[Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical efficacy of bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and to preliminarily explore its action mechanism.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients with CFS were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (32 cases, 1 case dropped off, 1 case excluded) and an acupuncture group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the moxibustion group were treated with bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion, while the patients in the acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture. Both groups were treated once a day, 6 days as a course of treatment with 1 day interval, for a total of 2 courses of treatment. Before treatment, 1 and 2 courses into treatment and in the follow-up of 14 days after treatment, the fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) and somatic and psychological health report (SPHERE) scores were observed in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the contents of CD⁺₃, CD⁺₄, CD⁺₈ of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were measured and CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈ ratio was calculated; the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.

RESULTS

Compared before treatment, the FS-14 and SPHERE scores in the two groups were decreased 1 and 2 courses into treatment and in the follow-up (P<0.01), and the FS-14 and SPHERE scores in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the contents of CD⁺₃, CD⁺₄ and CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈ ratio in the moxibustion group were increased after treatment (P<0.01). There was no significant difference of CD⁺₃, CD⁺₄, CD⁺₈ and CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈ ratio between before and after treatment in the acupuncture group (P>0.05). After treatment, the contents of CD⁺₃ and CD⁺₄ in the moxibustion group were higher than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the moxibustion group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) in the acupuncture group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion could improve the physical and mental fatigue symptoms and psychological status in patients with CFS. Its effect may be related to regulating the contents of CD⁺₃, CD⁺₄ of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈ ratio.

[Correlation analysis of clock genes and MEN2 medullary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between CLOCK and BMAL1 genes and MEN2 medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Methods: Thirteen cases with MEN2 MTC and thirteen cases with non-MEN2 MTC were selected who were treated in the Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital between January 2013 and September 2021. Clinical indicators such as blood calcitonin level, tumor diameter and metastatic lymph node of patients were collected. The expression differences of CLOCK and BMAL1 between MEN2 MTC and para-carcinoma tissue as well as between MEN2 MTC and non-MEN2 MTC were detected by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. The correlation between lymph node metastasis and CLOCK or BMAL1 expression was analyzed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis combined with qPCR and correlation analysis was used to explore the expression regulation relationship between RET and circadian clock genes. The rhythm disorder of MEN2 cells was verified by lipopolysaccharide cell stimulation experiment after dexamethasone rhythm synchronization. Results: MEN2 MTC exhibited typical RET gene mutation. The mean blood calcitonin level, the tumor diameter and the number of metastatic lymph nodes of patients with MEN2 MTC were higher than those of patients with non-MEN2 MTC (t value was 2.76, 2.53, 2.26, all P<0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 in MEN2 MTC were higher than those in non-MEN2 MTC, while negatively expressed in para-cancerous thyroid follicle. qPCR displayed that the expression of CLOCK gene in cancer tissues was higher than that in non-MEN2 MTC and para-cancerous tissues (t value was 2.68 and 2.86, all P<0.05); the expression of BMAL1 gene in MEN2 MTC was higher than that in non-MEN2 MTC and para-cancerous tissues (t value was 2.21 and 2.35, all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 genes were positively correlated with the number of lymph node metastases in patients with MEN2 MTC (r=0.65, P<0.001; r=0.52, P=0.005). PPI network analysis indicated that the expression of CLOCK gene was positively correlated with the abnormal expression of RET gene (r=0.96, P<0.001). With lipopolysaccharide to stimulate cultured cells in vitro after dexamethasone rhythm synchronization, the expressions of CLOCK and BMAL1 in MEN2 MTC cells (0.47±0.22 and 2.60±1.48) at 12 hours of synchronization were significantly lower than those in para-cancerous tissues (1.70±1.62 and 8.23±2.52), the difference was statistically significant(t=5.04, P=0.007; t=3.34, P=0.029). Conclusion: CLOCK and BMAL1 are correlated with the occurrence and development of MEN2 MTC, and may be potential targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies for MEN2 MTC.

