PK/PD model of Chuanxiong gel plaster in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis / 中国中药杂志

In this experiment, the PK/PD fitting model of Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis was established in the form of acupoint combined with external application gel paste. Firstly, the rheumatoid arthritis model was induced by ovalbumin, and the articular fluid of rabbits was extracted by microdialysis. The pharmacokinetic process of Chuanxiong in rabbit articular fluid was analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS, and the pharmacokinetic model was established. The pharmacodynamic effects of Chuanxiong on inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The pharmacodynamic model was established, and the PK/PD model was obtained by fitting the data of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The results of pharmacokinetics showed that the concentration of ligustrolide A in the articular cavity by drug administration on classical acupoint Zusanli(ST 36) was higher than that by Yanglingquan(GB 34), which reflected the advantage of typical acupoint, while ligustrazine concentration was higher after administration through Yanglingquan than through Zusanli, which was different from the traditional acupoint theory. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that the drug had lag effect. The PK/PD model was constructed by fitting the data. When IL-1β was taken as the efficacy index, the PK/PD models of Chuanxiong in typical acupoint Zusanli group, atypical acupoint Yanglingquan group, and non-acupoint group were E=115.28C_e/(3 316.72+C_e), E=108.73C_e/(2 993.47+C_e), and E=101.34C_e/(3 028.51+C_e). When TNF-α was taken as the efficacy index, the PK/PD models of Chuanxiong in typical acupoint Zusanli group, atypical acupoint Yanglingquan group, and non-acupoint group were E=68.31C_e/(3 285.16+C_e), E=59.27C_e/(2 919.86+C_e), and E=53.61C_e/(2 862.87+C_e). When IL-6 was taken as the efficacy index, the PK/PD models of Chuanxiong in typical acupoint Zusanli group, atypical acupoint Yanglingquan group, and non-acupoint group were E=59.92C_e/(3 461.17+C_e), E=58.34C_e/(2 723.51+C_e), and E=49.17C_e/(2 862.76+C_e). The parameters showed that there were significant differences in E_(max), EC_(e50) and k_(eo). The analysis of data found that the PK/PD fitting effect of Zusanli, a typical acupoint, was the best, which proved that it was still the best site for drug administration. To sum up, it shows that there may be bidirectional selectivity between drugs and acupoints.

Analgesic effect of intercostal nerve block given preventively or at the end of operation in video-assisted thoracic surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective To compare the analgesic effect of intercostal nerve block (INB) with ropivacaine when given preventively or at the end of the operation in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods A total of 50 patients undergoing VATS were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in the preventive analgesia group (PR group) were given INB with ropivacaine before the intrathoracic manipulation combined with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The patients in the post-procedural block group (PO group) were administered INB with ropivacaine at the end of the operation combined with PCA. To evaluate the analgesic effect, postoperative pain was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and Prince Henry Pain Scale (PHPS) scale at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Results At 6 h and 12 h post-surgery, the VAS at rest and PHPS scores in the PR group were significantly lower than those in the PO group. There were no significant differences in pain scores between two groups at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-surgery. Conclusion In patients undergoing VATS, preventive INB with ropivacaine provided a significantly better analgesic effect in the early postoperative period (at least through 12 h post-surgery) than did INB given at the end of surgery.

Association between common cardiovascular drugs and depression / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

OBJECTIVE@#Cardiovascular diseases are associated with an increased risk of depression, but it remains unclear whether treatment with cardiovascular agents decreases or increases this risk. The effects of drugs on individual usage are also often unknown. This review aimed to examine the correlation between depression and common cardiovascular drugs, develop more potent interventions for depression in cardiovascular patients, and further research on the bio-behavioural mechanisms linking cardiovascular drugs to depression.@*DATA SOURCES@#The data in this review were obtained from articles included in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.@*STUDY SELECTION@#Clinical trials, observational studies, review literature, and guidelines about depression and cardiovascular drugs were selected for the article.@*RESULTS@#We systematically investigated whether the seven most used cardiovascular drugs were associated with altered risk of incident depression in this literature review. Statins have been proven to have antidepressant effects. Some studies believe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) can exert an antidepressant influence by acting on the renin-angiotensin system, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm this. Beta-blockers have previously been associated with depression, but the current study found no significant association between beta blockers and the risk of depression. Aspirin may have antidepressant effects by suppressing the immune response, but its role as an antidepressant remains controversial. calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can regulate nerve signal transduction by adjusting calcium channels, but whether this effect is beneficial or harmful to depression remains unclear. Finally, some cases have reported that nitrates and diuretics are associated with depression, but the current clinical evidence is insufficient.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Statins have been proven to have antidepressant effect, and the antidepressant effects of ACEIs/ARB and aspirin are still controversial. CCBs are associated with depression, but it is unclear whether it is beneficial or harmful. No association has been found with β-blockers, diuretics, and nitrates.

