Objective To study the beneficial effect of constant magnetic field (CMF) on brain tissue injury of rats caused by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Methods Forty rats were divided into three groups: control group (n=10), reperfusion group (n=15) and CMF group (n=15). In the reperfusion and CMF groups, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was caused by using the Longa's surgical procedure, while the sham operation was performed on the rats in the control group. The rats in the CMF group were immediately exposed to 40mT constant magnetic field on bilateral carotid areas for 30 minutes once daily after the operation, and seven days later, the hemorrheologic parameters, erythrocyte membrane fluidity, anti-oxidase activity and the level of NO and NOS in these rats were determined. The animals in the control and CMF groups underwent the same procedure except exposure to CMF. Results The parameters inclusing hemorrheologic ones, erythrocyte membrane fluidity and the levels of NO and NOS of the reperfusion group were higher than those of the control group (P0.05, or P 0.01), but the levels of anti-oxidase activity were significantly lower (P0.05, or P0.01). After the CMF treatment, all the parameters except anti-oxidase activity were significantly increased (P0.05, or P0.01). Conclusion The constant magnetic field could effectively improve cerebral microcirculation, and inhibit the injurious effects of free radicals, NO and NOS, indicating that CMF might protect the cerebral tissue from injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion.
Objective To study the role of fibrin monomer polymerization function and its variation after clinical rehabilitative treatment in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Methods 110 patients were recruited for this study, of them 31 received rehabilitation treatment. 50 healthy subjects served as control. The fibrin monomer polymerization function was assessed by a computer-assisted procedure in all the subjects. Results Fibrin monomer polymerization function of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease was significant higher than the controls(P0.01). Abnormal incidences of Fbg level and fibrin monomer polymerization velocity (FMPV) in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease were also significantly higher than the controls (P0.01). The relative risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients with abnormal Fbg level and FMPV was 4 and 31 times of that of the control group. In patients with cerebral infarct, FMPV of anterior circulation infarct group was significant higher than posterior circulation infarct group and lacunar infarct group. After rehabilitation treatment, parameters of fibrin monomer polymerization function of the 31 patients who received rehabilitation treatment decreased slightly, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion It is suggested that fibrin monomer polymerization function could be a very useful marker for evaluation of hemotological state and the outcome of patients with ischemic cerebralvascular disease.
Objective To investigate the role of Leptin in the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and enhancement of body sensitivity to insulin after exercise. Methods Forty OLETF rats and fifteen LETO rats were used in this experimental study and subjected to different diet and exercise regimes. The serum concentration of Leptin was measured by means of radio-immunity kit at 9 weeks later, a comparison of the results was made among the animals. Results The serum Leptin level of non-exercise and exercise OLETF groups fed by ordinary chow was(6.50±0.75) ng/ml and (1.28±0.15)ng/ml, respectively. In those fed by high-fat diet, the serum Leptin level of non-exercise and exercise OLETF groups was(6.83±0.68)ng/ml and (1.65±0.37)ng/ml, respectively. As to the LETO rats, the serum concentration of Leptin in non-exercise and exercise groups was(1.02±0.13)ng/ml and (1.23±0.14)ng/ml, respectively. The serum Leptin level in rats in the exercise OLETF group was significantly lower than that of the non-exercise OLETF group(P0.01), but the difference of the serum Leptin level between non-exercise and exercise LETO group was not significant. Conclusion Serum Leptin in OLETF rats may serve as a regulator in maintaining the balance of energy metabolism; exercise can improve the insulin sensitivity in OLETF rats, irrespective of the changes of plasma Leptin level.
Objective To investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength in elderly women, and to find an effective way to prevent osteoporosis. Methods BMD at various skeletal sites and speed of sound (SOS) in the tibia were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and bone quantitative ultrasound (QUS) apparatus in 319 elderly women, who were divided into three groups according to their BMI: low weight group (BMI20), normal weight group (BMI 20～24) and obesity group (BMI24). Results Significant positive correlation was found between BMI and BMD at various skeletal sites except the lateral spine and between BMI and SOS of the tibia in elderly women (r=0.267～0.446 and r=0.162,P0.001 and P= 0.004, respectively ); BMD at various skeletal sites and SOS of the tibia of subjects in the normal weight group were significantly higher than those of the low weight group (P0.05～P0.001) , and BMD at various skeletal sites and SOS of the tibia of the obesity group were significantly higher than those of both the low weight group and normal weight group (P0.001 and P0.05～P0.001, respectively); Except the lateral spine, the osteoporosis incidence at various skeletal sites was decreased in a stepwise manner in subjects of these 3 groups. Conclusion Higher level of BMI can prevent bone loss and bone strength decrease in elderly women, this may be attributed to many factors such as higher estrogen levels and greater physical stress.
Objective To study the influence of ultrashort-wave therapy on osteoarthristis of knee joint caused by the intraosseous hypertension in rabbit. Methods Twelve New Zealand rabbits were subjected to the ligation of the veins in either hind limb to establish the model of intraosseous hypertension, and then randomly divided into 2 groups: the experimental group and the control group. The animals in the experimental group were treated with ultrashort-wave for 20min, once a day for 30 days, while those in the control group were not. Radiological examination as well as 99mTC-MDP scintigraphy were carried out at 10,12 and 14 weeks before these animals were killed. Light microscopic examinations were conducted to observe the changes of bone tissues including the cartilages of the knee joints. Results The pathological changes both in the cellular structures and the morphological patterns were significantly milder in the experimental group as compared with those seen in the control group. Conclusion Ultrashort-wave diathermy can delay or alleviate the deteriorative effects of intraosseous hypertension on knee joints of the rabbits.
Objective To study the clinical characteristics and the efficacy of speech therapy in patients with functional phonological disorders. Methods Twelve children and 5 adults with functional phonetic disorders were recruited in this study, and their clinical characteristics and final outcome after rehabilitation treatment were retrospectively analyzed. A comparison was made between the children and the adults. Results Both child's and adult's main error patterns were distortion and substitution. There was no statistical difference between the child and adult in terms of the number of error sounds(P0.05). For the children, the mean time of getting correct articulation of each target sound was longer than that for the adults (P0.001),but the mean time needed for using the target sound proficiently in the communication of daily living was shorter than the adult(P0.001). After phonological treatment, 10 of 12 children (83.33%)got correct articulation and other 2 were improved. All the adults got correct articulation (100.00%). Conclusion There were few differences between children and adults with respect to their clinical characteristics. The therapeutic efficacy of phonological treatment is good, but the time of starting treatment must be determined according to the specific conditions of each subject.
Objective To observe the effects of muscle strengthening exercise on gait of stroke patients during convalescent stage and to explore the relationship between functional evaluation and gait analysis parameters. Methods Fifty patients were randomly divided into two groups: the observation group (n=30) and the control group (n=20). The patients in the observation group were subject to muscle strengthening exercise of knee extensors and flexors during convalescence. The lower extremity function was measured using Fugl-Meyer motor functional (FM) scores and Barthel index of ADL. The footprint was used for gait analysis. Results Functional improvement of the observation group was significantly better than that of control group (P0.01). The symmetry of gait was correlated significantly with lower extremity motor and balance functions (r=-0.79, -0.71, P0.01 ), but irrelevant to functional independence (r=-0.21, P0.05). The walking speed was correlated significantly with all the evaluated parameters (r=0.80, 0.78, 0.76, P0.01). Conclusion The lower extremity function and gait can be improved by muscle strengthening exercise of knee muscles during convalescence of stroke patients.
Objective To observe the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES ) on shoulder subluxation in stroke patient. Methods Thirty-six patients were randomly divided into 2 groups:the FES group and shoulder-support group. Patients in the former group were given FES of the rotator cuff and posterior deltoid for 20 min, twice a day, while patients in the later group were given shoulder support only. Parameters were analyzed before the start of and 20d, 60d after the therapy. Results Twenty days later, the rate of recovery of shoulder subluxation in FES group was significantly higher than that of shoulder support group (52.6% vs 17.6%, P0.001), but became similar to that of the shoulder support group at 60 days later (P0.05). Conclusion FES program can effectively improve the rate of recovery of subluxation in a short time, but showed no greater long-term benefit than the shoulder support.
Objective To study the effects of magnetic stimulation (MS) on c-fos gene expression in spinal neurons of rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Thirty-eight Wistar rats were used, among them 32 rats underwent SCI with 10g×2.5cm impact at T8 level and were evenly divided into two groups: the MS group (n=16) and the control group (n=16), the other 6 rats served as the normal control. The rats in the MS group received 15 minutes, 1, 2 or 4 hours of MS at 0.5Hz and 70% of the maximal intensity output of the magnetic stimulator after the injury, while the rats in the other groups were not exposed to the MS. The c-fos mRNA levels of the rats were determined by in situ hybridization, the protein levels immunohistochemical methods. Results As compared with that in the normal controls (3.78±0.72), the c-fos protein expression increased significantly in rats with SCI in the control group (P0.01), and this increase peaked at 2 hours after injury (16.49±1.30). The levels of c-fos expression in the MS group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P0.01). Conclusion MS can inhibit the c-fos gene expression in spinal cord after injury, it may be one of the mechanisms that MS protects spinal cord against injury.
Objective To observe the changes of level of plasma epinephrine (E) and norepinephine (NE) contents of the rats exposed to the 90dB infrasound. Methods Two hundred and twenty rats were randomly and equally divided into experiment and control groups. The rats in the experiment group were further divided into 4 subgroups equally and exposed to the infrasound (16Hz, 90dB) once a day, 2 hours a time for 1, 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively. The control group was treated the same except infrasound exposure. The plasma levels of the E and NE were then determined at 0.5, 6,12,18 and 24 hours after the last exposure. The results were compared between the experiment and the control groups. Results For rats in the group which exposed to infrasound for 1 and 7 times, the plasma NE level declined at the beginning and gradually raised, and reached the peak at 24h after the last exposure; for those exposed for 14 times, the NE levels elevated very briefly (0.5h) and then gradually declined, and reached the lowest point 12h, then it elevated again and reached the peak at 24h. As for plasma levels of E, it was always lower in the experiment group than that of the control group. Conclusion Both NE and E plasma levels changed under the influence of infrasound irradiation, and the changes were related to the times of exposure.
Objective To explore the characteristics of the repetitive eccentric-concentric muscle contractions of plantar flexors of the affected limb in hemiplegic patients and to evaluate its clinical implications. Methods The Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer was used for muscle strength measurements of the plantar flexion at 120°/sec and 240°/sec, respectively. In 14 male hemiplegia subjects, the electromyogram (EMG) of the gastrocnemius muscle was recorded simultaneously, 14 healthy subjects served as control. The test-retest reliability was evaluated, and gait speed was measured as patients walked for 10.0 meters at their most comfortable pace. Results A significantly higher percentage of increase in concentric torque values after eccentric contraction in the affected leg was observed as compared with the control group (P0.05). A lower gastrocnemius EMG activity could be detected if the concentric motion was preceded by an eccentric action as compared to the pure concentric muscle action. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients ware high (≥0.90) for every testing condition. A positive correlation was observed between the concentric torque values recorded after the preceding eccentric contraction of the affected leg and a higher gait speed (r=0.73). Conclusion The higher performance of the affected leg in patients with stroke is closely related to the better utilization of the energy. Repetitive eccentric-concentric muscle contraction could be used to assess the patient's motor function, and to help the recovery of the patient's functional ability.
Objective To study the clinical , electrophysiological , pathological and hereditary features of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN). Methods Symptoms, electromyography (EMG) and pathology of sural nerve biopsy were analyzed in patients with HMSN through family investigation and clinical data collection. Results Among the thirty two cases 27 were autosomal dominant inheritance, 5 cases were in a sporadic manner. The onset age of this group was from 3 to 27 years old. The typical manifestations were symmetrical weakness and atrophy in the distal limbs, with absence of ankle reflexes and drop foot. Additionally, some special clinical signs were observed, including upper limbs hyperreflex (12/32), positive Hoffmann sign (12/32), and pes cavus (15/32),finger malformation (5/32) and diabetes(1/32).EMG exams revealed a reduced conduction velocity of motor and sensory nerves. Histopathological examination of peripheral nerve biopsies showed demyelination and mild axonal degeneration. The CSF protein increased in 4 cases, suggesting differentiation from chronic inflammatory demyelinated polyneuropathy(CIDP) should be made. Conclusion The features of HMSNⅠis symmetrical myodystrophy of the lower 1/3 of leg,ankle reflexes and drop food. The CSF protein could be increased, and malformation of finger and diabetes could be observed.The main damages of peripheral nerves was demylination, with minimal axonal degeneration.
Objective To investigate the imaging and spectroscopy of the cerebrum and cerebellum in ischemic and reperfusion brain injury with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in rats, and explore the changes of the metabolites' levels in the brain. Methods Fifteen male SD rats were used, and randomly divided into three groups: group A ( n =3) underwent no operation, group B ( n =4) underwent sham operation, group C ( n =8) underwent an operation for ischemic brain injury. The NMR images and its related spectroscopic characteristics, as well as the changes of the metabolites levels of the brain were then evaluated retrospectively. Results The hyperintense signals in the right cerebrum in group C were increased compared to those of the group B, the T 2 values were increased, while the values of the neural metabolites N acetylaspartate(NAA) decreased, and the ratio of Cr/NAA and Cho/NAA was increased. The T 2 values in the right cerebrum of the group C were larger than that in the left. The values of NAA decreased in the right cerebellum in group C, the ratio of Cr/NAA and Cho/NAA were larger than that in the control groups. Conclusion The results of our study demonstrated that, neuronal viability and metabolism of the brain may seriously influenced by ischemic and reperfusion brain injury.
Objective To investigate the effect of air purification on changes of plasma levels of ET 1, SOD, GSH px, and MDA in patients with type 2 diabetes Methods The living rooms of 24 patients with type 2 diabetes were purified with air cleaner (MKJ 800) once a day for 30 days, then the aforementioned parameters were assessed and compared with that obtained at the begining of hospitalization. In patients of the control group (N=19), who lived in the ordinary wards, the changes of these parameters were also evaluated Results The average plasma levels of ET 1 and MDA of patients in the experimental group were markedly decreased (from 4.23±1.15 pg/ml to 3.14±1.28 pg/ml, and 4.58±0.44 mmol/L to 4.13±0.34 mmol/L, respectively), while the plasma levels of SOD and GSH px were significantly increased. Evidence of improved cardiac function were also noted in these patients. Conclusion Room air purification can decrease the ET 1, SOD, GSH px and MDA content of plasma and improve the cardiac function of patients with type 2 diabetes
Objective To study the possible role of histamine in the up-regulation of fibrinolytic system(FS) activated by full-spectrum ultraviolet(UV) irradiation. Methods Fourteen normal healthy adult dogs were randomly divided into 3 groups.The dogs in the UV group ( n =5) were treated by single 20 cm×20 cm, 447.72 mJ/cm 2 full spectrum UV irradiation on the thoracoabdominal skins, while those in the UV+bufrolin group ( n =5) was administered, by means of iontophresis, with bufrolin into the local skin to be irradiated immediately before UV irradiation, and those in the control group( n =4) got neither UV irradiation nor bufrolin treatment. The histamine concentration in the UV irradiated skin and plasminogen activator(PA) activity in plasma were tested dynamically during 48 h postirradiation . Results The plasma PA activity in the UV group was significantly increased at 3 h postirradiation( P 0.01),with its peak at 9 h after irradiation; histamine levels in suction blisters markedly increased at 9 h postirradiation( P 0.01), with its peak at 15 h after irradiation, and no significant relationship between the histamine level and PA activity was noted( P 0.05). In the UV+bufrolin group, the timedependent changes of plasma PA activity had the same characteristic as that in the UV group( P 0.05), although histamine level was not significantly changed because of bufrolin administration before the UV irradiation. Conclusion Histamine might not be invovled in the up-regulation of fibrinolytic activity caused by full spectrum UV irradiation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the reinnervation by testing the function of regenerating intratemporal facial nerve and muscles. Methods In 48 adult white rabbits, an unilateral 6 mm of intratemporal facial nerve gap was created for each rabbit, and then the proximal and distal stumps were inserted into chitin tube and silicone tube, respectively. After one, three, and five months, facial behavioral and electrophysiological tests were performed. Results The facial behavior indices including size of palpebral fissure, autonomous upper lip movement, whisker deviation following a midline nasal tap, and the quadratus labii superioris muscle contraction following intratemporal facial nerve stimulation in the rabbits after five months were all better than that observed during the proceding three months. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that with the progress of regeneration the latency became shortened, the amplitude of action potential was increased, and the nerve muscle conduction velocity was increased. There was no significant difference between the two kinds of chambers. Conclusion Functional recovery of regenerating nerve and muscle could be accelerated by using the two different kinds of man made chambers.
Objective To investigate the effect of hypoglycemia on glutathione levels in plasma and tissues and preventive effect of reduced glutathione (GSH) on serum enzymes. Methods In the model of hypoglycemia, changes in plasma and tissue contents of glutathione and inhibitory effects of reduced glutathione (GSH) on serum enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotrasferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) were observed in the study. Results Besides the increase of serum enzymes (ALT, AST, LDH, CK), plasma GSH, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), total glutathione (TGSH) and GSSG/TGSH ratio rose significantly ( P 0.05) at 6 hours after the induction of hypoglycemia. Significant decrease in contents of GSH and TGSH in liver and significant increases in GSSG contents and GSSG/TGSH ratio in myocardium and quadriceps were observed during hypoglycemia in contrast with control group. Administration of GSH significantly decreased the plasma GSSG levels and GSSG/TGSH ratio ( P 0.05), and suppressed the increases of serum enzymes induced by hypoglycemia. Conclusion The results suggest that increase of serum enzymes induced by hypoglycemia might be related to change of redox state of glutathione and that administration GSH may play a preventive role of muscle from damage.
Objective To investigate the influence of intensive muscle strengthening exercise on functional independence of paraplegic patients after the surgery for spinal arterio venous malformation (AVM). Methods Eleven paraplegic cases after spinal cord AVM surgery were divided into 2 group. Six cases in the rehabilitation group were treated with intensive muscle strengthening exercise over the trunk and lower limb and electric neuromuscular stimulation once a day for 6～12 months. Five cases in the control group were managed with the conventional method. All the cases were assessed with the Standard Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (SNCSCI),Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) and ASIA spinal cord injury assessment before and after treatment. Results The motor function and functional independence ability was much better in the rehabilitation training group than those of the control group ( P 0.01)1 year after the treatment. Conclusion For patients with paraplegia following the surgery for AVM of the spinal cord, intensive muscle strengthening exercise of the trunk and lower limbs is necessary; satisfactory outcome can usually be obtained after a long term rehabilitation training.
Objective To explore the effect of spinal nerve injury on changes of F wave. Methods Fifteen Wi star rats were divided into 2 groups. After surgical exposure of the lumbar spin al nerves of these animals, the ventral roots (L 3～6 ) were cut sequentiall y in 8 rats (Group A) and the dorsal roots were cut in another 7 rats (Group B). Both the latency and amplitude of F wave evoked by electric stimulation of sciat ic nerve, were recorded and compared before and after the injury. Results Rhizotomy of the ventral roots resulted in significant dec rease of amplitude or even disappearance of F waves ( P 0.01), while rhizotom y of the dorsal roots did not cause disappearance of F waves, although a signifi cant decrease of amplitude of the F waves was detected (0.001 P 0.01 ). Conclusion The dorsal roots of spinal nerve may be inv olved in the production of F wave. Further study is needed to explore if a refle x component is also involved.
Objective To evaluate the difference of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression after experimental spinal cord injury(SCI) as compared with that in normal rats. Methods The localization and distribution of TGF-β1 was observed with immunohistochemical method and their changes after SCI was quantitatively analyzed with the image pattern analysis technique. Results In the normal group, there was few cells expressing TGF-β1, while in the experimental groups, TGF-β1 was expressed in more cells, especially in microglia and macrophages. Conclusion These findings suggested that TGF-β1 might play an important role in the processes of self-repairing and regeneration in rat after SCI.
