Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) can induce cryptogenic stroke and are also an important cause of stroke in young adults. The risk of ischemic stroke increases with age in patients with PAVMs. Contrast echocardiography can be used for early screening of PAVMs, especially in young patients with cryptogenic stroke. After treatment, patients with PAVMs have a reduced risk of ischemic stroke. This article summarizes the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of PAVMs by retrieving studies on PAVMs and ischemic stroke, in order to improve the understanding of PAVMs and avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Electroacupuncture activation of the c-Fos gene in swallowing-related brain regions / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints CV23 and GV16 in activating c-Fos genes in the brain regions related to swallowing.Methods:Twenty C57 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, an EA at CV23 group, an EA at GV16 group and an EA at CV23+ GV16 group, each of 5. All except the mice in the blank group were given EA at the relevant acupoints CV23 or GV16 or both, respectively, for 15min. Samples were collected from all of the groups 50min after the EA treatment, and immunofluorescence staining was used to quantify the expression of the c-Fos gene in the brain regions controlling swallowing.Results:In the nucleus tractus solitarii the average number of c-Fos positive cells of the CV23 group was (445.1±43.14)/mm 2, significantly higher than the (297.47±25.54)/mm 2 of the GV16 group. No significant differences were observed in the average number of c-Fos positive cells in parabrachial nucleus. In the primary motor cortex the average number of c-Fos positive cells in the GV16 group was significantly higher than in the other two groups. In the primary sensory cortex the CV23+ GV16 group had a significantly higher average number. Conclusions:EA at the CV23 most strongly activates the c-Fos gene in the nucleus tractus solitarii. For c-Fos activation in the primary motor cortex GV16 is the most effective point. For c-Fos activation in the primary sensory cortex, EA at CV23 and GV16 together is recommended. These results may guide the selection of acupoints in treating dysphagia.

Clinical Study on Acupuncture for Post-stroke Myodystonia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus contralateral needling in treating post-stoke myodystonia. Method Totally 120 patients with post-stroke myodystonia were randomized into group A, B, C and D, 30 in each group. Group A was intervened by yin-reducing and yang-tonifying needling method plus contralateral needling; group B was by ordinary acupuncture plus contralateral needling, group C was by yin-reducing and yang-tonifying needling alone, while group D by ordinary acupuncture. Clinical Spasticity Index (CSI) was observed before and after intervention. Result After treatment, the CSI scores (tendon reflex, muscle tension, episodic spasm scores and total score) were significantly changed in the four groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The tendon reflex score, muscle tension score and total score in group A were significantly different from that in the other three groups after intervention (P<0.01,P<0.05). There was a significant difference in comparing the episodic spasm score between group A and D after intervention (P<0.01). There were significant differences in comparing the tendon reflex score, muscle tension score and total score between group B and D after intervention (P<0.05). The total score in group C was markedly different from that in group D after intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion Yin-reducing and yang-tonifying needling method plus contralateral needling is an effective method in treating post-stroke myodystonia.