Objective To explore diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure in children by measuring brain natriurettic peptide(BNP) and cardiac troponin I(CTnI).Methods Forty-one children subjects with heart failure were chosen,and then they were divided into three stages,early stage of heart failure,stage of heart failure and stage of recovery according to the ROSS cardiac function score method.In contrast with the former group,41 healthy children were chosen as control group.BNP and CTnI levels of blood plasma were analyzed by radioimmunoassay(RIA) and chemiluminescent immunoassay(CLIA) respectively,the relationship between the BNP level of blood plasma and prognosis of CHF group was analyzed.Results At early stage of heart failure,BNP and CTnI levels began to rise.They amount to highest peaks at stage of heart failure and went down at stage of recovery.But they were still higher than those of control group(P

Objective To evaluate the effects of Achilles tendon lengthening on talipes equinus in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods From December, 2013 to June, 2014, seventeen spastic cerebral palsy children with talipes equinus (34 feet) received Achilles ten-don lengthening. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and surface electromyography from tibialis anterior and medial head of gastroc-nemius were measured before and 8 to 12 months after operation, respectively. ROM of passive and active dorsiflexion, root mean square (RMS) of tibia muscle group and co-contraction ratio (CR) when standing were compared. Results The ROM of ankle passive and active dorsiflexion increased (Z>4.867, P<0.001), while the RMS of gastrocnemius muscle decreased when ankle passively dorsiflex (t=4.31, P<0.001). RMS of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle changed little when standing (Z<1.291, P>0.05), while CR reduced (t=2.38, P<0.05). Conclusion Achilles tendon lengthening can improve the coordination of tibia muscle group to increase the ROM of ankle for chil-dren with talipes equinus after spastic cerebral palsy.

To determine the etiologic agent of an outbreak of influenza viruses from Changsha Foothill Mountain International School in 2009, and to analyze the HA Gene Characteristic of the H1N1 influenza viruses. Twenty-five nasopharyngeal swab specimens from the outbreak of influenza viruses were tested by conventional RT-PCR and influenza viruses isolated simultaneously. Virus isolated (A/Yuelu/314/2009) from the outbreak was sequenced by CEQTM 8000 Genetic Analysis System and the sequencing results submitted to GenBank (Accession No: FJ912843), then the sequencing data was analyzed by ClustalX and Mega4.1softwares. Results showed the influenza viruses A(H1N1) of positive were 18 cases by influenza viruses isolated tests and 21 cases by conventional RT-PCR, respectively. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence homology of the HA gene of A/Yuelu/314/2009 are 99% compare with the vaccine strain (A/Brisbane/59/2007) in 2008~2009 years. The HA sequence data also showed that had 6 amino acid mutations (V148A, S158N, G202A, I203D, A206T, W435R), and the S158N located at antigenic site B of HA protein. Nine potential glycosylation sites (27, 28, 40, 71, 151, 176, 303, 497, 536) in the HA sequence of A/Yuelu/314/2009 is the same with A/Brisbane/59/2007, and the sequences of potential glycosylation sites were conserved. In this study, laboratory evidence diagnosed seasonal influenza A virus (H1N1) as the etiologic agent of the outbreak. The virus isolated (A/Yuelu/314/2009) strain of H1N1 subtype is not a new variant in Changsha in 2009 compare with the vaccine strain (A/Brisbane/59/2007), the outbreak of influenza A virus (H1N1) from Changsha Foothill Mountain International School maybe are caused by the change in genetic characteristics between vaccine strains and the decreased of immunity to influenza A virus (H1N1) in the crowd.

This study was to investigate the permeability and absorbability of capsaicin cubosome across abdominal skin of the SD rats in vitro. Diffusion of capsaicin cubosome and cream was performed with the modified Franz diffusion cell technique. The capsaicin cubosome showed no enhancement of skin permeation within 24 hours. However, the deposition amounts of capsaicin in the rat skin in the cubosome group was markedly higher than those in the commercial cream group (P < 0.01). Cubosome showed excellent characetristic of skin-targed which could be a good carrier for the local transdermal drug delivery system.
Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Capsaicin ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Kinetics ; Male ; Particle Size ; Permeability ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Skin Absorption

BACKGROUNDNon-valvular atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke; however, the appropriate intensity of anticoagulation therapy for Chinese patients has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and the efficacy of standard-intensity warfarin therapy, low-intensity warfarin therapy, and aspirin therapy for the prevention of ischemic events in Chinese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

METHODSA total of 786 patients from 75 Chinese hospitals were enrolled in this study and randomized into three therapy groups: standard-intensity warfarin (international normalized ratio (INR) 2.1 to 2.5) group, low-intensity warfarin (INR 1.6 to 2.0) group and aspirin (200 mg per day) group. All patients were evaluated by physicians at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 months after randomization to obtain a patient questionnaire, physical examination and related laboratory tests.

RESULTSThe annual event rates of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or systemic thromboembolism were 2.6%, 3.1% and 6.9% in the standard-intensity warfarin, low-intensity warfarin and aspirin groups, respectively (P = 0.027). Thromboembolic event rates in both warfarin groups were significantly lower than that in the aspirin group (P = 0.018, P = 0.044), and there was no significant difference between the two warfarin groups. Severe hemorrhagic events occurred in 15 patients, 7 (2.6%) in the standard-intensity warfarin group, 7 (2.4%) in the low-intensity warfarin group and 1 (0.4%) in the aspirin group. The severe hemorrhagic event rates in the warfarin groups were higher than that in the aspirin group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.101). The mild hemorrhagic and total hemorrhagic event rates in the warfarin groups (whether in the standard-intensity warfarin group or low-intensity warfarin group) were much higher than that in the aspirin group with the annual event rates of total hemorrhages of 10.2%, 7.6% and 2.2%, respectively, in the 3 groups (P = 0.001). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in all cause mortality among the three study groups.

CONCLUSIONIn Chinese patients with NVAF, the warfarin therapy (INR 1.6 - 2.5) for the prevention of thromboembolic events was superior to aspirin.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anticoagulants ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Aspirin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Atrial Fibrillation ; drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Warfarin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo observe the evolutionary tendency of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of the limbic system in post-stroke model rats and the intervention effect of Yinao Jieyu Recipe (YJR).

METHODSMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (n =6), the sham-operation group (n =7), the multiple cerebral infarction (MCI) group (n =10), the post-stroke depression (PSD) group (n =10), the Chinese medicine (CM) treatment group (n =10), and the Western medicine (WM) treatment group (n =10) according to random digit table after open-field testing. Rats in the normal control group were routinely fed. 0. 3 mL normal saline was intravenously pushing from the external carotid artery to rats in the sham-operation group, and distilled water administered to them by gastrogavage. Each dose allogenic microthrombi were in vitro pushed to rats in the rest groups from the external carotid artery. The PSD model was duplicated by 21-day chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and single cage feeding in the PSD group 7 days after surgery. After preparing models rats in the CM group and the WM group were administered with YJR and Nimodipine respectively for 4 successive weeks. Changes of BDNF and the intervention effect of YJR were observed at week 1, 2, and 4 after intervention.

RESULTSImmunohistochemical results of BDNF showed, compared with the normal control group, expression levels of BDNF in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala decreased in the MCI group at week 2 and 4 (P <0. 01 , P <0. 05) ; expression levels of BDNF in each part decreased in the PSD group at week 1-4 (P <0.01). Compared with the MCI group, expression levels of BDNF in each part decreased in the PSD group at week 1-4 (P <0. 01). Compared with the PSD group, expression levels of BDNF in each part increased in the CM group at week 1-4 (P <0. 01).

CONCLUSIONBDNF changes existed in post-stroke model rats, and YJR could slow down this progress.

Amygdala ; Animals ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; metabolism ; Depression ; Depressive Disorder ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hippocampus ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Stroke ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo observe effects of Ligustrazine on serum S100p protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in elderly patients undergoing orthopedics operations.

METHODSTotally 60 patients undergoing selective total hip replacement, 65-80 years old, who were in line with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II, were randomly assigned to the Ligustrazine group (Group L) and the normal saline control group (Group S). The right internal jugular vein catheters were placedcephalad and ensured theirs tips in jugular venous bulbs after anesthesia induction and tracheal intubation. Patients in Group L received 2 mg/kg Ligustrazine Injection (40 drops within one minute) and those inGroup S received equal volume of normal saline via central veins before operations. Other medicines were the same for all patients during and after operation. Five millimeter blood sample was collected frominternal jugular venous bulbs before operation (T0), 24 h (T1), 72 h (T2), 168 h (7th day, T3) after operation. Serum was collected after centrifuge. S100β protein and NSE concentration were analyzed usingELISA. Mini-mental state examinations (MMSE) were scored by the same doctor at T0, T1, T2, and T3,respectively.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in MMSE scores, serum S1000 protein, or NSE at TO (P > 0.05). Compared with TO, S100 P protein and NSE concentration increased and MMSE scores decreased at T1, T2, and T3 in the two groups. All indices except S100P protein and NSE at T3 were statistically different between Group L and Group S (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSerum S100P protein and NSE could be changed by pre-operation injecting Ligustrazine at certain dose in elderly patients undergoing orthopedics operations.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Humans ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; blood ; Pyrazines ; therapeutic use ; S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit ; blood

For the study of muscle function and features during exercise, a multi-channel data acquisition system was developed, the overall design of the system, hardware composition, the function of system and so on have made a detail implements. The synchronous acquisition and storage of the surface EMG signal, joint angle signal, plantar pressure signal, ultrasonic image and initial results have been achieved.
Electromyography ; instrumentation ; Exercise ; Foot ; Humans ; Motion ; Muscle, Skeletal ; physiology

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of lipoxin A4 (LXA4)pretreatment on cognitive function of aged rats after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion,and to explore its possible mechanism.Thirty-six aged male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 each):sham-operation group (S group),global cerebral ischemia reperfusion group (I/R group) and LXA4-pretreatment group (L group).The rat model of global cerebral ischemia reperfusion was established by occlusion of the bilateral common carotid artery with hypotension.The cognitive function of rats was determined by a step-down type passive avoidance test and Morris Water Maze test on the third day after reperfusion.Rats were sacrificed after Water Maze test and the pathological changes ofhippocampal CA1 region were observed and the related inflammatory mediators were determined.As compared with S group,the escape latency in I/R group was prolonged from the first day to the fifth day,while that in L group was prolonged from the first day to the third day.The retention time in I/R group and L group in the first quadrant was shortened.The reaction time,frequency of reaction mistake and frequency of escape mistake in I/R group increased,and the latent period shortened.The frequency of escape mistake in L group increased,and the damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of I/R group and L group was obvious.The levels of S-100β,TNF-α,IL-lβ,IL-10 and NF-κB in I/R group and L group increased.As compared with I/R group,the escape latency in L group was shortened from the first day to the fifth day,and the retention time in the first quadrant prolonged.The reaction time,frequency of reaction mistake and frequency of escape mistake in L group decreased,and the latent period prolonged.The damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of L group was alleviated as well.The levels of S-100β,TNF-α,IL-1β and NF-κB in L group decreased,and those of IL-10 increased.It can be concluded that LXA4 pretreatment can improve the cognitive function in aged rats after global cerebral ischemia reperfusion probably by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and safety of the treatment for thoracolumbar fractures with transpedicular intracorporeal hydroxyapatite grafting and pedicle screw fixation via paraspinal approach.

METHODSFrom June 2007 to December 2008, 19 cases of thoracolumbar fractures were treated with transpedicular intracorporeal hydroxyapatite grafting and pedicle screw fixation via paraspinal approach. There were 7 female and 12 male, ranging from 21 to 57 years of age (mean 40.8 years) at surgery. The time from injury to surgery varied from 1 d to 5 d (mean 2.9 d). Nineteen patients all suffered from single thoracolumbar fracture with the distribution of injury level being T(11) in 1, T(12) in 5, L(1) in 9, and L(2) in 4. According to Denis fracture classification, there were 5 compression fractures and 14 burst fractures. The mean preoperative ratio of the anterior height of the body was 57.2%, kyphosis angle was 17.6° and occupation of spinal canal was 27.7%. The mean preoperative load-sharing classification of spine fractures was 5.2. Based on the ASIA neurologic grading system, preoperative neurological function was grade B in 2 cases, C in 9 and D in 8.

RESULTSMedian operating time was 83.8 min (range 60-95 min) and median blood loss was 133 ml (range 90 - 200 ml). Infection did not occur in any of the patients and the operative incisions were healing well. Average follow-up time was 19.2 months (range 12 - 36 months). At the latest follow-up, the height of the anterior border was corrected to 88.4%, the kyphosis angle was 6.1°, and the occupation of spinal canal was 8.2% on average. The postoperative neurologic function of all 19 patients was improved with grade D in 2 cases and E in 17. There were no instances of instrumentation failure and no patient had persistent postoperative back pain.

CONCLUSIONSTranspedicular intracorporeal hydroxyapatite grafting and pedicle screw fixation via paraspinal approach could provide reliable neurologic improvement in patients with incomplete neurologic deficit, and could prevent the development of kyphosis.Furthermore, it has the obvious advantages of less invasive and blood loss, and decreases the risks of postoperative lumbodorsal pain.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Durapatite ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult