The long-term survival of patients with III-IVb stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with IMRT with or without Nimotuzumab: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of Nimotuzumab in combination with first-line chemoradiotherapy treatment in Chinese patients with primary III-IVb stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: Patients with primary locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy between January 2008 and December 2013 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Group A received at least 6 doses of Nimotuzumab, while Group B did not receive Nimotuzumab. A propensity score matching method was used to match patients from each group in a 1:3 ratio. RESULTS: In total, 730 eligible patients were propensity matched, with 184 patients in Group A and 546 patients in Group B. Significant differences were not observed in the patient and tumor characteristics between Group A and Group B. At a median follow-up of 74.78 months (range 3.53-117.83 months), locoregional recurrence, distant failure and death were observed in 10.68, 11.10 and 16.03% of all patients, respectively. The estimated 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, progression-free survival and overall survival in the Group A versus Group B were 85.34% versus 89.79% (P = 0.156), 93.09% versus 85.61% (P = 0.012), 79.96% versus 77.99% (P = 0.117) and 88.91% versus 78.30% (P = 0.006), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This nimotuzumab-containing regimen resulted in improved long-term survival of III-IVb stage NPC patients and warrants further prospective evaluation.

Dose-dependent effect of Curcuma longa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Curcuma longa is a plant that belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It has been used in Siddha medicine for thousands of years in Asia. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects the motor system of the brain. Death of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra leads to PD. Exposure to salsolinol, which is an endogenous neurotoxin, has been associated with damage to dopamine-producing cells. The present study assessed the toxicity of salsolinol in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and subsequently investigated the neuroprotective potential of C. longa extract in salsolinol-induced toxic conditions in SH-SY5Y cells. Sulphorhodamine-B assay showed the protective effect of the anti-apoptotic effect of treated SH-SY5Y cells. Fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscope analysis indicated the anti-apoptotic impact of the C. longa extract. Mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species were reduced in C. longa extract-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Downregulated mRNA expression levels of p53, Bcl-2-associated X protein and caspase 3 were observed in the C. longa extract-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Caspase 3 activity was reduced in the C. longa extract-treated SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrated that solsolinol is neurotoxic to SH-SY5Y cells, and C. longa extract may be useful in the treatment of PD.

In vitro properties of magnesium doped hydroxyapatite coating on the surface of carbon/carbon composites / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: In the early study, hydroxyapatite coatings containing magnesium (Mg-HA) were successfully prepared on the carbon/carbon composite surface by electromagnetic induction deposition. The effects of different induction deposition time on the morphology of Mg-HA coating were analyzed. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the in vitro properties of Mg-HA coating on the carbon/carbon composites. METHODS: HA (control group) and Mg-HA (experimental group) coating were prepared on the surface of carbon/carbon composites.(1)In vitro solubility:Carbon/carbon composites with different coatings were immersed in low-glucose DMEM medium, and surface morphology, ion concentration, and coating adhesion were tested before and after immersion. (2) Cytocompatibility: Carbon/carbon composites with different coatings were respectively cultured with mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for 6 days, and cell proliferation was measured by scanning electron microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) One day after soaking, sediments formed on the coating surface in both groups, but there were more sediments in the experimental group than the control group. Six days after soaking, the sediments completely covered the coating surface in the experimental group, while there were still some gaps in the control group; Ca and P were both detected on the coating surface in the two groups, and the Mg content on the coating surface was obviously higher in the experimental group than the control group. (2) Six days after soaking, the concentrations of Ca, P and Mg in the control group continued to fall; in the experimental group, the concentrations of Ca and P were also reduced gradually, but the Mg concentration arose gradually. Moreover, the Mg concentration was significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group (P < 0.05). (3) The bonding strength of the coating in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group before and after 6 days soaking. In summary, the Mg-HA coating has better bonding strength and cell compatibility.

[Effects of Scalp Acupuncture on Serum NSE and S-100ß Concentrations and Postoperative Cogni- tive Function of Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Replacement].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Scalp acupuncture on serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) and S-100ß concentrations, and incidence rates of postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive function (POCD) of elderly patients undergoing hip replacement. METHODS: Eighty-four patients undergoing scheduled hip replacement under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) were assigned to the control group (group C) and the scalp acupuncture group (group S) according to random digit table, 42 cases in each group. In group S, scalp acupuncture was additionally performed according to International Standardized Scheme for Scalp Acupuncture. Scalp acupuncture was performed during the operation from the MS1 middle line of forehead [1 cun before Shenting (GV24), including Shenting (GV24)] and MS5 middle line of vertex [from Baihui (DU20) to Qianding (DU21), including Baihui (DU20) and Qianding (DU21)]. The operation time and post-operative length of stay were observed. The midazolam dosage, hemorrhage amount, fluid transfusion amount, urine amount, use rates of ephedrine and atropine during the operation were also observed and compared between the two groups. The occurrence rate of POD and POCD at post-operative day 3 (T1), week 1 (T2), month 3 (T3), and month 6 (T4) were measured. Eighteen patients were randomly selected to collect blood from internal jugular vein before anesthesia t0), immediately after ending the surgery (t1), 6 h after operation (t2), 24 h after operation (t3), and 48 h after operation (t4), respectively. Serum levels of NSE and S-100ß were correspondingly measured. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the operation time, midazolam dosage used during the operation, hemorrhage amount, fluid transfusion amount, urine amount, use rates of ephedrine and atropine (P > 0.05). Compared with group C, the post-operative length of stay was shortened in group S (P < 0.05). The incidence rate of POD and that of POCD at each time point were lower in group S (P < 0.05). The expression level of NSE decreased at t2, t3, and t4, and the expression level of S100ß also decreased at t1, t2, t3, and t4(P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in expression levels of NSE or S100ß between the two groups at other time points (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Scalp acupuncture could attenuate central nervous system lesion and improve POCD of elderly patients undergoing hip replacement.

Effects of Scalp Acupuncture on Serum NSE and S-100β Concentrations and Postoperative Cogni- tive Function of Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Replacement / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Scalp acupuncture on serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) and S-100β concentrations, and incidence rates of postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive function (POCD) of elderly patients undergoing hip replacement.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-four patients undergoing scheduled hip replacement under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) were assigned to the control group (group C) and the scalp acupuncture group (group S) according to random digit table, 42 cases in each group. In group S, scalp acupuncture was additionally performed according to International Standardized Scheme for Scalp Acupuncture. Scalp acupuncture was performed during the operation from the MS1 middle line of forehead [1 cun before Shenting (GV24), including Shenting (GV24)] and MS5 middle line of vertex [from Baihui (DU20) to Qianding (DU21), including Baihui (DU20) and Qianding (DU21)]. The operation time and post-operative length of stay were observed. The midazolam dosage, hemorrhage amount, fluid transfusion amount, urine amount, use rates of ephedrine and atropine during the operation were also observed and compared between the two groups. The occurrence rate of POD and POCD at post-operative day 3 (T₁), week 1 (T₂), month 3 (T₃), and month 6 (T₄) were measured. Eighteen patients were randomly selected to collect blood from internal jugular vein before anesthesia t₀), immediately after ending the surgery (t₁), 6 h after operation (t₂), 24 h after operation (t₃), and 48 h after operation (t₄), respectively. Serum levels of NSE and S-100β were correspondingly measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no statistical difference in the operation time, midazolam dosage used during the operation, hemorrhage amount, fluid transfusion amount, urine amount, use rates of ephedrine and atropine (P > 0.05). Compared with group C, the post-operative length of stay was shortened in group S (P < 0.05). The incidence rate of POD and that of POCD at each time point were lower in group S (P < 0.05). The expression level of NSE decreased at t₂, t3, and t₄, and the expression level of S100β also decreased at t₁, t₂, t₃, and t₄(P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in expression levels of NSE or S100β between the two groups at other time points (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Scalp acupuncture could attenuate central nervous system lesion and improve POCD of elderly patients undergoing hip replacement.</p>

Association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism and ischemic stroke in the Chinese population: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism and ischemic stroke (IS) has been extensively studied; however, the results from genetic association studies have been inconsistent even in the Chinese population. As far as we know, there was no previous meta-analysis concerning this association in the Chinese population. Therefore, the aim of our meta-analysis was to further evaluate the association in the Chinese population. METHODS: We collected all of the relevant studies from Pubmed, OVID, Embase, Chinese Wan Fang database, CNKI, Chongqing VIP database and CBM up to August 2014. The available data was analyzed by Stata (version 12.0). We used odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to present the strength of the association. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the Q-test and I(2) statistic. Different genetic models, subgroup analysis, publication bias and sensitivity analysis were used to improve the comprehensive understanding. RESULTS: The results showed a significant association between the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and IS in six genetic models (additive model: OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.17 ∼ 1.54, p < 0.001; dominant model: OR = 1.44, 95% CI:1.26 ∼ 1.64, p < 0.001; recessive model: OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15 ∼ 1.83, p = 0.001; heterozygote model: OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18 ∼ 1.55, p < 0.001; homozygote model: OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.34 ∼ 2.41, p < 0.001; and allelic model: OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.17 ∼ 1.53, p < 0.001) based on the overall population, as well as subgroup analysis. In addition, the similar results were obtained in the sensitivity analysis based on studies with the high quality. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis presented a significant association between the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and IS, the T allele might be a risk factor for IS in the Chinese population.

Percutaneous K-wire pry-poking reposition and fixation for O'Brien Ⅱ, Ⅲ pediatric radial neck fracture / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the outcome of percutaneous K-wire leverage reduction and fixation for O'Brien Ⅱ,Ⅲ pediatric radial neck fracture.Methods From March 2010 to February 2013,16 children with O'Brien Ⅱ,Ⅲ pediatric radial neck fracture were operated in our hospital.There were 6 females and 10 males aged from 6 to 14 years old.There were 12 left arms and 4 right arms.Concomitant injuries included proximal ulna fractures in 2 cases and medial epicondyle fracture of humerus in 1 case.All children present a swollen and painful elbow with loss of rotation and pain on pronation and supination.The mean visual analogue score (VAS) was 7.9 (range,6.5-9.2).The flextion,extention,pronation and supination of elbow were 78°±3°,-54°±4°,9°±3° and 5°±3° in average.All cases were classified by the O'Brien system,including 9 cases of Ⅱ type and 7 cases of Ⅲ type.Mechanism of injury was fall from a height.The interval between injury and surgery averaged 2.8 days.Percutaneous leverage reduction and fixation were performed for 16 patients.After confirming successful reduction,the wire was advanced to the far cortex of the radius and penetrated into the far cortex to maintain the reduction status.4 weeks of long-arm cast followed by functional exercises were carried out for all patients.We analyzed radiographs and clinical results according to the criteria suggested by Metaizeau.Results 16 patients were followed up for 11.8 month in average after operation.14 patients were gained anatomical reduction.No patient had posterior interosseous nerve injury,fracture redisplacement and pin site infection.All fractures healed in a mean of 4.1 weeks.The follow-up flextion,extention,pronation and supination of elbow were 136°±4°,-2°±2°,81 °±4° and 75°±4° in average.Follow-up radiographs showed no patient had avascular necrosis of radial head.One patient had physeal arrest after 15 months of operation and outpatient follow-up observation were conducted.According to Metaizeau function scale,8 were excellent,7 good and 1 fair.The healing rate was 93.8％ (15/16).Conclusion Percutaneous joystick reduction and fixation technique have good effect for O'Brien Ⅱ,Ⅲ pediatric radial neck fracture,which is simple and easy to master.

[Aboveground biomass of natural Castanopsis carlesii-Schima superba community in Xiaokeng of Nanling Mountains, South China].

By the method of clear cutting, a measurement was made on the aboveground biomass (AGB) of 24-year old natural Castanopsis carlesii-Schima superba community in an 800 m2 plot in Xiaokeng of Nanling Mountains, South China. The distribution patterns of the total AGB in different forest layers, tree species, and tree layer organs were investigated, and the AGB regression models were constructed. The results showed that when constructing the AGB regression models, more than 12 samples would be feasible. Based on the measured AGB of 265 felled trees, the AGB models of mixed broadleaved species were AGB = 0. 128D(2.372) and AGB = 242.331(D2H)(0.947). The single tree's AGB model of C. carlesii, S. superba, and Cunninghamia lanceolata was also established. The total AGB of the forest community was 115.20 t x hm(-2), of which, the AGB of tree layer, understory layer, liana, and litter layer was 111.25, 1.01, 0.36, and 2.58 t x hm(-2), respectively. The AGB of C. carlesii and S. superba took up 39.1% and 28.7% of the tree layer AGB, respectively. The AGB of tree stem and branch-leaf occupied 81.0% and 19.0% of the tree layer AGB, respectively.

[Expression of sCD40L in peripheral blood and NF-κBp65 in PBMC of patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction].

AIM: To study the expressional changes of soluble CD40 ligand(sCD40L) in peripheral blood serum and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction(APCI). METHODS: We selected ninety-nine patients getting APCI less than 7 d of the onset as APCI group by prospective method. Each 100 cases of patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI) in the same and with cerebral arteriosclerosis(CAS) in the outpatient were respectively selected as ACI and CAS group. The expressional changes of sCD40L in peripheral blood serum and NF-κBp65 in PBMC of patients with CAS on admission, of patients with APCI and ACI when in hospital, on the course of seventh day, of fourteen and of thirtieth were detected respectively. RESULTS: The expression of sCD40L in peripheral blood serum and NF-κBp65 in PBMC of patients of ACI group on admission were obviously higher all than that of CAS group (P<0.05); The expression of sCD40L in peripheral blood serum and NF-κBp65 in PBMC of patients of APCI group when in hospital, on the course of seventh day, of fourteen and of thirtieth were obviously higher all than that of ACI group (P<0.05 ). CONCLUSION: The inflammatory and apoptotic mechanism mediated by expressional excessive increase of CD40-CD40L signal passage and NF-κB in PBMC might be one of the molecular biology mechanisms of onset and progress for APCI.

Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase gene 511C/T polymorphism is associated with cerebral hemorrhage / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To explore the distribution of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT)gene 511C/T polymorphism in Chinese Han population and the association of its polymorphism with the occurrence of cerebral hemorrhage (CH). Methods The LCAT gene 511C/T polymorphism was identified by PCR, single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing in 150 patients with CH and 122 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Results The 511 situs of the fourth extron in LCAT gene existed polymorphism; C/T in this situs of both groups satisfied Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The CT genotype frequency (3.3%) and T allele frequency (1.7%) in patient group were not significantly higher than those (1.6%, 0.8%, respectively) in controls (P＞0.05).The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in 511CC subgroup ([1.44±0.42] mmol/L) was significantly higher than that in 511CT subgroup ([1.06±0.30] mmol/L) of patient group (P＜0.05).Conclusion The LCAT gene 511C/T polymorphism is not possibly a predisposing factor of CH in Chinese Han population. T allele frequency might be connected with the metabolism of HDL-C.

Effects of genistein on beta-catenin signaling and subcellular distribution of actin-binding proteins in human umbilical CD105-positive stromal cells.

This study was performed to define the roles of actin-binding proteins in the regulation of actin filament assembly associated with cellular signal transduction pathways in stromal cell proliferation. Genistein, a tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor, decreased the intracellular Ca(2+) and attenuated cell proliferation and DNA synthesis through the beta-catenin and cyclin D1 pathway in human umbilical CD105-positive cells. Immunoprecipitation studies using anti-beta-actin antibody revealed that several actin-binding proteins implicated in cells include formin-2 (FMN-2), caldesmon (CaD), tropomyosin (Tm), and profilin. Protein levels of these proteins in whole cell lysates were not significantly changed by genistein. Three Tm isoforms, Tm-1, Tm-2, and Tm-4, were found to be present in cells. Genistein caused a reduction in levels of mRNAs coding for Tm-1 and Tm-4, but had no significant effect on Tm-2 mRNA levels. Immunofluorescence confocal scanning microscopy indicated that changes in the subcellular distribution of Tm and CaD, in which the diffuse cytosolic staining was shifted to show colocalization with actin stress fibers. In contrast, genistein-induced accumulation of FMN-2 and profilin in the peri-nuclear area. Silencing of FMN-2 by small interfering RNA resulted in increases of intracellular Ca(2+) and rendered genistein resistance in decreasing intracellular Ca(2+) in cells. These results provide the novel findings that genistein acts by modulating the cellular distribution of actin-binding proteins in association with alterations of cellular signal transduction pathways in human stromal cell proliferation.

Relationship between NF-κB1 gene polymorphism and acute progressive cerebral infarction of Chinese Han population in Qingdao district / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between NF-kB1-94ins/delATTG gene polymorphism and acute progressive cerebral infarction(APCD ofChinese Hart population in Qingdaodistrict Methods We detected the polymorphism of NF-κB1 -94ins/delA TTG gene in 100 patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI group) and 99 patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction (APCI group) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)analysis. The changes of expression of NF-κBp65 in PBMC cellular nucleus in the 2 groups were detected by cell immunohistochemistry. Results The frequency of TT genetype and T allele in the APCI group was significantly higher than that in the ACI group (P<0.05). Analysis on the relative risk of allele frequency showed that patients with T allele had 1.622 times of risk in having APCI than patients with C allele; logistic regressive analysis indicated that NF-κB1 TT genotype was independently related to the attacking of APCI (OR=2.14, 95% CI: 2.654-8.296, P<0.05). The expressions of NF-κBp65 of PBMC cellular nucleus of TT genotypic individuals in APCI group were significantly higher than those in ACI group (P<0.05); logistic regressive analysis indicated that the expressions of NF-KBp65 in PBMC cellular nucleus of TT genotypic individuals were independently related to the attacking of APCI (OR=1.96; 95% CI: 2.267-7.691; P<0.05). Conclusion The NF-κB1 gene polymorphism might participate in the onset of APCI and T allele of NF-κB1 gene might be a genetic risk factor of getting APCI for Chinese Han populations in Qingdao district. The NF-κB1 T allele carrier might increase the happening of APCI through up regulating the expression of NF-kB1.

[Effects of Linggui Bafa on the therapeutic effect and quality of life in patients of post-stroke depression].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into effects of Linggui Bafa (method for picking eight points linked with extraordinary meridians according to time) on the therapeutic effect and quality of life in patients of post stroke depression. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into 3 groups, an observation group 1, an observation group 2 and a control group, 40 cases in each group. All patients were given routine clinical treatments and second level medical prevention. Patients in the observation group 1 received Linggui Bafa acupuncture treatment 2 weeks after stroke; at the same time the observation group 2 was treated with oral administration of Sertraline. The control group did not receive any form of either acupuncture or oral medication, but early rehabilitative intervention and psychological treatment were initiated. Curative effects were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Function Independent Measure (FIM), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and SF-36 after the treatment and 6 months later, respectively. RESULTS: The scores of HAMD, FIM (cognition function) and general health, role-physical, role-emotional, social function, vitality, mental health in SF-36 in the observation group 1 were significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment and 6 months later (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of physical function in SF-36 after treatment and NIHSS 6 months later in the observation group 1 were significantly improved than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of FIM (cognition function) and role-physical, social function, mental health in SF-36 after treatment and HAMD and general health, social function, mental health in SF-36 6 months later in the observation group 2 were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of HAMD, FIM (cognition function) and general health, role-emotional, social function, vitality, mental health in SF-36 in the observation group 1 were significantly improved than those in the observation group 2 after treatment and 6 months later (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of NIHSS and role-physical in SF-36 in the observation group 1 were significantly higher than those in the observation group 2 6 months later (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can improve depression symptoms and quality of life of patients with post stroke depression and the effects were better than Sertraline.

Effects of Linggui Bafa on the therapeutic effect and quality of life in patients of post-stroke depression / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe into effects of Linggui Bafa (method for picking eight points linked with extraordinary meridians according to time) on the therapeutic effect and quality of life in patients of post stroke depression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into 3 groups, an observation group 1, an observation group 2 and a control group, 40 cases in each group. All patients were given routine clinical treatments and second level medical prevention. Patients in the observation group 1 received Linggui Bafa acupuncture treatment 2 weeks after stroke; at the same time the observation group 2 was treated with oral administration of Sertraline. The control group did not receive any form of either acupuncture or oral medication, but early rehabilitative intervention and psychological treatment were initiated. Curative effects were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Function Independent Measure (FIM), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and SF-36 after the treatment and 6 months later, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The scores of HAMD, FIM (cognition function) and general health, role-physical, role-emotional, social function, vitality, mental health in SF-36 in the observation group 1 were significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment and 6 months later (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of physical function in SF-36 after treatment and NIHSS 6 months later in the observation group 1 were significantly improved than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of FIM (cognition function) and role-physical, social function, mental health in SF-36 after treatment and HAMD and general health, social function, mental health in SF-36 6 months later in the observation group 2 were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of HAMD, FIM (cognition function) and general health, role-emotional, social function, vitality, mental health in SF-36 in the observation group 1 were significantly improved than those in the observation group 2 after treatment and 6 months later (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of NIHSS and role-physical in SF-36 in the observation group 1 were significantly higher than those in the observation group 2 6 months later (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture can improve depression symptoms and quality of life of patients with post stroke depression and the effects were better than Sertraline.</p>

Neuronal apoptosis and apoptosis-related gene expression in the hippocampai CA1 region following cerebral ischemia in gerbils and their changes after intervention with mild hypothermia / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To study the neuronal apoptosis and expressions of apoptosis-related genes in the hippocampal CAI region after cerebral ischemia in gerbils and investigate the protective effects of mild hypothermia. Methods Seventy-two gerbils were randomized equally into sham-operated group, hypothermic sham-operated group, normothermic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) group and hypothermic IR groups, and 5-minute forebrain iscbemia was induced in the latter 2 groups by bilateral common carotid artery obstruction. Normothermic or mild hypothermic condition was applied to the groups after the operation as indicated. At 1, 3 and 7 days after the operation, 6 gerbils were selected from each group for behavioral test using open field test, followed by detection of neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal CAI region using TUNEL staining and by immunohistocheraistry for p53 and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) expressions. Results In normothermic condition, the 5-minute forebrain ischemia induced significant enhancement of the exploratory activities in the gerbils 1, 3 and 7 days after the operation (P<0.05). This enhancement was observed only 1 day after the operation in mild hypothennic condition (P<0.05). Increased neuronal apoptosis and up-regulated expressions of p53 protein and NF-kBin the hippocampal CA1 region occurred after the forebrain ischemia as shown by TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry, and all these changes were significantly inhibited by the application of mild hypothermia (P<0.05). Conclusions Up-regulated p53 and NF-kB protein expression in the hippocampal CA1 region might be one of the mechanisms for ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis in gerbils, and mild hypothermia may produce protective effects against these changes for brain protection following the iscbemia.

[Long-term effect of acupuncture on quality of life in patients with early stage of stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To study the long-term effects of acupuncture on quality of life in patients with early stage of stroke. METHODS: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the acupuncture group and the control group, 40 in each. All received conventional Western medical treatment, but for patients in the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied additionally immediately from 48 h after patients' life signs were stabilized. Curative effects were evaluated with scores of SF-36, function independent measure (FIM) and NIHSS. RESULTS: Effect evaluated immediately after acupuncture operation showed that all the scores in the acupuncture group, except score of recognition function in FIM, and scores of body pain and physical function in SF-36, were improved more significantly than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The effectiveness improved continuously in the 6-month period after stroke in both groups, but more superiority was shown in the acupuncture group in aspects of emotional function, social function and mental health by SF-36 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early applying acupuncture could raise the physical, social, and psychological functions of stroke patients. Although the effects might decrease to some extent later, acupuncture still showed markedly effect on patients' psychological and social functions as well as on their life satisfaction.

Long-term effect of acupuncture on quality of life in patients with early stage of stroke / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the long-term effects of acupuncture on quality of life in patients with early stage of stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the acupuncture group and the control group, 40 in each. All received conventional Western medical treatment, but for patients in the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied additionally immediately from 48 h after patients' life signs were stabilized. Curative effects were evaluated with scores of SF-36, function independent measure (FIM) and NIHSS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Effect evaluated immediately after acupuncture operation showed that all the scores in the acupuncture group, except score of recognition function in FIM, and scores of body pain and physical function in SF-36, were improved more significantly than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The effectiveness improved continuously in the 6-month period after stroke in both groups, but more superiority was shown in the acupuncture group in aspects of emotional function, social function and mental health by SF-36 (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Early applying acupuncture could raise the physical, social, and psychological functions of stroke patients. Although the effects might decrease to some extent later, acupuncture still showed markedly effect on patients' psychological and social functions as well as on their life satisfaction.</p>