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Objective To analyze the correlation between the multiple evaluation indicators in the early stage and the cure time(needed time from treatment to cure)of the patients with facial neuritis treated by ac-upuncture combined with medication,and to optimize the subjective and objective indicators enable predicting the cure time of facial neuritis in early stage.Methods All patients were treated by acupuncture and medica-tion combination.The research subjects were 64 patients with facial neuritis from the outpatient of cupuncture and moxibustion department of this hospital.The correlation between the grade of facial nerve paralysis,sur-face electromyography related data,scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,Sunnybrook Facial Grading System(SFGS)score,Facial Disability Index-Physical(FDIP)score,Facial Disability Index-Social(FDIS)score on 7 d of onset with the cure time was analyzed.Results The cure time was positively correlated with the grade of facial nerve paralysis and FDIS score on 7 d of onset(P<0.01),amd negatively correlated with the scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,FDIP score,SFGS score and the affected side to healthy ratio of CMAP amplitude of buccal temporal branch of facial nerve(P<0.01 or P<0.05);the cure time had no sig-nificant correlation with the ratio of affected side and healthy side of CMAP amplitude in zygomatic branch of facial nerve,the ratio of affected side and healthy side of CMAP latent period of temporal branch,buccal branch and zygomatic branch of facial nerve and F wave output rate(P>0.05).Conclusion In the early stage subjective indicators of the acupuncture combined with medication for treating facial neuritis,grade of facial nerve paralysis,self-made symptom scoring scale,scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,FDIP and FDIS scores and the ratio of affected side to healthy side of CMAP amplitude of the buccal branch,temporal branch of the facial nerve in sEMG in the objective indicators could be used to predict the cure time,better guide the treatment and have more effective and accurate comunication with the patients.
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The current situation of the construction and application of orthopaedic subspecialty nursing quality standards at home and abroad is reviewed, and the overview of orthopaedic subspecialty nursing quality standards, theoretical foundations, the content of the standard construction, the form and results of the application, and the shortcomings and outlooks are elaborated and illustrated, with a view to providing theoretical references for the further improvement and application of China′s orthopaedic subspecialty nursing quality standard system, and providing scientific suggestions and reflections for the promotion of the high-quality development of orthopaedic subspecialty nursing.
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BACKGROUND:Autoimmune regulator gene(Aire)and Wnt signaling pathway play an important role in the maintenance and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cell pluripotency.However,whether the Wnt signal and Aire are involved in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells to thymic epithelial progenitor cells remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship of the Wnt signaling pathway and Aire with the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. METHODS:A two-step differentiation method was used to induce mouse embryonic stem cells to differentiate into endoderm and then into thymic epithelial progenitor cells.Mouse embryonic stem cells were infected with Aire shRNA lentivirus,and monoclonal stable strains were screened by puromycin.Mouse embryonic stem cells were collected on days 0,3 and 10 of the directed induction of differentiation after the induced differentiation by the two-step differentiation method.Cellular immunofluorescence,flow cytometry,western blot assay,and real-time qPCR were used to detect the expression changes of related genes and proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Immunofluorescence staining showed positive expression of SSEA1 and OCT4 on day 0 of targeted induction of differentiation.(2)Immunofluorescence staining showed double-positive expression of SOX17 and FOXA2 on day 3 of targeted induction of differentiation.(3)Flow cytometry results showed positive expression of EPCAM1,K5 and K8 on day 10 of targeted induction of differentiation.(4)Compared with undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells,the expressions of Wnt7a,β-catenin,and Gsk-3β proteins were elevated,and the expression level of Aire protein was decreased in induced differentiated thymic epithelial progenitor cells.(5)Compared with undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells,the expressions of Wnt7a,β-catenin,Gsk-3β and Aire mRNA were elevated in thymic epithelial progenitor cells.(6)Compared with normal cultured mouse embryonic stem cells and their ultimately differentiated thymic epithelial progenitor cells,the expression levels of Wnt7a,β-catenin and Gsk-3β proteins were reduced in mouse embryonic stem cells with knockdown of Aire genes and their final differentiated thymic epithelial progenitor cells.In conclusion,the Wnt signaling pathway and Aire are jointly involved in the process of targeted induction of differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into mouse thymic epithelial progenitor cells.
