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OBJECTIVE@#To improve the rat model of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type (CSA) induced by injecting sclerosing agent. To evaluate the efficacy of injecting sclerosing agent to induce CSA.@*METHODS@#Forty Health SPF SD rats(20 males and 20 females), were randomly divided into two groups:the model group (20) and the blank group (20). All the animals were followed up for 4 weeks for the observation of general situation, transcranial Doppler(TCD) detection of blood flow velocity, pulsatility index and resistive index of the vertebral artery, measurement of mental distress by open-field test.@*RESULTS@#One to two days after establish the animal model, rats in the model group appeared apathetic with decreased autonomic activities, trembling, squinting, increased eye excrement, etc., and no rats died during the experiment. The mean blood flow velocity of the model group was lower than that of the blank group (P<0.05), and the pulsatilit index and resistive index of the model group were higher than that of the blank group (P<0.05). The mental distress of the model group was significantly higher than that of the blank group.@*CONCLUSION@#The modified injection of sclerosing agent is a practical method to establish the rat model of CSA, with high success rate, high stability, low mortality and simple operation.
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Male , Animals , Female , Rats , Sclerotherapy , Sclerosing Solutions/therapeutic use , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Spondylosis/therapy , Spine , Vertebral ArteryABSTRACT
italic>Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) is a Chinese herbal medicine in China. The main active components are volatile oils, flavonoids, and other compounds, which have various pharmacological activities. Methoxylated flavonoids are the main active ingredients in A. argyi. Flavonoid O-methyltransferase (FOMT) is a key enzyme in the O-methylation of flavonoids. In order to further understand the function and characteristics of FOMT proteins, this paper carried out the whole genome mining and identification of FOMT genes in A. argyi and performed phylogenetic, chromosomal localization, gene sequence characterization, subcellular localization prediction, protein structure, gene structure analysis, and expression pattern analysis. The results showed that a total of 83 FOMT genes were identified in the genome of A. argyi. The phylogenetic tree shows that FOMT genes are divided into two subgroups, CCoAOMT (caffeoyl CoA O-methyltransferase) subfamily (32 genes) and COMT (caffeic acid O-methyltransferase) subfamily (51 genes). Gene sequence analysis showed that the number of amino acids encoded by FOMT was 70-734 aa, the molecular weight was 25 296.55-34 241.3 Da, and the isoelectric point was 4.51-9.99. Compared with 32 members of the CCoAOMT subfamily, nearly 1/3 of the 51 members of the COMT subfamily were hydrophobic proteins and 2/3 were hydrophilic proteins. Subcellular localization prediction showed that more than 80% of CCoAOMT subfamily members were located in the cytoplasm, and 96% of COMT subfamily members were located in the chloroplast. COMT subfamily members have more motifs than CCoAOMT subfamily members. The N-terminal motifs of COMT subfamily proteins are relatively variable, while the C-terminal motifs are relatively conserved. Expression pattern analysis showed that CCoAOMT subfamily members were mainly expressed in roots, while COMT members were mainly expressed in leaves. Some FOMTs showed the tissue expression specificity by real-time quantitative PCR analysis, especially in leaves. In this study, we identified and analyzed the FOMT gene family in A. argyi, and provided a theoretical basis for further research on the function of FOMTs and the biosynthesis of methylated flavonoids in A. argyi.
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Objective:To investigate the metabolic profile of fatty acids in elderly frail patients, and its value as a biomarker of frailty.Methods:Forty-nine older adults were recruited, of whom 19 were non-frail while 15 were in the pre-frail or frail phase.Targeted metabolomics was used to detect the serum levels of fatty acids, concerning 38 short-, medium-and long-chain fatty acids.Results:Metabolomics indicated elevated levels of 9 long-chain fatty acids in the serum of the elderly frail patients, with a 1.056-fold increase in the risk of fatigue for every 1 unit increase in the level of HOMO-γ-linolenic acid( OR=2.056, P=0.016). No metabolic differences were found between the pre-frail and non-frail groups.Three and seven long-chain fatty acids were negatively correlated with the grip strength and gait speed, respectively.The γ-linolenic acid was positively correlated with body mass index(BMI), percent body fat, visceral fat area and other indicators reflecting adipose tissue.However, no correlation was found between skeletal muscle, laboratory indicators or fatty acids.Five metabolic pathways were correlated with frailty, namely fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid elongation in mitochondria, linoleic acid metabolism and α-linolenic acid metabolism. Conclusions:Nine unsaturated fatty acids, including HOMO-γ-linolenic acid and γ-linolenic acid, may be potential biomarkers of frailty in the elderly.However, the value of fatty acid metabolomics for identifying pre-frail elderly people needs to be further investigated.
