The Role of MMP-9 in Regulating Degradation of the Splenic Microvascular Basement Membrane Induced by High Altitude Hypoxia / Rol de la MMP-9 en la Regulación de la Degradación de la Membrana Basal Microvascular Esplénica Inducida por Hipoxia de Altura

SUMMARY: To investigate changes of MMP-9 in the rat spleen and hypoxia-induced microvascular basement membrane under high altitude hypoxia. Thirty male specific pathogen-free Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and hypoxia groups, with 15 rats in each group. The rats in the control group were placed in Dingxi City, Gansu Province (2080 m above sea level) for 30 days. Rats in the hypoxia group were raised in a hypoxic environment in Maduo County, Qinghai Province (4300 m above sea level), for 30 days to establish a hypoxic rat model. Routine blood tests, MMP-9 mRNA, MMP-9 protein, and the spleen microvascular basement membrane were detected. (1) Compared with the control group, the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels of the rats in the hypoxia group were all increased; thus, a hypoxia model was successfully established. (2) Compared with the control group, the expression of MMP-9 mRNA and protein was significantly higher in the spleen of rats in the hypoxic group, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). (3) Compared with the control group, the blood vessel basement membrane in the spleen of the hypoxia group was degraded. Under natural low air pressure and high altitude conditions, the expression of MMP-9 in rat spleen tissue increases and participates in the degradation of the microvascular basement membrane.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar los cambios de la MMP-9 en el bazo de la rata y la membrana basal microvascular inducida bajo hipoxia a gran altura. Treinta ratas macho Sprague Dawley, libres de patógenos específicos, se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos de 15 ratas cada uno, un grupo control y un grupo hipoxia. Durante 30 días las ratas del grupo control estuvieron en la ciudad de Dingxi, provincia de Gansu (2080 m sobre el nivel del mar). Las ratas del grupo de hipoxia se criaron en un entorno hipóxico en el condado de Maduo, provincia de Qinghai (4300 m sobre el nivel del mar), durante 30 días para establecer un modelo de rata hipóxica. Se realizaron análisis de sangre de rutina, ARNm de MMP-9, proteína MMP-9 y de la membrana basal microvascular del bazo. En comparación con el grupo control, el recuento de glóbulos rojos, la hemoglobina y los niveles de hematocrito de las ratas del grupo de hipoxia aumentaron; por lo tanto, se estableció con éxito un modelo de hipoxia. En comparación con el grupo control, la expresión de ARNm y proteína de MMP-9 fue significativamente mayor en el bazo de las ratas del grupo hipóxico, siendo la diferencia estadísticamente significativa (P <0,05). En comparación con el grupo control, la membrana basal de los vasos sanguíneos estaba degradada en el bazo del grupo hipoxia. En condiciones naturales de baja presión atmosférica y gran altitud, la expresión de MMP-9 en el tejido del bazo de la rata aumenta y participa en la degradación de la membrana basal microvascular.

Applying an ArcCHECK detector to the dose verification for ultra-long target volumes of cervical cancer / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of applying an ArcCHECK detector to the dose verification for ultra-long target volumes of cervical cancer.Methods:This study retrospectively selected patients suffering from cervical cancer with ultra-long target volumes (lengths: ≥ 26 cm; 50 cases; the ultra-long target volume group) and conventional target volumes (lengths: < 26 cm; 50 cases; the conventional target volume group). Subsequently, this study designed treatment plans using the Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) technique and then collected and verified doses using an ArcCHECK detector. The dose detection for the conventional target volume group was performed at the central point of the detector (marked by iso and Short-0 cm). Then, the detector was moved for 5 cm along the bed exit direction (marked by iso 1), followed by the dose verification of the ultra-long target volume group (marked by Long-5 cm) and conventional target volume group (marked by Short-5 cm). The geometric parameters (the length and volume of a target volume), mechanical parameters (machine hop count and the duration of irradiation), and gamma pass rates (GPRs) under different detection conditions of each group were analyzed.Results:The target lengths, target volumes, machine hop counts, and irradiation durations of the ultra-long target group were higher than those of the conventional target group ( t = 2.61-18.56, P < 0.05). For the conventional target group, the GPRs at iso 1 were significantly lower than those at iso ( t = 2.14-8.17, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the GPRs at iso 1 of the ultra-long target volume group were significantly lower than those of the conventional target volume group ( t = -4.70 to -2.73, P < 0.01). The GPRs of each group met clinical requirements for criteria of both 3%/3 mm and 3%/2 mm. Conclusions:The deviation of the positioning center and the length of the target volume serve as primary factors affecting the dose verification result of cervical cancer. For ultra-long target volumes, dose verification can be performed by moving the positioning center, thus ensuring treatment accuracy for cervical cancer patients.

Clinical application of adjustable traction skin stretchers in repair of wounds at the lower leg, foot and ankle / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effects of adjustable traction skin stretchers used in repair of wounds at the lower leg, foot and ankle.Methods:A retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 56 patients who had been treated for skin defects at the lower leg, foot and ankle from August 2016 to September 2022 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Honghui Hospital, Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, and Yunnan Zhongde Orthopedic Hospital. There were 35 males and 21 females, aged (39.9±18.7) years. There were 43 traumatic wounds, 3 burns, 6 inflammatory wounds, 3 relief incisions due to osteofascial compartment syndrome, and 1 scar. The areas of skin defect ranged from 2.5 cm × 2.0 cm to 20.0 cm × 10.0 cm. The duration of wounds was (8.6±7.8) d. All the wounds were repaired with adjustable traction skin stretchers. The row-hook type of skin stretchers was used in 28 cases, the single-rod type in 20 cases, the single-rod type combined with an external fixator in 5 cases, and a combination of the row-hook type and the single-rod type in 3 cases.The time for wound traction closure, color of wound skin margin, skin swelling around the wound, functional recovery of affected limb and complications were recorded.Results:The time from skin stretching to wound closure was (7.8±3.8) d in the 56 patients. The color of wound skin edge after stretching was normal in 16 cases, dark red in 38 cases, and dark in 2 cases; the skin swelling around the wound was degree 1 in 21 cases, degree 2 in 33 cases, and degree 3 in 2 cases. The 56 patients were followed up for (8.9±4.1) months. Primary wound closure was achieved in 48 patients, and secondary wound closure in 8 patients after repair with an autologous skin graft. Partial skin necrosis occurred due to tension blisters after skin stretching in 2 patients, one of whom was repaired with an autologous skin graft and the other of whom by dressing change. Deep bone infection recurred in 2 patients whose wounds healed after their bone defects were repaired using Ilizarov technique of bone transfer. In the 56 patients, the muscle strength of the lower extremity beyond the wound was recovered to normal, and the range of motion of the joints adjacent to the wound also recovered to normal.Conclusion:In repair of wounds at the lower leg, foot and ankle, adjustable traction skin stretchers can lead to fine clinical effects and limited complications, because the stretchers can control the tension of skin digitally and precisely.

Effectiveness of increasing alcohol excise taxes in the management of alcohol-associated liver disease in China / 临床肝胆病杂志

Increasing alcohol excise taxes has been confirmed by the World Health Organization as the most cost-effective public policy for reducing alcohol consumption at the population level. In recent years, studies in foreign countries have believed that increasing alcohol excise taxes can improve the burden of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), but it is still unclear whether this policy is applicable to ALD management in China. Therefore, with reference to related research evidence in China and globally, this article analyzes the key factors influencing the effectiveness of the policy of increasing alcohol excise taxes from the perspective of ALD management in China, including tax shifting, price elasticity of demand, and unrecorded alcohol, and introduces other public policies that help curb ALD. We think that increasing alcohol excise taxes is currently a useful but not effective policy for improving the burden of ALD in China.

