Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 among multiethnic elderly Asian residents in Singapore: a mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION@#We investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its related preventive measures in Singaporeans aged ≥60 years.@*METHODS@#This was a population-based, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study (13 May 2020-9 June 2020) of participants aged ≥ 60 years. Self-reported KAP about ten symptoms and six government-endorsed preventive measures related to COVID-19 were evaluated. Multivariable regression models were used to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with KAP in our sample. Associations between knowledge/attitude scores and practice categories were determined using logistic regression. Seventy-eight participants were interviewed qualitatively about the practice of additional preventive measures and data were analysed thematically.@*RESULTS@#Mean awareness score of COVID-19 symptoms was 7.2/10. The most known symptom was fever (93.0%) and the least known was diarrhoea (33.5%). Most participants knew all six preventive measures (90.4%), perceived them as effective (78.7%) and practised 'wear a mask' (97.2%). Indians, Malays and participants living in smaller housing had poorer mean scores for knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms. Older participants had poorer attitudes towards preventive measures. Compared to Chinese, Indians had lower odds of practising three out of six recommendations. A one-point increase in score for knowledge and attitudes regarding preventive measures resulted in higher odds of always practising three of six and two of six measures, respectively. Qualitative interviews revealed use of other preventive measures, for example, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Elderly Singaporeans displayed high levels of KAP about COVID-19 and its related preventive measures, with a positive association between levels of knowledge/attitude and practice. However, important ethnic and socioeconomic disparities were evident, indicating that key vulnerabilities remain, which require immediate attention.

Progress in research of deaths and disease burden of major chronic diseases caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Health damage including chronic disease caused by air pollution have attracted increasing attention. With the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, the emission of air pollutants has increased, and its association with chronic diseases has become a research trending topic. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease are the major chronic diseases, causing about 86.6% of the total deaths in China. The prevention and control of chronic diseases, especially the etiologic prevention, is a major public health issue related to national health. This article summarizes the recent progress in research of association of indoor and outdoor air pollution with all-cause mortality, the deaths and disease burden of four major chronic diseases, i.e. cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease, and puts forward suggestions for the reduction of the burden caused by chronic diseases due to air pollution to provide a theoretical foundation to revise air quality standards in China.

Enlightening from optimizing post-authorization safety monitoring system of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in major economies worldwide / 中华预防医学杂志

Ongoing global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has promoted the unprecedented rapid development and large-scale rolling out of different platform-based COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. How to effectively respond to the expected scale increasing adverse events after vaccination campaign of COVID-19 vaccines is a common problem faced by the world. A lot of countries and regions around the world have arranged in advance at different levels, optimizing the original vaccine safety monitoring system from the perspectives of strengthening the foundation and capabilities, promoting internal and external cooperation, upgrading methods, as well as improving transparency and public communication, which has ensured the good and efficient operation of the system and can provide reference for the construction of relevant fields in China.

Effect of Jingangwan on p38 MAPK，JNK，and IL-1 Content in Osteoporosis Model Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Jingangwan on the expression of osteoclast， c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK）， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase（p38 MAPK）， and interleukin-1（IL-1） in the osteoporosis model rats， explore the mechanism of Jingangwan in the treatment of osteoporosis， and determine the optimal dosing concentration of Jingangwan. MethodFifty-six rats of SPF grade were randomized into a blank group，a sham operation group，a model group， model group，high-， medium-， and low-dose Jingangwan groups （0.72， 0.36， 0.18 g·kg-1·d-1， ig），and an estradiol valerate group （0.009 g·kg-1·d-1， ig）， with eight rats in each group. The rats in the model group， the blank group， and the sham operation group received 3 mL of normal saline， respectively. Samples were collected 12 weeks after drug administration. The number of osteoclasts was observed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase （TRAP） staining. Serum levels of JNK， p38 MAPK， and IL-1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK and JNK were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultThe TRAP staining results showed that compared with the model group， the estradiol valerate group and the Jingangwan groups could inhibit the formation of osteoclasts to different degrees. As revealed by ELISA results， compared with the model group and the sham operation group， the model group showed increased serum levels of p38 MAPK， JNK， and IL-1 （P<0.01）， while compared with the model group， all the groups with drug intervention showed decreased levels of p38 MAPK， JNK， and IL-1 （P<0.01）. The serum levels of JNK and IL-1 in the high-dose Jingangwan group were lower than those in the estradiol valerate group （P<0.05）. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the blank group， the model group showed increased relative mRNA expression of p38 MAPK and JNK in the thighbone （P<0.01）， while compared with the model group， all the groups with drug intervention showed decreased relative mRNA expression of p38 MAPK and JNK in the thighbone （P<0.01）. ConclusionJingangwan can inhibit the formation of osteoblasts，reduce the diameter of the bone marrow cavity，improve bone quality，suppress the production of inflammatory factors，affect the metabolism of the MAPK signaling pathway，and blunt p38 MAPK and JNK activities to inhibit the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts and regulate bone metabolism， thereby preventing osteoporosis. Therefore，Jingangwan may be of application value in maintaining bone health and treating osteoporosis.

Academy of Medicine, Singapore clinical guideline on endoscopic surveillance and management of gastric premalignant lesions

Gastric cancer (GC) has a good prognosis, if detected at an early stage. The intestinal subtype of GC follows a stepwise progression to carcinoma, which is treatable with early detection and intervention using high-quality endoscopy. Premalignant lesions and gastric epithelial polyps are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Surveillance of patients with premalignant gastric lesions may aid in early diagnosis of GC, and thus improve chances of survival. An expert professional workgroup was formed to summarise the current evidence and provide recommendations on the management of patients with gastric premalignant lesions in Singapore. Twenty-five recommendations were made to address screening and surveillance, strategies for detection and management of gastric premalignant lesions, management of gastric epithelial polyps, and pathological reporting of gastric premalignant lesions.

Academy of Medicine, Singapore clinical guideline on the use of sedation by non-anaesthesiologists during gastrointestinal endoscopy in the hospital setting

INTRODUCTION@#In Singapore, non-anaesthesiologists generally administer sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The drugs used for sedation in hospital endoscopy centres now include propofol in addition to benzodiazepines and opiates. The requirements for peri-procedural monitoring and discharge protocols have also evolved. There is a need to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline on the safe and effective use of sedation by non-anaesthesiologists during gastrointestinal endoscopy in the hospital setting.@*METHODS@#The Academy of Medicine, Singapore appointed an expert workgroup comprising 18 gastroenterologists, general surgeons and anaesthesiologists to develop guidelines on the use of sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The workgroup formulated clinical questions related to different aspects of endoscopic sedation, conducted a relevant literature search, adopted Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology and developed recommendations by consensus using a modified Delphi process.@*RESULTS@#The workgroup made 16 recommendations encompassing 7 areas: (1) purpose of sedation, benefits and disadvantages of sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy; (2) pre-procedural assessment, preparation and consent taking for sedation; (3) Efficacy and safety of drugs used in sedation; (4) the role of anaesthesiologist administered sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy; (5) performance of sedation; (6) post-sedation care and discharge after sedation; and (7) training in sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy for non-anaesthesiologists.@*CONCLUSION@#These recommendations serve to guide clinical practice during sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy by non-anaesthesiologists in the hospital setting.

Effect of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of frozen embryo transfer in patients with anovulatory infertility / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of conventional ovulation induction protocol and acupuncture combined with conventional ovulation induction protocol on pregnancy outcomes of frozen embryo transfer (FET) in patients with anovulatory infertility.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with anovulatory infertility were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. In the control group, conventional ovulation induction protocol was applied to prepare endometrium. On the basis of the control group, acupuncture was started on the 2nd day of menstrual cycle in the observation group，Baihui (GV 20), Mingmen (GV 4), Geshu (BL 17), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. were selected, once every other day, until 1 day before transplantation. The clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, endometrial morphology on HCG trigger day, ovulation rate and cycle cancellation rate were compared in the two groups. The endometrial thickness before treatment and on HCG trigger day, TCM symptom score before and after treatment were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In the observation group, the embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were higher than the control group (P<0.05), endometrial thickness and endometrial morphology on HCG trigger day were superior to the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom score in the observation group was decreased compared with before treatment (P<0.05), and the variation was greater than the control group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of the conventional ovulation induction protocol, acupuncture could enhance the embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate of FET, improve the endometrial receptivity of patients with anovulatory infertility.

Segmentation of meibomian glands based on deep learning / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the application value of deep learning technology in automatic meibomian glands segmentation. METHODS:Infrared meibomian gland images were collected and 193 of them were picked out for establishing the database. The images were manually labeled by three clinicians. UNet++ network and automatic data expansion strategy were introduced to construct the automatic meibomian glands segmentation model. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed segmentation model were analyzed by precision, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and intersection over union.RESULTS: Taking manual labeling as the gold standard, the presented method segment the glands effectively and steadily with accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 94.31%, 82.15% and 96.13% respectively. On the average, only 0.11s was taken for glands segmentation of single image.CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, deep learning technology is introduced to realize automatic segmentation of meibomian glands, achieving high accuracy, good stability and efficiency. It would be quite useful for calculation of gland morphological parameters, the clinical diagnosis and screening of related diseases, improving the diagnostic efficiency.

