Fipronil and fipronil sulfone (oxidation derivative) each accounted for about 35% of the total concentrations, with desulfinyl fipronil (a photolytic product) contributing about 25%. Results of this study clearly established residential drainage as a direct source for pesticide contamination in urban waterways, and for the first time, identified fipronil as a new and widespread contaminant with potential ecotoxicological significance.

Fracture resistance of root filled premolar teeth restored with direct composite resin with or without cusp coverage

AIM

To evaluate the fracture resistance and fracture patterns of root filled maxillary first premolar teeth (with mesio-occlusal cavity preparation) restored with several composite restoration designs.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred extracted sound human maxillary first premolars were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 remained untreated (negative control). Conventional root canal treatment with additional mesial-occlusal cavity preparation was carried out on teeth in groups 2-5. In group 2, the teeth were restored intra-coronally with direct composite resin (positive control). In group 3, the palatal cusps of the teeth were reduced, and the cavities were restored with composite resin covering the palatal cusp (partial coverage). In group 4, the buccal and palatal cusps along with the distal marginal ridges were reduced; the cavities and cusps were restored with composite resin (conventional full coverage). In group 5, the buccal and palatal cusps were reduced but the distal marginal ridges were conserved. The cavities and the cusps were restored with composite resin (modified full coverage). All teeth were subjected to a progressive compressive loading parallel to their longitudinal axis until fracture. Fracture resistance was analysed using the one-way ANOVA and Fisher's LSD test. Fracture patterns were analyzed with chi-square test. The significance level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The fracture resistance (mean ± SD) of groups 1-5 was 1131 ± 207N, 904 ± 184N, 927 ± 224N, 1095 ± 289N and 1085 ± 243N, respectively (groups 1, 4, 5 > groups 2, 3; P = 0.004). Cusp fractures were recorded as the fracture pattern in 20 (100%), 19 (95%), 16 (80%), 8 (40%) and 12 (60%) premolars in groups 1-5, respectively (groups 1, 2 > groups 4, 5; group 3 > group 4; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

When direct composite resin was used to restore root filled maxillary first premolar teeth involving a proximal surface, those restored with full-coverage designs had greater fracture resistance.

Preparation and lithium storage performances of mesoporous Fe₃O₄@C microcapsules

Fe(3)O(4)@C microcapsules were prepared using carbon-coated α-FeOOH nanorods as precursors, which were synthesized via two-step hydrothermal reactions. During the subsequent sintering procedure, α-FeOOH was reduced to Fe(3)O(4) by carbon, accompanied by the formation of mesopores. In Fe(3)O(4)@C microcapsules, mesoporous Fe(3)O(4) nanorods are coated with amorphorous carbon layers. The Fe(3)O(4)/C composites with such special structures demonstrate high specific capacity and good cyclic stability as anode materials in Li test cells.

Learned timing of motor behavior in the smooth eye movement region of the frontal eye fields

Proper timing is a critical aspect of motor learning. We report a relationship between a representation of time and an expression of learned timing in neurons in the smooth eye movement region of the frontal eye fields (FEF(SEM)). During prelearning pursuit of target motion at a constant velocity, each FEF(SEM) neuron is most active at a distinct time relative to the onset of pursuit tracking. In response to an instructive change in target direction, a neuron expresses the most learning when the instruction occurs near the time of its maximal participation in prelearning pursuit. Different neurons are most active, and undergo the most learning, at distinct times during pursuit. We suggest that the representation of time in the FEF(SEM) drives learning that is temporally linked to an instructive change in target motion, and that this may be a general function of motor areas of the cortex.

Kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption of ionizable aromatic compounds from aqueous solutions by as-prepared and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The adsorption of 1-naphthylamine, 1-naphthol and phenol on as-prepared and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been investigated. The results illustrated that both as-prepared and oxidized MWCNTs showed high adsorption capacity for the three ionizable aromatic compounds (IACs) studied. Oxidation of MWCNTs increased the surface area and the pore volume, and introduced oxygen-containing functional groups to the surfaces of MWCNTs, which depressed the adsorption of IACs on MWCNTs. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models described the adsorption isotherms very well and the adsorption thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees, DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees) were measured. The adsorption for 1-naphthylamine, 1-naphthol and phenol is general spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable. The adsorption of phenol is an exothermic process, whereas the adsorption of 1-naphthylamine and 1-naphthol is an endothermic process. Results of this work are of great significance for the environmental application of MWCNTs for the removal of IACs from large volume of aqueous solutions.

Monitoring of CaSO(4) deposition behaviors on biofilm during nanofiltration via ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR)

The ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR) as a non-destructive real-time method was employed to monitor the CaSO(4) deposition behaviors on biofilm during nanofiltration (NF). Two parallel experiments were performed to compare the different behaviors of CaSO(4) deposition with and without biofilm on the membrane. Results showed that the flux decline during combined fouling was slower than that in case of CaSO(4) fouling alone. The Ca(2 + ) rejection obtained with biofilm was higher than that without. A larger acoustic differential signal obtained by UTDR in the combined fouling revealed a denser and thicker layer formed on the membrane surface. Furthermore, the amount of CaSO(4) deposition on the biofouled membrane was more than that on non-biofouled membrane as a result of microorganisms as crystal nucleus to induce CaSO(4) crystallization and deposition. SEM images indicate that the CaSO(4) crystals deposited in order on the non-biofouled membrane, whereas on the biofouled membrane they were embedded in the biofilm. The denser and thicker fouling layer formed with biofilm was impermeable, resulting in a high Ca(2 + ) rejection. The complexation of Ca with polysaccharide in biofilm would eliminate the cake-enhanced osmotic pressure effect leading to a slow flux decline. To sum up, the independent measurements corroborate the ultrasonic measurements.

Heritability of metabolic syndrome traits among healthy younger adults: a population based study in China

OBJECTIVE To estimate heritability of metabolic syndrome traits among healthy younger adults in a human population in China, and examine potential sex differences in heritability and parental effect on metabolic syndrome traits. METHODS Using offspring-parent regression, we estimated heritability (h(2)) of metabolic syndrome traits based on 452 child-parent triads identified from a population based random survey on metabolic syndrome among people over 15 years of age in Guangzhou, China. RESULTS Body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and waist circumference (waist-C) were more heritable (h(2), 0.42-0.545), whereas systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and triglycerides (TG) were less heritable (h(2), 0.14-0.28). Sons had pronounced increases in heritability for all traits over daughters, particularly for cholesterol (0.653 vs 0.356), FPG (0.602 vs 0.313), LDL-C (0.521 vs 0.329), and TG (0.395 vs 0.187). Offspring-mother seemed to have a higher heritability in every trait except FPG (0.67 vs 0.794) than offspring-father, most notably for DBP (0.308 vs 0.122), SBP (0.288 vs 0.146), TG (0.387 vs 0.239) and waist-C (0.581 vs 0.354). CONCLUSION We estimated the heritability of metabolic syndrome traits in a human population based on a unique population based offspring-parent sample from China, and found important evidence that the maternal and paternal effects on these traits are different and the sex difference in heritability is pronounced.

Sorption of Eu(III) on attapulgite studied by batch, XPS, and EXAFS techniques

The effects of pH, ionic strength, and temperature on sorption of Eu(III) on attapulgite were investigated in the presence and absence of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA). The results indicated that the sorption of Eu(III) on attapulgite was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength, and independent of temperature. In the presence of FA/HA, Eu(III) sorption was enhanced at pH < 4, decreased at pH range of 4-6, and then increased again at pH > 7. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggested that the sorption of Eu(III) might be expressed as is identical to X3Eu0, is identical to S(w)OHEu3+, and is identical to SOEu-OOC-/HA in the ternary Eu/HN/attapulgite system. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of Eu-HA complexes indicated that the distances of d(Eu-O) decreased from 2.415 to 2.360 angstroms with increasing pH from 1.76 to 9.50, whereas the coordination number (N) decreased from approximately 9.94 to approximately 8.56. Different complexation species were also found for the different addition sequences of HA and Eu(III) to attapulgite suspension. The results are important to understand the influence of humic substances on Eu(III) behavior in the natural environment.

A common motif targets huntingtin and the androgen receptor to the proteasome

Huntington disease derives from a critically expanded polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin (Htt) protein; a similar polyglutamine expansion in the androgen receptor (AR) causes spinobulbar muscular atrophy. AR activity also plays an essential role in prostate cancer. Molecular mechanisms that regulate Htt and AR degradation are not well understood but could have important therapeutic implications. We find that a pentapeptide motif (FQKLL) within the Htt protein regulates its degradation and subcellular localization to cytoplasm puncta. Disruption of the motif by alanine substitution at the hydrophobic residues increases the steady state level of the protein. Pulsechase analyses indicate that the motif regulates degradation. A similar motif (FQNLF) has corresponding activities in the AR protein. Transfer of the Htt motif with five flanking amino acids on either side to YFP reduces the steady state YFP level by rendering it susceptible to proteasome degradation. This work defines a novel proteasome-targeting motif that is necessary and sufficient to regulate the degradation of two disease-associated proteins.

