Objective To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy following spinal cord injury (SCI) and its mechanisms. Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups after inducing SCI models using a modified version of Allen's method. The HBO group received HBO treatment 2 h after the procedure and were then treated 100 min every day for 5 consecutive days. All the rats were evaluated 1 h before the operation, and 1 h, 10 d and 20 d afterward using BBB scores and inclined plane experiments. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. At twenty days, all the rats were sacrificed and their spinal cords were examined pathologically using HE staining. Results Average BBB scores and climbing ability in the HBO group were better than in the control group at the 10th and 20th day after the operation. Compared to the control group, SOD increased significantly and MDA decreased significantly in the HBO group at the 2nd and 5th day after the operation. There was less cystic degeneration of the spinal cord in the HBO group. Conclusions HBO demonstrated a positive effect after SCI. Oxygen free radicals might be one of the mechanisms for the better recovery.

The objective of this study was to assess the clinical evidence for or against mood stabilizers as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We searched 5 databases from their inception to January 2010. Five randomized clinical trials of mood stabilizers to treat human patients suffering from AD were included. These trials assessed the effectiveness of mood stabilizers as an adjunct treatment to conventional anti-dementia drugs on behavioral and psychological symptoms, especially on agitation. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score. The results suggested a significant effect in favor of placebo on the Mini-Mental Status Examination [n=270, weight mean difference (WMD), -0.89; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) -1.69 to -0.09, P=0.03] and on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory total (NPI total) (n=51, WMD, 3.71; 95% CIs 0.15 to 7.26, P=0.04). There were no significant differences in change scores on total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS total), NPI/BPRS agitation, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory total and Physical Self Maintenance Scale between mood stabilizers and placebo. Only one of these studies was free of methodological limitations (Jadad score=5). In conclusion, based on the existing evidence, mood stabilizers are ineffective or even harmful as a treatment for AD.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pramipexole in treating restless legs syndrome (RLS).Methods A search for randomized,double-blind,and placebo-controlled clinical trials of pramipexole in treating moderate to severe RLS using CNKI,PubMed,Embase and Cochrane Library database was carried out. A meta-analysis of included clinical trials was performed with RevMan 5.0 software.The 2 outcomes that the weighted mean difference(WMD) of change from baseline in International RLS Study Group rating scale(IRLS) score and the relative risk (RR) of response based on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale score were calculated for efficacy.Safety was assessed with RR of the adverse event (AE).Results A total of 5 clinical trials were included in this meta-analysis,of which 1776 patients were randomly assigned (945 on pramipexole,831 on placebo).The records of patients were pooled.Overall WMD were - 6.34 ( Z =12.76,P ＜ 0.01 ) for the change from baseline in IRLS score,and RR of response based on CGI-I were 1.65 (Z =10.39,P ＜0.01).The overall RR of pramipexole versus placebo were 1.14 ( Z =1.87,P =0.06 ) for AE.Conclusion To treat RLS,pramipexole is an effective and safe drug.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of pramipexole versus fluoxetine in the treatment of depression in Parkinson's disease ( PD). Methods A randomized, clinical trial of pramipexole versus fluoxetine treatment for 12 weeks in 50 patients suffering from combined PD and depression was accomplished. The efficacy and safety assessments of the treatments were performed at different time points. Results For the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores decreased progressively in both the pramipexole and the fluoxetine group, and a between-time statistical analysis was significant for both groups. The efficacy proportion of patients who responded to the treatment, as defined by at least a 50% reduction in HAMD score, was 56. 0% in the pramipexole group versus 48. 0% in the fluoxetine group (χ~2 =0. 321, P>0. 05). Similarly, the proportion of patients who recovered, as defined by a final HAMD score ≤8, was 52. 0% in the pramipexole group versus 32. 0% in the fluoxetine group (χ~2 =2. 053, P>0. 05) , but the difference between the two treatments showed no statistical significance. At the endpoint, both the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part Ⅱ and part Ⅲ subscores improved in the pramipexole group, by a mean of 2. 9±3. 7 (t= 2.366, P<0.05) and7.2±5.1 (t=2.654, P< 0.05), respectively, and the latter was significantly different from the change in this variable of the fluoxetine group (P<0. 05). Spearman analysis showed that no relationship between HAMD score and UPDRS Part II or Part III subscore. The findings for the per-protocol (PP) population were consistent with the above results, except that the proportion of patients who recovered in the pramipexole group was significantly larger than that in the fluoxetine group. The adverse events in both groups were mild dizziness, nausea and anorexia. No significant difference was found in the frequencies of the adverse events between the pramipexole and fluoxetine group. Conclusions Pramipexole is effective and safe in the treatment of Chinese PD patients combined with depression.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects on serum homocysteine(Hcy) level,vascular function and carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) in metformin-treated diabetic patients with or without supplementation with folate and Vitamin B12.MethodsA total of 100 newly diagnosed diabetic type 2patients were divided into two groups by random digits table with 50 cases each,90 patients completed study.Forty-seven participants (control group) received a 6-month course of metformin treatment,43 patients (treatment group) received mefformin,folate and Vitamin B12 treatment.The levels of serum Hcy,endothelin-1 (ET-1),carotid IMT,large or small arterial elasticity index (C1,C2),flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery were evaluated before and after treatment.ResultsThe level of serum Hcy in control group significantly increased compared with before treatment[ (13.4 ± 2.7)μ mol/L vs.(11.1 ± 1.9)μ mol/L],hut the level of serum Hcy in treatment group significantly decreased compared with before treatment [ (9.2 ± 1.8 ) μ mol/L vs. ( 11.3 ± 2.0) μ mol/L ],there was significant difference(P ＜ 0.05 ).A beneficial effect was observed in the serum ET-1,FMD,carotid IMT and C2 in treatment group[ (20.0 ± 6.2)ng/L,( 15.8 ± 7.6)％,(0.8 ± 0.2) mm,(4.1 ± 2.1 ) ml/mm Hg ( 1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa) × 100 vs. (31.3 ±10.1 ) ng/L,(9.7 ± 4.5)％,( 1.1 ± 0.4) mm,(2.3 ± 1.0) ml/mm Hg × 100 ] (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of ET-1,FMD,carotid IMT and C2 after treatment in control group [ (24.8 ± 6.8) ng/L,( 12.9 ± 6.3 )％,(0.9 ± 0.3)mm,(3.0 ± 1.4) ml/mm Hg × 100] had significant difference compared with before treatment [ (30.6 ± 8.7)ng/L,(9.8 ± 4.6)％,( 1.0 ± 0.3) mm,(2.2 ± 0.9) ml/mm Hg × 100](P＜ 0.05).However,the results were improved significantly in treatment group than those in control group (P ＜0.05).In treatment group,significant correlation were detected between changes of Hcy and ET- 1 (r =0.43,P ＜ 0.05 ),carotid IMT(r =0.56,P ＜ 0.05),FMD (r =-0.54,P ＜ 0.05 ),C2 (r =-0.37,P ＜ 0.05 ).ConclusionsAdministration of folate and Vitamin B12 can reduce the levels of serum Hcy and ET-1 in metformin-treated type 2 diabetic patients,which exert beneficial effect on carotid IMT,FMD and C2.

Objective To investigate the effects of altitude,race,gender and age on blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1 c) of type 2 diabetes.Methods A total of 410 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who resided at different altitudes in Jinghong,Kunming and Lijiang city for over 5 years and received antidiabetic treatment without adjustments for over 3 months were enrolled.To compare blood glucose,hemoglobin (Hb) and HbA1 c levels of T2DM among different altitudes,different races,different genders and different ages,The correlation between races and HbA1c was evaluated with Pearson's correlation analysis.Results No significant differences were observed in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P =0.49,P =0.1,P =0.09,P =0.3),2 h postprandial blood glucose (2 h PBG) (P =0.33,P =0.4,P =0.7,P =0.1),and HbA1 c (P =0.47,P =0.28,P =0.2,P =0.07) levels between patients at different altitudes,different races,different genders and different ages.However,there were significant differences in Hb (P ＜0.01).There was no significant correlation between races and HbA1c levels(r =0.003,P =0.6).Conclusions There were effects of altitude,race,gender and age on hemoglobin of type 2 diabetes,but no effects on glycosylated hemoglobin.

Objective To describe the prevalence and neuropsychological character of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) associated with Parkinson' s disease(PD-MCI). Methods One hundred and three PD patients and a control group of 32 healthy old subjects were chosen. Psychometric assessment included the Mini Mental State Examination, the Dementia Rating Scale and a series of neuropsychol ogicaltests. The Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression was used to assess depression in PD patients. Results (1)Twenty-one (20.4%) PD patients was diagnosed with dementia, 45 (43.7%) had a MCI and only 37(35.9%) had no cognitive impairment; (2) Subjects with PD-MCI were older, had a later onset of the PD,and displayed more severe motor symptoms compared with those without cognitive impairment; (3) The prevalence and neuropsychological profile of PD-MCI were thought to correlate with the dominating side and subtype of Parkinsonian symptoms, for patients with left-sided dominant symptoms had a significantly higher chance of suffering MCI than those with right-sided dominant symptoms, the ratio being 74.2% vs 42.2%,χ<'2 =7. 589,P <0.05; The tremor-dominant group took less time than the mixed group for Stroop word test measurement ((80.8±39.9) s vs (94.4±30.0) s,t=3.332,P<0.01). Conclusion Identification of MCI is of important clinical significance, which helps to treat patients differently and thus predict the prognosis.

Objective To evaluate glycemic control,complication and influence factors of glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) in type 2 diabetic(T2DM) patients with hypertension in retired and veteran of military communities in Kunming.Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted and 216 T2DM patients with hypertension were enrolled in current study.A self-made questionnaire was used to collected information including age,course of the disease,complication,hypoglycemic agents and status of glucose controlling.The levels of HbA1 c,fasting blood-glucose (FBG),2h postprandial blood glucose (2hPBG),total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),Blood urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(Cr) and uric acid(UA) were measured.Relative factors of HbA1c were analyzed.Patients were divided into the standard (HbA1c ＜ 7％) and substandard groups (HbA1c ≥ 7％) according to the level of HbA1c,and divided into the oral-medication,insulin-treatment and oral medication combined insulin groups according to therapeutic regimens.Results The goal attainment rate of HbA1c(HbA1c ＜7％) in retired and veteran of military communities in Kunming was 44.9％ (97/216).The levels of FBG,postprandial plasma glucose(PPBS) and TG in standard group were (6.1 ± 1.2) mmol/L,(9.4 ± 1.8) mmol/L and (1.9 ± 1.3) mmol/L,significant different from those in substandard groups [(7.8 ± 1.6) mmol/L,(11.5 ±2.2) mmol/L and (2.4 ± 1.3) mmol/L],and the differences were significant (t =11.6,9.1,2.2; P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Meanwhile,the rate of cardiovascular disease,cerebrovascular disease,proteinuria,peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy were 69.8％,34.5 ％,20.5％,20.5％,29.6％,respectively,significantly different between the standard and substandard groups (P ＜ 0.05).HbA1 c level was linear correlated with FBG (r =0.76,P ＜ 0.01),PBG (r =0.61,P ＜ 0.01),TG (r =0.24,P ＜ 0.05) and the frequency of glucose monitoring (r =-0.55,P ＜ 0.01).As the increasing of the stage of diabetes,the selected therapeutic regimen were oral anti-diabetic agents,followed by insulin and insulin combined oral antidiabetic agents.The levels of PBG and serum creatinine in patients with insulin monotherapy were higher than those in other groups (P ＜0.05).Conclusion The level of glucose controlling of retired and veteran of military communities in Kunming is better.The prevalence of diabetic chronic complications is higher in patients with poor glucose controlling.HbA1c level is correlated with FBG,PBG,TG and the frequency of glucose monitoring.Oral antidiabetic agents is the primary therapeutic regimen.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of miR-101, protein kinase C-α (PKC-α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in gastric cancer (GC) tissue and their correlations.

METHODSRT-qPCR was used to examine miR-101 expression and Western blotting employed to detect PKC-α and COX-2 expressions in 57 cases of gastric cancer tissues and paired normal gastric mucosal tissues.

RESULTSThe gastric cancer tissues showed a significantly lower miR-101 expression (Z=6.102, P<0.05) but significantly higher expressions of COX-2 (Z=14.436, P<0.05) and PKC-α (Z=6.955, P<0.05) than the normal gastric tissues. The expression of COX-2 protein was significantly correlated with the degree of differentiation, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05); PKC-α protein expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05). PKC-α expression was positively correlated (r=0.531, P<0.05) and miR-101 expression negatively correlated (r=-0.627, P<0.05) with COX-2 expression in gastric cancer tissues.

CONCLUSIONSmiR-101, PKC-α and COX-2 all play a role in the tumorigenesis and progression of gastric cancer. miR-101 and PKC-α might be new potential therapeutic targets for inhibiting COX-2 in gastric cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Female ; Gastric Mucosa ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Protein Kinase C-alpha ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology

The objective of this study was to assess the clinical evidence for or against mood stabilizers as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We searched 5 databases from their inception to January 2010. Five randomized clinical trials of mood stabilizers to treat human patients suffering from AD were included. These trials assessed the effectiveness of mood stabilizers as an adjunct treatment to conventional anti-dementia drugs on behavioral and psychological symptoms, especially on agitation. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score. The results suggested a significant effect in favor of placebo on the Mini-Mental Status Examination [n=270, weight mean difference (WMD), -0.89; 95% confidence intervals (Cis) -1.69 to -0.09, P=0.03] and on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory total (NPI total) (n=51, WMD, 3.71; 95% Cis 0.15 to 7.26, P=0.04). There were no significant differences in change scores on total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS total),NPI/BPRS agitation, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory total and Physical Self Maintenance Scale between mood stabilizers and placebo. Only one of these studies was free of methodological limitations (Jadad score=5). In conclusion, based on the existing evidence, mood stabilizers are ineffective or even harmful as a treatment for AD.