The pharmacokinetic study on compound diphenhydramine hydrochloride and caffeine in rats / 药学实践杂志

Objective To establish an assay method for diphenhydramine hydrochloride and caffeine in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS for pharmacokinetic study. Methods The chromatographic separation was performed on an ACE 3 C18-PFP (3.0 mm×150 mm, 3 μm) by isocratic elution with the mobile phase of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile (62:38, V/V). MS condition was optimized in the positive ion detection mode by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), along with the Agilent JetStream electrospray source interface (AJS-ESI). The precursors to the product ion transitions were 256.2→167.0 (m/z) for diphenhydramine hydrochloride, 262.0→167.0 (m/z) for the internal standard (IS) diphenhydramine-D6, 195.0→138.0 (m/z) for caffeine and 204.0→116.2 (m/z) for the IS caffeine-D9. Results The calibration curve was linear in the range of 1-1×103 ng/ml for diphenhydramine hydrochloride in rat plasma (r=0.999 6), and in the range of 15-1.5×105 ng/ml for caffeine in rat plasma, (r=0.999 9). The intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy were good (RSD<10%, RE<±10%). Pharmacokinetic studies showed that metabolic characteristics of diphenhydramine hydrochloride 10-30 mg/kg and caffeine 24-72 mg/kg were linear after intragastric administration. The two components were metabolized in rats with gender difference, the cmax and the AUC of diphenhydramine hydrochloride and caffeine were greater in female than those in males. Conclusion This method is accurate, rapid and sensitive. It can be used for the determination of diphenhydramine hydrochloride and caffeine in rat plasma collected for pharmacokinetic study. The results of pharmacokinetic studies in rats provide reliable data support for the clinical application of the compound preparation.

Coexistence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity in communitydwelling adults e The Yishun Study

Objectives@#To 1) report prevalence of ‘osteosarcopenia’ (OS) and osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) entities using evidence-based diagnostic techniques and definitions, 2) examine if OSO offers additional predictive value of functional decline over its components, and 3) identify associated factors in a multi-racial Southeast Asian population. @*Methods@#We performed a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 542 community-dwelling adults (21–90 years old), and assessed anthropometry, cognition, functional performance, and self-report sociodemographic, health and lifestyle questionnaires. Low muscle mass, and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, were used to assess sarcopenia. Obesity was defined using percentage body fat and fat mass index. Osteopenia/osteoporosis was determined using lumbar spinal bone mineral density. Associated factors were examined using logistic regression, and OSO’s value investigated using linear regressions with functional performance. @*Results@#OS and OSO prevalence were 1.8% and 0% (21–59 years), 12.9% and 2.8% (≥ 60 years), 17.3% and 4.1% (≥ 65 years), and 25.5% and 7.0% (≥75 years), respectively. OSO entity as defined was not a significant predictor (P > 0.05) and did not improve explanations for functional decline over sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity. Age, sex, race and body mass index (BMI) were associated with OS, while age, sex, race and alcoholism were associated with OSO. @*Conclusions@#Our results do not support OSO as a distinct entity in relation to functional decline. Aside from biological age, sex, and race, amenable lifestyle factors such as BMI and alcohol intake are important variables that can influence the co-existence of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity.

Coexistence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity in communitydwelling adults e The Yishun Study

Objectives@#To 1) report prevalence of ‘osteosarcopenia’ (OS) and osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) entities using evidence-based diagnostic techniques and definitions, 2) examine if OSO offers additional predictive value of functional decline over its components, and 3) identify associated factors in a multi-racial Southeast Asian population. @*Methods@#We performed a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 542 community-dwelling adults (21–90 years old), and assessed anthropometry, cognition, functional performance, and self-report sociodemographic, health and lifestyle questionnaires. Low muscle mass, and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, were used to assess sarcopenia. Obesity was defined using percentage body fat and fat mass index. Osteopenia/osteoporosis was determined using lumbar spinal bone mineral density. Associated factors were examined using logistic regression, and OSO’s value investigated using linear regressions with functional performance. @*Results@#OS and OSO prevalence were 1.8% and 0% (21–59 years), 12.9% and 2.8% (≥ 60 years), 17.3% and 4.1% (≥ 65 years), and 25.5% and 7.0% (≥75 years), respectively. OSO entity as defined was not a significant predictor (P > 0.05) and did not improve explanations for functional decline over sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity. Age, sex, race and body mass index (BMI) were associated with OS, while age, sex, race and alcoholism were associated with OSO. @*Conclusions@#Our results do not support OSO as a distinct entity in relation to functional decline. Aside from biological age, sex, and race, amenable lifestyle factors such as BMI and alcohol intake are important variables that can influence the co-existence of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity.

