ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical application of transcranial Doppler (TCD) in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular diseases (ICVD). MethodsPatients complaining hemiplegia (n=38) or dizziness (n=35) after ICVD were detected with TCD and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). ResultsThe incidence of abnormal intracranial large arteries detection was similar in patients complaining hemiplegia (χ2=1.03,P>0.05) between TCD and MRA, but different in patients complaining dizziness(χ2=10.76,P<0.05). ConclusionIn the patients with ICVD, TCD can be used in those complaining hemiplegia as a screening test before vascular interventional therapy, but be worthless in those complaining dizziness.

Objective To investigate the clinical therapeutic effects of neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) on patients with swallowing disorders after stroke. MethodsA total of 98 patients with a swallowing disorder after stroke were randomly divided into an NMES group (38 cases),a rehabilitation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases).In the control group the patients were treated with medication only; the in rehabilitation group they were treated with medication and swallowing rehabilitation training; in the NMES group they were treated with medication and NMES.The treatments lasted for 3 weeks in all groups.The swallowing function of patients in each group were observed and assessed with dysphagia scoring pre-and post-treatment.Complications of the swallowing disorders,side effects of treatment and the stomach tube leaving rate were observed. ResultsAfter treatment,the dysphagia scores of patients in the NMES and rehabilitation groups both increased,but the average scores in the NMES group were significantly higher than in the rehabilitation and control groups.The difference in therapeutic effect between the three groups was statistically significant.After treatment,the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the NMES group was significantly lower than that in the control and rehabilitation groups.The average stomach tube leaving rate in the NMES group was significantly lower than that in the control group,but there was no significant difference in stomach tube leaving rates between the rehabilitation group and the NMES group.There was no significant difference among the three groups in malnutrition.No side effect was observed in any group.Conclusions NMES could alleviate post-stroke dysphagia and decrease the incidence of aspiration.The short-term therapeutic effect of NMES was better than that of swallowing rehabilitation training,but the long-term therapeutic effects were about the same in the two groups.

Ob jectiev Oxidized low-density lipoprotein ( ox-LDL) induces vascular endothelial cell injury , which is one of the factors initiating atherosclerosis .This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Tongxinluo ( TXL ) on vascular endothelial cells with ox-LDL-induced injury . Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells ( HUVEC ) were cultured in vitro and divided into five groups:normal control, oxidative stress injury (OSI) model, and high, medium and low dose TXL.The HUVECs were incubated with ox-LDL at the concentration of 30 mg/L for 24 hours to induce oxidative stress injury and then treated with TXL at 50, 100 and 150 mg/L for 4 hours, followed by 24 hour incubation with 30 mg/L ox-LDL added to the culture medium .The viability of the cells was detected by MTS assay, the nitric oxide (NO) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and mitochondrial membrane poten-tial ( MMP) in the cell culture supernatant were measured with respective kits , and the expressions of iNOS , MMP9, and NF-κBp65 proteins were determined by Western blot . Results The HUVECs of the OSI model group showed a significant decrease in cell via-bility compared with the normal control , ([73 .89 ±0.67] vs [100.00 ±2.23]%, P<0.01) but a remarkably increase after treated with medium and high dose TXL ([92.15 ±0.76]%and [ 97.19 ±1.45]%, P<0.01).The MMP, NO content, and SOD activity were markedly reduced in the model group (P<0.01) but elevated in the low, medium, and high dose TXL groups (P<0 .01).The expressions of the iNOS, MMP9, and NF-κBp65proteins were significantly up -regulated in the model group (P<0.01) but down reg-ulated in the low, medium, and high dose TXL groups (P<0.05).C on clusion TXL has the effects of anti-oxidation and anti-in-flammation and can protect vascular endothelial cells against ox-LDL-induced injury .

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of phosphatase and tensin homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) protein and growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in rats with Barrel cortex focal ischemia. Methods 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham group (n=8), model group (n=8) and EA group (n=8). The EA group accepted EA at Baihui (DU20) and Fengfu (DU16) acupoints 3 days after modeling, 30 min a time, once a day. They were assessed with Corner Test 1 day before modeling, and 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after medication. The expression of GAP-43 and PTEN around infarct zone were detect with Western blotting 14 days after medication. Results The frequence of turn-right decreased in the EA group compared with that in the model group (P<0.001) 14 days after modeling. The expression of GAP-43 increased in the model group compared with that in the sham group (P<0.05), and increased more in the EA group than in the model group (P<0.05). There was no significantly difference in PTEN expression between the model group and the sham group (P=0.460), and significantly decreased in the EA group (P<0.001). Conclusion EA may inhibit expression of PTEN protein and increase expression of GAP-43, which may be involved in nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on necroptosis during liver injury in septic rats.Methods Eighteen SPF adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 200-220 g,were divided into 3 groups (n=6 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group SH),sepsis group (group SEP) and dexmedetomidine group (group DEX).Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats in SEP and DEX groups.Dexmedetomidine 5 μg/kg was injected via the caudal vein at 1 h before operation in group DEX.Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein at 6 h after operation for determination of serum aspartate amino-transferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations.The rats were then sacrificed and livers were removed for determination of the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in liver tissues (using chemiluminescence assay) and expression of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1),RIP3,mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL),high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drpl) in liver tissues (by Western blot).Results Compared with group SH,the serum AST and ALT concentrations were significantly increased,the expression of RIP1,RIP3,MLKL,HMGB1 and Drpl in liver tissues was up-regulated,and the level of ROS in liver tissues was increased in SEP and DEX groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group SEP,the serum AST and ALT concentrations were significantly decreased,the expression of RIP1,RIP3,MLKL,HMGB1 and Drp1 in liver tissues was down-regulated,and the level of ROS in liver tissues was decreased in group DEX (P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which dexmedetomidine attenuates liver injury may be related to inhibition of necroptosis in septic rats.

Broth microdilution method was hired to measure the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of luteolin against Trueperella pyogenes,Escherichia coli,Salmonella and Streptococcus in order to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of luteolin in vitro.Meanwhile,the bacteria growth curves in medium containing sub-inhibitory concentration of luteolin were measured in this test.The results indicated that Tureperella pyogenes was the most sensitive to luteolin with a MIC of 0.078 g/L than that of these strains;and Salmonella was also sensitive to luteolin (MIC:1.25 g/L).However,The inhibitory effect of luteolin on Escherichia coli and Streptococcus is relatively weak,and shared the same MIC with 2.5 g/L.Luteolin showed inhibitory effects on the growth curves of all the strains in this test at sub-inhibitory concentration,and the inhibitory effects on the growth curves increased with the concentration of luteolin(P＜0.05).

Objective To explore the effect of the interrupted abdominal aorta compression after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (IAAC-CPR)on cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation in a rabbit model of cardiac arrest (CA). Methods According to the random number table,10 New Zealand rabbits of both genders were equally divided into the chest compression-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CC-CPR) group or IAAC-CPR group ,with 5 rabbits in each group. CA model was reproduced by injection of iced-potassium chloride into the jugular vein and obstruction of trachea to produce asphyxia. CA was maintained for 3 minutes before cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CC-CPR was performed with assisted ventilation+chest compression,while IAAC-CPR was performed by the way of assisted ventilation + chest compressions + compressions on abdominal aorta. The hemodynamics and cerebral cortex blood flow were observed during resuscitation. Time of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC),24-hour survival rates,and scores of neurological function,and situation of abdominal organs were recorded. Results At 30, 60,90 and 120 seconds after CPR,the cerebral blood flow (CBF,PU value)and mean arterial pressure(MAP, mmHg,1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)of IAAC-CPR group were significantly higher than those of CC-CPR group(CBF 30 seconds:16.1±6.0 vs. 7.8±2.2,60 seconds:91.6±11.8 vs. 57.3±23.2,90 seconds:259.9±74.9 vs. 163.6± 50.3,120 seconds:301.5 ±60.5 vs. 208.4 ±23.8;MAP 30 seconds:46.4 ±9.4 vs. 31.4 ±8.7,60 seconds:55.8 ± 13.8 vs. 34.0±11.5,90 seconds:61.2±11.5 vs. 38.2±10.1,120 seconds:63.6±11.8 vs. 40.2±10.2,all P<0.05). Compared with CC-CPR group,in IAAC - CPR group,the time necessary for ROSC was obviously shortened (seconds:182.0 ±59.0 vs. 312.6 ±86.6,t=2.787,P=0.024),24-hour nerve function score was significantly lowered(2.4±1.7 vs. 4.6±0.6,t=2.974,P=0.023). The successful recovery rate(80.0%vs. 60.0%,χ2=0.000, P =1.000)and 24-hour survival rate (80.0% vs. 40.0%,χ2=0.417,P =0.519)were significantly increased,but without statistical significance. No liver damage was found at 24 hours after ROSC. Conclusion In the early recovery of CA in rabbit,IAAC-CPR can result in better cerebral blood flow perfusion as compared with CC-CPR,and it significantly reduced damage to the nervous system function without producing abdominal organ damage.

Objective To evaluate the changes in the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) during remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in the rats with incisional pain.Methods Thirty-two SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 240-260 g,aged 2-3 months,in which caudal catheters were successfully implanted,were divided into 4 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),incisional pain group (group Ⅰ),remifentanil group (group R),and incisional pain + remifentanil group (group I+R).A 1 cm longitudinal incision was made through skin,fascia and muscle of the plantar aspect of the left hindpaw to establish the model of incisional pain.In group R,remifentanil was intravenously infused for 60 min at a rate of 1.2 μg · kg-1 · min-1.In group Ⅰ,the model of incisional pain was established,and the equal volume of normal saline was intravenously infused for 60 min at the same time.In group I+R,the model of incisional pain was established,and remifentanil was intravenously infused for 60 min at a rate of 1.2 μg · kg-1 · min-1 at the same time.In group C,the equal volume of normal saline was intravenously infused for 60 min.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawl latency (TWL) were measured at 24 h before normal saline or remifentanil infusion (To) and 2,6,24 and 48 h after the end of infusion (T1-4).The rats were sacrificed after the last measurement of pain threshold,and the DRGs of the lumbar segment (L4-6) were removed for determination of the expression of TRPV1 protein and mRNA by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction,respectively.Results Compared with group C,the MWT was significantly decreased,and the TWL was shortened at T1-4,and the expression of TRPV1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated in R,I and I+R groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group R or group I,the MWT was significantly decreased,and the TWL was shortened at T1-4,and the expression of TRPV1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated in group I+R (P＜0.05) Conclusion Up-regulated expression of TRPV1 in DRGs may be involved in the mechanism underlying remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in the rats with incisional pain.

Objective:To construct a new reporter mycobacteriophage, ΦFN, based on a nanoluciferase (Nluc) reporter system, and to analyze its ability to detect drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb). Methods:A Nluc reporter system controlled by P furAma promoter was constructed and integrated into Mycobacterium smegmatis ( Msm) genome to assess its reporting ability in mycobacteria. Then the P furAma- nluc reporter system was integrated into TM4 mycobacteriophage genome to construct a new phage termed ΦFN. A rapid procedure for detecting drug resistance in mycobacteria using ΦFN was established by adjusting conditions such as drug exposure time and time of infection. The susceptibility of 52 clinical isolates of Mtb with known drug resistance to three first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs were tested in 96-well plates. Results:The recombinant Msm mc 2155 expressing P furAma- nluc repoerter system could generate luminescence signal at a low limit of 100 colony-forming unit (CFU), which was lower than the previously reported nluc system controlled by Pleft promoter. The detection limit of ΦFN for mycobacteria reached 100 CFU within 24 h by luminescent microplate reader. After 48 h of antibiotic exposure and 24 h of phage incubation, no luminescence signal could be detected when susceptible strains were below 10 5 CFU, which could effectively distinguish susceptible strains and rapidly detect drug resistance. The drug susceptibility of 52 clinical isolates of Mtb to rifampin, isoniazid and streptomycin was tested using ΦFN, and the accuracy was 51/52, 48/52 and 49/52, respectively, by using the conventional drug susceptibility test, Lwenstein-Jensen culture medium assay, as reference. Conclusions:The new recombinant luminescent reporter phage, ΦFN, showed high accuracy in detecting the drug susceptibility of Mtb to rifampicin, isoniazid and streptomycin and it only took three days. It is expected to be a new simple assay for the rapid detection of drug susceptibility of Mtb.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants continue to spread around the world, posing a great threat to global economic and public health. Influenza A virus, a major cause of influenza, has a wide host range and evolves rapidly. Influenza pandemics, which occur every 20 to 40 years, annual seasonal influenza epidemics, severe influenza and animal influenza viruses are all serious threats to public health. Clinical manifestations of infections caused by the two pathogens are very similar. It is of great significance to develop an effective bivalent vaccine for controlling alternating epidemics or co-infection of the two pathogens. This article reviewed the progress in the development of bivalent vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus based on different platforms.