Objective To investigate the effects of cognitive interventions (CIs) in the context of communi- ty based rehabilitation (CBR) on cognitive deficits (CDs) in stroke patients.Methods Ninety-two stoke patients with CDs were randomly divided into a CI group and a control group.All patients were treated with conventional CBR.In addition,the patients in the CI group were also treated with special intervention therapy.The patients in both groups were assessed with the neurological and cognitive status examination (NCSE) for cognitive functioning, the FCA for motor function and the BI for their ability in the activities of daily living.Results The NCSE,FCA and BI scores in the cognitive intervention group after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment and also significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment.Conclusion CIs can not only improve CDs,but also enhance recovery of motor function and ADL.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the status of genital infection as well as distribution of types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women in Shenzhen and provide population data for the future vaccine intervention on cervical cancer.

METHODSWomen with age between 15 and 59 years were selected in cluster stratified sampling from Huaqiaocheng community, Nanshan district, Shenzhen and received a population-based cervical cancer screening. After consent, every woman was interviewed by using questionnaire and tested by liquid-based cytology and HPV DNA (hybrid capture 2 and gene chips typing) separately.

RESULTSTotally 1 137 women were screened. The rate of high risk HPV of hybrid capture 2 test (14. 0% ) was higher than gene chips typing test (9. 8%) (chi(2) = 27. 198, P < 0. 001) ; the consistency of the two tests was acceptable ( kappa = 0. 498, P < 0. 001). The rates of low risk HPV types and other types of gene chips typing test in this population were 1. 9% and 0. 2% respectively. The percentages of HPV 16, 18 and 58 in HPV positive women were 29. 7% , 18. 9% and 18. 9%. The rates of different age group of low risk HPV were 1. 4% (17-34), 1. 7% (35-44) and 3. 2% (45-59) , respectively.

CONCLUSIONSHPV 16, 18, and 58 are the most popular types in the study population. The differences of infection rates of high risk HPV are due primarily to the variation of HPV16 distribution among age-specific population. The chances of being affected by low risk HPV will increase with age.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Alphapapillomavirus ; classification ; isolation & purification ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Papillomavirus Infections ; epidemiology ; virology ; Tumor Virus Infections ; epidemiology ; virology ; Uterine Cervical Diseases ; epidemiology ; virology

A 58-year-old female patient, diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung, underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty at the L4 vertebral body due to painful spinal metastases. Because of deep venous thrombosis of the left femoral and iliac veins, an inferior vena cava filter had been placed before vertebroplasty. Bone cement migrated into the venous bloodstream and then was being trapped within the previously placed filter. This case illustrates that caval filter could capture the bone cement and prevent it from migrating to the pulmonary circulation.
Adenocarcinoma/secondary ; Bone Cements/*adverse effects ; Embolism/*etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Iliac Vein ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Embolism/prevention & control ; Spinal Neoplasms/secondary ; *Vena Cava Filters ; *Vena Cava, Inferior ; Venous Thrombosis/radiography ; Vertebroplasty/*adverse effects/methods

Hemangioma ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Parotid Gland ; Parotid Neoplasms ; surgery ; Propranolol ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo verify the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke of subacute stage.

METHODSThe multi-central randomized controlled trial was adopted. One hundred and twenty-six cases of ischemic stroke of subacute stage were randomized into an acupuncture group (61 cases) and a conventional treatment group (65 cases). The basic treatment of western internal medicine and rehabilitation training were applied to the patients of the two groups. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was supplemented at the body points located on the extensor of the upper limbs and the flexor of the lower limbs. In combination, scalp acupuncture was applied to NS5, MS6 and MS6 on the affected side. The treatment was given 5 times a week and totally 8 weeks were required. The follow-up observation lasted for 3 months. The scores in Fugl-Meyer scale and NIHSS scale and Barthel index were compared between the two groups before treatment, in 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the 3-month follow-up observation after treatment separately.