Prognostic and clinicopathological value of zwint expression levels in patients with lung adenocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The current study found that high Zeste White 10 interactor (ZWINT) expression is related to the poor prognosis of patients with a variety of cancers. This study mainly explored the relationship between the expression level of ZWINT and the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Briefly, four English databases and two high-throughput sequencing databases were searched and relevant data for meta-analysis were extracted. Pooled mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the relationships between clinical features and the expression of ZWINT. Pooled hazard ratio and 95% CI were also used to assess the relationships between clinical features and the expression level of ZWINT. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021249475). A total of 16 high-quality datasets comprising 2,847 LUAD patients were included in this study. Higher ZWINT expression levels were found in patients younger than 65 years, males, and smokers, and were correlated with advanced TNM stages and poor prognosis. Notably, there was no publication bias in this meta-analysis. Overall, our findings indicate that ZWINT is a potential biomarker for poor prognosis and clinicopathological outcomes of patients with LUAD.

Determination of propylthiouracil in human plasma by UPLC-MS/MS / 药学实践杂志

Objective To establish a method for the determination of propylthiouracil in human plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and provide methodological basis for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and bioequivalence test (BE) in clinical. Methods The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent SB-C18 column (4.6 mm×150 mm, 5 μm), the mobile phase was methanol and water containing 0.1% formic acid (80∶20, V/V), isocratic elution. MS condition was optimized in the positive ion detection mode by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), along with the Agilent JetStream electrospray source interface (AJS-ESI). The precursors to the product ion transitions were m/z 171.1→112.1 for propylthiouracil and m/z 176.1→117.0 for the internal standard (IS). Results The calibration curve was linear in the range of 10−5 000 ng/ml for propylthiouracil in human plasma, r=0.999 3. The intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy were good (RSD<10%，RE<±10%). The matrix effect of different concentrations was less than 110% and the coefficient of variation was less than 5%. The average recovery of different concentrations was 101.60%−113.56%, which conformed with the requirement of methodological validation. Conclusion The method is rapid, sensitive and accurate, which can be used for the determination of propylthiouracil in human plasma.

Effects of propofol and midazolam on the prognosis of patients treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation / 中国基层医药

Objective To compare the effects of propofol and midazolam on the prognosis of patients treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.Methods A prospective,single-blind,randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in 90 patients who were treated with noninvasive ventilation for acute dyspnea in the ICU of the Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University from October 2014 to December 2016.They were randomly divided into three groups according to the digital table,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was not given sedation treatment.The propofol group was given propofol 0.5 ～ 1 mg/kg,and then administered by intravenous infusion of 1 mg · kg-1 · h-1 with a micropump.The midazolam group was given midazolam 0.05-O.1 mg/kg,and then with intravenous infusion of 0.05-0.1 mg · kg-1 · h-1 maintaining the patients'sedation goals(Ramsay score of 2).The vital signs and blood gas analysis indicators were recorded.The incidence of tracheal intubation,the incidence of hospital infection,length of ICU and hospital stay,mortality and sedation-related complications were compared.Results The tracheal intubation rate in the propofol group was similar to that in the midazolam group (20.0％ vs.23.3％,x2 =2.65,P ＞ 0.05),while the tracheal intubation rate (46.7％) in the control group was significantly higher (x2 =4.21,4.17,all P ＜ 0.05).The length of ICU and hospital stay in the pmpofol group [(7 ± 3)d and (15 ± 5) d] and midazolam treatment group[(8 ± 4) d and (16 ± 4) d] were significantly shorter than those in the control group[(13 ± 4) d and (20 ± 6) d] (t =2.384,2.371,2.392,2.389,all P ＜ 0.05).The mortality rates of 30d (20.0％,6/30) and 90d (30.0％,9/30) in the control group were higher than those in the propofol group(10.0％,3/30;20.0％,6/30),and the midazolam group (13.3％,4/30;23.3％,7/30),but the differences were not statistically significant(P ＞ 0.05).The incidence rates of hospital infection in the pmpofol group and midazolam group were 6.6％ (2 cases) and 10.0％ (3 cases),which were significantly lower than 33.3％ (10 cases) in the control group (x2 =4.32,4.23,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The use of mild sedation in patients of acute dyspnea treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation can improve the patients' tolerance rate,reduce the rate of tracheal intubation and the incidence of hospital infection,and decrease the length of ICU and hospital stay,without significant adverse reactions.There was no significant difference between propofol and midazolam.

Best practices on immunomodulators and biologic agents for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia

The Asia-Pacific Working Group on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was established in Cebu, Philippines, under the auspices of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology with the goal of improving IBD care in Asia. This consensus is carried out in collaboration with Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis. With biologic agents and biosimilars becoming more established, it is necessary to conduct a review on existing literature and establish a consensus on when and how to introduce biologic agents and biosimilars in the conjunction with conventional treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in Asia. These statements also address how pharmacogenetics influence the treatments of UC and CD and provide guidance on response monitoring and strategies to restore loss of response. Finally, the review includes statements on how to manage treatment alongside possible hepatitis B and tuberculosis infections, both common in Asia. These statements have been prepared and voted upon by members of IBD workgroup employing the modified Delphi process. These statements do not intend to be all-encompassing and future revisions are likely as new data continue to emerge.

Postischemic Housing Environment on Cerebral Metabolism and Neuron Apoptosis after Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the roles of different housing environments in neurological function,cerebral metabolism,cerebral infarction and neuron apoptosis after focal cerebral ischemia.Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group (CG) and cerebral ischemia group,and the latter was further divided into subgroups of different housing conditions:standard environment (SE) subgroup,individual living environment (IE) subgroup,and enriched environment (EE) subgroup.Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).Beam walking test was used to quantify the changes of overall motor function.Cerebral infarction and cerebral metabolism were studied by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and 1H-magnetic resonance spectra,respectively.Neuron necrosis and apoptosis were detected by hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining methods,respectively.The results showed that performance on the beam-walk test was improved in EE subgroup when compared to SE subgroup and IE subgroup.Cerebral infarct volume in IE subgroup was significantly larger than that in SE subgroup (P＜0.05) and EE subgroup (P＜0.05) on day 14 after MCAO.NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios were lower in MCAO groups under different housing conditions as compared to those in CG (P＜0.05).NAA/Cr ratio was lower in IE subgroup (P＜0.05) and higher in EE subgroup (P＜0.05) than that in SE subgroup.NAA/Cr ratio in EE was significantly higher than that in IE subgroup (P＜0.05).Cho/Cr ratio was decreased in MCAO groups as compared to that in CG (P＜0.05).A significant decrease in normal neurons in cerebral cortex was observed in MCAO groups as compared to CG (P＜0.05).The amount of normal neurons was less in IE subgroup (P＜0.05),and more in EE subgroup (P＜0.05) than that in SE subgroup after MCAO.The amount of normal neurons in EE subgroup was significantly more than that in IE subgroup after MCAO (P＜0.05).The ratio of TUNEL-positive neurons in EE was significantly lower than that in SE subgroup (P＜0.05) and IE subgroup (P＜0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the beam walking test was negatively correlated with NAA/Cr ratio (P＜0.05).Cerebral infarct volume was negatively correlated with both NAA/Cr ratio (P＜0.01) and Cho/Cr ratio (P＜0.01).The amount of normal cortical neurons was positively correlated with both NAA/Cr ratio (P＜0.01) and Cho/Cr ratio (P＜0.05).The TUNEL-positive neurons showed a negative correlation with both NAA/Cr ratio (P＜0.01) and Cho/Cr ratio (P＜0.01).This study goes further to show that EE may improve neurological functional deficit and cerebral metabolism,decrease cerebral infarct volume,neuron necrosis and apoptosis,while IE may aggravate brain damage after MCAO.

Postischemic Housing Environment on Cerebral Metabolism and Neuron Apoptosis after Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the roles of different housing environments in neurological function,cerebral metabolism,cerebral infarction and neuron apoptosis after focal cerebral ischemia.Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group (CG) and cerebral ischemia group,and the latter was further divided into subgroups of different housing conditions:standard environment (SE) subgroup,individual living environment (IE) subgroup,and enriched environment (EE) subgroup.Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).Beam walking test was used to quantify the changes of overall motor function.Cerebral infarction and cerebral metabolism were studied by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and 1H-magnetic resonance spectra,respectively.Neuron necrosis and apoptosis were detected by hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining methods,respectively.The results showed that performance on the beam-walk test was improved in EE subgroup when compared to SE subgroup and IE subgroup.Cerebral infarct volume in IE subgroup was significantly larger than that in SE subgroup (P＜0.05) and EE subgroup (P＜0.05) on day 14 after MCAO.NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios were lower in MCAO groups under different housing conditions as compared to those in CG (P＜0.05).NAA/Cr ratio was lower in IE subgroup (P＜0.05) and higher in EE subgroup (P＜0.05) than that in SE subgroup.NAA/Cr ratio in EE was significantly higher than that in IE subgroup (P＜0.05).Cho/Cr ratio was decreased in MCAO groups as compared to that in CG (P＜0.05).A significant decrease in normal neurons in cerebral cortex was observed in MCAO groups as compared to CG (P＜0.05).The amount of normal neurons was less in IE subgroup (P＜0.05),and more in EE subgroup (P＜0.05) than that in SE subgroup after MCAO.The amount of normal neurons in EE subgroup was significantly more than that in IE subgroup after MCAO (P＜0.05).The ratio of TUNEL-positive neurons in EE was significantly lower than that in SE subgroup (P＜0.05) and IE subgroup (P＜0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the beam walking test was negatively correlated with NAA/Cr ratio (P＜0.05).Cerebral infarct volume was negatively correlated with both NAA/Cr ratio (P＜0.01) and Cho/Cr ratio (P＜0.01).The amount of normal cortical neurons was positively correlated with both NAA/Cr ratio (P＜0.01) and Cho/Cr ratio (P＜0.05).The TUNEL-positive neurons showed a negative correlation with both NAA/Cr ratio (P＜0.01) and Cho/Cr ratio (P＜0.01).This study goes further to show that EE may improve neurological functional deficit and cerebral metabolism,decrease cerebral infarct volume,neuron necrosis and apoptosis,while IE may aggravate brain damage after MCAO.

Special Comment on the Use of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection of Inpatients in Our Hospital / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for promoting the rational use of Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection in the clinic. METHODS:Special comment criteria and evaluation rules was formulated,medical records of 1273 inpatients receiving Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection were collected from our hospital during Jul. 2014-Jun. 2015. Rationality of drug use was evaluated and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS:The most use amount and case number of Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection were in the departments of blood/oncology,obstetrics,emergency minimally invasive surgery,gastrointestinal surgery,emergency trauma of orthopedics and thyroid breast surgery;while much less were in departments of new pediatrics, infection and rehabilitation. There were 138 cases of irrational use of Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection found in special comment, and the total irrational use rate was 10.84％ . The types of irrational use included inappropriate indication (contraindication,59.42％),inappropriate drug combination(18.84％),inappropriate drug selection (15.94％),inappropriate usage and dosage(3.62％)and inappropriate drug dosage forms or drug delivery methods(2.17％),etc. The irrational use rate of Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection monthly declined steadily by month from 30.35％ in Jul. 2014 to 7.81％ in Jun. 2015 through the special comment;then a consensus of 5 points for the drug use formed in our hospital. CONCLUSIONS:There are irrational situations in the clinical use of Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection in our hospital,especially in the cases of inappropriate indications. The rationality of the drug can be improved by the development of the special comment. This work should continue to be carried out in the future and perfected.

Electroacupuncture Stimulation of Language-Implicated Acupoint Tongli (HT 5) in Healthy Subjects: An fMRI Evaluation Study / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore brain activations associated with electroacupuncture simulation at Tongli (HT 5) and its comparison with brain activations during picture-naming task.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Half of them received electroacupuncture stimulation at HT 5 (ACUP group) and the other half of them received stimulation at a nonmeridian sham acupoint (SHAM group). All subjects performed picture-naming task. Each subject finished two runs of functional magnetic resonance imaging examinations in one session and picture-naming task was performed before electroacupuncture stimulation. Subjective brain activations were obtained using generalized linear model and inter-group analyses were performed after that.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The electroacupuncture stimulation at HT 5 induced significant brain activations in both the anterior and posterior language regions, including the left inferior frontal gyrus, which was in consistent with activations induced during picture-naming task. Group analysis showed a tendency of increased activation of ACUP group in left inferior frontal gyrus compared with SHAM group (P<0.05 FDR corrected).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Electroacupuncture treatment at the acupoint HT 5 has modulation effect on typical language-implicated brain regions in healthy subjects, which provides supporting evidence for beneficial effects of needling at HT 5 for recovery of language function in aphasia.</p>