Effect of early feed restriction on metabolic programming and compensatory growth in broiler chickens

The effect of early feed restriction on metabolic programming and compensatory growth was studied in broiler chickens. A total of 480 female 1-d-old broiler birds (Aconred) were randomly allocated to ad libitum and feed-restricted groups, each of which was replicated 6 times with 40 birds per replicate. Broilers were provided commercial diets. Feed-restricted broilers were deprived of feed for 4 h per day from 1 to 21 d of age. Effects of treatments were determined at 21 and 63 d of age. In feed-restricted birds at 21 d of age, BW, average daily gain and average daily feed intake, breast muscle (P < 0.01), carcass yield (P < 0.05), and abdominal fat (P < 0.05) were decreased. Ether extract content in breast muscle was increased (P < 0.01), whereas CP content was slightly decreased. Triiodothyronine (P < 0.01) and thyroxine (P < 0.05) were decreased in serum. Free fatty acid and very low density lipoprotein were slightly increased in serum, whereas triglyceride and glucose were decreased (P < 0.01). Activities of NADPH-generating enzymes in liver including malic dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate remained unchanged in ad libitum birds, whereas hormone-sensitive lipase activity was increased (P < 0.01). In feed-restricted birds at 63 d of age, BW, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, carcass yield, breast muscle yield, and serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine remained as ad libitum birds, whereas abdominal fat yield was increased (P < 0.05). Ether extract content in breast muscle was decreased (P < 0.01), whereas CP content was increased (P < 0.05). Activities of NADPH-generating enzymes were significantly increased, except abdominal malic dehydrogenase and hormone-sensitive lipase activity was decreased (P < 0.01) in liver and abdominal fat. Lipoprotein lipase activity was increased (P < 0.05) in abdominal fat. In summary, feed restriction severely affected growth performance and lipid metabolism in broilers in the early period. Because there was no statistical difference among the final BW, near full compensatory growth was achieved. In addition, early feed restriction might have induced prolonged metabolic programming in chicks and led to adult obesity.

Triterpenoids from Cimicifugae rhizoma, a novel class of inhibitors on bone resorption and ovariectomy-induced bone loss

OBJECTIVE

Increasing research suggested that Cimicifugae rhizoma might be protective against osteoporosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of three cycloartane-type triterpenoids isolated from Cimicifugae rhizoma, cimicidol-3-O-beta-D-xyloside (1), cimicidanol-3-O-beta-D-xyloside (2) and acetylacteol-3-O-beta-d-xyloside (3) on bone resorption in vitro and bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.

METHODS

The activities of the tested compounds on bone resorption were evaluated using three assays, neonatal mouse parietal bone organ culture, osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) formation and pit formation. The effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and uterine weight were examined using OVX mice. Using LC-MS/MS method, the serum concentrations of the triterpenoids were measured in mice serum collected at 0.5, 1, 3, 6 and 12h following its oral administration.

RESULTS

All of the tested compounds exerted the inhibitory effects on bone resorption in bone organ culture, suppressed both of the formation and the resorbing activity of OCLs. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed among those compounds. In vivo studies revealed that compounds 1-3 and the mixture of compounds 1-3 prevented the bone loss in OVX mice without affecting uterine weight, and each compound was detected in the mice serum after single oral administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The triterpenoids exerted the inhibitory effects on osteoclastic bone resorption through the suppression of both OCLs formation and the resorbing activity of OCLs, and also showed a significant protective effect on BMD in OVX mice. The present results might provide a new pharmacological potential for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Effects of methionine and betaine supplementation on growth performance, carcase composition and metabolism of lipids in male broilers

1. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of methionine and betaine supplementation on growth performance, carcase composition and lipid metabolism in growing broilers. 2. A total of 450 commercial broilers, 22 d of age, were randomly allocated to three groups, each of which included three replicates (50 birds per replicate). The groups received the same methionine-deficient diet supplemented with 0 or 1 g/kg methionine, or 0.5 g/kg betaine, respectively. 3. Methionine and betaine supplementation significantly improved weight gain and feed conversion. Supplemental methionine and betaine also significantly increased breast muscle yield and decreased abdominal fat content. Meanwhile, addition of methionine and betaine significantly increased the contents of creatine and free carnitine in liver, the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase in abdominal fat and the concentration of free fatty acid in serum, whereas uric acid concentration in serum was significantly decreased. 4. The results of this study suggest that betaine can spare methionine in its function as an essential amino acid and is as effective as methionine in improving performance and carcase quality of growing broilers if the diet is moderately deficient in methionine. The decrease in abdominal fat may be due to the increased carnitine synthesis in liver and hormone-sensitive lipase activity in abdominal fat.

