RESUMO
Objective To investigate the correlation between the level of presenilin-associated rhomboidlike protein (PARL) and the sperm motility,survival rate and deformity rate of sperm in workers exposed to aluminum.Methods A total of 162 male workers exposed to aluminum in a large aluminum enterprise in Guangxi were selected as the exposure group,and the 162 staff members of the service company were selected as the control group by matching the age and length of service.The concentration of aluminum in the working environment and the aluminum content in the blood and urine were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the level of PARL protein in sperm and sperm function was evaluated.Results The average concentrations of aluminum in the batching,electrolysis and casting of aluminum exposure group were (6.72± 1.45),(7.23± 1.50) and (7.35± 1.72)mg/m3,which were significantly higher than those of the control group (F=8.314,P＜0.001).The content of aluminum in blood and urine of exposed group were significantly higher than those of control group (P＜0.05),while the levels of PARL of exposed group were significantly lower than those of control group (P＜0.05).Moreover,the sperm survival rate and sperm motility of exposed group were significantly lower than those of the control group,and the sperm deformity rates of exposed group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation of sperm motility,sperm survival rate and protein level of PARL (rsprm motility=0.713,P=0.012;rsperm survival rate =0.628,P=0.008);while the sperm deformity rate and protein level of PARL showed a significant negative correlation (rsperm deformity rate =0.953,P =0.002).Conclusion The sperm function was significantly impaired in aluminum exposed workers,and the changes of sperm motility,survival rate and malformation rate were closely related to the protein level of PARL.
RESUMO
Objective To investigate the effect of acupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points plus virtual balancing game on balance function in stroke patients.Methods Fifty patients with poststroke balance dysfunction were randomly allocated: 25 cases to the treatment group and 25 cases to the control groups. The treatment group received acupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points plus virtual balancing game-based rehabilitation training and the control group, virtual balancing game-based rehabilitation training alone. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) score, the COP offset distance indices (EO2, EC2, EOTS and EO1) and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) score were recorded in the two groups before and after treatment.Results There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in the BBS score, the TUGT score, the COP offset distance indices and the MBI score in the two groups of patients (P<0.05). There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in the BBS score, the TUGT score, the COP offset distance indices and the MBI score between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points plus virtual balancing game is an effective way to treat poststroke balance dysfunction.