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Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations and gene mutation features of patients with nucleotide excision repair (NER) disorders.Methods:A retrospective analysis was made on clinical data of patients with NER disorders who were admitted to the Chinese People′s Liberation Army General Hospital from October 2008 to February 2022 and diagnosed in the Outpatient Department of Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2015 to February 2022.Literature on previously reported Chinese patients with NER disorders was reviewed.Results:(1)A total of 16 patients with NER disorders were enrolled, including 6 males and 10 females.The onset age was 7.5 (4.0, 12.0) months and the age at diagnosis was 42.0 (21.5, 77.0) months.There were 3 types of NER disorders: Cockayne syndrome (CS) in 13 cases, Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) in 2 cases and Cerebro-Oculo-Facio-Skeletal syndrome (COFS) in 1 case.Four disease-causing genes were detected: CSA gene in 11 cases, CSB gene in 3 cases, XPG gene in 1 case, and XPD gene in 1 case.The first symptoms of the 16 patients were photosensitivity and developmental delay, and neurological symptoms were observed in all the 3 NER disorder types.XP and CS patients had skin symptoms.CS patients presented typical facial features, visual and auditory impairment, microcephaly and changes in neuroimaging features.COFS patients showed intrauterine growth retardation.(2)Results of literature review: a total of 96 Chinese patients reported were retrieved, involving 6 disease types, including CS in 45 cases, XP in 44 cases, trichothiodystrophy in 4 cases, COFS in 1 case, XP-CS in 1 case, and ultraviolet sensitive syndrome in 1 case.Nine mutated genes were identified: CSA in 33 cases, XPA in 15 cases, CSB in 13 cases, XPV in 10 cases, XPC in 9 cases, XPG in 7 cases, XPD in 7 cases, XPF in 1 case, and MPLKIP in 1 case.The common symptoms were growth failure (62 cases), skin photosensitivity (61 cases), typical facial features (52 cases), mental retardation (49 cases) and microcephaly (48 cases). Among 36 cases had imaging data 33 cases(91.7%)had calcification of basal nucleus or globus pallidus.Three cases had intrauterine growth retardation and microcephaly during pregnancy. Conclusions:Patients with such prenatal manifestations as intrauterine growth retardation and microcephaly or with typical symptoms like skin photosensitivity, typical facial features, growth failure, mental retardation, hypertonia, and calcifications of basal ganglia should be suspected of NER disorders.Early genetic testing is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
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Frailty is a common elderly syndrome with high prevalence, frailty after longtime bedridding will aggravate the physical frailty.Exercise intervention can ameliorate the physical function of frail patients, enhance their self-care ability and reduce the occurrence of poor prognosis.Due to the special environment of bedridden frail elderly patients, the exercise intervention is different from the traditional exercise program.Considering the physical ability and cognition of bedridden patients, active and passive physical exercise, auxiliary equipment exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation are helpful to improve frailty and ameliorate the life quality of the elderly.
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Objective:To explore the selection of strategies for early reperfusion therapy and its impact on prognosis in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods:The treatment data and 3-year follow-up results of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in 49 hospitals in Hebei Province from January to December 2016 were collected. Patients with STEMI who received either intravenous thrombolytic therapy (ITT) or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) within 12 hours of onset were enrolled. Baseline data, the time from the first diagnosis to the start of reperfusion (FMC2N for ITT patients and FMC2B for PPCI patients), vascular recanalization rate, in-hospital mortality, 1-year mortality, and 3-year mortality were compared between ITT and PPCI groups. The efficacy and prognosis of ITT and PPCI at different starting time of reperfusion (FMC2N≤30 minutes, FMC2N > 30 minutes, FMC2B≤120 minutes, FMC2B > 120 minutes) were analyzed.Results:A total of 1 371 STEMI patients treated with ITT or PPCI were selected, including 300 patients in the ITT group and 1 071 patients in the PPCI group. 1 055 patients were actually followed up (205 patients in the ITT group and 850 patients in the PPCI group), with a rate of 79.4%. There were no significant differences in age, gender, and previous history between the two groups. The time from the first diagnosis to the start of reperfusion in the ITT group was shorter than that in the PPCI group [minutes: 63 (38, 95) vs. 95 (60, 150), U = -9.286, P = 0.000], but was significantly longer than the guideline standard. Compared with the ITT group, the vascular recanalization rate in the PPCI group was higher [95.5% (1 023/1 071) vs. 88.3% (265/300), P < 0.01], and in-hospital mortality was lower [2.1% (22/1 071) vs. 6.7% (20/300), P < 0.01], but there were no significant differences in the 1-year mortality and 3-year mortality [5.3% (45/850) vs. 4.4% (9/205), 9.5% (81/850) vs. 9.3% (19/205), both P > 0.05]. Between ITT group and PPCI group with different reperfusion starting time, the FMC2N > 30 minutes group had the lowest vascular recanalization rate and the highest in-hospital mortality. Pairwise comparison showed that the vascular recanalization rate of the FMC2B ≤ 120 minutes group and the FMC2B > 120 minutes group were significantly higher than those of the FMC2N > 30 minutes group [95.5% (654/685), 95.6% (369/386) vs. 88.0% (220/250), both P < 0.008], the in-hospital mortality was significantly lower than that of the FMC2N > 30 minutes group [2.0% (14/685), 2.1% (8/386) vs. 7.6% (19/250), both P < 0.008]. There was no significant difference in 1-year mortality (χ 2 = 2.507, P = 0.443) and 3-year mortality (χ 2 = 2.204, P = 0.522) among the four groups. Conclusions:For STEMI patients within 12 hours of onset, reperfusion therapy should be performed as soon as possible. PPCI showed higher infarct related artery opening rate and lower in-hospital mortality compared with ITT, and had no effect on 1-year and 3-year mortality.
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Objective Studies are rarely reported on the effect of short peptides of the pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) on the proliferation of human cutaneous squamous (SCL-1) cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate segmented cloning and expression of the PEDF protein and observe its effect on the proliferation of human SCL-1 cells. Methods The target genes of PEDF1, PEDF2 and PEDF3 were amplified by PCR and the recovered fragments subjected to double digestion of NheⅠ and Hind Ⅲ and inserted into the pET28a(+) plasmid. The product was transformed into human E coli BL21 and induced to express, followed by isolation and purification of the fusion protein. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation of the SCL-1 cells with PEDF1, PEDF2 and PEDF3 at 100, 400, 800 and 1000 nmol/L at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Results The prokaryotic expression vectors of PEDF1, PEDF2 and PEDF3 were successfully constructed, and their fusion proteins prepared, with the molecular weight of 18 000, 17 000 and 13 000, respectively. The proliferation of the SCL-1 cells was significantly decreased in the 800 and 1000 nmol/L PEDF3 groups compared with that in the 0 nmol/L PEDF3 group at 24 hours (0.16 ± 0.03 and 0.78 ± 0.07 vs 1.00 ± 0.00, P < 0.05), inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner in the 400, 800 and 1000 nmol/L PEDF3 groups at 48 hours (P < 0.05), markedly lower in the 800 and 1000 nmol/L PEDF3 groups at 72 hours (0.53 ± 0.05 and 0.51 ± 0.05) than in the in the 400 and 0 nmol/L PEDF3 groups (0.60 ± 0.05 and 1.00 ± 0.00) (P < 0.05). Conclusion The PEDF fusion proteins were successfully segmentally cloned and expressed and PEDF3 inhibited the proliferation of SCL-1 cells, which has paved the ground for further screening of active functional short peptides of PEDF.
