The evaluation of quality of life after stroke primarily includes body,psychology, society,and the ability of activities of daily living,and they can be mainly obtained from self rating quality of life by the patients,The commonly used evaluation methods include six generic measurement scales and four updated Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scales.The latter includes the Stroke Adapted Sickness Impact Profile,the Stroke Impact Scale,Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scales,and Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale.This article reviews the generic meas- urement scales,Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scales and the various factors that influencing quality of life after stroke.

This study investigated the protective effect of ATP on skeletal muscle satellite cells damaged by H2O2 in neonatal rats and the possible mechanism. The skeletal muscle satellite cells were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group (cells treated with 0.1 mmol/L H2O2 for 50 s), protection group (cells treated with 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0.25 mmol/L ATP for 24 h, and then with 0.1 mmol/L H2O2 for 50 s), proliferation group (cells treated with 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0.25 mmol/L ATP for 24 h). MTT assay, FITC+PI+DAPI fluorescent staining, Giemsa staining and immunofluorescence were performed to examine cell viability and apoptosis, and apoptosis-related proteins. The results showed that the survival rate of skeletal muscle satellite cells was decreased and the apoptosis rate was increased after H2O2 treatment (P<0.01). Different doses of ATP had different effects on skeletal muscle satellite cells damaged by H2O2: the survival rate of muscle satellite cells treated with ATP at 4, 2, or 1 mmol/L was increased. The protective effect was most profound on cells treated with 2 mmol/L ATP. Immunofluorescence showed that ATP could increase the number of Bcl-2-positive cells (P<0.01) and decrease the number of the Bax-positive cells (P<0.01). It was concluded that ATP could protect skeletal muscle satellite cells against H2O2 damage in neonatal rats, which may be attributed to the up-regulation of the expression of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax, resulting in the suppression of apoptosis.

Objective To report the development of clinical symptoms in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia(adPEO).Methods Electromyologram and muscle biopsy were performed in the proband and 4 family members with the disease.Results The proband was a 57 year-old woman,who developed bilateral ptosis after the age of 30,external ophthalmoplegia after the age of 35 years old,weakness of extremities at the age of 37 years old and bulb palsy with palmus at the age of 47 years old.In the family there were 20 male and female members from five generations.All of them complained about bilateral ptosis between 26—33 years old,external ophthalmoplegia(12/15)and weakness of all extremities(14/15)between 35—45,facial and masticatory weakness(9/9)as well as dysphagia(8/9)between 44—60,accompanied with heart lesions(4/7)after 50 years old.Some patients died due to cardiac impairment.Electromyologram showed myopathic abnormalities in the examined patients. The main myopathological changes were ragged red fibers,cytochrome c oxidase negative fibers and ragged blue fibers in succinate dehydrogenase staining.Conclusions The adPEO started from extra-ocular muscles to limbs,finally facial and bulbar muscles.Heart lesions were presented in late stage and lead to death in some members.The developing process of symptoms suggested that we should pay more attention to cardiac manifestations in this disease.

Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as a collaborative unit of the project, participated in the clinical consistency evaluation in project of TCM Practice guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Biqiu (allergic rhinitis) organized by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The evaluation results showed that the guideline met the clinical practice requirements. This article summarized the clinical evaluation experience from the three aspects: The diagnosis in TCM and Western medicine is clear and definite, but the English translation needs to be considered; The definition of remission phase of Biqiu (allergic rhinitis) is difficult, to interfere by identifying the constitution is innovative; The advantages of "preventive treatment of diseases" in TCM should be fully played in role, improving the satisfaction of patients.

Objective To investigate the effects of preoperative use of parecoxib Na during anesthesia recovery period on the fast track anesthe-sia with remifentanil.Methods A total of 105 cases who received lapa-roscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into three groups with 35 cases in each group.Patients in group A received parecoxib Na 40 mg dissolved in normal saline 10 mL through injection 20 min before induc-tion of anesthesia.Patients in group B received parecoxib Na 40 mg dis-solved in normal saline10 mL through injection 20 min before the end of surgery.Patients in group C received normal saline 10 mL through injec-tion 20 min before induction of anesthesia.The data of mean arterial pressure(MAP), heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SPO2), ver-bal rating scale ( VRS) , sedation-agitation scale ( SAS) , ramsay sada-tion scale ( RSS ) and comfort score ( BCS ) were compared among three groups.Results The data of MAP, SAS and HR in group A and group B were significantly lower than those in group C, and the data of MAP, SAS and HR in group A were significantly lower than those in group B ( P<0.05).The data of RSS in group A was significantly lower than that in group B and RSS in group A and group B significantly higher than those in group C from T2 to T4 (P<0.05).The data of VRS in group A and group B were significantly lower than those in group C, and that in group A was signifi-cantly lower than group B each time point( P<0.05).Postoperative BCS in group A and group B were significantly higher than those in group C, and that in group A was significantly higher than group B( P<0.05).Conclusion Pre-operative use of parecoxib Na can significantly reduce the acute pain of the fast track anesthesia with remifentanil, effectively inhibiting hyperalgesia and reducing the patient's agitation.

This study investigated the protective effect of ATP on skeletal muscle satellite cells damaged by H₂O₂in neonatal rats and the possible mechanism. The skeletal muscle satellite cells were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group (cells treated with 0.1 mmol/L H₂O₂for 50 s), protection group (cells treated with 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0.25 mmol/L ATP for 24 h, and then with 0.1 mmol/L H₂O₂for 50 s), proliferation group (cells treated with 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0.25 mmol/L ATP for 24 h). MTT assay, FITC+PI+DAPI fluorescent staining, Giemsa staining and immunofluorescence were performed to examine cell viability and apoptosis, and apoptosis-related proteins. The results showed that the survival rate of skeletal muscle satellite cells was decreased and the apoptosis rate was increased after H₂O₂treatment (P<0.01). Different doses of ATP had different effects on skeletal muscle satellite cells damaged by H₂O₂: the survival rate of muscle satellite cells treated with ATP at 4, 2, or 1 mmol/L was increased. The protective effect was most profound on cells treated with 2 mmol/L ATP. Immunofluorescence showed that ATP could increase the number of Bcl-2-positive cells (P<0.01) and decrease the number of the Bax-positive cells (P<0.01). It was concluded that ATP could protect skeletal muscle satellite cells against H₂O₂damage in neonatal rats, which may be attributed to the up-regulation of the expression of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax, resulting in the suppression of apoptosis.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle ; drug effects

OBJECTIVEPeriodic paralysis (PP) is one type of skeletal muscle channelopathies characterized by episodic attacks of weakness. It is usually classified into hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP), hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) and normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoPP) based on the blood potassium levels. HypoPP is the most common type of these three and NormoPP is the rarest one. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical and genetic features of a Chinese family with normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoKPP).

METHODClinical features of all patients in the family with NormoKPP were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and amplified with PCR. We screened all 24 exons of SCN4A gene and then sequence analysis was performed in those who showed heteroduplex as compared with unaffected controls.

RESULT(1) Fifteen members of the family were clinically diagnosed NormoKPP, and their common features are: onset within infacy, episodic attacks of weakness, the blood potassium levels were within normal ranges, high sodium diet or large dosage of normal saline could attenuate the symptom. One muscle biopsy was performed and examination of light and electronic microscopy showed occasionally degenerating myofibers. (2) Gene of 12 patients were screened and confirmed mutations of SCN4A genes--c. 2111 T > C/p. Thr704Met.

CONCLUSIONThe study further defined the clinical features of patients with NormoKPP, and molecular genetic analysis found SCN4A gene c. 2111 T > C/p. Thr704Met point mutation contributed to the disease. In line with the autosomal dominant inheritance laws, this family can be diagnosed with periodic paralysis, and be provided with genetic counseling. And the study may also help the clinical diagnosis, guide treatment and genetic counseling of this rare disease in China.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Channelopathies ; diagnosis ; genetics ; pathology ; Child ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Mutation ; NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel ; genetics ; Paralyses, Familial Periodic ; diagnosis ; genetics ; pathology ; Pedigree ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Potassium ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of blueberry extract (BE, 25% anthocyanins) against oxidative damage in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons induced by H2O2.

METHODSRat hippocampal neurons were randomly assigned to control group, H2O2 group and BE pretreatment groups, BE at six different doses (0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40 microg/ml) and then exposed to 50 micromol/L H2O2 for twenty-four hours. To selecte the most fittest concentration of BE by testing viability of neurons and activity of LDH. Then MDA concentration, SOD activity and neuronal apoptosis were(checked) measured.

RESULTS(1) Compared with H2O2 group, the hippocampal cell viabilities in the 0.1, 1.0 and 10 microg/ml BE groups were significantly increased from 57.44% to 78.42%, 87.71% and 72.40% separately. The activity of LDH in BE groups at varied concentrations (0.1, 1.0 and 10 microg/ml) was significiantly lower than that in H2O2 group. It was found that 1 microg/ml BE had the furthest protective effect against oxidative damage in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons induced by H2O2. (2) The concentration of MDA and the rate of neuronal apoptosis of BE group (1 microg/ml) were much lower than H2O2 group, while SOD activity was much higher.

CONCLUSIONProper dose of BE has remarkable protective effect against oxidative stress in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons induced by H2O2, the mechanism may be related to decreasing the neuronal apoptosis and enhancing the antioxidation of hippocampal neurons.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Blueberry Plants ; chemistry ; Cells, Cultured ; Hippocampus ; cytology ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; toxicity ; Neurons ; cytology ; drug effects ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Recent evidence indicates that the aberrant neuronal expression of mitotic proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain may be related to AD pathological changes. To investigate whether the toxicity of beta-amyloid protein (Abeta) induces mitotic proteins expression in adult rat brain, we used immunohistochemical and integral optical density analytic method to analyze the adult rat brains, which had been injected with Abeta(25-35) into unilateral amygdala. Results showed that the levels of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) related phosphorylated tau protein and apoptosis related protein Bax were increased in Abeta(25-35) injected rat brains, meanwhile the aberrantly expression of mitotic protein cyclin A and cyclin B1 was also detected at 7 d after operation, but the level of cyclin A decreased and cyclin B1 disappeared at 21 d. Immunofluorescence double labeling presented that cyclin B1 was partially co-localized with Bax or phosphorylated tau protein, whereas Bax and phosphorylated tau protein seldom co-localized. These results suggest that Abeta causes mitotic protein expression in adult brain neurons, which may die through apoptosis or may be affected by AD NFT-related tau phosphorylation.
Alzheimer Disease ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Amygdala ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; toxicity ; Animals ; Cyclin A ; metabolism ; Cyclin B1 ; metabolism ; Male ; Neurons ; metabolism ; Peptide Fragments ; toxicity ; Phosphorylation ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism ; tau Proteins ; metabolism

Leukemia is a type of malignant tumors of hematopoietic system with the abnormal increased immature leukemia cells showing metastasis and invasion ability. Liver is one of the main targets of the leukemia cells spread to, where they may continue to proliferate and differentiate and cause liver function damage, even liver failure. Our previous studies showed that Angelica polysscharides (APS), the main effective components in Angelica sinensis of Chinese traditional medicine, was able to inhibit the proliferation and induced differentiation of the leukemia cells, however, its effect on the liver during the treatment remains elucidated. In the present study, the human leukemia NOD/SCID mouse model were established by implantation human leukemia K562 cells line, then the leukemia mouse were treated with APS, Ara-c or APS + Ara-c respectively by peritoneal injection for 14 days, to explore the effect and mechanism of the chemicals on the mouse liver. Compared to the human leukemia NOD/SCID mouse model group with the treatments of APS, Ara-c and APS + Ara-c, We found that severe liver damage and pathological changes of the liver were able to alleviate: First, the number of white blood cells in the peripheral blood was significantly lower and with less transplanted K562 leukemia cells; Second, liver function damage was alleviated as liver function tests showed that alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBiL) were significantly reduced, while the albumin (Alb) was notably increased; Third, liver antioxidant ability was improved as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly increased, and the contents of GSH and malonaldehyde (MDA) were decreased significantly in the liver; Fourth, the inflammation of the liver was relieved as the level of IL-1beta and IL-6, the inflammatory cytokines, were decreased significantly in the liver. Fifth, liver index was increased as the pathological observation showed that leukemia cells with diffused infiltration into the liver lobules were significantly reduced and with a remarkable increase of apoptotic positive cell rate by TUNEL test. Furthermore, the APS + Ara-c combined administration showed an even more significant positive effect. In conclusion, the APS, Ara-c therapy reduced the accumulation of leukemia cells within the liver, reduced the liver function damage and levels of inflammatory factors, improved antioxidant capacity of the liver tissue and thus alleviate the pathological changes of the liver. Moreover, the APS + Ara-c combination therapy may have an additive effect.
Angelica ; chemistry ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cytarabine ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; drug therapy ; Liver ; drug effects ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, SCID ; Polysaccharides ; administration & dosage