[Different stimulation methods on auricular points for primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To prove the therapeutic effect of auricular intradermal needling and auricular point sticking on primary dysmenorrhea (PD), and to explore its mechanism.

METHODS

A total of 90 patients with PD were randomized into an auricular intradermal needling group, an auricular point sticking group and a placebo group, 30 cases in each one. Neishengzhiqi (TF₂), Neifenmi (CO₁₈), Shenmen (TF₄), Shen (CO₁₀), Jiaogan (AH_6a), Gan (CO₁₂) and Pizhixia (AT₄) were selected in the 3 groups, intradermal needling and cowherb seed sticking were applied respectively in the auricular intradermal needling group and the auricular point sticking group, adhesive tape without needle was stuck in the placebo group. Pressing and kneading for 3 to 4 times were required each day, 3 to 4 min each time, and the intervention was started 5 d before menstruation, once every other day, 4 times each menstrual cycle were as one course, and totally 3 courses were required in the 3 groups. The follow-up was adopted at the next menstruation after treatment. The Cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) score, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score before treatment, 1,2,3 courses into treatment and at follow-up were compared, the serum levels of PGF_2αand PGE₂ before and after treatment were detected, and the clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in the 3 groups.

RESULTS

Compared before treatment, the scores of CMSS, VAS and SAS were decreased at each time point of treatment in the auricular intradermal needling group, 2, 3 courses into treatment and at follow-up in the auricular point sticking group and 3 courses into treatment in the placebo group (P<0.001, P<0.05). Compared with the auricular point sticking group, the CMSS scores at each time point of treatment and the VAS scores of 1, 2 courses and at follow-up were decreased in the auricular intradermal needling group (P<0.05). Compared with the placebo group, the CMSS scores were decreased at each time point of treatment in the auricular intradermal needling group and 3 courses into treatment and at follow-up in the auricular point sticking group (P<0.001, P<0.05); the VAS scores were decreased at each time point of treatment in the auricular intradermal needling group and the auricular point sticking group (P<0.001, P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of PGF_2α were decreased (P<0.05) and the serum levels of PGE₂ were increased (P<0.05) in the auricular intradermal needling group and the auricular point sticking group, and the serum levels of PGF_2α were lower than the placebo group (P<0.05), the serum levels of PGE₂ were higher than the placebo group (P<0.05) in the two groups. Compared with the auricular point sticking group, the serum level of PGF₂ was decreased (P<0.05), the serum level of PGE_2α was increased in the auricular intradermal needling group (P<0.05). The total effective rates were 93.3% (28/30) in the auricular intradermal needling group and 80.0% (24/30) in the auricular point sticking group, which were both superior to 63.3% (19/30) in the placebo group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Auricular intradermal needling and auricular point sticking can both improve the clinical symptom of primary dysmenorrhea, relieve the pain and anxiety, their mechanism may be related to regulating the serum levels of PGF_2α and PGE₂. The therapeutic effect of auricular intradermal needling is superior to auricular point sticking, and the placebo effect can be preliminarily excluded.

[Silence of circBANP increases radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells and inhibits growth of subcutaneous xenografts by up-regulating miR-338-3p expression]

