Combining electroacupuncture and transcranial direct current stimulation as an adjuvant therapy enhances spontaneous conversation and naming in subacute vascular aphasia: A retrospective analysis / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Emerging evidence shows the effectiveness of speech and language therapy (SLT); however, precise therapeutic parameters remain unclear. Evidence for the use of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to treat post-stroke aphasia (PSA) is promising; however, the utility of combining tDCS and electroacupuncture (EA) has not yet been analyzed. This study assessed the therapeutic consequences of EA and tDCS coupled with SLT in subacute PSA patients who were also undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on subacute (< 6 months) PSA patients who were divided into three groups: patients who received EA plus tDCS (acupuncture group), patients who underwent tDCS (tDCS group), and patients who experienced conventional therapy (HBOT + SLT). All subjects underwent 21 days of treatment and also received conventional treatment. The aphasia battery of Chinese (ABC) was used to score pre- and post-intervention status.@*RESULTS@#The analysis comprised 238 patients. Cerebral infarction was the most frequent stroke type (137 [57.6%]), while motor (66 [27.7%]) and global aphasia (60 [25.2%]) were the most common types of aphasia. After 21 days of intervention, the ABC scores of all patients were improved. The acupuncture group had the highest ABC scores, but only repetition, naming, and spontaneous speech were statistically improved (P < 0.01). Post-hoc tests revealed significant improvement in word retrieval in the acupuncture and tDCS groups (P < 0.01, P = 0.037), while the acupuncture group had additional significant improvement in spontaneous conversation (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Combining acupuncture and tDCS as an adjuvant therapy for subacute PSA led to significant spontaneous speech and word retrieval improvements. Future prospective, multi-ethnic, multi-center trials are warranted.

HIV prevalence and risk factors among premarital couples in Dehong Prefecture of Yunnan Province, 2017 / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To understand the prevalence of HIV infection and its influencing factors in the premarital physical examination population in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, 2017. Methods The data of people receiving premarital medical examination was collected, the demographic characteristics was described and the related factors was analyzed by Logistic regression. Results There were 21 875 participants receiving premarital medical examination in Dehong. 98(0.45%) participants were confirmed positive for HIV and male infection rate was 0.47% (52/10 955) and female was 0.42% (46/10 920). Among the 98 patients, 20 patients were infected in the first time, and main route was sexual transmission accounting for 81.63% (80/98). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that age, ethnicity and drug use were the influencing factors for premarital couples infecting HIV. The risk of HIV infection in 31-40 and 41-50 years old group was higher than the people under 25 years old group(OR=3.78, 95% CI：1.81-7.89, P<0.001；OR=3.95, 95% CI：1.72-9.08, P=0.001). The infection risk of Dai and Jingpo ethnic group was higher than that of the Han ethnic(OR=1.86, 95% CI：1.06-3.29, P=0.031；OR=3.25, 95% CI：1.81-5.84, P<0.001). The risk of infection among drug users was much higher than non-drug users (OR=926.76, 95% CI：271.65-3 161.71, P<0.001). Conclusion Age, ethnicity, and drug use are influencing factors of HIV infection among premarital couples. Targeted measures need to be taken against risk factors. HIV infection is mainly transmitted by sexual transmission. It can be effectively detected and controlled through premarital medical examination.

Effects of different doses of methamphetamine on spatial learning and memory in mice and the mechanism / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the different-dose effects of methamphetamine (METH) on spatial learning and memory and the possible mechanisms. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg of METH or normal saline. The drug was injected intraperitoneally 30 min prior to the Morris water maze. All mice experienced 5 consecutive days' positioning navigation experiment and the spatial exploration experiment conducted 24 hours after the last training trial. Immediately after the probe test, the mice were killed by cervical dislocation and the hippocampus was dissected. Western blot was used to detect changes in phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus. Results: Compared with the mice in saline group, those in 1.0 mg/kg METH group had a significantly shorter latency (P<0.05), spent more time in the target quadrant (P<0.05), and had more platform site crossings (P<0.05). Moreover, 0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg of METH did not significantly affect the mice's spatial learning and memory, but 0.5 mg/kg of METH showed a memory-promoting trend, while 2.0 mg/kg of METH showed a memory-destroying trend. METH of 1.0 mg/kg significantly increased p-ERK1/2 (P<0.05) and p-CREB (P<0.05) levels in the hippocampus. Conclusion: METH of 1.0 mg/kg significantly improved mice's spatial learning and memory. The effect of METH is an inverted U-curve among three doses of METH at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg. ERK1/2 and CREB in the hippocampus may be involved in METH-induced improvement of spatial learning and memory in mice.

Influencing factors of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients of intensive care unit / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in intensive care units, and provide evidence for corresponding clinical decisions. Methods A case-control study was carried out:224 VTE patients admitted to the ICUs of tertiary hospitals in Kunshan from Nov. 2011 to Nov. 2016 were included in the case group, and 224 non-VTE patients admitted during the same period were randomly selected as the control. The patients' medical history, laboratory tests, prophylaxis and treatment of VTE, and other relevant data were retrieved. Logistic aggression analysis was utilized to identify the influencing factors of VTE in hospitalized critically ill patients. Results The univariate analysis showed that gender, age, hypertension, smoking, D-dimer, Caprini scaling, prophylaxis and treatment of VTE were associated with VTE. The multivariate analysis indicated that except hypertension, the other varieties were independent influencing factors of VTE in hospitalized critically ill patients:female ( OR=1.68, 95％CI:1.09-2.61, P=0.02), higher age(OR=1.03, 95％CI:1.01-1.04, P<0.01), smoking(OR=6.82, 95％CI:1.70-27.46, P=0.007), smoking(OR=6.82, 95％CI:1.70-27.46, P=0.007), D-dimer(OR=0.94, 95％CI:0.92-0.96, P<0.01), higher Caprini scaling(OR=1.80, 95％CI:1.33-2.44, P<0.01), prophylaxis and treatment of VTE(OR=0.34, 95％CI:0.15-0.79, P=0.01). Conclusions Those ICU patients who are female, elder, with smoking history, have higher test value of D-dimer should be screened and assessed for VTE, and those with higher Caprini scaling should be given closer attention, and receive corresponding prophylaxis and treatment to reduce the formation of VTE and its damage.

Effect of percutaneous coronary intervention and medical therapy on quality of life and cognitive function in patients with coronary heart disease / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To explore the effect and difference of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and medical therapy on quality of life and cognitive function in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD),and to investigate the relationship between quality of life and cognitive function.Methods:A total of 320 patients with CHD,who underwent coronary angiography and PCI (PCI group,n=160),or underwent coronary angiography and medical therapy (drug therapy group,n=160),were selected.The quality of life was assessed by using the Health Survey Form SF-36 (SF-36) and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ),and the cognitive function was assessed by using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).General data of patients were collected on the day of coronary angiography.Telephone follow-up was conducted in 1 month after treatment,and the outpatient review was carried out in 3 and 6 months after treatment.Results:A total of 309 valid questionnaires were collected.The scores of quality of life in the PCI group and the drug therapy group after treatment were both increased compared with those before treatment (both P＜0.05).The SF-36 scores of four dimensions (role physical,bodily pain,vitality and mental health) in the PCI group were all significantly greater than those in the drug therapy group (all P＜0.05).The SAQscores of two dimensions (angina stability and angina frequency) were both higher in the PCI group than those in the drug therapy group in 6 months of post-operation (all P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in cognitive function before and after the treatment in the 2 groups (P＞0.05).There was no significant difference in cognitive function between the PCI group and the drug therapy group (P＞0.05).In the PCI group,physical function,role physical,bodily pain,and role emotional were positively correlated with cognitive function (r=0.207,0.182,0.184,0.176 respectively,all P＜0.05).In the drug therapy group,there was no correlation between quality of life and cognitive function.Conclusion:The quality of life for the patients is improved in the PCI group and the drug therapy group,but the improvement degree in the PCI group is more obvious.Both PCI and drug therapy do not result in the decrease of cognitive function,and there is no difference between the 2 groups.There is positive correlation between quality of life and cognitive function in the PCI group,there is no correlation between quality of life and cognitive function in the drug therapy group.

Triterpenes from the stem bark of Mitragyna diversifolia and their cytotoxic activity / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To study the chemical constituents and bioactivity of the stem bark of Mitragyna diversifolia.@*METHOD@#Compounds were isolated by various chromatographic methods. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV, MS, and NMR), and they were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities by the MTT method.@*RESULTS@#Eight triterpenes were isolated and identified as 3α, 6β, 19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (1), 3β, 6β, 19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (2), 3-oxo-6β-19α-dihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (3), 3β, 6β, 19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-24, 28-dioic acid 24-methyl ester (4), 3β, 6β, 19α, 24-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (5), rotundic acid (6), 23-nor-24-exomethylene- 3β, 6β, 19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (7), and pololic acid (8), respectively. All of the isolates were tested against two human tumor cell lines, MCF-7 (breast) and HT-29 (colon).@*CONCLUSION@#Compound 1 was a new triterpene. Compounds 5 - 7 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the growth of MCF-7 and HT-29 cells, and the others showed no cytotoxicity.

Effect of electroacupuncture on the pathomorphology of the sciatic nerve and the sensitization of P2X₃ receptors in the dorsal root ganglion in rats with chronic constrictive injury / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the pathomorphology of the sciatic nerve and the role of P2X3 receptors in EA analgesia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was adopted in this study. A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham CCI, CCI, CCI plus contralateral EA (CCI + conEA) and CCI plus ipsilateral EA (CCI + ipsEA). Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured. EA began at day 7 after the CCI operation and was applied to the Zusanli (ST 36) and Yanglingquan acupoints (GB 34). At day 14, the pathomorphologic changes of the operated sciatic nerve were demonstrated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from rats were examined by electrophysiological recording to determine if the P2X3 receptor agonists, adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium (ATP) and α,β-methylen-ATP (α,β-meATP) evoked inward currents.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pain thresholds in the CCI group were obviously decreased post CCI surgery (P<0.01). In the EA groups, thermal and mechanical threshold values were increased after the last EA treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in light microscopic examination among the four groups (P>0.05). Current amplitude after application of ATP and α,β-meATP in DRG neurons were much larger in the CCI group compared to those obtained in sham CCI (P<0.05). ATP and α, β-meATP invoked amplitudes in the CCI + EA groups were reduced. There was no signififi cant difference between the CCI + conEA group and the CCI + ipsEA group (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA analgesia may be mediated by decreasing the response of P2X3 receptors to the agonists ATP and α,β-meATP in the DRG of rats with CCI. No pathological changes of the sciatic nerve of rats were observed after EA treatment.</p>

Correction of minor exophthalmos by enlargement of orbital volume through conjunctive approach / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the treatment of minor exophthalmos by enlargement of orbital volume through conjunctive approach.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Through the conjunctive approach medial to the eye ball, the dissection was performed subperiosteally to expose the ethmoid bone at the medial orbital wall. The exposure bone was 2.5-3.0 cm in length and 2.0-2.5 cm in width. Then the ethmoid bone was fractured to enlarge the orbital volume. From June 2006 to April 2008, 3 cases were treated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients recovered in a short time with no visible skin scar. The technique was mini-invasive, and didn't affect the function of eyeball.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is easy and effective way to correct the minor exophthalmos by enlargement of orbital volume through conjunctive approach.</p>

Adrenal function evaluation using ACTH stimulation test in children with sepsis and septic shock / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Sepsis and septic shock remain a common problem that results in significant mortality and morbidity in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). According to literature, the use of more physiologic steroid replacement therapy is associated with hemodynamic and survival benefits in adult patients with relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) and catecholamine-resistant septic shock. But little information is available in children. The aim of the current prospective study was to determine the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in children with sepsis and septic shock using a low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test (1 microg/1.73 m2) in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The authors performed cortisol estimation at baseline and after low-dose (1 microg/1.73 m2) ACTH stimulation at 30 mins in children during the first 24 hours in patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to our PICU. Adrenal insufficiency was defined as a response < or = 90 microg/L. Absolute adrenal insufficiency (AAI) was further defined as baseline cortisol (T0) < 200 microg/L and RAI insufficiency by T0 > or = 200 microg/L.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sixty-two consecutive cases with sepsis and septic shock admitted to PICU of Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Children's Hospital from April, 2006 to March, 2007. The median age was 37.6 months (range, 2 - 168 months), and their gender distribution was 42 (67.7%) males and 20 (32.3%) females, 53 cases had sepsis (85.5%) and 9 had septic shock (14.5%). The mean pediatric critical illness score (PCIS) was 79.3 +/- 9.2 and median pediatric risk of mortality score (PRMSIII) 11.3 (5 - 19), respectively. Overall mortality of sepsis and septic shock was 27.42%. The evaluation of adrenal insufficiency was conducted as follows. (1) The mean cortisol levels at baseline (T0) and 30 mins after ACTH stimulation (T1) were (318.6 +/- 230.4) microg/L, (452.3 +/- 230.7) microg/L and (454.7 +/- 212.7) microg/L, (579.3 +/- 231.9) microg/L in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock group, respectively. There were no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). (2) The proportion of patients with adrenal insufficiency in the study population was 40.3% as defined by a response < or = 90 microg/L post test. The proportion of patients with adrenal insufficiency in sepsis and septic shock were 39.6% and 44.4%, respectively (chi2) = 0.073, P > 0.05). (3) The serum T0 and T1 levels were (320.5 +/- 223.9) microg/L, (462.3 +/- 212.0) microg/L and (384.3 +/- 258.3) microg/L, (500.7 +/- 470.6) microg/L, respectively, and the proportion of patients with adrenal insufficiency were 37.8% and 47.1% in the survivors and the dead (P > 0.05). The levels of T0 and T1 were related to the PCIS (P < 0.05). The morbidity of adrenal insufficiency was not related to the PCIS, PRISMIII, and number of organ that developed functional insufficiency (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Adrenal insufficiency may occur in patients with sepsis and septic shock in children. ACTH stimulation test may be helpful to determine whether corticosteroid therapy has a survival benefit in patients with relative adrenal insufficiency. A low-dose ACTH stimulation test can be used to evaluate the adrenal function status of severe sepsis and septic shock in children.</p>

Clinical observation on xiehuo yangyin powder in treating 30 initial stage of toxic and diffuse goiter patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of Xiehuo Yangyin powder (XHYY) in treating the initial stage of toxic and diffuse goiter (Graves' disease).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups, the treated group (n = 30) was treated with XHYY and methimazole, while the control group (n = 30) was treated with methimazole alone. The TCM syndrome score and thyroxin level in the two groups were compared and analyzed before, and 2 weeks, 12 weeks after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The syndrome score and thyroxin level in the treated group 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 12 weeks after treatment were reduced in comparing with before treatment, with the improvement better than those in the control group in the corresponding stages (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Chinese herbal medicine XHYY plus methimazole, in treating Graves' disease, could rapidly and effectively improve the patients' clinical symptoms and lower the thyroxin level, reduce the daily taken of methimazole.</p>

The Apoptosis Induction of CT 26 Cells by Recombinant Clostridium difficile Toxin B / 微生物学通报

To investigate the induction of apoptosis of mouse colonic adenocarcinoma CT26 cells by recombinant Clostridium difficile toxin B (rTcdB), CT26 cells were exposed to different concentrations of rTcd B. Inhibition of cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. The activation of Caspase 3 was measured by colorimetric method. Cell morphological analysis and flow cytometry were performed to confirm cell apoptosis. rTcd B inhibited the proliferation of CT26 cells in a timeand dose-dependent manner. Caspase 3 activity in CT26 cells was elevated remarkably after rTcd B exposure for 6 h, 12 h, 18 h or 24 h, as compared with the control group. Morphological changes were observed by fluorescence microscopy. The exposure of rTcd B to CT26 cells induced a timeand dose-dependent apoptotic cell death as determined by flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that recombinant Clostridium difficile toxin B induced apoptosis of CT26 cells.