ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the correlation of sleep disorders(SD)with serum levels of amyloid β-proteins(Aβ 1-42)and tau phosphorylated at threonine(P-Tau 181)in patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD). Methods:A total of 126 patients with mild and moderate AD who met the inclusion criteria in the memory clinic, sleep clinic and geriatrics department of Jianghan Oilfield General Hospital affiliated to Yangtze University from February 2017 to January 2020 were included.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)was used to evaluate sleep quality.Patients with PSQI scores ≥7 were included in the AD group with sleep disorders(AD-SD group), and patients with PSQI scores <7 were included in the AD group without sleep disorders(AD-NSD group). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA), Global Deterioration Scale(GDS), Clinical Dementia Rating(CDR), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression(HRSD)and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAM-A)were used to evaluate cognitive and psychosocial symptoms.During the same time, biological markers such as serum Aβ 1-42, Aβ 1-40 and P-Tau 181 were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Patients in the two groups received donepezil as an anti-dementia therapy, while the AD-SD group was treated additionally with a targeted sleep intervention.All patients underwent neuropsychological assessment and biochemical tests at enrollment and at the end of the 6th month, and results from all parameters at baseline and at the end of the 6th month were compared.At the end of the six-month treatment, patients in the AD-SD group were further divided into the recovery AD-SD sub-group and the no-recovery AD-SD sub-group based on the extent of sleep improvement. Results:Of the 126 AD patients, 93(73.8%)had sleep disorders.There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, onset age, educational level, course of disease, CDR, GDS, MoCA, Aβ 1-40 or Aβ 1-42/Aβ 1-40(all P>0.05). The scores of PSQI, HRSD and HAM-A and serum levels of Aβ 1-42 and p-Tau 181 showed statistically significant differences between the AD-ND and AD-NSD groups( P<0.05 or P<0.01). At the end of the 6th month, the scores of PSQI, GDS, HRSD and HAM-A and levels of Aβ 1-42, Aβ 1-40, and P-Tau 181 also showed statistically significant differences between the AD-ND and AD-NSD groups( P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in results from other parameters( P>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that PSQI was correlated with HRSD( r=0.271, P=0.009), HAM-A( r=0.479, P=0.000), Aβ 1-42( r=0.470, P=0.000), Aβ 1-42/ Aβ 1-40( r=0.479, P=0.000)and P-Tau 181( r=0.371, P=0.000)in the AD-SD group at baseline.Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that serum Aβ 1-42 and P-Tau 181 levels and HRSD had predictive effects on changes in sleep quality in AD patients( OR=1.897, 1.269 and 1.889, P=0.000, 0.003 and 0.000). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves for Aβ 1-42, P-Tau 181 and HRSD were 0.926(95% CI: 0.860-0.991), 0.837(95% CI: 0.746-0.927)and 0.854(95% CI: 0.776-0.932), respectively. Conclusions:Sleep quality is correlated with serum Aβ 1-42and P-Tau 181 levels in AD patients.Elevated serum levels of Aβ 1-42 and P-Tau 181 and high HRSD scores are important predictors of SD in AD patients and may be used as indexes for clinical treatment efficacy.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the anatomy and clinical application of stepladder V-Y advanced flaps based on the lateral calcaneal artery perforator.@*Methods@#Twenty-four lower extremities from 12 adult cadavers were dissected to investigate the perforators emerging along the lateral edge of the achilles tendon, in terms of amount and distribution, relative to the tip of the lateral malleolus. Based on the anatomical findings, stepladder V-Y advanced flaps, based on the perforator(s) of the lateral calcaneal artery (LCA) or the peroneal artery (PA), were used for reconstruction of lower-posterior heel defects in 22 cases.@*Results@#Twenty-four lower extremities from 12 adult cadavers were successfully dissected. The peroneal artery continued to be the lateral calcaneal artery at the level of (6.0±1.4) cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus. Both of them have the perforators distributed to the skin in the achilles tendon area. In the space from the tip of the lateral malleolus to 8.0 cm and above, a total of 71 perforators with diameter larger than 0.5 mm were found in all extremities. Among them, 9%(7/71) were originated from peroneal artery, and 91%(64/71) were the lateral calcaneal artery. In the 22 cases of clinical application, the pedicle of flaps were used, based on the perforator of lateral calcaneal artery and (or) peroneal artery. The size of flaps ranged from 3.5 cm×9.0 cm to 5.0 cm×10.0 cm.There were 3 cases of skin necrosis at the tip of the flap, which were healed after dressing change. The other flaps had completely survived, and the wound healed in the first stage. Follow-up last for 8-24 months after operation. All patients had well recovery of ankle flexion, extension and appearance. They were able to weight-bearing walk, with natural gait. The texture and sensation of the flaps were similar to that of the surrounding skin. There were few obvious scar or contracture deformity. The functional recovery was satisfied.@*Conclusions@#The blood supply in the achilles tendon region is mainly from the lateral calcaneal artery, and partly from the peroneal artery. Stepladder V-Y advanced flap based on the lateral calcaneal artery perforator can be used with reliable blood supply and sensation reconstruction, which is a good choice to repair small to medial wounds in heel area.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the anatomy of the radial proper digital arteries and their dorsal vessels of index fingers, and the relative position and orientation of them were summarized. To explore the surgical method and clinical appilication of the stepladder advancement flap pedicled with the radial proper digital artery of index finger in the finger tip defects. Methods From June, 2013 to June, 2016, 6 hand specimens were injected into the brachial artery with red latex to carry out the microanatomy of the index finger’s radial proper digital arteries and their dorsal vessels. And 1 vascular cast of hand specimen were observed the origin, number and oriention of the artery and its dorsal vessel. Ten cases with soft tissue defects of index finger in finger tip, were repaired with stepladder advance-ment flap pedicled with the radial proper digital artery. The evaluations and analysis were made in survival rate and finger's function by the postoperative regular consultations. Results There were 2 (4 hands) or 3 (2 hands) dorsal vessels in the proximal, and 2(6 hands) in middle segments of the radial proper digital arteries of index fingers in 6 hand specimens respectively. While the vascular cast of hand specimen showed that 3 dorsal vessels in the proximal, and 2 in the middle segments of the radial proper digital artery. Ten patients were performed the operation. The blood flow after the surgery were good and all flaps survived well. Followed-up time was 10-14 months. The color, feeling, contour and texture of flaps was good. The function of flexion and extension of the finger was good too, and no defor-mity of the purlicue. The resolution of static two points was 5.5-9.0 mm, averaged of 7.2 mm. Conclusion The stepladder advancement flap pedicled with the radial proper digital artery of index finger can extend the donor site. It is safe, reliable and effective, providing a alternation for the repair of the soft tissue defects of the index finger tip.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of different full spectrum light times in treating patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods A total of 127 AD patients with sleep disorder were randomly divided into a blank group (n=34),a 30 min group (n=31),a 60 min group (n=33) and a 120 min group (n=29).After one month treatment by 10 000 lux full spectrum fluorescent light,the improvements of sleep quality,excessive daytime sleepiness,cognitive ability,mental state,dementia degree were graded by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PQSI),Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS),Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI),mini-mental state examination (MMSE),global deterioration scale (GDS).The scores were compared among the groups before the treatment and after the treatment respectively.Results (1) Compared with before treatment,the scores of PQSI,ESS,NPI of the 30 min group,60min group and 120min group were statistically significant (in 30 min group 14.4 ±5.2vs 11.7±4.9,14.4±4.1 vs 11.8±3.7,14.2±1.3 vs 10.9±1.7,t=2.071,2.609,8.446.P=0.043,0.011,0.000; in 60 min group13.4±4.0 vs 8.1±3.7,14.5±3.0 vs 9.4±2.0,13.7±5.8 vs 8.7±4.3,t=5.650,8.209,3.902,all P＜0.01 ;in 120 min group 14.0±3.2 vs 7.0±2.3,14.7-±2.3 vs 7.0± 1.9,14.9±3.6 vs 8.1±3.7,t=9.474,13.926,7.062,all P＜0.01),but the scores of MMSE,GDS were not statistical significances(all P＞0.05).(2)Compared with the blank group,the scores of PQSI,ESS,NPI of 30 min group,60 min group and 120 min group were statistically significant (30 min group t=1.936,4.524,2.482,P=0.031,0.000,0.016.60 min group t=5.945,5.153,7.319,all P=0.000.120 min group t=7.896,6.767,10.776,all P=0.000), but the scores of MMSE,GDS were not statistical significances(all P＞0.05).(3)Compared with the 30 min group,the scores of PQSI,ESS,NPI of 60 min group and 120 min group were statistically significances (60 min group t =3.288,2.694,3.354,P=0.002,0.009,0.001.120 min group t=4.615,3.930,6.303,all P =0.000),the scores of MMSE,GDS were not statistical significances (all P＞0.05).Compared with the 60 min group,the scores of ESS of 120 min group was statistically significant(t=4.854,P=0.000),but the scores of PQSI,NPI,MMSE,GDS were not statistical significances (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion It is demonstrated good curative effects that light therapy treat patients on AD patients in the matter of sleep quality,excessive daytime sleepiness,mental state,but have not apparent effect for their cognitive ability and dementia degree.And the effect of light therapy with 60 or 120 minutes is better than that of 30 minute,illumination time of 120 minutes is superior to that of 60 minutes in improving excessive daytime sleepiness.Light therapy has no obvious impacts in the cognitive ability and the degree of dementia in the patients with AD and has not appear obvious adverse reaction in the process of treatment.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the molecular regulatory mechanism of glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) on proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of human umbilical cord blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Methods EPCs were isolated from the umbilical cord blood of healthy pregnant women and cultured in 6-hole cell plate at 2×105 density in vitro, transfected with empty vector plasmid (control group), pcDNA3-GLP-1 plasmid (GLP-1 group), pcDNA3-GLP-1plasmid+AMD3100 (GLP-1+AMD3100 group) and simple AMD3100 (AMD3100 group). The pcDNA3-GLP-1 was transfected into EPCs. The 25μmol/L AMD3100 was used to block the SDF-1/CXCR4 signal pathway of EPCs for 1 h. The cell proliferation was determined by MTT method. The mRNA expressions of differentiation and apoptosis related genes PPARγ, C/EBPα and Caspase-3 were investigated by RT-PCR, and Caspase-3 activity was determined by Caspase-3 activity assay kit. Results Compared to control group, AMD3100 inhibitor showed no effects on cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, while over-expression of GLP-1 in EPCs obviously promoted cell proliferation, and differentiation related genes PPARγand C/EBPαmRNA expression, but down-regulated mRNA expression and the activity of Caspase-3 significantly (P＜0.05), indicating that GLP-1 increased proliferation and differentiation of EPCs while decreased cell apoptosis. When the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway was blocked by AMD3100, over-expression of GLP-1 induced promotion of cell proliferation, and the differentiation was decreased significantly and the apoptosis was significantly increased (P＜0.05). Conclusion These data confirm that GLP-1 might promote EPCs proliferation and differentiation, and inhibit cell apoptosis through the regulation of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:The obesity has led to a plenty of diseases including hypertension, coronary heart disease, fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of adipocyte differentiation is of far-reaching significance to the prevention and treatment of obesity. For the current studies of the mechanism of adipocyte differentiation pay more attention to microRNA, rather than long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). OBJECTIVE:To obtain the lncRNAs whose fold change was apparent during adipogenic differentiation, and to further screen the lncRNAs that possibly play a crucial role in adipogenic differentiation for verification. METHODS:Subcutaneous fat was obtained from human abdomen. Adipose-derived stem cells were col ected using tissue culture method. The third passage of adipose-derived stem cells was used for adipogenic differentiation. Through microarray technology, the expression levels of lncRNAs and mRNA were analyzed at 0, 5 and 12 days in adipogenic differentiation. Combining with bioinformatics report, lncRNAs apparently presented fold change were screened and verified by qRT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fold change 1.5 (P<0.05) was considered as a criterion during adipogenic differentiation. The number of up-regulated lncRNAs was 748 for 5 days versus 0 day, 847 for 12 days versus 0 days, 593 for 12 days versus 5 days. At the same time, the down-regulated number was 828 for 5 days versus 0 day, 1 113 for 12 days versus 0 day, 750 for 12 days versus 5 days during adipogenic differentiation. In combination with bioinformatics analysis results, 3 of 28 lncRNAs were related to lipid metabolism:AK304548, BP216319 and DA852857, according to the standard that fold change in 0, 5 and 12 days was higher, and the target genes were known to be associated with adipogenesis-related genes. PCR results showed that the expression of AK304548 and BP216319 and its target gene presented an up-down trend, which is consistent with the microarray sequencing results. These results indicated that lncRNA plays a critical regulatory role in the adipogenic differentiation.