Objective: To investigate the effect of circBANP on radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells and subcutaneous transplanted tumor in nude mice and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods: The carcinoma and adjacent normal mucosal tissues of 20 patients with colorectal cancer who were surgically resected in Henan People's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2019 were selected. The radio-resistant colorectal cancer cell LoVo/R was established. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expressions of circBANP and miR-338-3p. The radiation sensitivity was determined by cell clone formation experiment. Cell vitality was detected by using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The expressions of autophagy-related protein microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and p62 were detected by western blot. The fluorescence intensity of LC3 in cells was detected by immunofluorescence assay. The downstream microRNAs (miRNAs) of circBANP were predicted by Circular RNA Interactome website and further verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The transplanted tumor model of LoVo/R cells in nude mice was established, and the effect of circBANP on the growth of transplanted tumor after radiation was observed. Results: The expression levels of circBANP and miR-338-3p in colorectal cancer tissues were 3.21+ 0.29 and 0.47+ 0.04, respectively, which were significantly higher than 1.00+ 0.07 and 1.00+ 0.05 in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). The circBANP expression level of LoVo/R cells was 3.21±0.34, higher than 1.00±0.07 of LoVo cells (P<0.05), and the expression level of miR-338-3p of LoVo/R cells was 0.33±0.04, lower than 1.00±0.08 of LoVo cells (P<0.05). After 4 Gy irradiation, compared with the control group, the viability of LoVo/R cells in the circBANP silencing group [(34±4)% vs (62±6)%, P<0.05], the cell survival fraction (0.07±0.02 vs 0.27±0.04, P<0.05) were decreased, and the radiation sensitization ratio was 1.843, the expression of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰin LoVo/R cells increased while p62 expression decreased, the cell autophagy was observed. Autophagy inhibitor chloroquine reversed the increased expression of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and inhibited expression of p62 in LoVo/R cells induced by radiation, and promoted the suppression of cell viability and survival induced by radiation, the radiotherapy sensitization ratio was 1.780. Compared with control group after 4 Gy irradiation, the relative fluorescence intensity of LC3 in circBANP silencing LoVo/R cells decreased (0.11±0.01 vs 1.00±0.12, P<0.05), the expression of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰdecreased (1.25±0.13 vs 3.84±0.39, P<0.05) while p62 expression increased (2.76±0.29 vs 1.00±0.08, P<0.05). As predicted by Circular RNA Interactome website and confirmed by double luciferase reporter gene assay, miR-338-3p was the target gene of circBANP. The relative fluorescence intensity of LC3 in circBANP silencing + anti-miR-338-3p + 4 Gy group increased (7.32±0.72 vs 1.00±0.09, P<0.05), the expression level of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ increased (4.13±0.43 vs 2.31±0.23, P<0.05) while p62 expression decreased (0.34±0.03 and 1.00±0.11, P<0.05), the radiotherapy sensitization ratio was 0.596. Nude mice subcutaneously transplanted tumor experiment showed that the tumor volume and weight of circBANP silencing group on 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 days were lower than those of control group (P<0.05), while the tumor volume and weight of circBANP silencing + anti-miR-338-3p group on days of 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 after inoculated were higher than those of circBANP+ anti-miR-NC group (P<0.05). Conclusions: CircBANP can regulate the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the expression of miR-338-3p, and affect the growth of transplanted tumor in nude mice. CircBANP may be a potential target for enhancing radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells.

[Effects of silencing circRNA ABCB10 expression on biological properties of colorectal cancer cells]

Objective: To investigate the expression of circular ribonucleic acid ABCB10 (circABCB10) in colorectal cancer tissues and cells and its effects on cell biological behavior, radiosensitivity and growth of subcutaneous xenografts. Methods: The tumor tissue and adjacent tissue from colorectal cancer patients treated in Henan People's Hospital were collected from January 2018 to December 2018. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expressions of circABCB10 and miR-217, cell viability was detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT), cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry, cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell method, cell radiosensitivity was detected by colony formation assay. The downstream miRNAs of circABCB10 were predicted by Circular RNA Interactome and verified by the dual luciferase reporter gene experiment. The effect of circABCB10 on the growth of transplanted tumor was examined in nude mice. Results: The expression level of circABCB10 mRNA in colorectal cancer tissues was (3.97±2.12), higher than (1.13±0.64) in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). The expression level of circABCB10 mRNA in FHC cells was (1.00±0.09), lower than that (4.53±0.44) in SW480, (3.12±0.32) in HCT116 and (3.51±0.36) in HT29 cells, respectively (all P<0.05). The MTT results showed that the absorbance values of SW480 cells in si-circABCB10-1 group at 48 and 72 hours after transfection were (0.36±0.04) and (0.43±0.04), lower than (0.48±0.05) and (0.82±0.08) in circ-negative control (NC) group, respectively (all P<0.05). The number of migrating cells and invasive cells in si-circABCB10-1 group were (45±8) and (34±7), lower than (106±21) and (84±15) in circ-NC group, respectively (all P<0.01). The radiosensitization ratio was 1.632. The results of subcutaneous transplantation assay showed that the tumor volume and tumor weight of the si-circABCB10-1 group were significantly lower than circ-NC group after 8 days of inoculation ( all P<0.05). MiR-217 is a target gene of circABCB10. Inhibition of miR-217 reversed the inhibitory effect of circABCB10 silencing on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and subcutaneous xenograft growth in nude mice and the radiosensitization activity. Conclusion: Silence of circABCB10 can up-regulate the expression of miR-217 to inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion and growth of subcutaneous xenografts and increase the radiosensitivity of SW480 cells, which reveals the underlying molecular mechanism of colorectal cancer progression and provides a new sensitizing target for clinical radiotherapy of colorectal cancer.

Clinical efficacy evaluation of a traditional Miao technique of crossbow needle therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a multi-center randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) seriously reduces quality of life and is a major threat to the health of the middle-aged and elderly. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Miao crossbow needle therapy vs. acupuncture for KOA therapy.

METHODS

This multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed at three hospitals between April 2016 and December 2016. The patients were randomized to receive crossbow needle (CN) or acupuncture (AT). All treatments were completed within 46 days. Evaluation of treatment was conducted on the 46th, 62nd, and 77th days. The primary endpoint was change of Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score on the 46th day. The secondary endpoints included WOMAC score, the Lysholm knee score, the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) knee score, visual analog scale (VAS), and the MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), on the 46th, 62nd, and 77th day.

RESULTS

Finally, data of 301 participants were analyzed for the efficacy of treatment. Compared with AT, there was a larger change of WOMAC score in the CN group after treatment [- 25.0 (95% CI - 27.0, - 23.0) vs. - 18.8 (95% CI - 20.8, - 16.9), P < 0.001]. In the CN group, the WOMAC score was lower at all three time points (P = 0.008, P = 0.003, P < 0.001 respectively), while the Lysholm knee score (P = 0.03) and JOA score (P = 0.013) were higher and the VAS score (P = 0.011) was lower on the 77th day.

CONCLUSION

Both Miao crossbow needle therapy and acupuncture reduced the WOMAC score. Miao crossbow needle therapy can be an alternative method for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR, ChiCTR-INR-16008032. Registered on 12 March 2016.

[Prenatal gene diagnosis of 200 fetuses at high risk of osteogenesis imperfect]

Objective: The authors aim to provide genetic counselling and prenatal gene diagnosis to the families with osteogenesis imperfecta(OI), based on the identification of pathogenetic mutations in large cohort genetic testing. Methods: DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of parents of the fetuses, and from the villi tissue, amniotic fluid or cord blood of the fetuses using a standard sodium dodecyl sulfate-proteinase K-phenol/chloroform extraction method. PCR combined with Sanger DNA sequencing was performed to validate the pathogenic mutations of 200 fetuses at risk of OI and their parents from 158 families. Allelic analysis of microsatellite markers was applied to exclude the false positive caused by maternal DNA contamination, when both the fetus and the mother harbored the same pathogenic genotype. Results: A total of 83 affected fetuses (83/200, 41.5%) and 12 (12/200, 6.0%) recessive carriers were identified among the 200 fetuses. The 83 affected fetuses included 78 heterozygotes (45 of COL1A1, 32 of COL1A2, one of IFITM5), and 5 compound heterozygotes or homozygotes of recessive OI (two of FKBP10, one of SEC24D, one of WNT1 and one of CRTAP); The 12 recessive carriers included 7 of WNT1, 4 of SERPINF1 and one of SERPINH1. Maternal DNA contamination was excluded from the genomic DNA samples of OI fetuses when their mother with the same affected genotypes. Conclusion: In this study, the authors used an optimized gene diagnosis system of OI to perform prenatal genetic diagnosis to 200 fetuses at high risk of OI, and provided precisely genetic counselling to the OI families.

[Effect of omeprazole on plasma concentration and adverse reactions of capecitabine in patients with colon cancer]

Objective: To investigate the effect of omeprazole on plasma concentration, efficacy and adverse reactions of capecitabine in patients with colon cancer. Methods: Seventy-two patients with colon cancer treated with capecitabine were analysed retrospective. The patients treated with capecitabine combined with omeprazole were identified as experimental group and the capecitabine treatment alone as control group.The differences of blood concentration and the side effects of capecitabine between these two groups were compared. Results: The plasma concentration of 5-Fluorouracilum in experimental group was (126.25±50.59) μg/ml, without significant difference of (123.09±56.70) μg/ml in control group (P=0.121). The incidence of Ⅲ to Ⅳ degree bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hand-foot syndrome in experimental group were 13.8%, 0%, 0% and 19.4%, respectively. In control group, the incidence of Ⅲ to Ⅳ degree bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and the hand-foot syndrome were 11.1%, 0%, 0% and 19.4%, respectively, without significant difference of experimental group (P>0.05). The incidence of acid reflux and heartburn in the control group was 72.2%, significantly higher than 44.4% of the experimental group (P<0.05). The objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival time (PFS) in these two groups were 30.6% and 33.3%, and 8.0 month and 8.5 month, respectively, without significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: The intravenous omeprazole attenuates reflux and heartburn of colon cancer patients treated with capecitabine, without affecting its plasma concentration and side effects and has no impact on the PFS of these patients.

[Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene in placenta tissue and its correlation with gestational diabetes mellitus]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene and the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Chinese Han population in northern China. Method: This study was consisted of 126 GDM women and 150 cases of healthy subjects who came from the obstetrics department of Maternity Hospital of Qingdao University and Maternity and Child Care Hospital of Donggang District of Rizhao. The protein expression of MIF in placenta tissue was detected by Western blot method. The blood glucose, insulin levels and other clinical physicochemical index were tested. The differences of MIF, fasting blood-glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FIN) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were compared between the two groups of pregnant women. Result: The level of MIF protein in GDM group (0.85±0.10) was higher than that in healthy pregnant group (0.12±0.09), with significant difference (P<0.001). Insulin resistance index in GDM group were higher than that in healthy pregnant group, with significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: The expression of MIF in placental tissues of GDM women was increased and correlated with insulin resistance in GDM patients, suggesting that MIF may play an important role in the occurrence and development of GDM.

[Influence of Cryopreservation on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Immunocompetence]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a method for isolation, cryopreservation and recovery of the highly viable human peripheral blood monomuclear cells (PBMNCs) so as to achieve the long-term preservation of PBMNCs.

METHODS

A total of 80-100 ml peripheral blood were collected from the healthy volumteers aged over 50 years old. The PBMNCs were isolated by the Ficoll density gradient technique and cryopreserved gradually by program control method in liquid nitrogen freezer of -196 °C. The serum-free medium and autoloqous plasma medium were test for preservation of PBMNCs. The cell viability was assessed at time point of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 months after thawing. Finally, the proliferation ability, purity and cytotoxicity were compared between the autologous immune lymphocytes (AIL) induced from cryopreserved PBMNCs and AIL as control from fresh PBMNCs.

RESULTS

After separating, the cell viability was 99.6%±0.4%, and the recovery rate of lymphocytes was 58.4%±6.52%. The cell recovery rate of lymphocyte was 89.7%±3.82% at 24 months. The quality assurance program was reliable within 2 years of running. The AIL cells induced with cryopreserved PBMNCs were not significantly different from those induced from fresh PBMNCs in terms of proliferative action, purity and cytotoxicity(CD3(+)CD8(+) ≥45%,CD3(+)CD56(+) NKT≥10%,CD4(+)CD25(+) NKT≤10%).

CONCLUSION

Manual separation of lymphocytes in vitro can get enough high-quality PBMNCs. The long-term cryopreserved PBMNC still maintain their high viability. The reinfusion of the clinical autologous immune cells would be advantageous for early tumor immunotherapy. Human AIL induced from cryopreserved PBMNC maintain their anti-tumor ability. These findings have the important implications for the application of these cells to adoptive cellular therapy.

Electroacupuncture at ST25 inhibits jejunal motility: Role of sympathetic pathways and TRPV1

AIM: To investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) at ST25 affects jejunal motility in vivo and if so, whether a sympathetic pathway is involved.

METHODS: Jejunal motility was assessed using a manometric balloon placed in the jejunum approximately about 3-5 cm away from the suspensory ligament of the duodenum in anesthetized animals. The effects of EA at ST25 were measured in male Sprague-Dawley rats, some of which were treated with propranolol or clenbuterol (EA intensities: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mA), and in male transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) (capsaicin receptor) knockout mice (EA intensities: 1, 2, and 4 mA).

RESULTS: Anesthetized rats exhibited three types of fasting jejunal motor patterns (types A, B, and C), and only type C rats responded to EA stimulation. In type C rats, EA at ST25 significantly suppressed the motor activity of the jejunum in an intensity-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of EA was weakened by propranolol (β adrenoceptor antagonist) and disappeared with clenbuterol (β adrenoceptor agonist) induced inhibition of motility, suggesting that the effect of EA on motility is mediated via a sympathetic pathway. Compared with wild-type mice, EA at ST25 was less effective in TRPV1 knockout mice, suggesting that this multi-modal sensor channel participates in the mechanism.

CONCLUSION: EA at ST25 was found to inhibit jejunal motility in an intensity-dependent manner, via a mechanism in which sympathetic nerves and TRPV1 receptors play an important role.

Improving the corrosion resistance of Mg-4.0Zn-0.2Ca alloy by micro-arc oxidation

In this paper, corrosion resistance of the Mg-4.0Zn-0.2Ca alloy was modified by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process. The microstructure and phase constituents of MAO layer were characterized by SEM, XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion resistance of MAO treated Mg-4.0Zn-0.2Ca alloy in the simulated body fluid were characterized by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The microstructure results indicated that a kind of ceramic film was composed by MgO and MgF2 was formed on the surface of Mg-4.0Zn-0.2Ca alloy after MAO treatment. The electrochemical test reveals that the corrosion resistance of MAO treated samples increase 1 order of magnitude. The mechanical intensity test showed that the MAO treated samples has suitable mechanical properties.

[Significance of plasmic homocysteine, folate and Vitamin B(12) in ulcerative colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical significance of plasmic homocysteine (Hcy), folate (FA) and Vitamin B(12) (VitB(12)) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

Plasmic Hcy in 112 cases of UC patients and 110 controls were detected by HPLC-FD method. Plasmic FA, VitB(12) in 76 cases of UC patients and 12 controls were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

RESULTS

The level of plasmic Hcy in UC patients was(11.27±7.26) μmol/L, significantly higher than that in controls[(8.19±4.81) μmol/L, P<0.05], and was not significantly correlated with disease index, extent and duration of UC(P>0.05). The level of FA and VitB(12) in UC patients were (7.64±1.95) nmol/L and (108.64±32.22) pmol/L respectively, lower than those in controls[(9.14±1.23) nmol/L and (112.64±33.33) pmol/L, P<0.05]. The level of plasmic Hcy was negatively correlated with the level of FA and VitB(12) in UC patients(P<0.05). The level of plasmic FA decreased to some extent with UC disease duration.

