Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at different frequencies in treating post-stroke depression. Methods A hundred patients with post-stroke depression were randomized into treatment group 1, treatment group 2, treatment group 3, and a control group, 25 in each group. The treatment groups were intervened by electroacupuncture, while 2 Hz was adopted in treatment group 1, 50 Hz in treatment group 2, and 100 Hz in treatment group 3. The control group was intervened by oral administration of Sertraline Hydrochloride tablets. The Function Independent Measure (FIM) and Hamilton Depression (HAMD) scale were adopted for observation before and after intervention, and the clinical efficacies were compared. Results The FIM and HAMD scores were significantly changed after intervention in the four groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the FIM and HAMD scores in treatment group 1 were significantly different from that in treatment group 2 and 3 (P<0.05). The FIM score in treatment group 1 was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 96.0%in treatment group 1, versus 92.0%in treatment group 2, 82.0%in treatment group 3, and 84.0%in the control group. The total effective rate in treatment group 1 was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Electroacupuncture at 2 Hz, 50 Hz, and 100 Hz all can improve the activities of daily living and depression degree in patients with post-stroke depression, while 2 Hz ranks the top in comparing the therapeutic efficacy.

Objective To establish a stable implanted model of VX2 rabbit brain tumor, and to evaluate the pathological and imaging features and tumor angiogenesis. Methods Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were implanted with 100 ?l viable VX2 tumor cells (107/ml) through a hole 5 mm to the right of the sagittal suture and 5 mm posterior to the coronal suture bored by a dental drill. MRI was performed every ~2 days after 7 days of implantation to evaluate the growth of the tumor, and perfusion CT studies were performed in different days of tumor growth. After that the animals were sacrificed on days 14, 18, 22, 26, and 30 of tumor implantation. 2% Evans blue (2 ml/kg) was given intravenously in 16 of these animals ~1 hour prior to sacrifice to detect the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The specimens of the rabbit brains were examined pathologically and histologically. VEGF and MVD were evaluated in immunohistochemical examination. Results Of the 22 animals included into the study, the tumor grew in 20 animals, which could be seen clearly on MR imaging. Pathologic examination showed characteristics of squamous carcinoma. VEGF was expressed in all tumors with the mean rate of positive cells of (52.51?19.15)% (19.5%-92.9%). Mean MVD was (51.30?14.42)pice piece/microscope (25-81 pice piece/microscope). Using Pearson′s linear correlation analysis, positive correlation was found between tumor growth time and volume (r=0.791, P=0.000), between MVD and tumor growth time (r=0.875, P=0.000), and between MVD and tumor volume (r=0.901, P=0.000), respectively. Spearman′s rank correlation analysis showed positive correlation between VEGF grade and blue stain of the tumor (r_s=0.594, P=0.015). Conclusion A stable model of VX2 rabbit brain tumor has been established with the method of skull drilling. The method was simple and easy to use, with a high tumor growth rate and remarkable angiogenesis. The model is helpful for the pathological and radiological study of tumor angiogenesis.

Objective To investigate the evolution of monkey brain isehemic penumbra(IP)area.Methods Seyen monkeys were used to make middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model by interventional methods.CT perfnsion imaging,MR diffusion weighted-imaging (DWI),perfusion weighted imaging(PWI)and T2W1 were performed at 1,5,10;15,20 and 24 h after MCAO respectively.Four regions of interest of infarct lesion were measured.Point 1 was at the infarct core.point 3 was at the infamt margin,and point 2 was at the midpoint between point 1 and 3.Point 4 demonstrated normal signal intensity adjacent to high signal intensity.Parameters measured included cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and negative enhancement integral (NEI).The relative ratios between infarct lesions and the corresponding contralateral normal brain were calculated(rCBF, rCBV, rMTY, rADC and rNEI).The IP areas were calculated by two methods: IP thresholds combined with self-made computer software, and PWI( MrlT)-DWI mismatch.ANOVA and ROC analysis were used. Results Five of 7 monkey MCAO models were made successfuUy. There were signitlcanfly difference of rCBF and rNEI within 20 h, of rCBV within 15 h, of rADC within 10 h, of rMTT at24 h (P＜0.05).ROI 1,2 and 3 values as following: rCBF: 1 h(0.160 ±0.034, 0.310 ±0.037,0.540±0.107), 5 h(0.098±0.029, 0.157 ± 0.052, 0.427 ±0.116), 10 h(0.072 ±0.023, 0.097 ±0.028, 0.209 ± 0.070), 15 h(0.054 ± 0.017, 0.069 ± 0.015, 0.166 ± 0.049), 20 h(0.038 ± 0.011,0.026± 0.007, 0.092±0.013); rNEI: 1 h(0.219 ± 0.085, 0.303 ± 0.099, 0.463 ± 0.132), 5 h (0.143±0.057, 0.195± 0.055, 0.348±0.127), 10 h(0.127 ± 0.029, 0.171 ± 0.058, 0.259 ±0.079), 15 h(0.128 ±0.024, 0.164 ±0.031, 0.217 ±0.030), 20 h(0.075±0.019, 0.147±0.058,0.129 ±0.045) ; rCBV: 1 h(0.594 ± 0.199, 0.804 ± 0.099, 1.021 ±0.169), 5 h(0.457±0.103,0.462±0.145, 0.815±0.201), 10 h(0.222 ±0.046, 0.249±0.065, 0.529 ±0.135), 15 h(0.201 ±0.047, 0.187 ±0.055, 0.361 ±0.083) ; rADC: 1 h(0.515 ±0.115, 0.667±0.097, 0.761 ±0.106),5 h(0.488 ±0.100, 0.539 ±0.107, 0.674 ±0.099), 10 h(0.456 ±0.057, 0.549 ±0.049, 0.590 ±0.081 ) ; 24 h rMTT(4.163 ± 1.179, 4.192± 1.607, 2.397±0.909).The thresholds of IP were 0.203 of rCBF, 0.483 of rCBV, 0.571 of rADC and 0.250 of rNEI respectively.The values measured using the method of IP thresholds combined with software were larger than PWI(MTr)-DWI mismatch region before 15 hours, but were smaller at 20 h and 24 h. The area of IP was 20%-38% of infarct area at 1 h,15%-35% at 5-10 h, 13%-25% at 15 h, 9%-15% at 20 h, and 3%-12% at 24 h.Conclusion The time window of IP in monkey MCAO model was 15%-20 hours.At the early phase of infarction, IP was present within the region of high signal intensity on DWI.PWI-DWI mismatch method could not estimate IP areas accurately.Areas evaluated with CT perfusion (MrIT) and DWI mismatch were much closer to the actual IP areas.

Objective To discuss the MRI characteristics of pituitary abscess,so that to improve the diagnosis of it.Methods MR imaging data in 8 cases with pituitary abscess proved by operation and pathology,and antibiosis therapy were retrospectively analyzed in combination with review of literatures.Of 8 cases,3 were male and 5 were female,the mean age was 53.3 years(ranged 36~62 years).Results MRI findings included hypophysis enlargement,isointensity in 6 cases and slight hyperintensity in 2 cases on T1WI;isointensity in 4,hyperintensity in 2 and mixed iso-and hyperintensity in 2 on T2WI;hyperintensity in one on DWI.On contrast-enhanced scan,all pituitary masses showed ring enchancement,6 cases showed thickened walls which were slightly lamellar;7 cases demonstrated pituitary stalk thickening and enchancement.Conclusion Pituitary abscesses are of certain typical MRI characteristics.

BACKGROUND:As a more common method in the orthopedic field, the method of intra-articular injection drugs has distinct curative effects, but there are some complications. In a certain extent, this method caters to the psychological fear of surgery, and can serve as a kind of conservative treatment. But some experts believed that because of the limit of sterile conditions, intra-articular injection of drugs wil increase the risk of intra-articular infection and they opposed this method.
OBJECTIVE:To review the efficacy and adverse reactions of intra-articular injection drugs in recent years, and explain clinical applications of intra-articular injection drugs in orthopedics.
METHODS:A computer-based search was conducted in PubMed and Wanfang database for articles related to the application of intra-articular injection drugs in orthopedics published between January 2007 and December 2013. The English and Chinese key words were“intra-articular, injection, orthopaedics, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid, corticosteroid, drugs”. Data were checked in the first trial, old articles and repetitive studies were excluded. The relevant 43 articles accorded with inclusion criteria were reviewed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In orthopedics, the method of intra-articular injection drugs is simple, economic and effective, but at the same time, there are some side effects. Tranexamic acid by intra-articular injection can significantly reduce blood loss after total joint replacement, is safety and economic. Intra-articular injection joint lubricant can reduce internal friction of joints and improve the adhesion of joint cavity, can be used as a good conservative treatment for osteoarthritis. Intra-articular injection hormone drugs can treat inflammatory arthritis, and short-term curative effect is obvious, but due to large long-term side effects, the method is not recommended now. Intra-articular injection of analgesic drugs and other drugs have both advantages complications. The efficacy of intra-articular injection drugs in orthopedics is obvious;meanwhile, this method has some complications. Orthopedic surgeons should select related drugs by indications. We stil need to further make reasonable regimen with intra-articular injection drugs in future large-scale study.

BACKGROUND:Tranexamic acid has been more and more used in reducing bleeding after joint replacement, but its usage method and dosage remain controversial, and become a hot focus in recent years. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid on postoperative blood loss and limb circumference changes in patients who received unilateral total knee arthroplasty. METHODS:From March to October 2013, clinical data of 90 patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomized to the tranexamic acid group and the control group, including 19 males and 71 females. The 30 patients in the tranexamic acid group received 50 mL of 3%tranexamic acid dilute solution inside knee joint after capsule closure, and 60 patients in the control group received the same volume of physiological saline. No significant difference in age, height, body mass index, anticoagulation, the type of prosthesis, tourniquet time and preoperative diagnosis was detected between the two groups (P>0.05). The amounts of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and blood transfusion, postoperative drainage volume, the preoperative and postoperative limb circumference 10 cm above the operated knee were recorded. Routine blood test was reviewed after the surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were no significant differences in total blood loss, postoperative drainage volume and limb circumference changes between tranexamic acid and control groups (P>0.05). The amount of postoperative hidden blood loss was significantly less in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group (t=-2.683, P<0.05). These data suggested that the intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid intraoperatively in patients receiving total knee arthroplasty could significantly reduce the amounts of postoperative hidden blood loss, and did not affect the postoperative limb circumference changes.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects on post-stroke depression treated with acupuncture at the acu points based on ziwuliuzhu (the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory).

METHODSNinety-three patients were randomized into a comprehensive group, a ziwuliuzhu group and a prozac group, 31 cases in each group. In the ziwuliuzhu group, acupuncture was applied to the acupoints based on ziwuliuzhu, once a day, 5 times in a week. In the prozac group, fluoxertine hydrochloride (prozac) was prescribed for oral administration, once a day, 20 mg each time. In the comprehensive group, acupuncture based on ziwuliuzhu combined with the oral administration of prozac were adopted and the treatment frequency was the same as the ziwuliuzhu group and the prozac group. The 4-week treatment was taken as one session in the three groups and 6 sessions were required totally. The clinical efficacy and the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) score and the adverse reaction were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 96.8% (30/31) in the comprehensive group, better than 83.9% (26/31) in the ziwuliuzhu group and 80. 6% (25/31) in the prozac group (both P<0.05). In 4, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment, HAMD score was lower significantly than that before the treatment in the three groups (all P<0.05), and the score in the comprehensive group at each time point after treatment was lower than the other two groups (all P<0.05). In 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, there were not different significantly between the ziwuliuzhu group and the prozac group (both P>0.05). In 24 weeks of treatment, HAMD score in the ziwuliuzhu group was lower than that in the prozac group (P<0.05). For the adverse reaction, there were 2 cases in the comprehensive group, 6 cases in the prozac group and 0 case in the ziwzuliuzhu group.

CONCLUSIONThe comprehensive therapy of acupuncture at the acupoints based on ziwuliuzhu and oral administration of prozac is superior to either the simple oral administration of prozac or the ziwuliuzhu acu-puncture in terms of clinical efficacy and the improvements in depressive state. Regarding the clinical efficacy, the impact of simple ziwuliuzhu acupuncture is not different significantly as compared with the simple oral administration of prozac, but it is better than the simple oral administration of prozac in terms of the long-term HAMD score and safety.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Depression ; etiology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; complications ; Treatment Outcome

Objective:To study the effect of midnight-noon ebb-flow acupoint selection on rheumatoid arthritis. Methods:120 cases of patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly divided into three groups:midnight-noon ebb-flow acupoint selection group,acupuncture by differentiation of symptoms and signs group,integrative group of midnight-noon ebb-flow acupoint selection and acupuncture by differentiation of symptoms and signs group. Results:In the midday-midnight flowing of qi-blood acupuncture group of 40 cases,11 cases were improved obviously,11cases were improved,9cases were improved slightly,9 cases were ineffective,the total effective rate was 77.5%. In the acupuncture by differentiation of symptoms and signs group of 40 patients,10 cases were improved significantly,11 cases were improved,11 cases were improved moderate,8 cases were ineffective,the total effective rate was 80.0%. In integrated group of midnight-noon ebb-flow acupoint selection and acupuncture by differentiation of symptoms and signs group of 40 patients,15 cases were improved significantly,13 cases were improved,10 cases were improved moderate,2 cases were ineffective,the total effective rate was 95.0%. Curative effect of the integrative group was better than that of other two groups(P

Objective To summarize the practices of national emergency medical rescue team in the fourth ASEAN regional forum disaster relief exercise.Methods The establishing principle and training mode of national emergency medical rescue team were introduced,and the advantages and disadvantages of the team were described in the preparation for exercise and rescue practice.Results The experience in Malaysia improved the team in emergency support.Conclusion The medical preparedness and rescue practice in transnational disaster relief are of great value for rapid response of national emergency medical rescue team.

OBJECTIVE: This experiment aims to determine the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the differentiation of axillary inflammatory lymph nodes from metastatic lymph nodes in rabbit models in comparison with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional MRI and DWI were performed at 4 weeks after successful inoculation into the forty female New Zealand white rabbits' mammary glands. The size-based and signal-intensity-based criteria and the relative apparent diffusion coefficient (rADC) value were compared between the axillary inflammatory lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes, with histopathological findings as the reference standard. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the aforementioned criteria and rADC value in differentiating the axillary inflammatory lymph nodes from metastatic lymph nodes. RESULTS: Thirty-two axillary inflammatory lymph nodes and 46 metastatic ones were successfully isolated and taken into pathological analysis. The differences of the aforementioned criteria between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, the rADC value of the inflammatory lymph nodes (0.9 +/- 0.14) was higher than that of metastatic ones (0.7 +/- 0.18), with significant difference (p = 0.016). When the rADC value was chosen as 0.80, the area under the ROC curve is greater than all other criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for differentiating two groups were 86.2%, 79.3%, 81.2%, 84.2%, and 85.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted imaging is a promising new technique for differentiating axillary inflammatory lymph nodes from metastatic lymph nodes. Compared with routine magnetic resonance sequences, DWI could provide more useful physiological and functional information for diagnosis.
Animals ; Axilla ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Female ; Inflammation/pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis/*pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/*pathology ; ROC Curve ; Rabbits ; Sensitivity and Specificity