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Understanding the difference of miRNA-34s expression in normal tissue and tumor tissue wil contribute to screen out a miRNA with high sensitivity as the specific tumor molecular marker. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differential expression of miRNA-34s (miR-34a/b/c) between normal skin and keloid tissue using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, and to evaluate the role and mechanisms of miRNA-34s in keloid formation and development. METHODS:Ten cases of keloid tissue and two cases of normal skin tissue were col ected as specimens. Total RNAs were extracted from keloid and nomal skin tissue by Trizol method, and miRNA-34s were further isolated by Ambion’s miRNA Isolation Kit. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was applied to verify expression levels of microRNA-34s (miR-34a/b/c) in keloid tissue and normal skin tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:miRNA-34s (miRNA-34a/b/c) expression was down-regulated in keloid tissue compared with normal skin tissue (P<0.01). The findings showed that miRNA-34s (miRNA-34a/b/c) are involved in keloid formation and development, and down-regulation of the family member may result in neoplastic growth of keloid.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of donepezil in treating patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods Totally 86 patients with AD were randomly divided into control group(n =43)and treatment group(n =43).The control grou,p received conventional therapy with aniracetam,nimoldipine and ginkgo tablet,while the study group was administrated with donepezil(10 mg/d)on the basis of conventional therapy.The improvements of recognitive ability,mental state,activities of daily life were graded by mini-mental state examination (MMSE),Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cog(ADAS-cog),activity of daily living(ADL)and global deterioration scale(GDS).The scores were compared between the groups before the treatment and 3,6,12,18,24,30,36,42,48,54,60,66 and 72 months after the treatment,respectively.Results The scores of MMSE,ADAS-cog and GDS after 3 months and ADL score after 6 months (t=2.361,-2.198,-1.790,-2.420,P＜0.05 or P＜0.01)were improved in treatment group than in control group with the best effects at 12 months(all P＜0.01)and the scores continued to decrease after 36 months.At 72 months,the score improvements in treatment group were 7.5 for MMSE,20.3 for ADAS-cog,19.5 for ADL,and 1.4 for GDS as compared with control group(all P ＜0.01).In contrast to pretreatment,there were statistically significant differences in the scores of MMSE,ADAS-cog and GDS at 3,6,12,18 and 24 months,and in the score of ADL at 6,12,18,24 and 30 months after treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The differences in the scores of ADAS-cog and GDS after 24 months as well as MMSE and ADL after 30 months were not found(P＞0.05)between pre-treatment and post-treatment.Conclusions Donepezil might be long term effective and safe in slowing down the recognitive and overall function deterioration of AD.
ABSTRACT
Objective To report the clinical features and inwardly rectifying potassium channel 18 (KCNJ18) gene mutation in a group of patients with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TTP).Methods Fiftyseven TTP cases (55 male and 2 female) were collected in our clinic from July 2002 to October 2011.The KCNJ18 gene was directly sequenced in 57 TTP patients and 50 health Chinese controls through the nested PCR.According to the results of gene screening,the clinical features of KCNJ18 patients and non-KCNJ18 patients were retrospectively summarized and analyzed.Results In 4 male patients with TPP,we found 3 novel heterogeneous mutations (p.Q126X,p.K360T,p.E388K) and 1 reported mutation (p.A200P) in the KCNJ18 gene.The age of onset was 19-25 years old,and the duration ranged from 2 to 8 hours.The 4 patients all presented severe muscle weakness.The attacks of muscle weakness preceded overt symptoms of hyperthyroidism in the 4 patients. Three patients showed recurrent weakness during the 13-28 months follow-up,while the episodic weakness never appeared when patients got euthyroid. Conclusions The mutations in the KCNJ18 gene are responsible for a part of Chinese patients with TPP.The patients with KCNJ18 mutations have a shorter disease course,severer manifestation,and higher prevalence of recurrence as compared with those TPP patients without KCNJ18 mutations.