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OBJECTIVE： To provide experience and reference for the study of medical insurance budget impact analysis （BIA） in China. METHODS： Retrieved from PubMed， ProQuest， CNKI， Wanfang database and CBM， related literatures about medical insurance BIA research in China and the United States were collected since the establishment of the database. The basic information， analysis results and data sources were summarized and sorted out， and descriptive analysis of the included literature was carried out on basis of seven key elements such as model design， research perspective， treatment cost， reference scenario， target population， research time limit and discount/inflation， sensitivity analysis. RESULTS： A total of 72 literatures were included in this study， involving 24 （33.33％） studies in China， 48 （66.67％） studies in the United States； the indications of 45 studies were chronic diseases （62.50％）， and those of 21 studies were acute diseases （37.50％）. Among the research methods， 49 studies （68.06％） used BIA alone and 23 studies （31.94％） adopted BIA combined with pharmaceutical economics. In terms of model design， 50 studies （69.44％） adopted cost calculation models. In terms of research perspective， 60 studies （81.94％） were based on the perspective of medical insurance department research. In the calculation of treatment cost， 69 studies （95.84％） included drug cost. In terms of reference scenarios， 61 studies （84.72％） compared the economics of different drug-based treatment groups. For target population， only 31 （43.06％） studies used real world data. In terms of research duration and discount/inflation， 14 studies （19.44％） used treatment or length of hospitalization to indicate research duration， and 19 studies （26.39％） used discount rate or inflation rate to adjust costs. As for sensitivity analysis， 62 studies （86.11％） conducted sensitivity analysis， of which 49 （68.06％） used single factor sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS： There are still some limitations in medical insurance BIA research literature in China and the United States， such as unreasonable use of data， incomplete coverage of the cost， and unreasonable setting of sensitivity analysis variables. It is recommended that BIA research should standardize data sources to improve the quality of budget evidence quality， reasonably evaluate market size to improve the authenticity of prediction， scientifically set variables and their scope of change to improve the stability of results， establish BIA research paradigms or evaluating standards so as to guide BIA research scientifically.
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Objectives:This research specifically reviews the pharmaceuticalproduct life-cycle managementreg-ulatory systems closely related to the Marketing Authorization Holder(MAH) systemin the whole cycle management of drugs toidentifyits impact on these regulatory systems before and after its implementation, to propose targeted cohesion recommendations and provide references on the comprehensive implementation of the system itself. Methods :Through the literature research and system comparison methods, the changes in the supporting regulatory systemsclosely related to the MAH systemintroducedbefore and after its implementation were detailed and compared. Results :The MAH system implementationbrought remarkablechanges and impacts on the technology transfer system, drug entrusted introduction system, the original equipment manufacturing system, the business license system, the adverse reaction monitoring and evaluation system and the damage liabilitysystem of pharmaceutical products as well. Conclusions :In order to promote the MAH system implementation, policy makers should amend the Drug Administration Law and revise relevant regulations tosimplify theproperty rights and site change procedures. This paper also suggests putting in place the main responsibility of the individual to carry outpharmacovigilance concerning MAH to fully guarantee the drug quality and legitimatizethepatients' rights and interests.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effectiveness of Yishen Jiangu Granules (, YSJGG) on aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A single-arm, open-label study was conducted in 34 postmenopausal women with breast cancer who experienced AIMSS. Patients were treated with YSJGG for 12 weeks (12.4 g orally twice daily). The primary outcome was a change in the mean worst pain score of Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) over 12 weeks, and the second outcomes included changes in pain severity and pain-related interference of BPI-SF and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Modified Score for the Assessment of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (M-SACRAH), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), bone mineral density (BMD) and blood indices such as calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 37 women recruited, 30 initiated the therapy and 24 were evaluable at 12 weeks. The primary outcome (BPI-SF worst pain scores) achieved a 2.17-point reduction compared with baseline (5.75±1.87 vs 3.58±2.15, P<0.01). There were reductions in pain severity (decreased 1.65, P<0.01) and pain-related interference (decreased 2.55, P<0.01). The changes in WOMAC and M-SACRAH scores were similar to BPI-SF (P<0.05). In the FACT-B, only physical well-being and functional well-being were improved compared with baseline (P<0.05). No clinical differences were found in BMD, Ca, P and ALP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YSJGG is an effective and well-tolerated agent to reduce AIMSS.</p>
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Main problems for radiology teaching have always been less lectures and weaker imaging knowledge and lower interest of students in traditional Chinese medicine universities.Though "flipped classroom" has become the focus of education reform,and PACS system has become a platform in imaging diagnosis,it is rare to combine the two methods in radiology teaching.This paper mainly introduces features of flipped classroom and PACS system,analyzes the feasibility of combing the two teaching methods,and puts forward the teaching conception.Procedures are as follows.Before class,teachers design teaching objective,prepare teaching material and make the list;students study before class in different groups.During class,students exchange their ideas,start inter-group discussion and use the PACS system for case studies;teachers instruct the key and difficult point.After class,the comprehensive evaluation is conducted.The combining teaching hopes to promote students' learning interest,improve their learning effectiveness,cultivate their self-study ability and broaden their clinical minds.At the same time,this method also can provide experience for radiological teaching reform.
