BACKGROUNDThe mortality and disability associated with progressing ischemic stroke are much higher than general ischemic stroke. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors for progressing ischemic stroke in the Han population of northeast China.

METHODSA total of 2511 patients with ischemic stroke within 24 hours admitted to Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were studied, from November 2007 to May 2009. All of the patients were classified into the progressing or non-progressing group according to the scores of the Scandinavian Neurological Stroke Scale. Fifteen putative risk factors were evaluated. The influence of risk factors for progressing ischemic stroke was analyzed with the simple Logistic analysis, the multiple Logistic analysis, and the stepwise Logistic regression model. All the statistical analysis was performed by SAS 9.1.

RESULTSTotally 359 (14.3%) patients met the criteria for progressing ischemic stroke. The Logistic analysis showed that age, family stroke history, smoking history, hypertension on admission, a drop in blood pressure after admission to the hospital, high serum glucose on admission, and fever were related to progressing ischemic stroke in the Han population of northeast China.

CONCLUSIONPeople of the ischemic stroke with these factors are more likely to develop progressing ischemic stroke.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; epidemiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of Yanshu injection (a compound Chinese traditional medicine from Sophora flauescens Ait) combined with concomitant radiochemotherapy in patients with stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODSSixty patients with stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomized into Yanshu group and control group (n = 30, each). Patients in the Yanshu group received Yanshu injection in addition to intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concomitant chemotherapy, and those in the control group were treated with IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy.

RESULTSThe 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year overall survival rates were 100%, 93.3%, 86.7%, 80.0% for Yanshu group, and 96.7%, 90.0%, 83.3%, 76.7% for the control group, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.565). The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year progression-free survival rates were 96.7%, 90.0%, 83.3%, 70.0% for Yanshu group, and 90.0%, 86.7%, 76.7%, 66.7% for control group, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.554). However, the reaction of mucosa of oral cavity, myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia in the Yanshu group were significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The quality of life of the patients in the Yanshu group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSYanshu injection combined with radiochemotherapy in patients with stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma show a good efficacy and can reduce the side effects of radiochemotherapy of nasopharygeal carcinoma, and improve the quality of life of the patients.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemoradiotherapy ; methods ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; etiology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Mucositis ; chemically induced ; etiology ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality of Life ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; adverse effects ; Sophora ; chemistry ; Survival Rate ; Thrombocytopenia ; chemically induced ; etiology

Objective To investigate the influential factors and the control measures thereof iodine salt detection with oxidation-reduction titration method so as to improve the detection quality.Methods 122 samples were obtained randomly from four counties(districts)of Sichuan Province to determine iodine ions forms.In center for diseases control and prevention(CDC)laboratories at the provincial and county levels,iodine contents in the samples were determined with oxidation-reduction titration and the results were compared between laboratories.The provineial lahoratory also employed bromine water oxidation for method comparison.Also the volume fractions of chlorine available were determined in sodium hypochlorite storage in open or sealed status and of different storage periods of 1,2,4,7,14,30 and 60 days.Results The iodine transformed from 103- to I-during the shipment and storage;The iodine contents in the 122 salt samples determined by the laboratories at the provincial and county levels were respectively(32.40±8.44),(31.10±8.34)mg/kg with a result discrepancy of 1.33 mg/kg.Of all the absolute discrepancy values,18.8%(23/122)were lower than or equal to 1 mg/kg;23.0%(28/122)were equal to or higher than 3 mg/kg;23.0%(28/122)were lower than or equal to 5 mg/kg;26.2%(32/122)were lower than or equal to 10 mg/kg;9.0%(11/122)were higher than 10 mg/kg.After the botdes were opened and stood for 60 days,the available chlorine content in the sodium hypochlorite decreased by 43.6%and 32.5%respectively in open and sealed status,Iodine contents were respectively(32.60±8.44),(32.50±8.18)mg/kg(n=114)with the oxidationreduction titration method and bromine water oxidation method,and no significant difierence was found between the results of the two methods(t=0.282,P＞0.05).Conclusions Potassium iodate in salt in Sichuan is Dmne to transform into potassium iodide during shipping,so when determining salt iodine with the oxidation-reduction titration method,the content and the amount of chlorine available in the sodium hypochlorite differ a lot and are difficult to control.Therefore.bromine water oxidation titration is recommended.

Objective:To summarize the best evidence of rehabilitation exercise in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis surgery.Methods:The evidence-based questions were established based on PIPOST's principles, and Wanfang data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, UpToDate, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, American Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association and other databases and websites were searched by computer. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to October 31, 2022. Two researchers conducted quality evaluation, evidence extraction, and summarization of the included literature.Results:A total of 10 articles were included, including six expert consensus articles, three systematic review articles, and one meta-analysis article. A total of 16 pieces of evidence were summarized from nine aspects of rehabilitation exercise evaluation, principles, timing, methods, health education, psychotherapy, pain management, evaluation and post discharge follow-up.Conclusions:This study summarizes the best evidence for rehabilitation exercise in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis after surgery, and it suggests that healthcare professionals apply evidence based on clinical context and patient willingness.

Objective To find out the status of brick-tea type fluorosis in the epidemic areas.Methods Based on "Scheme for Epidemiological Brick-tea Type Fluorosis in Sichuan Province",ten counties were selected in Sichuan brick-tea areas and ten towns were selected in every county,then the epidemicologic survey was performed in children of 8～12 year-old and adults aged above 20 years old.Results 5044 children and 4053 adults were selected from brick-tea areas.The rates of dental fluorosis in children and adults were 55.69%(2809/5044)and 60.41%(4053/6709)respectively.The dental fluorosis was mainly of mild damage.The skeletal fluorosis found in X-ray film was 44.64%(167/1241)and in clinical examination,38.94%(3883/9973).The levels of urine fluoride in children and adults were 1.88 and 2.78 mg/L.The level of urine fluoride was not differenet among children of different age,but in adults it was higher in the elder than the younger.The level of fluoride in urine was related to the severeness of skeletal fluorosis(r=0.74).The detective rates of skeletal fluorosis in agricuIture,pasturing,and agriculture-pasturing areaswere 31.70%(1369/4318),50.04%(1228/2454),and 40.17%(1286/3201),respectively.The X-ray detecting rates of skeletal fluorosis in men and wonlen were 49.57%(229/462)and 41.72%(325/779) respectively(χ2=11.72,P＜0.05).Conclusion The prevalence of brick-tea type fluorosis is very serious in the regions studied.

Objective To investigate the expressions of stathmin gene and its coding protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma,and to explore the relationship between stathmin gene and the biological behaviors of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma for understanding the tumorigenicity and development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods Laryngeal carcinoma tissues (studying group) in the tumors'center and laryngeal normal tissues (control group) parted from 1.0 cm of the safe borderline of the tumors were took from 38 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma while they were in operation.Semi-quantitative method of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression level of stathmin mRNA,and immunohistochemical staining (frozen section) was used to detect the expressions of stathmin protein,in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and laryngeal normal tissues of 38 cases,respectively.Results mRNA of stathmin gene was all positively expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and in laryngeal normal tissues of 38 cases by RT-PCR.However,stathmin mRNA was obviously over-expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissues than that in laryngeal normal tissues (t=9.655,P＜0.05).Immunohistochemical staining showed stathmin protein was positively expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of 26 cases (26/38,68.4%),and mild-positively expressed in laryngeal normal tissues in 13 cases(13/38,34.2%).There was significant difference between the expression rate of stathmin protein inlaryngeal carcinoma tissues and in laryngeal normal tissues (x2=8.901,P＜0.05).Meanwhile,theexpression level of stathmin mRNA and the positive-expressed rate of stathmin protein in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of the advanced stage patients group(Ⅰ stage and Ⅳ stage) were significantly higher than these in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of Ⅰ and Ⅱ stage patients group (t=6.284,x2=5.810,P＜0.05),and they were also significantly higher in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of the patients group with cervical lymph node metastasis than in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of the patients group without cervical lymph node metastasis (t=9.350,x2=6.923,P＜0.05).Conclusions The expression levels of stathmin gene and protein were significantly higher in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma than these in laryngeal normal tissues,the levels are also significantly higher in advanced stage patients group (Ⅲ stage and Ⅳ stage) than in the early stage patients group (Ⅰ and Ⅱ),and they are also related to the cervical lymph node metastasis of carcinoma.Stathmin gene may play an important role in the pathogenisis and development of laryngeal carcinoma and may be related to its prognosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effects of an antisense PC cell derived growth factor (PCDGF) vector on proliferation and invasion of highly malignant ovarian cancer cell lines Sw626 and A2780 cells, and preliminarily explore the related mechanisms.

METHODSMTT assay and Boyden chamber in vitro invasion assay were employed to detect the changes of proliferation and invasion ability in the Sw626 and A2780 cells transfected with anti-sense PCDGF. The expression levels of cyclin D1 and CDK4 proteins before and after transfection were detected by Western blotting. The effects on the expression and activity of MMP-2 were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR and zymography, respectively.

RESULTSComparing with the blank group, the proliferation inhibition rate of the Sw626 and A2780 cells transfected with anti-sense PCDGF was 72.9% and 70.9%, respectively, and the invasion ability was inhibited by 62.9% and 59.0%, respectively. The levels of cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein expression in antisense PCDGF transfected cells were 0.38 +/- 0.08 and 0.37 +/- 0.13, respectively, all significantly lower than 0.84 +/- 0.11 and 0.64 +/- 0.11, respectively, in the blank group (P < 0.01). The MMP-2 mRNA expression level in antisense PCDGF transfected cell group was 0.66 +/- 0.11, not significantly decreased in comparison with 0.89 +/- 0.09 in the blank group (P > 0.05), but the activity of MMP-2 was inhibited significantly.

CONCLUSIONThe antisense PCDGF vector may inhibit markedly the proliferation and invasion of highly malignant ovarian cancer cells, and partially reverses their malignant phenotype. It seems to be related with down-regulating the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4 and inhibiting the activity of MMP-2. Our findings indicate that PCDGF may become a new target for antisense gene therapy of ovarian cancer.

Cell Adhesion ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 ; metabolism ; DNA, Antisense ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) high-pressure zone, and to determine the accurate length of myotomy on the esophageal and gastric sides.

METHODSThere were 15 patients undergoing the Heller's cardia-myotomies and Toupet fundoplications from May 2006 to December 2007. Among them, 9 patients were female and 6 was male. The age ranged from 28 to 61 years old, and the disease duration ranged from 6 months to 9 years. The intraoperative oesophageal manometry underwent in the surgical procedures to investigate the changes of the lower esophageal sphincter pressure and the length of myotomy.

RESULTSThere was no postoperative death. After (5.3 +/- 1.5) cm of esophageal side myotomy and (0.8 +/- 0.4) cm of gastric side myotomy, the mean LES pressure decreased from (33.6 +/- 13.3) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to (9.7 +/- 4.6) mm Hg and (4.8 +/- 3.1) mm Hg respectively (P < 0.05). The lower esophageal sphincter length ranged from 5 to 8 cm.

CONCLUSIONIntraoperative esophageal manometry helps determine the accurate myotomy length of myotomy on the esophageal and gastric sides of the gastroesophageal junction and provides valuable information for the Heller's myotomy.

Adult ; Esophageal Achalasia ; surgery ; Esophagus ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Intraoperative Care ; Male ; Manometry ; Middle Aged ; Monitoring, Intraoperative

OBJECTIVE We want to investigate the mechanism of organophosphate- induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) and find appropriate therapeutic medicine. OPIDN, often leads to pares?thesias, ataxia and paralysis, occurs in the late-stage of acute poisoning or after repeated exposures to organophosphate (OP) insecticides or nerve agents, and may contribute to the Gulf War Syndrome. METHODS FDSS Ca2 +-influx assays, single-cell calcium imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology were the major testing techniques. Transfected HEK293 cells and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were used to evaluate the effects of compounds. Wild type and trpa1 knockout mice and adult hyline brown hens were used to evaluate the neuropathological damages caused by the OPs. Transmission electron microscopy imaging was used to observe the nerve injuries ultrastructurally. High-throughput screen for TRPA1 inhibitors was accomplished by Ion Works Barracuda (IWB) automated electrophysiology assay. RESULTS TRPA1 (Transient receptor potential cation channel, member A1) channel mediates OPIDN. A variety of OPs, exemplified by malathion, activates TRPA1 but not other neuronal TRP channels. Malathion increases the intracellular calcium levels and upregulates the excitability of mouse DRG neurons in vitro. Mice with repeated exposures to malathion also develop local tissue nerve injuries and pain-related behaviors, which resembles the early symptoms of OPIDN. Both the neuropathological changes and the nocifensive behaviors can be attenuated by treatment of TRPA1 antagonist HC030031 or abolished by knockout of Trpa1 gene. In the classic hens OPIDN model, malathion causes nerve injuries and ataxia to a similar level as the positive inducer tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP), which also activates TRPA1 channel. Treatment with HC030031 reduces the damages caused by malathion or TOCP. Duloxetine and Ketotifen, two commercially available drugs exhibiting TRPA1 inhibitory activity, show neuroprotective effects against OPIDN and might be used in emergency situations. CONCLUSION TRPA1 is the major mediator of OPIDN and targeting TRPA1 is an effective way for the treatment of OPIDN.

Objective: To observe the effect of Shenghuitang on learning and memory and expressions of interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) in hippocampus of chronic sleep deprived mice, in order to explore the possible mechanism of Shenghuitang in improving learning and memory ability. Method: Mice were randomly divided into sleep deprivation group, blank group, melatonin group(7.8×10^-4 g·kg^-1·d^-1), high, middle and low-dose Shenghuitang groups(54,27,13.5 g·kg^-1·d^-1). The model of chronic sleep deprivation in mice was established using the "multi-platform water environment method". 28 d sleep deprivation and intragastric administration were provided. Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory ability of mice in each group. Real time-PCR was used to detect mRNA expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2 in the hippocampus of each group. Result: The results of Morris water maze test showed that compared with the blank group, the total time spent on finding the platform and the total swimming distance of the model group were significantly prolonged (P<0.01), while the number of crossing platforms and the target quadrant were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The time for the original platform was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the total time spent on finding the platform and the total swimming distance decreased significantly in each drug-administered group (P<0.05,P<0.01) reduced, whereas the number of times for crossing the platform and the target quadrant increased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01). The time for the first arrival of the original platform was significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The results of RT-PCR showed that mRNA expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 were increased in the model group compared with the blank group. Compared with the model group, mRNA expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 were decreased in the treated group. COX-2 mRNA expression was down-regulated. Conclusion: Shenghuitang may improve the learning and memory ability of mice by decreasing mRNA expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2 in hippocampus.