Receptor for activated protein kinase C 1 suppresses gastric tumor progression through nuclear factor‑κB pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) activity is crucial for survival and proliferation of many kinds of malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). The receptor for activated protein kinase C 1 (RACK1) is known to regulate tumor development, whereas the underlined mechanism has not been described clearly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed expression of RACK1 in paired human GC samples by both real‑time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot. Effects of RACK inhibition with small interfering RNA or its overexpression in cultured GC cell lines were evaluated in cell viabilities. NF‑κB signaling was investigated using luciferase reporter assay and real‑time PCR. RESULTS: RACK1 was significantly decreased in GC samples. Knockdown of RACK elevated GC cell viabilities, whereas overexpression of RACK1 suppressed tumorigenesis of GC cells. Importantly, NF‑κB signaling was enhanced after RACK1 expression was inhibited, suggesting the negative regulation of the pro‑oncogenic NF‑κB activity by RACK1 might contribute to its tumor suppressor role in GC cells. CONCLUSION: Our results support that RACK1 suppresses gastric tumor progression through the NF‑κB signaling pathway.

Apocynin relieves inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis mice: the role of NOXs-ROS-p38MAPK pathway / 生理学报

The study is aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of the treatment of apocynin in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. 5% DSS was used to mimic the UC model, and 2% apocynin was applied to treat the UC mice. HE staining was used for histopathological evaluation. Chemiluminescence technique was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the rate of consumption of NADPH inhibited by DPI was detected to determine the NADPH oxidases (NOXs) activity. Western blot was applied to identify the level of p38MAPK phosphorylation, Griess reaction assay to analyze NO production, immunoenzymatic method to determine prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, real time RT-PCR and Western blot to identify the expression of iNOS and COX2, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay to detect inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-1β. Rat neutrophils were separated, and then ROS production, NOXs activity, NO and PGE2 production, NOX1 and p-p38MAPK expression were detected. Compared with the UC group, apocynin decreased ROS over-production and NOXs activity (P < 0.01), reduced p38MAPK phosphorylation, inhibited NO, PGE2 and cytokines production (P < 0.01). Apocynin also decreased NOXs activity and ROS over-production (P < 0.01), inhibited p38MAPK phosphorylation and NOX1 expression, and reduced NO and PGE2 production (P < 0.01) in separated neutrophils from UC mice. Therefore, apocynin could relieve inflammation in DSS-induced UC mice through inhibiting NOXs-ROS-p38MAPK signal pathway, and neutrophils play an important role.

Analysis of incidence rate, characteristics and related risk factors of high intraocular pressure after pars plana vitrectomy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

? AlM: To analyze the incidence, characteristics and related risk factors of high intraocular pressure after pars plana vitrectomy ( PPV) . ?METHODS: Totally, 146 patients (146 eyes) undergone PPV in our hospital were selected. Age, gender, eye, course and operation time of patients were compared, in order to understand the incidence rate and characteristics of high intraocular pressure. Primary diseases, intraoperative treatment methods and intraocular tamponade type were compare, in order to analyze the related risk factors of high intraocular pressure. ? RESULTS: Forty - seven patients occurred high intraocular pressure after operation, the incidence rate was 32. 2%. There was no significant difference in age, gender, eye, course and operation time (P>0. 05). The incidence rate in diabetic patients with simple vitreous hemorrhage and with tractional retinal detachment were 21.1% and 57.6%, respectively (P 0. 05 ). The incidence rate of using silicone oil, C3 F8 and simple ventilation were 59. 7%, 34. 5% and 14. 5%, respectively (P ? CONCLUSlON: After vitrectomy intraocular hypertension incidence and preoperative, intraoperative treatment of primary disease is closely related to factors such as the way and intraocular tamponade.

