Objective To examine the effect of donepezil on cognitive function of Alzheimer's disease from a naturalistic observation in memory clinic.Methods From the subject pool in memory clinic,thirteen patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease(meeting NINCDS-ADRDA criteria of probable AD)were enrolled in the naturalistic observation.Donepezil with dosage of 5 mg daily Was administered.Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument (CASI)Was used to assess the cognitive function,and was administered at baseline,3 and 6 months after treatment with donepezil.Resuits After 6-month treatment with donepezil,the change of score of verbal fluency from baseline Was significant[(4.3±3.1)vs(6.2±2.7),P＜0.05].There was a trend that constructional praxis was also improved after 6-month treatment(P=0.06).The change of scores of other cognitive domains remained the sanle(P＞0.05).Conclusion In the naturalistic observation at memory chnic,donepezil may improve verbal fluency of AD patients,and keep most cognitive function stable.

Objective To explore the patterns of cognitive performance across different clinical states of bipolar disorder(BPD).Methods 8 neuropsychological tests (17 items) which examine attention,verbal learning and memory,visual memory and executive function were given to 30 depressed BPD ,30 manic BPD ,30 remitted BPD and 34 normal controls.The difference of cognitive functions between the four groups were compared using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).Results Acute patients with BPD showed dysfunction in almost all neuropsychological tests compared with controls [ the score of WCST categories of manic BPD,depressed BPD,remired BPD and normal controls was( 1.58 ±0.90),( 1.89± 1.56),(2.44 ± 1.42),(4.90 ± 1.73 ) respective-ly.The score of immediately logical memory was (10.68±3.92),(10.00±3.80) ,(12.11±3.72),(15.80±4.21) respectively] (P<0.05,P<0.01).The remitted patients showed deficits in attention,verbal learning and memory,executive function tasks in relation to controls (P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion There were general cognitive deficits in acute patients with BPD,and some of these deficits may persists in remission state.

Objective To explore the difference of cognitive function and psychosocial function between remitted bipolar disorder(BPD) and remitted schizophrenia.Methods 8 neuropsychological tests (17 items)which evaluate attention,verbal learning and memory,visual memery and executive function were given to 30 remitted BPD,32 remitted schizophrenia and 34 normal controls.The differences of cognitive functions between the three groups were compared using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).Psychosocial functions of remitted BPD and remitted schizophrenia were both evaluated by Global Assessment Function (GAF),and the difference of Psychosocial functions between the two groups was also tested by MANOVA.Results1.Remitted schizophrenia showed dysfunction in neuropsychological tests except Stroop C and digit span subtest-forward compared with controis.but Remitted BPD only showed dysfunction in 9 neuropsychological items compared with controls.There was no significantly differences on WCST,digit span subtest-backward,and TMT-B between remitted BPD and remitted schizophrenia,the degree of impairment of the two groups was same.But scores from logical memory sub-test and Stroop CW of remitted schizophrenia were significantly lower than that of remitted BPD( ( 8.13 ± 3.35),( 12.11 ±3.72),(6.00 ±3.09),(9.78 ±3.60);(48.61±15.73),(69.33 ±21.04),P＜0.05).There was significant difference on scores of GAF between remitted BPD and remitted schizophrenia.Conclusion There are some overlap in cognitive impairment in remitted BPD and remitted schizophrenia,but in remitted schizophrenia the cognitive profile is characterized by generalized and severer pattern of deficits.The psychosocial function of remitted BPD is better than that of remitted schizophrenia.

To compare the chemical components of supercritical extracts from Herba Ephedrae and honey-prepared Herba Ephedrae. Volatile oils were extracted from Herba Ephedrae and honey-prepared Herba Ephedrae by supercritical CO 2 extraction and then identified by the combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty kinds of components such as diethylsulfate obtained from Herba Ephedrae were not found in honey-prepared Herba Ephedrae and twelve different components such as hydroxymethylfurfural were obtained from honey-prepared Herba Ephedrae. The extraction rate of volatile oils was 2.1% in herba ephedrae and 1.0% in honey-prepared Herba Ephedrae. [ Conclusion]The components of supercritical extractions from Herba Ephedrae differ from those in honey-prepared Herba Ephedrae.

OBJECTIVETo establish a microwave extraction and UPLC method for simultaneous determination of polydatin, resveratrol, anthraglycoside B, emodin and physicion contained in Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, in order to provide scientific basis for improving quality standards of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix.

METHODThe test solutions were prepared in a MDS-8 closed microwave system at 160 degrees C with methanol as the solvent. The UPLC analysis was performed in a Waters Acquity UPLC system. A BEH C18 column (2. 1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 microm) was adopted for gradient elution with acetonitrile and water as the mobile phase. The temperature of column was 30 degrees C, and the detection wavelength was 226 nm.

RESULTThe five active components can be completely extracted in 10 minutes and separated completely in 12 minutes according to UPLC analysis, with a good linearity (r > or = 0. 999 6) within the linear ranges. The average recovery rate was 97.00%-103.7% with RSD < or = 2. 2%. Despite a large difference in content among tested components from Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, the total content of the five major constituents was relatiely stable (3.683 3%-7.1031%).

CONCLUSIONThe microwave extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography method in simultaneous determination for contents of five major bioactive components contained in polygoni cuspidati rhizoma et radix is so rapid and highly reproducible that it can be used for quality control and assessment of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Fallopia japonica ; chemistry ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Microwaves ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the korrosionsneigung of three metal specimens for casing removable denture by means of electrochemical method.

METHODSThree kinds of test specimens were prepared, including cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-chrome alloy with titanium and pure titanium. Then they were analyzed via linear polarization in artificial saliva simulating oral environment. From this electrochemical test the polarization curves of these kinds of specimens were recorded. Then the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) were applied to assess the morphology and phase changes before and after electrochemical corrosion.

RESULTSNo typical Tafel curve had been recorded for pure titanium, other than cobalt-chromium alloy and nickel-chrome alloy with titanium. Nickel-chrome alloy with titanium got more negative corrosion potential and higher corrosion current than cobalt-chromium alloy. Via SEM, the obvious changes were observed on the morphology and phase before and after corrosion on cobalt-chromium and nickel-chrome alloy with titanium specimens while pure titanium having no change. The XRD provided us little changes on these all three materials.

CONCLUSIONThe results confirm that the korrosionsneigung of the studied cobalt-chromium alloy in artificial saliva is lower than that nickel-chrome alloy with titanium. Pure titanium is the most stable one of the three materials and is extreme hard to be etched.

Chromium ; Chromium Alloys ; Corrosion ; Dental Alloys ; Electrochemistry ; Nickel ; Titanium

Objective:To study the changes and significance of Th17 and Treg cells as well as their associated cytokines in pe-ripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis in order to investigate their role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis C cirrhosis. Methods:Flow cytometry and ELSIA assay were used to detect the expression ratio of Th17 and Treg cells and the serum levels of IL-10,TGF-β,IL-6 and IL-17 in peripheral blood of healthy human and patients with chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis C cirrhosis. Than we analyzed the differences of the above detection index between the healthy and patients with chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis C cirrhosis. Results:The expression ratio of Th17 cells (1. 33%±0. 30%) in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis C and IL-6[(8. 10±2. 42)ng/L] and IL-17[(16. 70±4. 73)ng/L] serum levels were significantly higher than those in the healthy (Th17:1. 14%±0. 19%) and IL-6[(1. 72±6. 70)ng/L],IL-17[(12. 29±1. 88)ng/L],P<0. 05;The expression ratio of Treg cells in peripheral blood of patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy (6. 21%±0. 76%,5. 89%±0. 85% vs 5. 51%±0. 59% ),P<0. 05,The ratio of Th17/Treg in patients with cirrhosis was significantly lower than that in patients with chronic hepatitis C and the healthy(0. 19±0. 02 vs 0. 22±0. 03,0. 21±0. 03),P<0. 05;the levels of IL-1[(16. 21±3. 76)ng/L] and TGF-β[(5. 15±0. 83)ng/L] in peripheral blood of patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis were significantly higher than those in chronic hepatitis C[(14. 36±2. 78)ng/L;(4. 47±0. 87)ng/L] and the healthy[(14. 01±3. 01)ng/L;(4. 43±0. 98)ng/L)],P<0. 05. Conclusion:Th17 and Treg cells and their related cytokines involved in the process of chronicity of hepatitis C and cirrhosis,Th17 and Treg cells and their related cytokines in the treatment and prevention of chronicity of hepatitis C and cirrhosis may have important significance.

To observe and evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation instrument for sleep disorder at high altitude plateau. Methods The patients with high altitude sleep disorder in the group were randomly divided into control group （n=30）and observation group （n=27）. The observation group received percutaneous vagal stimulation，and the control group received pseudo stimulation intervention for two weeks，five times a week. Before and after treatment，the two groups were measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index （PSQI） and Beck Depression Inventory （BDI），Generalized Anxiety Disorder （GAD-7） were evaluated. Results There was no significant difference in PSQI，BDI-21 and GAD-7 scores between the two groups before treatment （P> 0.05）；After two weeks of treatment，the total scores of PSQI and BDI-21 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （P< 0.01），and the improvement of PSQI and BDI-21 scores in the observation group was higher than that in the control group，but there was no significant difference in GAD-7 scores between the two groups before and after treatment（P> 0.05）. Conclusion Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation can effectively improve the sleep quality of patients with high altitude sleep disorders and reduce the level of depression. However，the intervention cycle of this trial is short and there is a lack of polysomnography indicators. It is still necessary to carry out long-term，large sample and multi-index trials to provide basis for clinical promotion.

Objective:To compare the pathological results and complications of limited and extended pelvic lymph node dissection among high-risk prostate cancer patients, and to explore the risk factors that affect the rate of lymph node metastasis in high-risk prostate cancer patients.Methods:The data of 800 high-risk prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection from January 2016 to December 2020 in three affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were analyzed retrospectively. According to the scope of pelvic lymph node dissection, they were divided into limited pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) group and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (EPLND) group. There were 172 patients underwent LPLND, and 628 patients underwent EPLND.The age of the patients in the LPLND group was 67 (62, 72) years old, diagnosed PSA 20.7 (10.9, 54.8) ng/ml. The biopsy Gleason score 6 in 22 cases, 7 in 59 cases, 8 in 56 cases and 9-10 in 35 cases.The clinical T stage: T 1 in 29 cases, T 2 in 102 cases, T 3 in 37 cases, T 4 in 4 cases; N 0 in 160 cases and N 1 in 12 cases. 50 patients received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. The age of patients in the EPLND group was 67 (63, 72) years old, diagnosed PSA was 23.9 (14.0, 46.8) ng/ml. Biopsy Gleason Score 6 in 51 cases, 7 in 194 cases, 8 in 218 cases and 9-10 in 165 cases. Clinical T stage: T 1 in 114 cases, T 2 in 341 cases, T 3 in 144 cases, T 4 in 29 cases; N 0 in 526 cases and N 1 in 102 cases.158 patients received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. There were no significant differences in the age, PSA, puncture Gleason score, clinical T stage, and whether or not to receive neoadjuvant hormonal therapy between the two groups of patients ( P>0.05). The difference in clinical N staging was statistically significant ( P=0.002). The number of postoperative lymph nodes, positive pelvic lymph nodes and postoperative complications and other related clinical and pathological data of the two groups were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of patients with positive lymph nodes. Results:The median number of lymph nodes harvested [13(8, 19)vs. 6(4, 13), P<0.001] and the rate of positive lymph node cases[31.2%(196/628) vs. 10.5%(18/172), P<0.001] in the EPLND group was significantly higher than those in the LPLND group. Preoperative PSA, clinical N staging, Gleason score, and way of lymph node dissection were independent risk factors for postoperative positive pelvic lymph node in high-risk prostate cancer patients. Compared with the LPLND group, the ELPND group had a higher postoperative complication rate [19.9%(125/628) vs. 11.0%(11/172), P=0.007]. Conclusions:Compared with the LPLND, EPLND in high-risk prostate cancer patients can harvest more lymph nodes and increase the detection rate of positive lymph nodes. The complications of EPLND were higher than those of LPLND. Preoperative PSA, clinical N stage, Gleason score, and the way of lymph node dissection are independent risk factors for positive pelvic lymph node dissection.

Background: and Purpose The rate of donepezil discontinuation and the underlying reasons for discontinuation in Asian patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are currently unknown. We aimed to determine the treatment discontinuation rates in AD patients who had newly been prescribed donepezil in routine clinical practice in Asia. Methods: This 1-year observational study involved 38 institutions in seven Asian countries, and it evaluated 398 participants aged 50–90 years with a diagnosis of probable AD and on newly prescribed donepezil monotherapy. The primary endpoint was the rate of donepezil discontinuation over 1 year. Secondary endpoints included the reason for discontinuation,treatment duration, changes in cognitive function over the 1-year study period, and compliance as assessed using a clinician rating scale (CRS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Donepezil was discontinued in 83 (20.9%) patients, most commonly due to an adverse event (43.4%). The mean treatment duration was 103.67 days in patients who discontinued. Among patients whose cognitive function was assessed at baseline and 1 year, there were no significant changes in scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Trail-Making Test–Black and White scores, whereas the Clinical Dementia Rating score increased significantly (p<0.001). Treatment compliance at 1 year was 96.8% (306/316) on the CRS and 92.6±14.1% (mean±standard deviation) on the VAS. Conclusions In patients on newly prescribed donepezil, the primary reason for discontinuation was an adverse event. Cognitive assessments revealed no significant worsening at 1 year, indicating that continuous donepezil treatment contributes to the maintenance of cognitive function.