ABSTRACT
Objective To introduce clinical application of retrograde medial pedicled skin flap of the leg to repair the plantar cutaneous deficiency. Methods From January 2002 to May 2008, in our hospital we adopted retrograde medial pedicled skin flap to renovate 12 cases of plantar cutaneous deficiency. The size of the skin flaps ranged from 10 cm× 7 cm to 13 cm × 12 cm. Results Ten cases of retrograde medial pedicled skin flap were survived, the rest had partial necrosis because of distal blood flow obstacle. One was cured by changing dressings; the other was repaired by secondary operation. Morphology and function of soft tissue defects were renovated well with 6-18 months follow-up. Conclusion This operation is an effective and reliable technique for plantar cutaneous deficiency.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore clinical application of retrograde medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap for soft tissue defects of the middle and lower third of the leg. Methods From August 2008 to December 2009, in our hospital we adopted retrograde medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap to renovate 5 cases of refractory soft tissue defects of the middle and lower third of the leg. Results Five cases of retrograde medial gastrocnemius muscle flap were survived, morphology and function of soft tissue defects were renovated well. Conclusion This operation is an effective and reliable technique for soft tissue defects of the middle and lower third of the leg, which is performed without sacrificing the major blood vessels, probing vascular pedicle and matching vascular anastomosis.
ABSTRACT
Objective The stress reaction in double-balloon enteroscopy was investigated,the influencing factors and intervention countermeasures were studied.Methods Cardiovascular effects and physiological reactions of 60 double-balloon enteroscopy patients were surveyed.The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the cardiovascular effects to underwent single factor analysis of related factors.Results The incidence of physiological reactions was 68.3%,the incidence of cardiovascular reactions was 56.7%.Evident difference existed in blood pressure,heart rate and blood oxygen saturation rate before,during and after examination.The grouping analysis showed cardiovascular effects were influenced by many kinds of factors.Conclusions Different degrees of the stress reactions in double-balloon enteroscopy might appear.The influencing factors included the enteroscopy mode and time,gender,age,mood,and physician operation experience.The stress reactions might be reduced by taking the corresponding intervention measures according to the influencing factors.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the expression and function of apoptosis-related protein, Fas, FasL, and Bcl-2 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 20 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), 20 Graves' disease (GD), and 20 thyroid follicular adenoma (TFA, as control). RESULTS: All the cases expressed Fas, mainly on the cell surface and cytoplasm. FasL was found in all except 3 of the TFA. Bcl-2 in 15 of HT, 19 of GD, 17 of TFA. In TFA follicular cells expressed moderate Fas and minimal or absent FasL. In HT, follicles adjacent to infiltrating lymphocytes showed a increased levels of Fas and FasL, but infiltrating lymphocytes exhibited weaker staining of Fas and FasL than thyrocytes. In GD, thyrocytes and lymphocytes showed nearly similar Fas with HT, but rather weaker for FasL than HT. Bcl-2 was nearly similar in GD and TFA, but follicular cells in vicinity of lymphocytes and lymphocytes located in germinal centers of HT tissues exhibited significantly weaker. CONCLUSION: The expression of Fas, FasL and Bcl-2 in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease was nearly similar. Strong FasL expression and weak Bcl-2 expression on the follicles in HT may induce apoptosis. These results provide further proof that the functions of Fas and its ligand and Bcl-2 may play an important part in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases. The lymphocytes do not seem to be directly engaged in the process with their own FasL, but they may provide some cytokines that, in turn, up-regulates Fas and/or FasL leading to apoptosis.