The duration and plantar pressure distribution during one-leg stance in Tai Chi exercise

BACKGROUND

Tai Chi exercise improved the balance control and muscle strength of the lower extremities. The aim of this study is to quantify the one-leg stance duration and plantar pressure distribution during the one-leg stance in Tai Chi and to try to elaborate on its probable effects on the ability to balance on one leg.

METHODS

Sixteen experienced Tai Chi practitioners participated in this study. The Novel Pedar-X insole system was used to record the plantar forces during the execution of a set of 42-form Tai Chi movements and during normal walking. The one-leg stance duration and plantar pressure distribution during the one-leg stance were analyzed.

FINDINGS

In Tai Chi exercise, the total duration spent in the one-leg stance was less (p<0.05), the duration of each one-leg stance was longer (p<0.01) and the medial-lateral displacement of the centre of pressure was greater (p<0.05) than during normal walking. The peak pressure and pressure-time integral of the second and third metatarsal heads and the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads were significantly greater (p<0.05) than those of other plantar regions during the one-leg stance in normal walking, whereas the peak pressure and pressure-time integral of the first metatarsal head and the great toe were significantly greater (p<0.05) than those of other plantar regions during the one-leg stance in Tai Chi exercise.

INTERPRETATION

The longer duration of each one-leg stance and the plantar pressure distribution characteristics during the one-leg stance in Tai Chi exercise may be associated with an improved ability to balance on one leg. The findings may provide useful information toward the development of strengthening programs, strategies for the prevention of falls, and the promotion of a physically active lifestyle.

Effects of long term Tai Chi practice and jogging exercise on muscle strength and endurance in older people

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influence of regular Tai Chi (TC) practice and jogging on muscle strength and endurance in the lower extremities of older people.

METHODS

Twenty one long term older TC practitioners were compared with 18 regular older joggers and 22 sedentary counterparts. Maximum concentric strength of knee flexors and extensors was tested at angular velocities of 30 degrees/s and 120 degrees/s. Ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors were tested at 30 degrees/s and the dynamic endurance of the knee flexors and extensors was assessed at a speed of 180 degrees/s.

RESULTS

The differences in the muscle strength of the knee joint amongst the three experimental groups were significant at the higher velocity. The strengths of knee extensors and flexors in the control group were significantly lower than those in the jogging group and marginally lower than those in the TC group. For the ankle joint, the subjects in both the TC and jogging groups generated more torque in their ankle dorsiflexors. In addition, the muscle endurance of knee extensors was more pronounced in TC practitioners than in controls.

CONCLUSION

Regular older TC practitioners and joggers showed better scores than the sedentary controls on most muscle strength and endurance measures. However, the magnitude of the exercise effects on muscles might depend on the characteristics of different types of exercise.

[The presentation of neo gene in chimeric mice obtained from ES cells]

To explore the potentiality of the mouse ES cell line which is employed in our laboratory were transfected with neo gene and selected with G418. Some ES cell clones expressing neo gene were obtained. After ES clones were picked up and expanded, the ES cells were mircoinjected into blastocysts and implanted miceuterus. 60 blastocysts were implanted into 5 mice. Finally, 3 chimeric mice with neo gene were born. PCR was carried out to analyze the presentation of neo gene in tissues of chimeric mice. The results showed that many tissues harbored the neo gene, including skin, liver and blood et al.

[Linkage analysis and mutation detection of GRIA3 in Smith--Fineman--Myers syndrome]

To determine the role of GRIA3 in the etiology of Smith--Fineman--Myers syndrome (SFMS), polymorphic short tandem repeats within GRIA3 gene were genotyped by PCR and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to test linkage between GRIA3 and the gene responsible for SFMS. The open reading frame of GRIA3 was detected for mutation by PCR amplification and direct sequencing in affected and normal males from SFMS family. One of the two short tandem repeats was informative in SFMS family. Tight linkage between SFMS locus and GRIA3 gene was established by STR3 within GRIA3 gene. No disease--causing mutation was found within the open reading frame of GRIA3 gene. The disease in SFMS family from Shandong (China) is not caused by the mutation within open reading frame of GRIA3 gene.