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Objective@#To investigate the impact of minimal residual disease (MRD) by multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC) during aplasia on efficacy and prognosis of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (non M3) patients.@*Methods@#The MRD data by 8-color MPFC during aplasia (day 14-15 of induction therapy) in 85 de novo AML (non M3) patients and the MRD impact on efficacy and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.@*Results@#Data of 85 patients, including 42 males (49.4%) and 43 females (50.6%) , were collected, with a median age of 35 (15-54) years. The median MRD by MPFC during aplasia was 0.58% (0-81.11%) , and 70 (82.4%) patients achieved complete remission (CR) after first induction chemotherapy. The cutoff of MRD by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 2.305% (Se= 0.867, Sp=0.800) . The CR rate after one course was significantly higher in patients with MRD<2.305% [96.6% (56/58) ]than in patients with MRD≥2.305%[51.9% (14/27) ] (χ2=22.348, P<0.001) ; no significant difference with respect to relapse-free survival rate (χ2=1.08, P=0.299) or overall survival rate (χ2=0.42, P=0.516) could be demonstrated for the comparison of the two groups. Multivariates analysis showed MRD divided by 2.305% was the only independent prognostic factor for CR after one course (OR= 21.560, 95% CI 4.129-112.579, P<0.001) .@*Conclusion@#Flow cytometric MRD divided by 2.305% during aplasia could be a predictor of efficacy after first induction therapy in AML patients.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Tai Ji Quan (TJQ) training on strength and function of lower limbs in the aged.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty senile subjects were recruited and assigned to the TJQ group and the control group (imparting health knowledge)by random digit table. Patients in the TJQ group received 24-style TJQ training for 18 months (60 min each time, 5 times per week), while those in the control group were imparted with sarcopenia related causes, pathogeneses, prevention and control measures. The maximum isometric strength of bilateral iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior muscle, hamstrings; the time for 5 sitting-up tests and Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), one-leg standing time with closed eyes test; and the score of Berg balance scale were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with before treatment, muscle strength increased in the TJQ group with an average increased capacity (rate) as follows, bilateral iliopsoas 5.5 kg (16.9%), quadriceps femoris 5.5 kg (26.2%), and tibialis anterior muscle 8.5 kg (36.2%) (all P < 0.05). The time for TUGT and 5 sitting-up tests was shortened by 1.3 s (16.7%) and 0.9 s (14.5%) respectively in the TJQ group. The time for one-leg standing time with closed eyes test was increased by 8.4 s (left) and 9.1 s (right) respectively. The score of Berg balance scale increased by 4.3% (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, bilateral quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscle strength increased significantly (P < 0.01); the time for TUGT and 5 sitting-up tests, the time for one-leg standing time with closed eyes test, scores of Berg balance scale were all improved in the TJQ group after intervention (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TJQ training could improve strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior muscle in the aged, elevate their balance and locomotor activities, and possibly prevent and treat sarcopenia.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Exercise Therapy , Lower Extremity , Muscle Strength , Muscle, Skeletal , Postural Balance , Tai JiABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Aging is associated with a progressive decline in muscle strength, muscle mass and impaired physical function, which reduces mobility and impairs quality of life in the elderly population. The 6-12 months of exercise can enhance the muscle strength, but these improvements can only be maintained for a short period. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term Tai Chi (TC) exercise on muscle strength of lower extremities.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional study was conducted in 205 long-term TC practitioners (age: 60-89 years) and 205 age and gentle matched controls who did not practice TC. Each of the activity group was further divided into three distinct age groups: G1, 60-69 years; G2, 70-79 years; and G3, 80-89 years. Hand-held dynamometery was used to measure the maximum isometric strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior and hamstrings in both sides of the participants. Unpaired t tests were performed to compare the difference of strength between the TC and non-Tai Chi (NTC) groups. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare the lower muscle strengths among the different age groups in the TC and NTC groups. Pearson's correlations were used to quantify the linear relationship between the months of TC practice and lower limbs muscle strength.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The inter-rater reliabilities of iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior and hamstrings were intraclass correlation coeffificient (ICC) (1,1) = 0.895 (0.862-0.920), ICC (2,2) = 0.905 (0.874-0.928), ICC (3,3) = 0.922 (0.898-0.941) and ICC (4,4) = 0.930 (0.908-0.947). The strength of the muscles in the TC group did not differ among different age groups (P>0.05). The strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior and hamstrings in TC group was higher than that in the NTC group (P<0.05). A correlation between muscle strength and extension of the exercise period was positive (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Results shed light on the orientation and magnitude of long-term TC in preventing muscle strength loss with aging. TC might be a good form to slow down the trend of age-related decline in muscle strength in community-dwelling population.</p>
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Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Aging , Physiology , Lower Extremity , Physiology , Muscle Strength , Physiology , Reproducibility of Results , Tai JiABSTRACT
Third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been considered as standard adjuvant endocrine therapy for hor-mone-responsive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) are prevalent among patients undergoing AI therapy;these symptoms result in reduced quality of life and poor dependence to AI treatment. The mechanisms mediating AIMSS and the effective management of AIMSS have not been extensively investigated. This article re-views the incidence, clinical characteristics, possible mechanisms, and treatment of AIMSS.
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Objective To explore the relevance between gait speed and muscle strength of lower extremities, or several kinds of physical functional tests. Methods 341 community-dwelling individuals (160 males, 181 females) aged 65-94 years were selected. They were divid-ed into suspected sarcopenia group (n=137) and normal group (n=204) by their gait speed less or more than 0.8 m/s. It was compared be-tween both groups with the basic physical characteristics, strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps, hamstrings and tibialis anterior, and the scores of One Leg Standing Test, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Gait Assessment, Functional Stretch Test and Timed Up and Go Test. Results The subjects were older in the suspected sarcopenia group than in the normal group. The difference of body weight, height were not statistically significant between groups. The strength of the muscles in bilateral lower limbs was not significantly different between both groups (P>0.05), while the gait speed positively correlated with the strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps and hamstrings (r=0.121-0.227, P0.05). Gait speed positively correlated with the scores of One Leg Standing Test, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Gait Assessment, Functional Stretch Test (P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the score of Timed Up and Go Test (r=-0.502, P<0.001). The scores of all the tests were significantly different between 2 groups (P<0.05), except that of Functional Stretch Test (P=0.28). Conclu-sion Sarcopenia diagnosis is not only depended on the strength of muscle of lower extremity, but also their functions.
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Objective To investigate the methods of reducing radiation dose in CT coronary angiography through optimizing individualized scan dosage protocol.Methods Two hundred patients (group A)underwent coronary CTA examination which was performed with fixed 120 kV and variable mA according to their BMI.The mA was set as 150-300 mA(BMI ＜ 18.5 kg/m2),300-500 mA (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI ＜ 25.0 kg/m2),and 500-800 mA(BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2).When all examinations were finished,a linear regression was employed to analyze the correlation between mA and BMI,body surface(Suf),image noise(SD)respectively.The results of the analysis were used to formulate a regression equation,which was further used to establish a table list for quick search on how much mA that individualized coronary CTA scan would need.Another 200 patients(group B)enrolled for the individualized scan were scanned under new protocol that previous study established.The tube voltage was 100 and 120 kV.The tube current was variable according to the data in the table list.One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-wallis H test were used for statistics.Results Regression equation between mA and BMI,Suf,SD was:mA =17.984 × BMI + 169.149 × Suf-2.282 × SD-361.039.The SD(group A:32.08 ± 5.80,group B:28.60±4.47),dose index volume(CTDIvol)[group A:(41.97 ± 11.37)mGy,group B:(33.18±10.07)mGy],effective dose(ED)[group A:(10.91 ±3.07)mSy,group B:(8.83 ±2.72)mSv]had significant differences between the two groups(F =43.45,63.71,49.07 respectively,P ＜0.01 for all).The SD and ED results obtained in group B were better than those in group A.Conclusion Better performances were obtained when BMI combined Suf was used as a new individualized protocol than when BMI was used only,which means good image quality and lower radiation dosage in coronary CTA examination.
