Objective To explore the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic recognition loading on gait in patients with Parkinson disease.Methods Eight patients with Parkinson disease and six control subjects were instrutted to walk with extrinsic and intrinsic recognition loading respectively.The gait parameters in two conditions were measured with three-dimension motion analysis equipment.FAB scale and Stroop Test were used as the evaluation of executive function.Results The velocity(cm/s),the cadence(step/min),single support and swing phase(%)in the audition stimulates condition in the patients group((113.4±14.32)step/min,(78.90±16.35)cm/s,(40.50±2.58)%,(40.50±2.58)%)were significantly better than those in the calculation condition(respectively(91.27±15.54)step/min,(63.79±21.49)cm/s,(37.95±2.61)%,(37.95±2.61)%).In the calculation condition,the coefficients of variability in stride length,swing and sinfle support phase were significantly higher in the patient group(respectively(6.69±3.99),(8.56±5.69),(8.56±5.69))than in thecontrol group(respectively(3.23±1.34),(5.02±2.54),(5.02±2.54));in the audition condition,except that,the coefficients of variability in step length and velocity also were significantly higher in the patient group(respeetively(11.92±5.86),(6.89±4.98))than the control group(respectively(7.35±3.32),(2.5±1.53)).In the patients group,the score of FAB(15.63±1.51)was lower and error rates of Stroop test(0.087±0.056)was higher than those in the control group(respectively(17.67±0.52),(0.027±0.03))significantly.The error rate of stroop-3 was significantly negative correlated with the gait variables of patient group in the calculation condition.Conclusion The extrinsic audition stimulates has lower effect on the gait of patients of Parkinson's disease than the intrinsic recognition loading.

Objective To explore the effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on the gait of patients with Parkinson's disease(PD). Methods Eight patients with PD and six healthy control subjects were studied.All subjects walked as usaal for 2 min and then Walked for 2 rain with rhythmic auditory attentional stimulation with a frequency 10% faster than their basic pace.The gait parameters in the two walking conditions were measured with three-dimension motion analysis equipment.In addition,executive function was evaluated using a frontal assessment battery (FAB)scale and the Stroop-3 test. Results In both walking conditions,average stride length and velocity were significantly lower in the PD patients than among the controls.The metronome at the higher frequency increased the cadence and stride velocity significantly in the controls.but in the PD patients it was associated with increased ca dence but decreased stride length.With auditory stimulation,the variability of velocity decreased significantly in the controls,but the variability in stride length increased significantly in the PD patients.Even with the auditory stimulation,the variability in step length,stride length and velocity were still significantly higher in the PD patients than among the controls.Executive dysfunction was clearly evident in the PD patients.Stroop-3 error rates were significantly negatively correlated with step length in the condition involving auditory stimulation.Conclusion Auditory attentional stimulation at a higher frequency becomes a new cognitive load for PD patients,and it cannot improve their gait.This may be related to executive dysfunction.

In order to explore the dormancy physiological and biochemical mechanism of Paris seeds, the seed embryo growth courses, and the dynamic change of 5 enzymes, include SOD, POD, CAT, MDH, G-6-PDH were measured during variable temperature stratification. The results indicated that Paris seeds embryo grew quickly after 40 d in warm-stratification (18 ± 1) °C, at the meantime the metabolic activity was significantly strengthened. These facts showed that Paris seeds turned into physiological after-ripening process. After 60-80 d, the morphological embryo after-ripping process basically completed, and the following cold-stratification (4 ± 1) °C furthered Paris seed to finish physiological after-ripening. After 40 d, the activity of MDH decreased while G-6-PDH increased significantly. This showed that the main respiratory pathway of seed changed from TCA to PPP, which benifited breaking seed dormancy. In the whole period of stratification process, the activity variation of SOD and CAT was insignificantly and the activity of POD was enhanced significantly after shifting the seed in cold stratification process. This showed that SOD, CAT had no direct effects on breaking Paris seed dormancy but keeping the seed vigor, while the POD might involve in the process of Paris seed dormancy breaking.
Germination ; Liliaceae ; chemistry ; embryology ; enzymology ; Plant Proteins ; metabolism ; Seeds ; chemistry ; enzymology ; growth & development ; Temperature