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BACKGROUND:The occurrence and development of various ophthalmic diseases are closely related to excessive oxidative stress,and the inhibition of oxidative stress response may produce preventive and therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVE:To explore the role of Pax6 gene expression on hydrogen peroxide-induced aging of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BM-MSCs). METHODS:Resuscitated BM-MSCs,Pax6/BM-MSCs,and shPax6/BM-MSCs were treated with hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours,and then β-galactosidase staining was performed.The proliferation index Ki67 expression and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.The expression of senescence-associated molecules(Wnt7a,p21,and p53)was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After hydrogen peroxide treatment,the cells of the three groups showed senescence phenotype and β-galactosidase staining was positive.Compared with BM-MSCs group,the expression of positive cells in Pax6/BM-MSCs group was less and that in the shPax6/BM-MSCs group was more,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)The results of flow cytometry showed that compared with BM-MSCs group,the positive expression of Ki67 in the Pax6/BM-MSCs group increased and the level of apoptosis decreased,while the positive expression of Ki67 decreased and the level of apoptosis increased in the shPax6/BM-MSCs group;the difference was significantly different(P<0.05).(3)RT-PCR showed that compared with the BM-MSCs group,the expression of Wnt7a,p53,and p21 decreased in the Pax6/BM-MSCs group,while the expression of Wnt7a,p53,and p21 increased in the shPax6/BM-MSCs group;the difference was significantly different(P<0.05).(4)These findings indicate that overexpression of Pax6 can antagonize the aging progression of BM-MSCs induced by hydrogen peroxide,which may be related to Wnt signaling pathway.
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Objective:To develop a robotic digestive endoscope system (RDES) and to evaluate its feasibility, safety and control performance by experiments.Methods:The RDES was designed based on the master-slave control system, which consisted of 3 parts: the integrated endoscope, including a knob and button robotic control system integrated with a gastroscope; the robotic mechanical arm system, including the base and arm, as well as the endoscopic advance-retreat control device (force-feedback function was designed) and the endoscopic axial rotation control device; the control console, including a master manipulator and an image monitor. The operator sit far away from the endoscope and controlled the master manipulator to bend the end of the endoscope and to control advance, retract and rotation of the endoscope. The air supply, water supply, suction, figure fixing and motion scaling switching was realized by pressing buttons on the master manipulator. In the endoscopy experiments performed on live pigs, 5 physicians each were in the beginner and advanced groups. Each operator operated RDES and traditional endoscope (2 weeks interval) to perform porcine gastroscopy 6 times, comparing the examination time. In the experiment of endoscopic circle drawing on the inner wall of the simulated stomach model, each operator in the two groups operated RDES 1∶1 motion scaling, 5∶1 motion scaling and ordinary endoscope to complete endoscopic circle drawing 6 times, comparing the completion time, accuracy (i.e. trajectory deviation) and workload.Results:RDES was operated normally with good force feedback function. All porcine in vivo gastroscopies were successful, without mucosal injury, bleeding or perforation. In beginner and advanced groups, the examination time of both RDES and ordinary endoscopy tended to decrease as the number of operations increased, but the decrease in time was greater for operating RDES than for operating ordinary endoscope (beginner group P=0.033; advanced group P=0.023). In the beginner group, the operators operating RDES with 1∶1 motion scaling or 5∶1 motion scaling to complete endoscopic circle drawing had shorter completion time [1.68 (1.40, 2.17) min, 1.73 (1.47, 2.37) min VS 4.13 (2.27, 5.16) min, H=32.506, P<0.001], better trajectory deviation (0.50±0.11 mm, 0.46±0.11 mm VS 0.82±0.26 mm, F=38.999, P<0.001], and less workload [42.00 (30.00, 50.33) points, 43.33 (35.33, 54.00) points VS 52.67 (48.67, 63.33) points, H=20.056, P<0.001] than operating ordinary endoscope. In the advanced group, the operators operating RDES with 1∶1 or 5∶1 motion scaling to complete endoscopic circle drawing had longer completion time than operating ordinary endoscope [1.72 (1.37, 2.53) min, 1.57 (1.25, 2.58) min VS 1.15 (0.86, 1.58) min, H=13.233, P=0.001], but trajectory deviation [0.47 (0.13, 0.57) mm, 0.44 (0.39, 0.58) mm VS 0.52 (0.42, 0.59) mm, H=3.202, P=0.202] and workload (44.62±21.77 points, 41.24±12.57 points VS 44.71±17.92 points, F=0.369, P=0.693) were not different from those of the ordinary endoscope. Conclusion:The RDES enables remote control, greatly reducing the endoscopists' workload. Additionally, it gives full play to the cooperative motion function of the large and small endoscopic knobs, making the control more flexible. Finally, it increases motion scaling switching function to make the control of endoscope more flexible and more accurate. It is also easy for beginners to learn and master, and can shorten the training period. So it can provide the possibility of remote endoscopic control and fully automated robotic endoscope.
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Background@#Current research has not investigated the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy with levothyroxine on the risk for developing subsequent primary cancers (SPCs). This study aimed to investigate the association between levothyroxine dosage and the risk for SPCs in thyroid cancer patients. @*Methods@#We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study form Korean National Health Insurance database. This cohort included 342,920 thyroid cancer patients between 2004 and 2018. Patients were divided into the non-levothyroxine and the levothyroxine groups, the latter consisting of four dosage subgroups according to quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to evaluate the risk for SPCs by adjusting for variables including cumulative doses of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. @*Results@#A total of 17,410 SPC cases were observed over a median 7.3 years of follow-up. The high-dose levothyroxine subgroups (Q3 and Q4) had a higher risk for SPC (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.14 and 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.24 and 1.17– 1.37; respectively) compared to the non-levothyroxine group. In particular, the adjusted HR of stomach (1.31), colorectal (1.60), liver and biliary tract (1.95), and pancreatic (2.48) cancers were increased in the Q4 subgroup. We consistently observed a positive association between high levothyroxine dosage per body weight and risk of SPCs, even after adjusting for various confounding variables. Moreover, similar results were identified in the stratified analyses according to thyroidectomy type and RAI therapy, as well as in a subgroup analysis of patients with good adherence. @*Conclusion@#High-dose levothyroxine use was associated with increased risk of SPCs among thyroid cancer patients regardless of RAI therapy.
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Background@#Over the last decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use in critically ill children has increased and is associated with favorable outcomes. Our study aims to evaluate the current status of pediatric ECMO in Korea, with a specific focus on its volume and changes in survival rates based on diagnostic indications. @*Methods@#This multicenter study retrospectively analyzed the indications and outcomes of pediatric ECMO over 10 years in patients at 14 hospitals in Korea from January 2012 to December 2021. Four diagnostic categories (neonatal respiratory, pediatric respiratory, postcardiotomy, and cardiac-medical) and trends were compared between periods 1 (2012–2016) and 2 (2017–2021). @*Results@#Overall, 1065 ECMO runs were performed on 1032 patients, with the annual number of cases remaining unchanged over the 10 years. ECMO was most frequently used for post-cardiotomy (42.4%), cardiac-medical (31.8%), pediatric respiratory (17.5%), and neonatal respiratory (8.2%) cases. A 3.7% increase and 6.1% decrease in pediatric respiratory and post-cardiotomy cases, respectively, were noted between periods 1 and 2.Among the four groups, the cardiac-medical group had the highest survival rate (51.2%), followed by the pediatric respiratory (46.4%), post-cardiotomy (36.5%), and neonatal respiratory (29.4%) groups. A consistent improvement was noted in patient survival over the 10 years, with a significant increase between the two periods from 38.2% to 47.1% (P = 0.004). Improvement in survival was evident in post-cardiotomy cases (30–45%, P = 0.002).Significant associations with mortality were observed in neonates, patients requiring dialysis, and those treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (P < 0.001). In pediatric respiratory ECMO, immunocompromised patients also showed a significant correlation with mortality (P < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Pediatric ECMO demonstrated a steady increase in overall survival in Korea;however, further efforts are needed since the outcomes remain suboptimal compared with global outcomes.