[Detection of Cre recombinase activity in Mx-Cre transgenic mice induced by INF in vitro]

The Cre recombinase and its activity in C57-TgN(Mx-Cre) transgenic mice is studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunogold electron microscopy and Southern blot. C57-TgN(Mx-Cre) transgenic mice harbouring cre gene in genomic DNA is demonstrated by PCR, and these mice which are induced by INF-alpha 1b could express Cre recombinase, which is confirmed by Western blot. With immunohistochemistry, we find that the Cre recombinase expresses in hepatocyte cytoplasm and nuclear of C57-TgN(Mx-Cre) transgenic mice. Cre recombinase expressed in hepatocyte cytoplasm and nuclear is further confirmed by immunogold electon microscopy. And it is supported that the Cre recombinase which is created from C57-TgN(Mx-Cre) transgenic mice induced by INF-alpha 1b can direct DNA recombination reaction in vitro. All evidence leads us supporting the view that the Cre recombinase expressed in C57-TgN(Mx-Cre) transgenic mice has activity. Thus we find a method to detect the activity of Cre recombinase in vitro.

Tai chi: physiological characteristics and beneficial effects on health

OBJECTIVES

To assess the characteristic effects of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) exercise on metabolism and cardiorespiratory response, and to measure its effect on cardiorespiratory function, mental control, immune capacity, and the prevention of falls in elderly people.

DESIGN

A review of controlled experimental studies and clinical trials designed with one of two aims: either to assess physiological responses during the performance of TCC or to assess the impact of this exercise on general health and fitness.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Metabolic rate, heart rate, blood pressure, ventilation, maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)MAX), immune capacity, falls, and fall related factors.

SUBJECTS

A total of 2216 men and women.

RESULTS

Under review were 31 original studies, published in Chinese or English journals, that met the criteria for inclusion. Most of the papers written in Chinese had not been introduced into the Western literature. Nine of these studies showed that TCC can be classified as moderate exercise, as its does not demand more than 55% of maximal oxygen intake. When this form of exercise and others conducted at equal intensity were compared, TCC showed a significantly lower ventilatory equivalent (VE/VO(2)MAX). Evidence provided by cross sectional and longitudinal studies suggests that TCC exercise has beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal function, posture control capacity, and the reduction of falls experienced by the elderly.

CONCLUSIONS

TCC is a moderate intensity exercise that is beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, immune capacity, mental control, flexibility, and balance control; it improves muscle strength and reduces the risk of falls in the elderly.

[The analgesic and antispasmodic effects of guang tong xiao aerosol of TCM]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the analgesic and antispasmodic effects of Guang Tong Xiao Aerosol (GTXA).

METHOD

Writhing test and tail-flick of physical stimulation were made to study the analgesic effect on mice and rats.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

GTXA given by gastrogavage in dose of 18.75 g.kg-1 or 12.50 g.kg-1 could markedly raise the pain threshold after chemical stimulation in mice and physical stimulation in rats, and had antispasmodic effects.

[Clinical study on analgesic mechanism of bitongxiao in treating neck pain due to cervical spondylitis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the analgesic mechanism of Bitongxiao (BTX, a Chinese herbal decoction) in treating neck pain due to cervical spondylitis (CS).

METHODS

BTX and Jingfukang (JFK) granule were used to treat the treated and the control group separately in 102 CS cases. Plasma leucine enkephalin (LEK), substance P (SP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) before and after treatment were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA).

RESULTS

Twelve patients in the treated group were clinically cured, 36 markedly effectively, 3 effectively and 1 ineffectively, while in the control group they were 5, 33, 14 and 0 cases respectively. The cured and marked effective rate in the treated group was 92.3%, while that in the control group 72.0%. After treatment the pain score (VAS) of both groups were significantly reduced, but the reduction was higher in the treated group than that in the control. Before treatment, plasma LEK in all patients was abnormally low, but after treatment, it raised obviously more in the treated group than that in the control (P < 0.05). Plasma SP of both groups were obviously elevated, and PGE2 revealed unaltered after treatment.

CONCLUSION

BTX has strong, fast-acting and long-lasting analgesic effect with no side-effects, it could elevate the lowered plasma LEK level in cervical spondylitis patients and increase plasma SP level. The analgesic mechanism of BTX might be associated with its effect on LEK, SP or other endorphins, directly acting on the pain modulation system.

[Generation of Mx-cre transgenic mice]

To generate the transgenic mice expressing cyclization recombination enzyme, the recombinant gene, in which the coding region of cre gene is derived by the promoter of mouse Mx gene, was microinjected into pronuclei of fertilized mouse eggs. Founders of transgenic mice harbouring the recombinant gene were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at genomic DNA level and confirmed by Southern blot. One line of Mx-cre transgenic mice was obtained. Then, the Mx-cre transgenic mouse line was cultured and propagated.