The effect of overweight or obesity on the negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To investigate the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) levels and the negative conversion time of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid in adult coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and the asymptomatic persons. Methods　Asymptomatic infected patients and confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to Chengdu Public Health Clinic Center from February 2021 to November 2021 were dynamically included. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the objects were collected, and the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing of the objects during their hospitalization was continuously monitored, and the negative nucleic acid conversion time was recorded. The t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability method examine were used to distribute characteristics of each group of variables and the connection between different variables, respectively. Then the variables showed differences in distribution (P<0.05) between different BMI groups were included in the multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model. Results　A total of 253 subjects ranged from 18 to 63 years old, with M(P25, P75) age of 37.0 (30.0, 47.0) years old, were included in this study. The male to female ratio was 4.16 to 1. The BMI was (23.97±3.33) kg/m2. 50.59% (128/253) of the objects were overweight or obese, and 78.13% (100/128) were overweight. The negative time of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid conversion of all subjects ranged from 1 to 71 days, with M(P25, P75) of 7.0 (2.0, 18.0) days (P<0.001). The negative time of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid conversion of the normal weight or the thin, and the overweight or obese were 5.00 (2.00, 19.00) and 8.00 (2.00, 17.75) days respectively. The results of multivariate Cox's proportional hazards regression model showed that the BMI levels may not be associated with the negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid (HR=1.090, 95%CI: 0.843-1.410, P=0.510). Conclusions　Adult asymptomatic persons and confirmed COVID-19 patients are mainly middle-aged and young males, and overweight or obesity is relatively common. Overweight or obesity cannot be considered as an independent factor influencing the negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid.

Effect of Interactive Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture on Post-Stroke Cognitive Function, Depression, and Anxiety: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effects of interactive dynamic scalp acupuncture (IDSA), simple combination therapy (SCT), and traditional scalp acupuncture (TSA) on cognitive function, depression and anxiety in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment.@*METHODS@#A total of 660 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment who were admitted to 3 hospitals in Shenzhen City between May 2017 and May 2020 were recruited and randomly assigned to the IDSA (218 cases), SCT (222 cases) and TSA groups (220 cases) according to a random number table. All the patients received conventional drug therapy for cerebral stroke and exercise rehabilitation training. Scalp acupuncture and computer-based cognitive training (CBCT) were performed simultaneously in the IDSA group, but separately in the morning and in the afternoon in the SCT group. The patients in the TSA group underwent scalp acupuncture only. The course of treatment was 8 weeks. Before treatment (M0), 1 (M1) and 2 months (M2) after treatment, as well as follow-up at 1 (M3) and 2 months (M4), the cognitive function of patients was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) Scales; depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and self-care ability of patients were assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI), respectively. During this trial, all adverse events (AEs) were accurately recorded.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in the MMSE, MoCA, HAMD, HAMA, PSQI, and MBI scores among the 3 groups at M0 (all P>0.05). In the IDSA group, the MMSE, MoCA and MBI scores from M2 to M4 were significantly higher than those in the SCT and TSA groups, while the HAMD, HAMA and PSQI scores were significantly reduced (all P<0.01). The changes of all above scores (M2-M0, M4-M0) were significantly superior to those in the SCT and TSA groups (all P<0.01, except M4-M0 of HAMD). At M2, the severity of MMSE, HAMD, HAMA, PSQI and MBI in the IDSA group was significantly lower than that in the SCT and TSA groups (all P<0.01). There was no serious AE during this trial.@*CONCLUSIONS@#IDSA can not only significantly improve cognitive function, but also reduce depression, anxiety, which finally improves the patient's self-care ability. The effect of IDSA was significantly better than SCT and TSA. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR1900027206).