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Background@#This study compared hearing outcomes with use of personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) and hearing aids (HAs) in patients with moderate to moderately severe unilateral hearing loss. @*Methods@#Thirty-nine participants were prospectively enrolled, and randomly assigned to use either one HA (basic or premium type) or one PSAP (basic or high-end type) for the first 8 weeks and then the other device for the following 8 weeks. Participants underwent a battery of examinations at three visits, including sound-field audiometry, word recognition score (WRS), speech perception in quiet and in noise, real-ear measurement, and self-report questionnaires. @*Results@#Functional gain was significantly higher with HAs across all frequencies (P < 0.001). While both PSAPs and HAs improved WRS from the unaided condition, HAs were superior to PSAPs. The speech recognition threshold in quiet conditions and signal-to-noise ratio in noisy conditions were significantly lower in the HA-aided condition than in the PSAP-aided condition, and in the PSAP-aided condition than in the unaided condition. Subjective satisfaction also favored HAs than PSAPs in questionnaires, Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids, and Host Institutional Questionnaire. @*Conclusion@#While PSAPs provide some benefit for moderate to moderately severe unilateral hearing loss, HAs are more effective. This underscores the potential role of PSAPs as an accessible, affordable first-line intervention in hearing rehabilitation, particularly for individuals facing challenges in accessing conventional HAs.
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Purpose@#This study examined whether preoperative radiological evaluations can predict syndesmotic instability according to the lateral malleolus fracture pattern in supination-external rotation-type ankle fractures. @*Materials and Methods@#This study enrolled 132 patients (132 ankles) with supination-external rotation stage 3 and 4 ankle fractures. Three-dimensional computed tomography was used for the morphological classification of the lateral malleolus fractures. A long oblique fracture was defined when the posterior cortical bone height of the fracture was 4.5 cm or more from the plafond of the distal tibial articular surface. A short oblique fracture was defined when the height was less than 4.5 cm. The demographic characteristics and syndesmotic instability of the two groups were evaluated. @*Results@#Short oblique fractures were confirmed in 102 cases, and long oblique fractures were confirmed in 30 cases. Long oblique fractures occurred at a statistically significantly higher incidence in younger ages and among males compared to short oblique fractures. Syndesmotic instability was more common in long oblique fractures. @*Conclusion@#In supination-external rotation-type ankle fractures, syndesmotic instability was observed in approximately 13%. Specifically, when the fracture pattern of the lateral malleolus is long oblique, the incidence of syndesmotic instability is approximately three times higher than in short oblique fractures. Therefore, meticulous evaluations of the lateral malleolus fracture pattern and establishing an appropriate treatment plan before surgery are crucial.
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Background and Objectives@#This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid (HA) (The Chaeum Premium No.2®) for injection laryngoplasty (IL) in unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) patients.Materials and Method This clinical trial has been registered with the clinical research information service of the Republic of Korea (No. KCT0007597). Ten patients with UVCP were enrolled. Auditory-perceptual evaluation, acoustic analysis, aerodynamic analysis, electroglottography, laryngoscopy, and voice handicap index (VHI)-30 were assessed before injection, at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. @*Results@#All auditory-perceptual parameters gradually showed statistically significant improvements at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. Acoustic, aerodynamic parameters, electroglottography, and VHI-30 showed gradual improvements at 1 and 3 months after injection. Then, they showed slight deterioration 6 months after injection. There were no adverse effects in all patients. @*Conclusion@#IL using HA is an effective and safe treatment for UVCP patients.
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Objective To observe the effect of knee isometric training on mild to moderate lower limb muscle spasticity in stroke patients.Methods A total of 130 stroke hemiplegia patients were prospectively included in this study.They were admitted to Xiangcheng People's Hospital of Suzhou City between August 2021 and December 2023 and numbered according to the order of collection.The patients were then randomly assigned to either the control group or the isokinetic group using a random number table.Each group consisted of 65 cases.Both groups underwent conventional rehabilitation training(5 days a week,40 minutes per day),with the isokinetic group receiving additional isokinetic muscle training(5 days a week,20 minutes per day)on top of the conventional rehabilitation training.The treatment period lasted for 6 weeks.The surface electromyographic signals of the rectus femoris muscle on the affected side were analyzed for their root-mean-square(RMS),integral electromyographic(iEMG)values,the modified Ashworth scale(MAS)scores,knee flexors and extensors peak torque and its ratio,the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale-lower extremity(FMA-LE)scores,and the 10 m walk test were used before and after the treatments to compare the surface electromyography of rectus femoris,the degree of muscle spasticity and exercise capacity of the lower extremities of the two groups.Results Prior to treatment,there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the RMS of the rectus femoris muscle,iEMG values,MAS scores,peak torque of the flexor and extensor muscles and their ratio,FMA-LE score,and step speed(all P>0.05).RMS of the rectus femoris muscle,iEMG values,MAS scores,peak torque of the knee flexors and extensors and their ratios,FMA-LE scores,and step speed improved in control group after treatment compared to before treatment([12.3±2.2]μV vs.[15.5± 2.9]μV,[24.8±2.3]μV·s vs.[29.2±3.1]μV·s,[1.34±0.15]points vs.[1.56± 0.25]points,[20.8±3.4]N·m vs.[12.3±2.5]N·m,[34.5±2.3]N·m vs.[26.3±3.6]N·m,0.60±0.16 vs.0.47±0.14,[26.1±2.9]points vs.[21.3±2.4]points,[0.61±0.14]m/s vs.[0.46±0.15]m/s;all P<0.05).Rectus femoris muscle RMS,iEMG values,MAS scores,peak torque of the flexor and extensor muscles and their ratio,FMA-LE scores and step speed after treatment in the isokinetic group were(10.9±1.8)μV,(22.4±2.1)μV·s,(1.25±0.18)points,(28.7±3.0)N·m,(41.5±2.8)N·m,0.69±0.18,(29.0±2.3)points,(0.69±0.18)m/s,compared with pretreatment(respectively[15.4±2.2]μV,[29.6±3.0]μV·s,[1.58±0.34]points,[12.6± 2.3]N·m,[26.1±3.1]N·m,0.48±0.17,[21.5±2.1]points,[0.48±0.17]m/s)and control group after treatment,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Before treatment,the differences in rectus femoris muscle RMS and iEMG values between patients with mild spasticity and patients with moderate spasticity in the isokinetic group and the corresponding patients with mild spasticity and moderate spasticity within the control group were not statistically significant(all P>0.05).After treatment,the rectus femoris muscle RMS and iEMG values in patients with mild spasticity within the isokinetic group([10.2±1.0]μV and[20.2±2.0]μV·s,respectively)were statistically different from those before treatment([14.1±2.3]μV and[28.1±3.2]μV·s,respectively)and those after treatment in patients with mild spasticity within the control group([11.4±1.7]μV and[23.6±2.5]μV·s respectively;all P<0.05);the rectus femoris muscle RMS and iEMG values in patients with moderate spasticity within the isokinetic group improved compared with the pre-treatment period([11.8±1.5]μV vs.[16.9±2.6)μV,and[24.9±2.2]μV·s vs.[31.3±3.8]μV·s,respectively;both P<0.05),and with the control group after treatment(RMS and iEMG values of[13.2±2.5]μV and[26.1± 2.7]μV·s,respectively),the difference in RMS was statistically significant(P<0.01),and the difference in iEMG values was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Isokinetic muscle training has a positive effect on improving mild-to-moderate muscle spasticity of the lower limb knee extension,and the effect is more significant the lighter the degree of spasticity.
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Chinese patent medicines(CPMs) are unique therapeutic drugs in China. Establishing and improving the evaluation criteria is an important measure to promote the high-quality development of CPMs. Based on the "evaluation criteria of high-grade CPMs with quality as the core index" established by our group in 2018, the "high-quality evaluation criteria for CPMs based on whole process control" was proposed in the present study in 2022. The scope of application and basic principles of the new criteria were clarified. A quality evaluation scoring table was established in the new criteria, including five parts: raw material selection, production process, quality control, efficacy evaluation, and brand building. The technical evaluation indexes involved have increased from 20% in the original criteria to 70% in the new criteria, and efficacy evaluation has been added in the new criteria. The subjective evaluation indicators account for a large proportion in the original criteria, which is prone to bias. The improved criteria overcome this shortcoming. It is expected that the new criteria as a basis can play a better role in the selection of high-quality products of CPMs, guide enterprises and institutions to participate actively in the evaluation and research of high-quality CPMs, and promote the high-quality development of CPMs.
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Nonprescription Drugs , Chlorobenzenes , ChinaABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with constraint-induced weight training (CIWT) on Pusher syndrome after stroke. MethodsA total of 60 stroke inpatients with Pusher syndrome in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January to December, 2021 were randomly divided into tDCS group, CIWT group and combination group, with 20 cases in each group. The three groups accepted routine rehabilitation training, the tDCS group received anode tDCS, the CIWT group received CIWT of the affected lower limb, and the combination group received CIWT of the affected lower limb and tDCS, for eight weeks. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS) and Holden Walking Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of BBS, FMA-LE, BLS and FAC improved (|t| > 1.452, P < 0.05) in all the groups, and improved the most in the combination group (|F| > 1.827, P < 0.05). ConclusiontDCS combined with CIWT of the affected lower extremity can effectively improve the function of stroke patients with Pusher syndrome.
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Objective:To study the clinical value of bladder stimulation technique (BST) for clean-catch urine collection in late newborns.Methods:From November 2020 to March 2022, relatively stable late newborns hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology of our hospital were enrolled in the prospective randomized controlled trial. The newborns were assigned into BST group and control group. In BST group, urine was collected using BST (suprapubic tapping alternating with lumbosacral massage for 5 min) 20~30 min after feeding and specimen were collected using urine bag before and after BST. In the control group, urine was collected using urine bag method. The urine collection was considered successful if >1 ml of urine not contaminated by faeces were collected within 60 min. The t-test and χ 2 test were used for data analysis. Results:A total of 231 late newborns were included with 117 cases in BST group and 114 in control group. The rate of successful urine collection in BST group was higher than control group (65.8% vs. 39.4%).The time needed for successful urine collection [(30.2±8.5) min vs. (40.7±12.9) min], the incidences of faeces contamination (2.5% vs. 21.1%) and urine contamination (11.7% vs. 26.7%) in BST group were all significantly lower than control group(all P<0.05). Male and female newborns in BST group had similar success rates of urine collection (65.6% vs. 66.0%). Male newborns in BST group had similar urine contamination rate with control group (9.5% vs. 11.5%) and female newborns in BST group had significantly lower urine contamination rate than control group (14.3% vs. 47.4%, P<0.05). Urine was successfully collected in 71 newborns in BST group with median duration of BST for 81 (61,132) s. No adverse effects were observed except for transient consolable crying. Conclusions:Compared with urine bag collection method, BST improves successful urine collection rates and reduces the time needed for urine collection and urine contamination rates (especially for females).
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Objective:To determine the expression of circular RNA-SEC31A(circSEC31A) in pancreatic cancer and investigate the effects on the invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells and the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods:Differentially expressed circRNAs between pancreatic cancer cells (BXPC-3, PANC1, CaPan-2, SW1990) and human normal pancreatic cells (HPDE) were identified by qRT-PCR. Then, two cell lines with high circSEC31A expression were selected to conduct next experiments. According to the sequence of the back-splicing site in circSEC31A, siRNAs for downregulation of circSEC31A were designed and transfected by liposome to silence circSEC31A in pancreatic cancer cells, and grouped as followed siR-circSEC31A#1 and siR-circSEC31A#2. Meanwhile, siR-NC group transfected with non-specific siRNA served as control. Transwell assays and wound healing assays were operated to evaluate the functional role of circSEC31A on the invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells. RNA Pull-down assay with circSEC31A probe and oligo control probe was used to screen the miRNA combining with circSEC31A and the effects of miRNA on cell invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells were validated. The effect of miR-200c-3p and circSEC31A silencing on the expression of PDK1 mRNA was identified by qRT-PCR. The protein expression of PDK1, downstream Akt and p-Akt after circSEC31A silencing was verified by Western blotting assays.Results:The relative expression level of circSEC31A in HPDE (1.000±0.120) was obviously lower than that in BXPC-3 (1.920±0.130), SW1990 (2.93±0.528), PANC1 (4.557±0.692) and CaPan-2 (5.247±0.194), and all the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001). Compared with the PANC1 siR-NC group (1301.3±94.6) and CaPan-2 siR-NC group (1835.0±70.1) per 100 high power field, transwell assays showed that the numbers of invasive pancreatic cancer cells was highly decreased in PANC1 siR-circSEC31A#1 group (727.3±92.9), siR-circSEC31A#2 group (792.0±18.1), CaPan-2 siR-circSEC31A#1 group (718.0±90.6), siR-circSEC31A#2 group (692.7±84.8). Wound healing assays showed that silencing circSEC31A decreased the wound healing rate of pancreatic cancer cells in PANC1 siR-circSEC31A#1 group (20.667±3.215)%, siR-circSEC31A#2 group (20.000±4.583)%, CaPan-2 siR-circSEC31A#1 group (28.000±8.185)%, siR-circSEC31A#2 group (29.667±5.686)%, compared with the PANC1 siR-NC group (55.000±4.359)% and CaPan-2 siR-NC group (69.000±3.606)%. RNA Pull-down assays showed that compared with PANC1 oligo probe group (1.000±0.091) and CaPan-2 oligo probe group (1.000±0.153), miR-200c-3p was significantly enriched in the PANC1 circSEC31A probe group (2.237±0.175) and CaPan-2 circSEC31A probe group (2.166±0.156). Compared with PANC1 siR-NC group (939.3±57.0) and CaPan-2 siR-NC group (786.7±51.5) per 100 high power field, the numbers of invasive pancreatic cancer cells were up-regulated in PANC1 siR-miR-200c-3p group (1206.0±99.1) and CaPan-2 siR-miR-200c-3p group (1838.0±105.7), while the low numbers of invasive pancreatic cancer cells were observed in PANC1 siR-miR-200c-3p+ siR-circSEC31A group (932.7±116.4) and CaPan-2 siR-miR-200c-3p+ siR-circSEC31A group (785.3±58.8). Compared with PANC1 siR-NC group (1.000±0.103) and CaPan-2 siR-NC group (1.000±0.107), the relative expression of PDK1 mRNA in PANC1 siR-miR-200c-3p group (1.898±0.159) and CaPan-2 siR-miR-200c-3p group (2.102±0.337) was upregulated. Furthermore, the expression of PDK1 mRNA was decreased in the siR-miR-200c-3p+ siR-circSEC31A group (0.980±0.070, 1.015±0.079). Western blot assays showed that the expression of PDK1 protein in PANC1 siR-NC group, siR-circSEC31A#1 group, siR-circSEC31A#2 group was 0.767±0.086, 0.281±0.191, 0.333±0.062 and in CaPan-2 siR-NC group, siR-circSEC31A#1 group, siR-circSEC31A#2 group was 0.712±0.038, 0.353±0.061, 0.308±0.018. The expression of p-Akt protein in PANC1 siR-NC group and siR-circSEC31A group was 0.741±0.050, 0.114±0.027, 0.139±0.041. In addition, p-Akt protein expression in CaPan-2 siR-NC group and siR-circSEC31A group was 0.823±0.052, 0.141±0.045, 0.280±0.089. PDK1 and p Akt expression in siR circSEC31A group was obviously lower than those in sir NC group. All the differences between either groups above were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:circSEC31A is upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells, which facilitates the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells via miR-200c-3p/PDK1/Akt signaling pathway, supporting that circSEC31A may function as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer patients.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with robot-assisted therapy on upper limb function of subacute stroke patients. MethodsFrom March, 2022 to March, 2023, 60 subacute stroke patients from Dushu Lake Hospital and the First People's Hospital of Kunshan were randomly divided into control group (n = 20), robot group (n = 20) and combined group (n = 20). All the groups received conventional treatments including medication, physical therapy and occupational therapy; the robot group received sham taVNS combined with hand robot-assisted therapy; while the combined group received taVNS combined with hand robot-assisted therapy, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and hand part, the root mean square (RMS) electromyography of the extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum muscles during contraction, and the latency and amplitude of transcranial magnetic stimulation motor-evoked potential (TMS-MEP) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-UE and hand part, RMS of the extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum muscles, and latency and amplitude of TMS-MEP improved in all the groups (t > 2.099, P < 0.05); and they were the best in all indicators in the combined group (F > 9.106, P < 0.001). ConclusiontaVNS combined with robot-assisted therapy can promote central nervous system remodeling and further improve upper limb function in stroke patients.
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Migrant workers face challenging working conditions, resulting in physical and mental vulnerability. The objective is to identify their health vulnerabilities and ensure their right to health. Health records of 163 migrant workers (113 males and 50 females) (Group A) and 163 Korean citizens (Group B) visiting our institution were analyzed from August 2021 to July 2022. Both groups underwent urine analysis, chest radiography, and various blood tests. Statistical analysis using independent t-tests and χ2 tests was performed. Group A had a significantly higher rate of hepatitis B virus surface antigen-positive patients, lower vaccination rates for hepatitis B, and poorer nutritional status compared to Group B. Group B generally exhibited higher levels of albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, and thyroidstimulating hormone. There were significant quantitative differences in multiple blood cell and hemoglobin measurements between the two groups. These findings emphasize the need for policy support and public awareness to protect the health rights of migrant workers.
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Objectives@#This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the Comprehensive Attention Test, Korean-Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Rating Scale-IV scores in children and adolescents with ADHD. @*Methods@#Fifty-five children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and not taking psychiatric medications were included in this retrospective study. A correlation analysis was performed. @*Results@#Although simple visual and auditory selective attention have diagnostic value in traditional continuous performance tests, this study revealed that inhibition-sustained attention and interference-selective attention are also effective in evaluating ADHD. Furthermore, the correlation between the attention and intelligence test scores varied depending on the use of visual or auditory stimuli. @*Conclusion@#The findings of this study contribute to clarifying our understanding of the cognitive characteristics of children and adolescents with ADHD and can be used in future research.
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Objective@#Dysphagia is a common clinical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. It is sub-classified into oropharyngeal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the mouth and pharynx, and esophageal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the esophageal body and esophagogastric junction. Dysphagia can have a significant negative impact one’s physical health and quality of life as its severity increases. Therefore, proper assessment and management of dysphagia are critical for improving swallowing function and preventing complications. Thus a guideline was developed to provide evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management in patients with dysphagia. @*Methods@#Nineteen key questions on dysphagia were developed. These questions dealt with various aspects of problems related to dysphagia, including assessment, management, and complications. A literature search for relevant articles was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and one domestic database of KoreaMed, until April 2021. The level of evidence and recommendation grade were established according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. @*Results@#Early screening and assessment of videofluoroscopic swallowing were recommended for assessing the presence of dysphagia. Therapeutic methods, such as tongue and pharyngeal muscle strengthening exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation with swallowing therapy, were effective in improving swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Nutritional intervention and an oral care program were also recommended. @*Conclusion@#This guideline presents recommendations for the assessment and management of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, including rehabilitative strategies.
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Background@#Enlarged perivascular space (ePVS) is recently reported to be associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The topographical location of ePVS may relate to the underlying pathology; basal ganglia (BG)-ePVS has been associated with cerebral vascular diseases and centrum semi-ovale (CSO)-ePVS associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). However, the effects of ePVS on various neurological conditions remain still controversial. To investigate the clinical relevance of ePVS in neurodegenerative diseases, we tested relationships between ePVS and cognition, markers of SVD, vascular risk factors, or amyloid pathology. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed 292 patients (133 AD dementia, 106 mild cognitive impairment, 39 other neurodegenerative diseases, 14 subjective cognitive decline) who underwent both amyloid positron emission tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Vascular risk factors and cognitive tests results were collected. The ePVS in the BG and CSO, SVD markers and the volume of white matter hyperintensities were measured. @*Results@#There were no significant differences in the severity and distribution of ePVS among clinical syndromes. Both BG- and CSO-ePVS were not related to cognitive function. Patients with lacunes were more likely to have high-degree BG-ePVS. High degree CSO-ePVS had an odds ratio (OR) for amyloid positive of 2.351, while BG-ePVS was a negative predictor for amyloid pathology (OR, 0.336). @*Conclusions@#Our findings support that ePVS has different underlying pathologies according to the cerebral topography. BG-ePVS would be attributed to hypertensive angiopathy considering the relation with SVD markers, whereas and CSO-ePVS would be attributed to CAA considering the association with amyloid pathology.