AIM: To assess the degree of oxidative damage during acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion, and to clarify the protective effect of Tongxinluo in mini-swine model. METHODS: Thirty mini-swines were randomized into 5 study groups: sham group, model group, low dose (0.05 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium dose (0.2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) and high dose (0.5 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) of Tongxinluo groups (pretreated with Tongxinluo for 3 d). Animals except in sham group were subjected to 3 h of coronary occlusion followed by 1 h of reperfusion. Concentrations of total antioxidative capability (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood sample and the myocardium were measured. RESULTS: (1) T-AOC, T-SOD and GSH in serum significantly decreased (all P<0.05), while MDA significantly increased (P<0.01) at 3 h after AMI in comparison with those at baseline. Compared to those at 3 h after AMI, the contents of T-AOC, T-SOD and GSH at 1 h after reperfusion significantly decreased (all P<0.01), accompanied by increase of MDA (P<0.01). (2) Compared to those in normal area, levels of T-AOC, T-SOD and GSH in reperfusion myocardium decreased significantly (all P<0.01) and MDA increased significantly (P<0.01). T-AOC, T-SOD and GSH in no-reflow myocardium further decreased (all P<0.01) and MDA increased (P<0.01) as compared to those in reperfusion myocardium. (3) Compared to model group, medium dose of Tongxinluo increased the contents of T-AOC and T-SOD and reduced MDA production in serum at 3 h after AMI (all P<0.05), while medium dose of Tongxinluo increased T-SOD level at 1 h after reperfusion (P<0.05). High dose of Tongxinluo increased the levels of T-AOC and T-SOD and decreased MDA content in serum at 3 h after AMI and 1 h after reperfusion (all P<0.05). (4) The medium dose of Tongxinluo increased T-AOC content (P<0.05) and reduced MDA (P<0.05) in reperfusion myocardium, while high dose of Tongxinluo increased T-AOC, T-SOD and GSH (all P<0.05), reduced MDA (P<0.01) in reperfusion myocardium, and also increased T-AOC, T-SOD (all P<0.05), reduced MDA (P<0.01) in no-reflow area as compared to those in model group. CONCLUSION: Impairment of antioxidant defense system in vivo and imbalance of redox homeostasis in myocardium region might play an important role in the pathogenesis of no-reflow after myocardial acute infarction following reperfusion. Tongxinluo protects myocardium from reperfusion injury by improving antioxidant defense and attenuating oxidative damage.

Objective To investigate the diffevential diagnostic value of preinvasive and invasive lung adenocarcinoma (including minimally invasive adenocarcinoma and invasive adenocarcinoma) presented as pure ground-glass nodules(pGGN) by CT.Methods One hundred and fifty-six cases of pGGN verified by operative pathology were retrospectively analyzed,including 58 ca ses of preinvasive adenocarcinoma and 98 cases of invasive adenocarcinoma(TNM staging were T1N0M0).The CT features and sex were statistically processed.The difference between the CT features and sex were performed by thex2 test.The ROC curve of lesion focus size was drawn.Results Statistically significant differences were found in the lesion shape,vacuole sign,air bronchogram,blood vessel through,tumor-lung interface and vascular cluster sign between the two groups(all P＜0.05).The ROC curve showed that the accuracy rate of invasive adenocarcinoma was 75.0％ when the size of the pGGN lesions was larger than 15.35 mm.Conclusion The lesion size,shape,vacuole sign,air bronchogram,blood vessels through and vascular cluster sign have some predictive value.

Objective To study the current status of spontaneous abortion of primigravid women in Jiaxing areas of Zhejiang province of China. Methods We analyzed the data from both perinatal healthcare surveillance program and spontaneous abortion, collected in Jiaxing areas by the Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University. The study population consisted of 14 769 primigravid women (excluding induced abortion, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy as outcomes) attempting to become pregnant who registered between 1993 and 1995. Results 1454 spontaneous abortion cases were identified, with the spontaneous abortion rate as 9.8% (95% CI:9.3%-10.3%). The mean gestational weeks at pregnancy diagnosis were 7.6±2.1 weeks, the mean gestational weeks at miscarriage were (10.1±3.1) weeks and the incidence of first-trimester (≤12 weeks) spontaneous abortion was 7.3%(95%CI: 6.8%-7.7%), accounting for 73.7% of all the spontaneous abortion cases. A peak for risk of miscarriage was around 8-13 weeks, accounting for 37.7% of all spontaneous abortion. The observed multiple Cox regression model showed that increased spontaneous abortion rates were observed in women with age at pregnancy ≥30, being peasants and with higher education level. Conclusion The spontaneous abortion rate of primigravid women in Jiaxing areas was higher than in other areas of China. The maximum occurrence of spontaneous abortions was during period of 8-13 gestation weeks.

Forensic Medicine ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases

BACKGROUNDNatural disasters have been frequent in recent years. Effective treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease following natural disasters is an unsolved problem. We aimed to develop a novel miniature mobile cardiac catheterization laboratory (Mini Mobile Cath Lab) to provide emergency interventional services for patients with critical cardiovascular disease following natural disasters. A feasibility study was performed by testing the Mini Mobile Cath Lab on dogs with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) model in a hypothetical natural-disaster-stricken area.

METHODSThe Mini Mobile Cath Lab was transported to the hypothetical natural-disaster-stricken area by truck. Coronary angiography and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were performed on six dogs with STEMI model. The transportation and transformation of the Mini Mobile Cath Lab were monitored and its functioning was evaluated through the results of animal experiments.

RESULTSThe Mini Mobile Cath Lab could be transported by truck at an average speed of 80 km/h on mountain roads during daytime in the winter, under conditions of light snow (-15°C to -20°C/-68°F to -59°F). The average time required to prepare the Mini Mobile Cath Lab after transportation, in a wetland area, was 30 minutes. Coronary angiography, and primary PCI were performed successfully.

CONCLUSIONThis preliminary feasibility study of the use of the Mini Mobile Cath Lab for emergency interventional treatment of dogs with STEMI indicated that it may perform well in the rescue of critical cardiovascular disease following natural disasters.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Animals ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; therapy ; Coronary Angiography ; Disasters ; Dogs ; Electrocardiography ; Feasibility Studies ; Laboratories ; Myocardial Infarction ; therapy

AIMTo design and synthesize a series of new taxoids with a 5-O-sidechain, and to test the multi-drug resistant reversal activity of these compound on KB/V200 cells which is 180 times more resistant to vincristine.

METHODSUsing Sinenxan A as a common synthetic starting material, three different types of 5-O-sidechain molecules were synthesized through different route. For type I compounds, 14-acetoxy of Sinenxan A was selectively removed by hydrolysis, xanthation and reduction with tributyltin; A C-10-oxo group was introduced by PCC oxidation; 5-O-acetyl group was selectively removed by potassium tert-butoxide and finally the side chain was introduced by acylating with the corresponding acid. For type II compounds, 5-O-sidechain was introduced to the 5-deacetyl Sinenxan A which was obtained by selective hydrolysis with tBuOK. For type III compounds, 9-acetoxy group was introduced, then 5-OH was left free by thorough hydrolysis and reacetylation. Acylation at 5-position, the final product was obtained. Structure of the compounds have been confirmed by FABMS and 2DNMR. The activity of the compounds in vitro was tested on KB/V200 resistant cell line using MTT method.

RESULTSNine compounds showed resistant reversal activity and enhancing the cytotoxicity of vicristine against KB/V200 cells. Compounds I2, I3, I4 restored the sensitivity of KB/V200 towards vicristine to a level of IC50 at 1 x 10(-8) mol.L-1 which is better than the positive control Verapamil.

CONCLUSIONThe drug resistant reversal activity of taxane derivatives can be affected by substitution at different positions and the length of side chains of Sinenxan A. It is worthy to be further studied.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Bridged-Ring Compounds ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Drug Synergism ; Humans ; KB Cells ; drug effects ; Taxoids ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Vincristine ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and its significance in sporadic ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (AAA), and initially to investigate the mechanisms of pathological remodeling in AAA.

METHODSAAA specimens were taken from 18 patients during elective surgical intervention, and 18 control specimens of ascending aorta were obtained from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Specimens were stained with HE and Masson to evaluate the arrangement and aggregation of cells and collagen types I and III; immunohistochemistry staining was performed using antibodies directed against markers of CTGF; real-time PCR analysis was performed to quantify the expression level of CTGF and collagen types I and III.

RESULTSPathological results show degradation of elastin and hyperplasia of collagen fibers as well as disordered arrangement of smooth muscle cells in AAA. When compared with controls, protein levels of CTGF were significantly increased [(44 ± 4)% vs. (33 ± 5)%, P < 0.01]. Similar patterns were shown in mRNA levels of CTGF (P < 0.01). Using real-time PCR method, elevated levels (relative expression ratio of mRNA: 10.54/3.8 and 1.79/1.19, respectively; P < 0.01, both) of collagen types I and III were observed. CTGF expression had a correlation with both collagen fibers and aortic aneurysm diameter (r = 0.784, P < 0.01; r = 0.793, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate increased expression of aortic collagen types I and III as well as CTGF in AAA specimens, which is likely to be responsible for the aortic wall pathological remodeling. The expression of CTGF was positively correlated with the aortic diameter. As a cytokines factor can stimulate collagen synthesis, CTGF may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AAA.

Aged ; Aorta ; metabolism ; pathology ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Collagen Type III ; metabolism ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged