Personalised functional imaging-guided multitarget continuous theta burst stimulation for post-stroke aphasia: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), targeting the language network in the right hemisphere of post-stroke aphasia (PSA) patients shows promising results in clinical trials. However, existing PSA studies have focused on single-target rTMS, leaving unexplored the potential benefits of multitarget brain stimulation. Consequently, there is a need for a randomised clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cTBS targeting on multiple critical nodes in the language network for PSA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective, multicentre, double-blind, two-arm parallel-group, sham-controlled randomised trial. The study will include a total of 60 participants who will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the active cTBS group or the sham cTBS group. Using precision resting-state functional MRI for each participant, we will map personalised language networks and design personalised targets in the inferior frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus. Participants will undergo a 3-week cTBS intervention targeting the three personalised targets, coupled with speech and language therapy. The primary outcome is the change in the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised aphasia quotient score among participants after a 3-week treatment. Secondary outcomes include Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination severity ratings, Token Test and the Chinese-version of the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale 39-generic version. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the ethics committees of Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei General Hospital and Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University. The findings of this study will be reported in peer-reviewed scientific journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05957445).

Personalized functional imaging-guided rTMS on the superior frontal gyrus for post-stroke aphasia: A randomized sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aphasia affects approximately one-third of stroke patients and yet its rehabilitation outcomes are often unsatisfactory. More effective strategies are needed to promote recovery. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of the theta-burst stimulation (TBS) on the language area in the superior frontal gyrus (SFG) localized by personalized functional imaging, in facilitating post-stroke aphasia recovery. METHODS: This randomized sham-controlled trial uses a parallel design (intermittent TBS [iTBS] in ipsilesional hemisphere vs. continuous TBS [cTBS] in contralesional hemisphere vs. sham group). Participants had aphasia symptoms resulting from their first stroke in the left hemisphere at least one month prior. Participants received three-week speech-language therapy coupled with either active or sham stimulation applied to the left or right SFG. The primary outcome was the change in Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R) aphasia quotient after the three-week treatment. The secondary outcome was WAB-R aphasia quotient improvement after one week of treatment. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were screened between January 2021 and January 2022, 45 of whom were randomized and 44 received intervention (15 in each active group, 14 in sham). Both iTBS (estimated difference = 14.75, p < 0.001) and cTBS (estimated difference = 13.43, p < 0.001) groups showed significantly greater improvement than sham stimulation after the 3-week intervention and immediately after one week of treatment (p's < 0.001). The adverse events observed were similar across groups. A seizure was recorded three days after the termination of the treatment in the iTBS group. CONCLUSION: The stimulation showed high efficacy and SFG is a promising stimulation target for post-stroke language recovery.

Extraction and purification of antioxidative flavonoids from Chionanthus retusa leaf.

In this work, flavonoids from the leaves of Chionanthus retusa were extracted using alcohol, and the extraction yield was optimized by single-factor and orthogonal experiments. Then, the extracted solution with flavonoids was purified via macroporous resin by elution with different concentrations of ethanol. The antioxidative activity of total flavonoid in purified extracted solution was evaluated by detecting its ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals. The results demonstrated that ethanol with a concentration of 60%, ultrasonic power of 140 W, liquid-solid ratio of 25:1 ml g-1, and water-bath temperature of 80°C were the optimal conditions for the extraction of total flavonoids from C. retusa leaf, achieving a yield of 121.28 mg g-1. After purification by macroporous resin using different concentrations of ethanol, the highest content of total flavonoids (88.51%) in the extracted solution can be obtained with the 50% ethanol eluant. The results of scavenging DPPH free radicals suggest that the purified flavonoids in the 50% ethanol eluant had the best antioxidant capacity over the flavonoids in other ethanol eluants. In addition, it is confirmed the antioxidant capacity of the extractives was associated with the content of total flavonoids and kinds of flavonoids. These results may provide a feasible pathway to make full use of total flavonoids from C. retusa leaf.

Macadamia germplasm and genomic database (MacadamiaGGD): A comprehensive platform for germplasm innovation and functional genomics in Macadamia.

As an important nut crop species, macadamia continues to gain increased amounts of attention worldwide. Nevertheless, with the vast increase in macadamia omic data, it is becoming difficult for researchers to effectively process and utilize the information. In this work, we developed the first integrated germplasm and genomic database for macadamia (MacadamiaGGD), which includes five genomes of four species; three chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes; genome annotations; transcriptomic data for three macadamia varieties, germplasm data for four species and 262 main varieties; nine genetic linkage maps; and 35 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The database serves as a valuable collection of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, including both markers that are based on macadamia genomic sequences and developed in this study and markers developed previously. MacadamiaGGD is also integrated with multiple bioinformatic tools, such as search, JBrowse, BLAST, primer designer, sequence fetch, enrichment analysis, multiple sequence alignment, genome alignment, and gene homology annotation, which allows users to conveniently analyze their data of interest. MacadamiaGGD is freely available online (http://MacadamiaGGD.net). We believe that the database and additional information of the SSR markers can help scientists better understand the genomic sequence information of macadamia and further facilitate molecular breeding efforts of this species.

Dynamic interaction nursing intervention on functional rehabilitation and self-care ability of patients after aneurysm surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nursing practices based on the dynamic interaction model have been shown to be superior to generic nursing practices. However, whether this model is effective in patients recovering from intracranial aneurysm surgery is not well studied. AIM: To investigate the effect of nursing based on a dynamic interaction model on functional rehabilitation of patients after aneurysm surgery. METHODS: A total of 86 cases in our hospital with intracranial aneurysm from April 2019 to April 2021, were selected and divided into the study group and the control group, with 43 patients in each group. The control group received routine nursing, and the research group received nursing intervention based on a dynamic interaction model. The daily living ability (activities of daily living, ADL), cognitive function (Simple Intelligent Mental State Scale, MMSE), quality of life (Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74, GQOL-74), self-care ability (Exercise of Self-Care Agency scale), incidence of complications, and nursing satisfaction were recorded before and after intervention. RESULTS: Before intervention, ADL (52.09 ± 6.44), MMSE (18.03 ± 4.11), and GQOL-74 (53.68 ± 4.34) scores in the study group were not significantly different from those in the control group (ADL: 50.97 ± 7.32, MMSE: 17.59 ± 3.82, GQOL-74: 55.06 ± 3.98) (P > 0.05). After intervention, ADL (86.12 ± 5.07), MMSE (26.64 ± 2.66), and GQOL-74 (83.13 ± 5.67) scores in the study group were higher than those in the control group (ADL: 79.81 ± 6.35, MMSE: 24.51 ± 3.00, and GQOL-74: 77.96 ± 6.27) (P < 0.05). Before intervention, self-concept (17.46 ± 4.44), self-care skills (25.22 ± 4.20), self-care knowledge (22.35 ± 4.74), and self-care responsibility (15.06 ± 3.29) scores in the study group was similar to those in the control group (self-concept: 16.89 ± 5.53, self-care skills: 24.59 ± 4.46, self-care knowledge: 21.80 ± 3.61, and self-care responsibility: 14.83 ± 3.11) (P > 0.05). After the intervention, self-concept (26.01 ± 3.18), self-care skills (37.68 ± 6.05), self-care knowledge (45.56 ± 5.83), and self-care responsibility (22.01 ± 3.77) scores in the study group were higher than those in the control group (self-concept: 22.97 ± 3.46, self-care skills: 33.02 ± 5.65, self-care skills knowledge: 36.81 ± 5.54, and self-care responsibility: 17.97 ± 3.56 points) (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the study group (4.65%) was lower than that in the control group (18.60%) (P < 0.05). Nursing satisfaction in the study group (95.35%) was higher than that in the control group (81.40%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nursing intervention based on a dynamic interaction model can improve postoperative cognitive function, daily living ability, self-care ability, quality of life, and patient satisfaction, while reducing the risk of complications.

Defect passivation of a perovskite film by ZnIn2S4 nanosheets for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.

The defects of a perovskite film were first passivated by two dimensional ZnIn2S4 nanosheets, the non-radiation recombination at interfaces was suppressed and the contact of the perovskite film with water vapour in the air was avoided, resulting in a high efficiency of 20.55%.

Using brain functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture combined with mirror therapy on upper limb function in patients with cerebral ischemic stroke: a study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Upper limb and hand motor dysfunction is one of the challenges in rehabilitation after cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS), and the clinical efficacy of rehabilitation needs to be improved. This study aims to combine Jin's three-needle acupuncture (JTN) therapy with mirror therapy (MT) for hemiplegia after CIS, objectively evaluate the clinical effects and safety of JTN to treat upper limb dysfunction, and use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain to investigate the central mechanisms of the effects, which would provide a powerful evidence-based medical basis for further supporting the application of JTN combined with MT. METHODS/DESIGN: This trial will be a single-blind, randomized controlled study. Patients who meet the study criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the combined treatment group (JTN+MT) or the JTN group. Both interventions will be conducted for 6 days per week and last for 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the effective rate based on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Other outcome measures will include scores on the motor assessment scale (MAS), action research arm test (ARAT), activities of daily living (ADL) scale, and fMRI analyses. For safety evaluation, adverse events will be observed and recorded. DISCUSSION: This study may help to identify the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with MT for upper limb dysfunction after CIS and explore the central mechanisms with brain fMRI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-17012174 . Registered on 5 April 2017.

Dexmedetomidine improves neurodevelopment and cognitive impairment in infants with congenital heart disease.

Aim: Explore if dexmedetomidine (DEX) improves neurodevelopment and cognitive impairment in infants with congenital heart disease. Materials & methods: We retrospectively analyzed 256 pediatric patients aged less than 2 years with heart disease undergoing thoracic surgery. The intelligence quotient and neurodevelopment were tested. Mortality, incidence of postoperation adverse events, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay were recorded and compared. Results: Compared with those not administered DEX, intelligence quotient scores and neurodevelopment evaluation scores increased in patients receiving perioperative DEX. There were no significant differences in mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation or length of stay. Conclusion: The administration of DEX might improve neural development and reduce the adverse effects of general anesthesia in infants with congenital heart disease undergoing surgery and extracorporeal circulation.

Effect of Taichong (LR 3) acupuncture in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Taichong (LR 3) acupuncture points (acupoints) on the expression of glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1) in the hypothalamus of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) as measured by combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT). METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into model, Taichong (LR 3) acupuncture, and sham groups. Additionally, Tokyo Wistar rats were used as the control group. Changes in blood pressure were recorded in different groups of rats before and after the corresponding treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to study basic morphological changes, and immunohistochemistry was used to determine GLUT1 expression in the hypothalamus. Further, PET-CT was utilized to elucidate the antihypertensive mechanism after acupuncture at the Taichong (LR 3) acupoints. RESULTS: PET-CT indicated activation of the hypothalamus. Measurement of blood pressure showed that acupuncture at the Taichong (LR 3) acupoints lowered blood pressure. HE staining did not show any significant pathological changes, although differences in cell number were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated a GLUT1 downregulation in the SHRs of the Taichong (LR 3) acupuncture group after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Taichong (LR 3) acupoints lowered blood pressure in SHRs, with possible mechanisms being changes in cell number and GLUT1 expression in the hypothalamus.

Effects of Fluoxetine on Poststroke Dysphagia: A Clinical Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether fluoxetine improves poststroke dysphagia and to detect the potential relationship between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and fluoxetine effects. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 159 stroke patients who met our study criteria were included. In total, 110 patients were placed in the control group, and 49 patients were placed in the fluoxetine group. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected for the baseline assessment. Functional independence measure scores and American speech-language-hearing association/functional communication measures scores for swallowing were collected to evaluate the patients' swallowing function. Patients' serums were collected at weeks 1 and 3 after admission, and serum BDNF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. T test, chi-squared test, and general linear model analysis were performed to determine the differences between the two groups. RESULTS: A significantly higher improvement of swallowing function was observed in the fluoxetine group compared with that of the control group (P = .023). In addition, a general linear model analysis showed that the treatment of fluoxetine has a statistically significant effect on swallowing improvement after adjustment of swallowing score on admission, stroke types, and interval between the onset of stroke and admission (P = .022, R2 = .46, adjusted R2 = .446). There is no significant difference in the change of serum BDNF levels in the two groups (P = .269). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that treatment with fluoxetine in stroke patients with dysphagia may improve swallowing function. A placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial is warranted to confirm this finding.

Cerebral Responses to Acupuncture at GV24 and Bilateral GB13 in Rat Models of Alzheimer's Disease.

Acupuncture has been widely used in China to treat neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, its mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, eighty healthy Wistar rats were divided into a normal control group (n = 15) and premodel group (n = 65). Forty-five rats that met the criteria for the AD model were then randomly divided into the model group (MG), the nonacupoint group (NG), and the acupoint group (AG). All rats received positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, and the images were analyzed with Statistical Parametric Mapping 8.0. MG exhibited hypometabolism in the olfactory bulb, insular cortex, orbital cortex, prelimbic cortex, striatum, parietal association cortex, visual cortex, cingulate gyrus, and retrosplenial cortex. AG exhibited prominent and extensive hypermetabolism in the thalamus, hypothalamus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, cerebral peduncle, midbrain tegmentum, and pontine tegmentum compared to NG. These results demonstrated that acupuncturing at GV24 and bilateral GB13 acupoints may improve the learning and memory abilities of the AD rats, probably via altering cerebral glucose metabolism (CGM) in the hypothalamus, thalamus, and brain stem. The observed effects of acupuncture may be caused by regulating the distribution of certain kinds of neurotransmitters and enhancing synaptic plasticity.

MicroRNA-96 Regulates Apoptosis by Targeting PDCD4 in Human Glioma Cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive form of primary brain tumor, presents a dismal prognosis. MicroRNAs play a critical role in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer; however, the potential biological role of miRNAs in glioblastoma multiforme remains largely unknown. In our study, we found that microRNA-96 is upregulated in glioma tissues than in normal human brains. Transfection of microRNA-96 mimics into glioma cells significantly decreases apoptosis by suppressing PDCD4, a well-known tumor suppressor that is involved in apoptosis. In contrast, knockdown of microRNA-96 enhanced apoptosis. In vivo, microRNA-96 overexpression inhibits the apoptosis and increases tumor growth. These data suggest that microRNA-96 is a potential molecular target for glioma treatment.

[Electrophysiology of cardiocytes in ligament of Marshall of canine].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate electrophysiology of cardiocytes in ligament of Marshall. METHODS: The single cardiocytes obtained from ligament of Marshall were direct observed under inverted microscope. The cardiocyte action potential and current density of I(Na), I(Ca), L, I(to), I(K) and I(K1) were researched by whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. RESULTS: There were two different cardiomyocytes in ligament of Marshall, one was rod shape, the other was short-rectangle shape. The short-rectangle myocyte was short and thick; the rod myocyte was long and thin. The short-rectangle myocyte was more than rod myocyte. The length/width rate of short-rectangle myocyte was less than that of rod myocyte (2.99 +/- 0.95 vs 12.05 +/- 2.41, P < 0.01). The action potential of ligament myocytes was similar to fast responsive cells. The action potential amplitude (APA) and duration (APD) of short-rectangle cells were less than those in rod cells. APA (mV), APD(50) (ms) and APD(90) (ms) were respectively 80.02 +/- 3.68 vs 91.72 +/- 7.56, 69.62 +/- 6.33 vs 83.14 +/- 3.66 and 107.55 +/- 4.25 vs 144.00 +/- 5.15, P < 0.05. The ion current density of I(Na), I(Ca), L, I(to), I(K1) was different between the two kind cells. CONCLUSIONS: There are two different cardiocytes in ligament of Marshall. The action potential and ion current density of I(Na), I(Ca), L, I(to), I(K1) are different between the two kind cardiocytes.