CONCLUSION

Plasmic Hcy is elevated in UC patients, which may be related to the decrease of FA and VitB(12).

Ectopic expression of ThCYP1, a stress-responsive cyclophilin gene from Thellungiella halophila, confers salt tolerance in fission yeast and tobacco cells

The halophyte Thellungiella halophila (salt cress) is an ideal model system for studying the molecular mechanisms of salinity tolerance in plants. Herein, we report the identification of a stress-responsive cyclophilin gene (ThCYP1) from T. halophila, using fission yeast as a functional system. The expression of ThCYP1 is highly inducible by salt, abscisic acid (ABA), H(2)O(2) and heat shock. Ectopic overexpression of the ThCYP1 gene enhance the salt tolerance capacity of fission yeast and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cv. Bright Yellow 2 (BY-2) cells significantly. ThCYP1 is expressed constitutively in roots, stems, leaves and flowers, with higher expression occurring in the roots and flowers. The ThCYP1 proteins are distributed widely within the cell, but are enriched significantly in the nucleus. The present results suggest that ThCYP1 may participate in response to stresses in the salt cress, perhaps by regulating appropriate folding of certain stress-related proteins, or in the signal transduction processes.

[Resection of spinal tumor and reconstruction of spinal stability]

OBJECTIVE

Both primary and metastatic tumor of spine can influence spinal stability, spinal cord and nerves. The principles of dealing spinal tumor are resection of tumor decompression on spinal cord and reconstruction of spinal stability.

METHODS

Since Aug. 1993 to Oct. 1996, 15 cases with spinal tumor were treated, including 4 primary spinal tumor and 11 metastatic tumor. Tumor foci were mainly in thoracic and lumbar spine. Graded by Frankel classification of spinal injuries, there were 1 case of grade A, 1 of grade B, 3 of grade C, 5 of grade D and 5 of grade E. Tumors of upper lumbar spine and thoracic spine were resected through anterior approach. Posterior approach also was adopted once posterior column was affected. Tumors of lower lumbar spine were resected by two-staged operation: firstly, operation through posterior approach to reconstruct spinal stability: secondly, operation through anterior approach. After resection of tumor, the spines were fixed by Kaneda instrument, Steffee plate or Kirschner pins. To fuse the spine, bone grafting was used in benign tumor and bone cement used in malignant tumor.

RESULTS

Except one patient died from arrest of bone marrow, the others were followed up for 3 to 20 months. Postoperatively, 11 patients could sit up on one foot with the help of body supporter, and 9 patients could walk in two weeks under careful monitoring. There was no exacerbation of symptom and failure of fixation. The function of spinal cord was improved: 1 case from grade B to grade E, 1 from A to C, 2 from C to E and 4 from D to E.

CONCLUSION

The spine can be reconstructed for weight bearing early by internal fixation. The symptom can be relieved and the nervous function can be improved by resection of tumor and decompression.

[Radiosensitizing effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide for Lewis lung cancer]

The radiosensitizing effects of the Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) were observed by the model transplanted Lewis lung cancer on C57 BL mice. When LBP alone was administered, it was not obvious that LBP inhibited the growth of Lewis lung cancer. The significant radiosensitizing effects were obtained by combination of LBP and radiation. The mean numerical value of the dose modifying factors (DMF) was 2.05. The results also showed certain radiation enhancement effects of LBP to acute hypoxic cells of Lewis lung cancer. LBP presented few toxicity to the mice.

[Use of a dufourmentel flap in repairing lumbosacral bed sore (a report of 7 cases)]

Since March 1988, 7 patients with lumbosacral bed sore were repairing by Dufourmentel Flaps. The defects of bed sore were 4 X 5 cm to 9 X 8 cm. Excellent results were obtained. There was no case of recurrence after 18 to 30 months follow up. The advantages of this method are that the design and procedure are easy to perform by any beginner in plastic surgery. The theory and design of Dufourmentel Flap are present, operative technique are discussed in this article.