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@#ObjectiveTo determine the static equilibrium of elderly individuals over the age of 60 and the correlation to the age. Methods142 elderly subjects (60～95 years old) were divided into 7 groups: 60～65 years old group, 66～70 years old group, 71～75 years old group, 76～80 years old group, 81～85 years old group, 86～90 years group, and >90 years old group, 24 cases 18～30 years old as the control. The static equilibrium was examined by measuring the stability index （ST） and the spectrum analysis of postural sway under following 4 conditions: standing on solid surface with eyes open （NO），standing on solid surface with eyes closed （NC）， standing on pillows with eyes open （PO）， and standing on pillows with eyes closed （PC） using Tetrax Balance System. ResultsThe ST and the intensity of postural sway increased in the elderly group compared with the control group. NO: there were significant differences (P<0.01) in ST, F1, F4, F6, F8 among the 81～85 years group, 86～90 years old group, >90 years old group and the control group. NC: there were significant differences (P<0.01) in ST, F1, F4 among all the elderly groups and the control group, and in F6, F8 among the >66 years groups and the control group（P<0.05）. PO: there were significant differences (P<0.01) in ST, F4, F6 among the >66 years old groups and the control group, and in F1, F8 among the >71 years old groups and the control group（P<0.05）. PC: there were significant differences (P<0.01) in ST, F4 among all the elderly groups and the control group, in F6 among the >66 years groups and the control group, in F8 among the >76 years old groups and the control group, and in F1 among the >80 years old groups and the control group（P<0.05）. The ST distributed as NOP<0.01）. There were similar changes in the intensity of postural sway of F1, F4, F6, F8 bands. ConclusionThere is the significant decline of the static equilibrium in the subjects aged 80 or over and no significant decline of the static equilibrium in the subjects aged 60～80 whose compensation in the static balance may decrease.
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@#Objective To investigate the balance function of the knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients and the clinical value about static fallindex test and dynamic fall index test for the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods The osteoarthritis patients without knee pain (controlgroup, n=30) were tested with postural stability (PS), limits of stability (LOS), dynamic fall index (DFI) and static fall index (SFI). Theosteoarthritis patients with knee pain (treatment group, n=30) accepted 10 times of diclofenac diethylamine emulge imported by pulsed ultrasoundand 6 times of massage therapy. They were also tested with above four balance tests and Western Ontario and McMaster UniversitiesOsteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before and after treatments. Results There was significant difference in overall of PS, anterior/posterior indexand medial lateral index (P<0.05) between the control group and the treatment group before treatments, and there was very significantdifference in time to complete LOS, overall of LOS and DFI (P<0.01); but there was no significant difference in SFI (P<0.05). There wassignificant difference in WOMAC scores, overall of PS, anterior/posterior index, time to complete LOS, overall of LOS and DFI (P<0.05) inthe treatment group before and after treatments, but there was no significant difference in medial lateral index and SFI (P<0.05). ConclusionCompared with osteoarthritis patients without knee pain, KOA patients with knee pain are in poorer balance function and greater fall risk.After effective treatments, the balance function and fall risk of the KOA patients may significantly improve. Compared with SFI test, theDFI test is more sensitive to the improvement of balance function of the KOA patients.
ABSTRACT
@#Objective To assess the test-retest reliability of Tetrax posturographic balance assessment system in determining the balance function in elderly individuals. Methods 22 elderly subjects (66~84 years old) were measured with the stability index (ST), the spectrum analysis of postural sway and the weight distribution harmony between two foots or heels and toe parts in standing on solid surface with eyes open using Tetrax balance system. All tests were repeated 1 week after the initial test and each subject underwent the test under the same instructions and conditions. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine the test-retest reliability. Results ICC of all balance functional parameters ranged from 0.797~0.882 (P<0.01). Conclusion The posturographic balance assessment system has good test-retest reliability for determining the balance function in elderly people.