Risk prediction for deep venous thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty based on modified Caprini risk assessment model:a confirmatory study / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of modified Caprini risk assessment model(Caprini MRAM) in predicting the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).@*METHODS@#A case-control study was used to collect 43 patients with DVT after TKA in lower limb department of Sichuan Orthopedic Hospital from January 2016 to November 2020 in the positive group, and 172 patients without DVT after TKA in the same period according to the 1∶4 ratio between positive and control group were selected in the control group. Caprini MRAM was used to score and grade the risk of DVT. The clinical data, score and risk classification of the two groups were compared. The relationship between the risk of DVT in the patients after TKA and the risk factors in the risk ckassification and assessment of Caprini MRAM was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model.@*RESULTS@#The average score of caprini in DVT group was significantly higher than that in control group[(8.11±2.91) vs(4.07±2.12), P<0.001];DVT group was mainly at medium and high risk group(66.67%), while the control group was mainly at low risk (77.33%). There was a significant difference between the two groups in risk classification composition (P<0.001). BMI≥30 kg/m2, lower extremity edema (<1 month), severe pulmonary disease (<1 month), acute myocardial infarction (<1 month), bed rest (> 2 h), history of superficial or deep vein or pulmonary embolism and family history of thrombosis were the main risk factors for DVT in patients after TKA(all P<0.05). Preoperative D-dimer elevation (OR=4.380), BMI≥30 kg/m2(OR=2.518), lower extremity edema(<1 month)(OR=7.652), acute myocardial infarction (<1 month) (OR=1.994), bed rest (> 72 h)(OR=3.897), history of superficial or deep vein or pulmonary embolism (OR=13.517) and family history of blood embolism (OR=6.551) were independent risk factors for DVT in patients after TKA (all P<0.05). The risk of DVT was 13.457 and 2.739 times higher in high and moderate risk TKA patients with Caprini MRAM classification, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#Caprini MRAM can be used to predict the risk of DVT in patients after TKA, especially for patients with high risk.

Bioinformatics Analysis on Key Genes and Immune Infiltration of Osteosarcoma / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To screen the potential key genes of osteosarcoma by bioinformatics methods and analyze their immune infiltration patterns. Methods The gene expression profiles GSE16088 and GSE12865 associated with osteosarcoma were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO),and the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)related to osteosarcoma were screened by bioinformatics tools.Gene Ontology(GO)annotation,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment,and analysis of immune cell infiltration were then carried out for the DEGs.The potential Hub genes of osteosarcoma were identified by protein-protein interaction network,and the expression of Hub genes in osteosarcoma and normal tissue samples was verified via the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA). Results A total of 108 DEGs were screened out.GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that the DEGs were mainly involved in integrin binding,extracellular matrix (ECM) structural components,ECM receptor interactions,and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway.Macrophages were the predominant infiltrating immune cells in osteosarcoma.Secreted phosphoprotein 1(SPP1),matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2),lysyl oxidase(LOX),collagen type V alpha(II)chain(COL5A2),and melanoma cell adhesion molecule(MCAM)presented differential expression between osteosarcoma and normal tissue samples(all P<0.05). Conclusions SPP1,MMP2,LOX,COL5A2,and MCAM are all up-regulated in osteosarcoma,which may serve as potential biomarkers of osteosarcoma.Macrophages are the key infiltrating immune cells in osteosarcoma,which may provide new perspectives for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Occupational burnout analysis of border guards in the background of COVID-19 / 中国职业医学

@#Objective To analyze the occupational burnout status and its influencing factors of border guards in the prevention （ - ）Methods and control of coronavirus disease COVID 19 . A total of 1 313 border guards who participate in the prevention and control of epidemic diseases were selected as research subjects using the random cluster sampling method. Military Occupational Burnout Scale and Military Occupational Stress Scale were used to investigate the occupational burnout status and Results occupational stress in the research subjects. The median and 25th and 75th percentiles of military occupational （ ， ） （ ， ）， burnout and occupational stress total scores were 9.0 3.0 15.0 and 76.0 70.0 86.0 respectively. About 73.1% of the subjects were suffered from high occupational stress. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the higher the scores of interpersonal relationship, military special life, work pressure, unclear role and leadership ability factor in P occupational stress, and the lower the score of personal development, the more serious the occupational burnout (all <0.05 ) ， after excluding the influence of confounding factors; subjects with panic psychology inconvenience caused by closed ， management fear on accountability for poor prevention and no personal hobbies had more serious occupational burnout than （ P ） Conclusion - ， subjects without those factors all <0.05 . In the period of COVID 19 prevention the level of occupational burnout and occupational stress of border guards were generally low. The occupational burnout was mainly affected by occupational stress and fear of the epidemic.

Epidemiological characteristics of local COVID-19 epidemics and control experience in routine prevention and control phase in China / 中华流行病学杂志

The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing in the world, the risk of COVID-19 spread from other countries or in the country will exist for a long term in China. In the routine prevention and control phase, a number of local COVID-19 epidemics have occurred in China, most COVID-19 cases were sporadic ones, but a few case clusters or outbreaks were reported. Winter and spring were the seasons with high incidences of the epidemics; border and port cities had higher risk for outbreaks. Active surveillance in key populations was an effective way for the early detection of the epidemics. Through a series of comprehensive prevention and control measures, including mass nucleic acid screening, close contact tracing and isolation, classified management of areas and groups at risk, wider social distancing and strict travel management, the local COVID-19 epidemics have been quickly and effectively controlled. The experiences obtained in the control of the local epidemics would benefit the routine prevention and control of COVID-19 in China. The occurrence of a series of COVID-19 case clusters or outbreaks has revealed the weakness or deficiencies in the COVID-19 prevention and control in China, so this paper suggests some measures for the improvement of the future prevention and control of COVID-19.

Course of disease and related epidemiological parameters of COVID-19: a prospective study based on contact tracing cohort / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To analyze the course of disease and epidemiological parameters of COVID-19 and provide evidence for making prevention and control strategies. Methods: To display the distribution of course of disease of the infectors who had close contacts with COVID-19 cases from January 1 to March 15, 2020 in Guangdong Provincial, the models of Lognormal, Weibull and gamma distribution were applied. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the basic characteristics and epidemiological parameters of course of disease. Results: In total, 515 of 11 580 close contacts were infected, with an attack rate about 4.4%, including 449 confirmed cases and 66 asymptomatic cases. Lognormal distribution was fitting best for latent period, incubation period, pre-symptomatic infection period of confirmed cases and infection period of asymptomatic cases; Gamma distribution was fitting best for infectious period and clinical symptom period of confirmed cases; Weibull distribution was fitting best for latent period of asymptomatic cases. The latent period, incubation period, pre-symptomatic infection period, infectious period and clinical symptoms period of confirmed cases were 4.50 (95%CI:3.86-5.13) days, 5.12 (95%CI:4.63-5.62) days, 0.87 (95%CI:0.67-1.07) days, 11.89 (95%CI:9.81-13.98) days and 22.00 (95%CI:21.24-22.77) days, respectively. The latent period and infectious period of asymptomatic cases were 8.88 (95%CI:6.89-10.86) days and 6.18 (95%CI:1.89-10.47) days, respectively. Conclusion: The estimated course of COVID-19 and related epidemiological parameters are similar to the existing data.

Antigen sparing with influenza virus vaccine formulated with crude polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola Y. C.Ma adjuvant / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the antigen-sparing effects of crude polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola Y. C.Ma (CPCD) for influenza virus vaccine (IVV). Methods:ICR mice were immunized subcutaneously with CPCD combined with different doses of IVV (0.01 μg and 0.1 μg). Hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay was used to detect HI titers in serum samples. Indirect ELISA was performed to detect the levels of specific IgG antibodies and their subtypes in serum samples. The proliferation of splenic lymphocytes was detected by MTT assay. The percentages of CD4 + , CD8 + and CD44 + T cells and the levels of IFN-γ in splenic cells isolated from the vaccinated mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results:CPCD significantly increased HI titers (234.67±47.70 vs 149.33±47.70, P<0.05), promoted the production of IgG ( A450 value: 1.16±0.63 vs 0.30±0.21, P<0.05) and IgG1 ( A450 value: 1.09±0.60 vs 0.26±0.21, P<0.05) and enhanced splenic lymphocyte proliferation ( P<0.05). CPCD also significantly up-regulated the expression of CD4 + [(41.97±4.58)% vs (25.43±1.48)%, P<0.05], CD8 + [(12.67±0.33)% vs (9.02±1.07)%, P<0.05], CD4 + CD44 + [(11.77±0.69)% vs (8.64±0.71)%, P<0.05] and CD8 + CD44 + [(6.70±0.67)% vs (4.66±0.39)%, P<0.05] T cell subsets as well as the secretion of IFN-γ in CD4 + [(1.36±0.07)% vs (0.87±0.06)%, P<0.05] and CD8 + [(2.09±0.20)% vs (1.42±0.08)%, P<0.05] T cells. In addition, there was no significant difference between CPCD combined with low-dose IVV group and high-dose IVV alone group ( P>0.05), implying a 10-fold antigen sparing. Conclusions:CPCD, as an adjuvant for influenza virus vaccine, could enhance humoral and cellular immune responses and reduce antigen dose, which might be a potential adjuvant for seasonal or pandemic influenza vaccines.

Optimal dose analysis of Th1/Th2 immuno-enhancement effects of cultivated Artemisia rupestris crude polysaccharides on foot-and-mouth disease inactivated vaccine via intramuscular route / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To investigate the optimal dose of Th1/Th2 immuno-enhancement effects of cultivated Artemisia rupestris L. crude polysaccharides (CARCP) on foot-and-mouth disease vaccine (FMDV) via the intramuscular route. Methods:ICR mice were intramuscularly immunized twice with different concentrations of CARCP mixed with FMDV at 2-week intervals. FMDV-specific antibodies, isotypes, and IgE in serum were detected by ELISA. Splenocyte proliferation was detected by MTT. T lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in the spleen were detected by flow cytometry. Clinical signs and local reactions at the injection site were monitored daily, and the body weight of mice was weighed after immunization.Results:The medium dose of CARCP could significantly improve FMDV-specific IgG, IgG 1, and IgG 2a antibody levels and the IgG 2a/IgG 1 ratio ( P<0.05) and lead to significant splenocyte proliferative responses ( P<0.01). The medium dose of CARCP could also significantly increase the level of CD3 +CD4 + and CD3 +CD8 + T cells as well as CD4 +/CD8 + ratio ( P<0.05), elicited the higher levels of IFN-γ in CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells ( P<0.05). No local adverse reactions at the injection site were observed after immunization. There was no significant difference in body weight or growth between each group( P>0.05). CARCP did not significantly induce an IgE response ( P>0.05). Conclusions:CARCP as an FMDV adjuvant promotes Th1/Th2 immune responses, especially in favor of the Th1 response, and has a certain safety profile. The best immune enhancement is achieved with CARCP at medium doses.

Effects of Interactive Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture on Motor Function and Gait of Lower Limbs after Stroke: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effects of interactive dynamic scalp acupuncture (IDSA), simple combination therapy (SCT), and traditional scalp acupuncture (TSA) on motor function and gait of the lower limbs in post-stroke hemiplegia patients.@*METHODS@#A total of 231 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia was randomly divided into IDSA (78 cases), SCT (78 cases), and TSA (75 cases) groups by a random number table. Scalp acupuncture (SA) and lower-limb robot training (LLRT) were both performed in the IDSA and SCT groups. The patients in the TSA group underwent SA and did not receive LLRT. The treatment was administered once daily and 6 times weekly for 8 continuous weeks, each session lasted for 30 min. The primary outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity (FMA-LE), berg balance scale (BBS), modified barthel index (MBI), and 6-min walking test (6MWT). The secondary outcome measures included stride frequency (SF), stride length (SL), stride width (SW), affected side foot angle (ASFA), passive range of motion (PROM) of the affected hip (PROM-H), knee (PROM-K) and ankle (PROM-A) joints. The patients were evaluated before treatment, at 1- and 2-month treatment, and 1-, and 2-month follow-up visits, respectively. Adverse events during 2-month treatment were observed.@*RESULTS@#Nineteen patients withdrew from the trial, with 8 in the IDSA and 5 in the SCT groups, 6 in the TSA group. The FMA-LE, BBS, 6MWT and MBI scores in the IDSA group were significantly increased after 8-week treatment and 2 follow-up visits compared with the SCT and TSA groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with pre-treatment, the grade distribution of BBS and MBI scores in the 3 groups were significantly improved at 1, 2-month treatment and 2 follow-up visits (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The SF, PROM-H, PROM-K and PROM-A in the IDSA group was significantly increased compared with the SCT and TSA groups after 8-week of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the SCT group, ASFA of the IDSA group was significantly reduced after 8-week of treatment (P<0.05). SF, SL, PROM-K and PROM-A were significantly increased at the 2nd follow-up visit whereas the ASFA was significantly reduced in the IDSA group compared with the SCT groups at 1st follow-up visit (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The SF was significantly increased in the SCT group compared with the TSA group after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the TSA group, PROM-K, PROM-A were significantly increased at the 2nd follow-up visit (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The effects of IDSA on lower-limb motor function and walking ability of post-stroke patients were superior to SCT and TSA. The SCT was comparable to TSA treatment, and appeared to be superior in improving the motion range of the lower extremities. (Registration No. ChiCTR1900027206).

Combining scalp acupuncture with feedback can relieve post-stroke spasticity and paralysis of the lower extremities / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of combining scalp acupuncture with feedback training on muscle tone, motor ability, plantar pressure distribution and joint range of motion of stroke survivors with lower limb spastic paralysis.Methods:A total of 212 stroke survivors were randomly divided into a combination group ( n=70), an exercise group ( n=70) and a scalp acupuncture group ( n=72) according to a random number table. All of the patients received routine medication and 120 minutes of rehabilitation training six days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. The rehabilitation training included guidance on good posture, posture change training, balance training and gait training. The scalp acupuncture and exercise groups were additionally provided with 40 minutes of scalp acupuncture and lower limb intelligent feedback training, while the combination group was given both. Muscle tension, balance and lower extremity movement were quantified before and after the training, and a gait evaluation system was used to detect the plantar pressure distribution on the affected side and the range of motion range of the lower limb joints during walking. Results:After the treatment, significant differences were observed in the average modified Ashworth scores, modified Berg scale scores, Fugl-Meyer lower extremity ratings and modified Barthel Index scores compared with before the treatment. The average scores of the combination group were then significantly better than those of the other two groups. The average load bearing ratios of the affected toes, metatarsal bones Ⅰ-V, medial arch, external arch, medial heel and external heel had improved significantly in all of the groups, with the improvement of the combination group again significantly greater than those of the other groups. The same pattern of improvement was observed in the groups′ average pelvic rotation angles, hip flexion angles, knee flexion angles and ankle dorsiflexion angles.Conclusion:Combining scalp acupuncture with intelligent feedback can significantly improve lower extremity functioning after a stroke. That should improve performance in the activities of daily living of stroke survivors.

Advances in clinical research on liver disease during pregnancy / 临床肝胆病杂志

According to the association between liver injury and pregnancy, liver diseases during pregnancy can be classified as pregnancy-specific liver diseases and liver diseases with pregnancy. Pregnancy-specific liver diseases refer to the liver diseases that only occur during pregnancy, while liver diseases with pregnancy refer to pregnancy with previous liver diseases. Due to the particularity of maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases during pregnancy is challenging for both obstetricians and hepatologists. Rapid identification, diagnosis, and treatment of related diseases during pregnancy are very important for the prognosis of the mother and the fetus. This article summarizes and reviews the research advances in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of liver diseases during pregnancy, in order to provide a reference for more clinicians.

Effect of glucose metabolism disorders on the short-term prognosis in neonates with asphyxia: a multicenter study in Hubei Province, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the effect of glucose metabolism disorders on the short-term prognosis in neonates with asphyxia.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of the neonates with asphyxia who were admitted to 52 hospitals in Hubei Province of China from January to December, 2018 and had blood glucose data within 12 hours after birth. Their blood glucose data at 1, 2, 6, and 12 hours after birth (with an allowable time error of 0.5 hour) were recorded. According to the presence or absence of brain injury and/or death during hospitalization, the neonates were divided into a poor prognosis group with 693 neonates and a good prognosis group with 779 neonates. The two groups were compared in the incidence of glucose metabolism disorders within 12 hours after birth and short-term prognosis.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the good prognosis group, the poor prognosis group had a significantly higher proportion of neonates from secondary hospitals (48.5% vs 42.6%, @*CONCLUSIONS@#Recurrent hyperglycemia in neonates with asphyxia may suggest poor short-term prognosis, and it is necessary to strengthen the early monitoring and management of the nervous system in such neonates.

Risk assessment of exported risk of novel coronavirus pneumonia from Hubei Province / 中华预防医学杂志

To evaluate the exported risk of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) from Hubei Province and the imported risk in various provinces across China. Data of reported NCP cases and Baidu Migration Indexin all provinces of the country as of February 14, 2020 were collected. The correlation analysis between cumulative number of reported cases and the migration index from Hubei was performed, and the imported risks from Hubei to different provinces across China were further evaluated. A total of 49 970 confirmed cases were reported nationwide, of which 37 884 were in Hubei Province. The average daily migration index from Hubei to other provinces was 312.09, Wuhan and other cities in Hubei were 117.95 and 194.16, respectively. The cumulative NCP cases of provinces was positively correlated with the migration index derived from Hubei province, also in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei, with correlation coefficients of 0.84, 0.84, and 0.81. In linear model, population migration from Hubei Province, Wuhan and other cities in Hubei account for 71.2%, 70.1%, and 66.3% of the variation, respectively. The period of high exported risk from Hubei occurred before January 27, of which the risks before January 23 mainly came from Wuhan, and then mainly from other cities in Hubei. Hunan Province, Henan Province and Guangdong Province ranked the top three in terms of cumulative imported risk (the cumulative risk indices were 58.61, 54.75 and 49.62 respectively). The epidemic in each province was mainly caused by the importation of Hubei Province. Taking measures such as restricting the migration of population in Hubei Province and strengthening quarantine measures for immigrants from Hubei Province may greatly reduce the risk of continued spread of the epidemic.

Exploration of SPOC-based mixed teaching mode in the teaching of general surgery / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In response to the teaching requirements under the new situation of medical education reform, the Department of General Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University has actively carried out the SPOC (small private online course). Through special seminars, online platform exchanges and skill operation exercises, students can accurately grasp the learning focus and learn the subject knowledge efficiently, which has realized the teaching goals of situational, problematic, multi-dimensional and task-based teaching and learning. It is a new type of online and offline interactive teaching model, which is worth further promotion.

Application of medical virtual simulation experimental teaching platform in general surgery teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Medical virtual simulation experimental teaching platform has the characteristics of high openness and sharing, overcoming resource constraints, diversified teaching methods and so on. Applying the virtual simulation platform to general surgery teaching, students can break through the constraints of the textbooks, and perform immersive practical operations on the network by watching experimental videos, and simulating virtual instrument, and experimental materials online, so as to improve their hands-on skills and increase their interest in learning.