Effect of vitrectomy combined medication hyperplastic on patients with diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the comparison of vitrectomy combined drug therapy ( Ranibizumab injection ) and single vitrectomy for proliferatived diabetic retinopathy ( PDR ) and the influence of the curative effect and prognosis of patients. METHODS:In this study, 112 cases (125 eyes) with PDR were selected and randomly divided into experimental group and control group ( n= 56 ) . Fifty-six cases ( 61 eyes ) in experimental group were injected by drug therapy of 0. 5mg ranibizumab and received vitrectomy;In control group, 56 cases ( 64 eyes ) were received single vitrectomy. The intraoperative and postoperative differences of clinical indicators were analyzed in two groups. RESULTS: The average operation time, intraoperative electric coagulation hemostasis rate and iatrogenic hiatal incidence of the experimental group were lower than that of the control group:(95. 00±13. 00) min vs (133. 00±14.5) min, 11% vs 34%, 5% vs 20%, respectively (PCONCLUSION: Patients with PDR injected with ranibizumab in vitreous cavity before vitrectomy can effectively reduce the operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, the incidence of iatrogenic hiatus, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. The postoperative visual acuity was better than before.

Study of the change and role of protein C system in ulcerate colitis / 生理学报

Hypercoagulable state and thrombosis are major lethal causes of ulcerate colitis (UC). The aim of the present study is to explore the change and role of protein C (PC) system in UC thrombosis. 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce the UC model, and the body weight, the length of colon, and the weight of spleen were measured after intake of DSS as drinking water for 1 week. The macroscore and microscore were examined. The quantity of macrophage in colon smooth muscle was observed by immunofluorescence, and TNF-α and IL-6 levels in plasma were evaluated by ELISA. Intravital microscopy was applied to observe colonic mucosal microvascular circulation, activities of PC and protein S (PS) were determined by immunoturbidimetry, endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) and thrombomodulin (TM) expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry. In vitro, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were tested in supernatant of macrophage separated from colonic tissue. After stimulation of mouse colonic mucosa microvascular endothelial cells by TNF-α and IL-6 respectively, the activities of PC, PS, activated protein C (APC) were evaluated, and the expressions of EPCR and TM were detected by Western blotting. The results revealed that compared with control, the DSS mouse showed weight loss (P < 0.05), a shortened colon (P < 0.05), and swelled spleen (P < 0.05), accompanied by higher histological score (P < 0.05), as well as infiltration of macrophages, elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels in plasma (P < 0.01). The intravital microscopy results revealed that compared with control, DSS mice showed significantly enhanced adhesion of leukocytes and colonic mucosal microvascular endothelial cells (P < 0.01), meanwhile, decreased activity of PC and PS in plasma (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and down-regulated expression of EPCR (P < 0.01). The degree of inflammation was negatively correlated with the PC activity. In vitro, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were increased in the supernatant of macrophages from DSS mice colonic tissue (P < 0.05), and after incubation of TNF-α or IL-6 with colonic mucosal microvascular endothelial cells, the APC activity was decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and expression of EPCR was down regulated (P < 0.05). These results suggest that PC system is inhibited in UC mouse. Presumably, the mechanism may be due to the secretion of cytokines from macrophages and subsequential influence on the function of endothelia cells. Furthermore, enhancement of PC system activity may serve as a new strategy for the treatment of UC.

Effect of oral mucosa transplantation in the treatment of severe contracted conjunctival sac after ocular prosthesis implantation / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AlM: To observe the clinic effect of oral mucosa transplantation in the treatment of severe contracted conjunctival sac after ocular prosthesis implantation . METHODS: Thirty-three cases ( 33 eyes ) with globe disorders and severe contracted conjunctval sac were operated ocular prosthesis implantation firstly, and conjunctival sac plasty using oral mucosa after 6mo. RESULTS: Thirty - one cases were successful, no complications appeared. One case had primary ptosis and 1 case had recurrent conjunctival sac contracture. CONCLUSlON:lt is recognised that the methods of oral mucosa transplantation in severe contracted conjunctival sac after ocular prosthesis implantation are effective on those cases.

Role of orphan G protein-coupled receptor 55 in diabetic gastroparesis in mice / 生理学报

The aim of the present study was to explore the role of orphan G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) in diabetic gastroparesis (DG). Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to mimic the DG model, and the body weight and blood glucose concentration were tested 4 weeks after STZ injection (i.p.). Electrogastrogram and phenolsulfonphthalein test were used for detecting gastric emptying. Motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and somatostatin (SS) levels in plasma were determined using radioimmunology. Real-time PCR and Western blot were applied to identify the expression of GPR55 in gastric tissue, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution. The effect of lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), an agonist of GPR55, was observed. STZ mice showed increased blood glucose concentration, lower body weight, decreased amplitude of slow wave, and delayed gastric emptying. LPI antagonized these effects of STZ. Compared to the control group, STZ caused significant decreases of MTL and GAS levels (P < 0.01), as well as increases of SS and VIP levels (P < 0.01). The changes of these hormones induced by STZ were counteracted when using LPI. GPR55 located in mice stomach, and it was up-regulated in DG. Although LPI showed no effects on the distribution and expression of GPR55 in normal mice, it could inhibit STZ-induced GPR55 up-regulation. These results suggest GPR55 is involved in the regulation of gastric movement of DG, and may serve as a new target of DG treatment. LPI, an agonist of GPR55, can protect against STZ-induced DG, and the mechanism may involve the change of GPR55 expression and modification of gastrointestinal movement regulating hormones.

Study on the application of laparoscopy-assisted radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the elderly / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy for elderly patients with gastric cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From October 2007 to October 2012, 233 gastric cancer patients over 65 years underwent D2 lymph node dissection. Among them, 109 patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted radical gastrectomy(LAG group), while 124 patients underwent conventional open gastrectomy(OG group).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the OG group, LAG group was associated with less bleeding [(102.5±34.3) ml vs. (181.7±73.8) ml, P<0.05], quicker postoperative recovery of bowel function[(2.8±0.6) d vs. (4.0±1.2) d, P<0.05], shorter postoperative length of hospital stay[(10.7±7.5) d vs.(14.2±6.5) d, P<0.05], longer operative time [(231.2±51.4) min vs. (208.5±53.6) min, P<0.05]. The postoperative complication rate of LAG group and OG group was 10.1%(11/109) and 21.0%(26/124) respectively(P<0.05). Short-term quality of life of LAG group was better than that of OG group(P<0.05). The 5-year survival rates were 54.5% and 59.2% in LAG and OG groups respectively, and there was no significant difference(P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy is similar to open gastrectomy in elderly gastric cancer patients with less invasiveness.</p>

Role of endogenous cannabinoid system in the gut / 生理学报

The plant Cannabis has been used in clinic for centuries, and has been known to be beneficial in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, such as emesis, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal pain. In this text, we'll review the components of the endogenous cannabinoid system as well as its role in the regulation of gastrointestinal activities, thus providing relative information for further study. Moreover, modulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system in gastrointestinal tract may provide a useful therapeutic target for gastrointestinal disorders.

High-altitude hypoxia induces disorders of the brain-endocrine-immune network through activation of corticotropin-releasing factor and its type-1 receptors / 中国应用生理学杂志

High-altitude hypoxia can induce physiological dysfunction and mountain sickness, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF type-i receptors (CRFR1) are members of the CRF family and the essential controllers of the physiological activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and modulators of endocrine and behavioral activity in response to various stressors. We have previously found that high-altitude hypoxia induces disorders of the brain-endocrine-immune network through activation of CRF and CRFR1 in the brain and periphery that include activation of the HPA axis in a time- and dose-dependent manner, impaired or improved learning and memory, and anxiety-like behavioral change. Meanwhile, hypoxia induces dysfunctions of the hypothalamo-pituitary-endocrine and immune systems, including suppression of growth and development, as well as inhibition of reproductive, metabolic and immune functions. In contrast, the small mammals that live on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau alpine meadow display low responsiveness to extreme high-altitude-hypoxia challenge, suggesting well-acclimatized genes and a physiological strategy that developed during evolution through interactions between the genes and environment. All the findings provide evidence for understanding the neuroendocrine mechanisms of hypoxia-induced physiological dysfunction. This review extends these findings.

HIF-1 signal pathway in cellular response to hypoxia / 浙江大学学报·医学版

HIF-1 is composed of HIF-1α and HIF-1β subunits. It promotes target genes transcription under hypoxia and plays essential roles in cell development, physiological adaptations, and pathological processes. In the past 10 years, the research on signaling pathways of HIF-1 in response to cell hypoxia stress, especially on HIF-1α-mediated gene transcription has made great progress.

Association of miRNAs expression profiles with prognosis and relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen childhood ALL related microRNAs (miRNAs), analyze association of miRNAs expression profiles with prognosis and relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and explore new indicator for predicting relapse and prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>miRNAs expression profile was analyzed by gene chip in 49 newly diagnosed childhood ALL and 12 primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) cases (as control group). Abnormal expression of miRNAs was verified by qRT-PCR. The correlation of miRNAs expression pattern with indicators predicting early prednisone response and relapse within a year was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Specific expression of miRNAs profiles associated with prednisone response and early relapse in childhood ALL was identified. Eight miRNAs (miR-18a, miR-532, miR-218, miR-625, miR-193a, miR-638, miR-550 and miR-633) could distinguish prednisone sensitive from insensitive. The early relapse of newly diagnosed patients with either high-risk or non-high-risk clinical types had some characteristics of abnormal expression of miRNAs, including miR-7, miR-216 and let-7i upregulated, while miR-486, miR-191, miR-150, miR-487 and miR-342 downregulated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The initial screening reveals miRNAs differentially expressed from normal in ALL suggesting the potential roles of them in leukemogenesis. MiRNAs expression signatures may be useful for predicting prognosis and relapse in childhood ALL and directing personalized treatment.</p>

Expression of gap junctional proteins Cx37 mRNA in cerebral arterial endothelium induced by soluble eggs antigen of Schistosome / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To explore the effects of gap junctional(GJ)proteins in pathogenesis of cerebral schistosomiasis, through observing the expression of gap junctional proteins Cx37 mRNA in cultured cerebral arterial endothelium incubated with soluble eggs antigen(SEA). MethodsCerebral artery endothelial cells of rabbits were incubated with SEA, and the experiments were divided into control group and SEA 1 - 5 groups (SEA concentrations were 10.0％ ,5.0％ ,3.3％ ,2.5％,2.0％, respectively), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to examine the expression of Cx37 mRNA and protein in cerebral artery endothelial cells of rabbits, respectively. Results Cx37 mRNA levels of control and SEA 1 - 5 groups were 0.239 ± 0.037, 0.260 ± 0.043, 0.218 ± 0.310, 0.647 ± 0.040, 0.419 ± 0.036, and 0.513 ± 0.038, respectively;SEA 3 - 5 groups were higher than control group of mRNA levels(all P＜ 0.05). Cx37 protein levels of control and SEA 1 - 5 group were 0.401 ± 0.045, 0.485 ± 0.048, 0.749 ± 0.052, 1.119 ± 0.063, 1.015 ± 0.057 and 0.605 ±0.047, respectively, of which SEA 2 - 5 groups were higher than control group(all P ＜ 0.05). ConclusionsExpression levels of Cx37 mRNA and protein in cultured cerebral artery endothelial cells incubated with SEA are higher than those of control cerebral artery endothelial cells, which suggests that the gap junction proteins may play an important role in pathogenesis of cerebral schistosomiasis through SEA and its secretion in infiltration of brain tissue and deposition in the cerebral arteries.

microRNA expression in childhood acute granulocytic leukemia and its subtypes / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Recent studies have suggested that there is a close relation between microRNA and acute leukemia (AL). The aim of this study was to investigate and better understand the classification and diagnosis of AL as well as pathogenesis and prognosis of this disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 93 children with AL and and 12 cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (as control group) were enrolled in this study. Microarray chip analysis of their bone marrow samples was conducted to evaluate the microRNA profiles. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed for validating the abnormal expression of microRNA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The microRNA expression profiles were different between acute granulocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia and also between the three subtypes (M1, M2 and M3) of acute granulocytic leukemia according to FAB classification based on leukemic cell differentiation. These three subtypes of leukemia could be identified by unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis of microRNA expression and had specific up-regulation of miR-335, miR-126 and miR-125b, respectively. However, in the M2 and M3 subtypes with positive AML1-ETO and PML-RARα, respectively, which have a better prognosis, the expressions of miR-126 and miR-125b were significantly higher than those with negative AML1-ETO and PML-RARα. Further more, miR-335 and miR-146 were up-regulated in acute granulocytic leukemia observed in this study, which are different from those reported for adult patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>microRNA cascade may serve as new biomarkers for the classification and diagnosis of pediatric AL. It is also suggested that there might be different pathogenesis and prognosis between AL types related to specific expression and regulation of microRNA.</p>

Randomized controlled study on dysphagia after stroke treated with deep insertion of Chonggu (EX-HN 27) by electroacupuncture / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the therapeutic effect of dysphagia after stroke treated with different depth of Chonggu (EX-HN 27) by electroacupuncture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundreds and eighty-three cases of dysphagia after stroke were randomly divided into Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group (99 cases), Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group (94 cases) and traditional acupuncture group (90 cases) based on multi-central randomized control and blinding methods. Besides routine therapy, Chonggu (EX-HN 27) and Lianquan (CV 23) were selected in the Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group and the Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group; the needles were inserted for 60-75 mm and 30 mm respectively and the electroacupuncture was applied in both groups; in traditional acupuncture group, Fengchi (GB 20), Yifeng (TE 17), Wangu (GB 12) and Lianquan (CV 23), etc. were selected. The needles were retained for 30 min, twice a day and 30 treatments totally in 3 groups. The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated by Kubota's Water Drinking Test Scale, Standard Swallowing Function Scale and TCM Scale of Dysphagia After Stroke.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 97.0% (96/99) in the Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group, superior to that of 64.9% (61/94) in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group and 70.0% (63/90) in traditional acupuncture group (both P < 0.05). Compared with the scores before and after treatment, significant differences were presented statistically in score reduction of TCM Scale in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group (P < 0.01); the scores of Kubota's Water Drinking Test Scale, Standard Swallowing Function Scale and TCM Scale of Dysphagia After Stroke were obviously reduced in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group and traditional acupuncture group (all P < 0.01); compared with the scores between groups after treatment, the reduction of scores in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group was superior to those in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group and traditional acupuncture group ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01) respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Puncture at Chonggu (EX-HN 27) can improve the dysfunction of swallowing after stroke; it is safe and effective, and the needle should be inserted deeply.</p>

Observation on therapeutic effect of nuchal acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture for treatment of stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe the effect and mechanism of the nuchal acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture for treatment of stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. Nuchal acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture treatment was used and Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzhu (BL 10), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Guanyuan (CV 4) etc. were selected in observation group, routine acupuncture was applied on Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11), Huantiao (GB 30) and Futu (ST 32) etc. in control group. The scale of Ashworth and score of Fugel-Meyer of the spastic lateral upper and lower limbs and the changes of the EMG F-wave in spastic upper limb of patients in two groups were observed before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Ashworth scale and Fugel-Meyer score of the upper and lower limbs were obviously improved, the amplitude was decreased, the duration was shorten and the threshold of the EMG F-wave of the spastic upper limb was increased (all P < 0.01) in the observation group. The observation group was superior to the control group in Fugel-Meyer score of the upper and lower limbs of the patients the Ashworth scale of the lower limb, and the amplitude, duration and threshold of the EMG F-wave of the spastic upper limb (all P < 0.01). The total effective rate of 90.0% in observation group was superior to that of 50.0% in control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The nuchal acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture treatment can decrease the muscle tension of the stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia.</p>

Clinical significance of venous return disturbance in patients with osteonecrosis of femoral head / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the correlation of venous return disturbance (VRD), bone marrow edema (BME) and the amount of joint fluid with clinical symptoms in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty patients (25 hips) with ONFH proved by pathology were parallelly examined by 1.5 T MR and medullograph.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In total 25 hips VRD was observed in 16 hips with medullograph and 13 hips with the clinical symptoms (P <0.05). BME was found in 17 with MRI (P <0.01), and the was found in 15 hips with MRI (Spearman=0.949). VRD were found in 16 hydrarthrus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ONFH patients with clinical symptoms have VRD, BME and the hydrarthrus. The medullograph is of value in monitoring the development of ONFH.</p>