RESULTSIn 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Fugl-Meyer scale score was improved obviously in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 01). In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Fugl-Meyer scale score in the acupuncture groupwas im proved much apparently as compared with that in the conventional treatment group [68. 0 (43. 0,86. 5) vs 52. 5 (30.3, 77.0), 77.0 (49.5, 89.0) vs 63. 0 (33.0, 84.0), both P<0. 05]. Except that NIHSS scale score was not reduced apparently in 4 weeks of treatment in the conventional treatment group (P>0.05), the results of NIHSS scale at the other time points were all decreased obviously as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 01). In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, the results in the acupuncture group were reduced much apparently as compared with those in the conventional treatment group [5. 0 (3.0,8.0) vs 7. 0 (3.0,13.8), 4. 0 (1.5,7.0) vs 6.0 (2.0,11.7) ,both P<0. 05]. In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Barthel index was improved obviously as compared with that before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 05). The improvement in the acupuncture group was much more significant as compared with the conventional treatment group [75. 0 (60. 0,87. 5) vs 65. O (36. 3, 87. 5), P<0. 051.

CONCLUSIONBased on the conventional treatment, Acupuncture achieves the satisfactory clinical efficacy on motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke of subacute stage.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Activity ; Stroke ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti-HBV effect of fusion protein thymosin alpha1-interferon alpha (TA1-IFN) in vitro and to compare its effect with a combination of interferon alpha and thymosin alpha1.

METHODSAfter 2.2.15 cells were seeded for 24 hours, drugs of five serial concentrations (8000, 4000, 2000, 1000, 500 U/ml) were added to the wells, then the medium was changed every three days. After 2.2.15 cells were treated with drugs for 6 days, the medium was collected. The inhibitory rates on HBsAg and HBeAg were determined using Abbot kit, and the cytotoxicity of different drugs by means of MTT colorimetric assays was also observed.

RESULTSThe inhibitory rate of fusion protein on HBsAg, HBeAg was dose-dependent and reached the maximum at 8000 U/ml concentration. In the meantime, the inhibitory rates of fusion protein on HBsAg and HBeAg were 72.2% +/- 0.8% and 60.4% +/- 1.1% respectively, and the cell survival rate was 85.2% +/- 2.0%; In the corresponding concentration, the inhibitory rates of combination thymosin alpha 1 and interferon alpha on HBsAg and HBeAg were 40.0% +/- 0.7%, 34.5% +/- 3.2% respectively. The results showed significant statistical differences between them; cell survival rate 70.0% +/- 1.9%, and the difference of the results was also significant. Cytotoxicity of fusion protein was weaker than a combination of thymosin alpha 1 and interferon alpha.

CONCLUSIONFusion protein TA1-IFN exerted stronger anti-HBV effects in vitro. Its anti-HBV effects in vitro were stronger than the combination of thymosin alpha and interferon alpha, and its cytotoxicity was weaker than the combination of thymosin alpha and interferon alpha. Our studies provided important evidence for clinical research on TA1-IFN, and also brought new hope for hepatitis B therapy.

Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Thymosin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDAntibodies against type 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R) are involved in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS), but the clinical value of them in SS patients has been controversial. The aims of this study were to: (1) establish an improved enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgA antibodies against M3R; (2) evaluate the value of IgA antibodies against the second extracellular loop of M3R205-220 (c2M3RP) in diagnosis of SS.

METHODSTo increase the ELISA sensitivity, c2M3RP was coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) by the glutaraldehyde method and a 96-well microplate was treated by ultraviolet rays before coated. Concentrations of anti-c2M3RP, anti-SSA, and anti-SSB were measured in the sera of 240 individuals: 91 patients with primary SS and 149 controls (16 secondary SS, 27 systemic lupus erythematosus, 40 rheumatoid arthritis and 66 healthy controls). Diagnostic properties of anti-c2M3RP were determined by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTSThe prevalence of serum IgA anti-c2M3RP antibodies in patients with pSS (46%, 42/91) was significantly higher than that in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (19%, 5/27), in rheumatoid arthritis (15%, 6/40) and in healthy controls (5%, 3/66). However, there was no significant difference between the two SS groups (P = 0.727). The diagnostic performance of IgA anti-M3RP antibodies was similar to anti-SSA assay, but had 22% higher sensitivity than anti-SSB. By analyzing of IgA anti-c2M3RP antibodies, combination of anti-SSA and anti-SSB resulted in increased sensitivity, whereas their specificity was not significantly changed.

CONCLUSIONSThe improved anti-c2M3RP ELISA is a novel, sensitive, and specific serological test for the diagnosis of SS. The combined application of anti-c2M3RP, anti-SSA and anti-SSB tests can improve the laboratory diagnosis of SS. The IgA anti-c2M3RP antibodies may serve as a novel diagnostic marker for SS.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Autoantibodies ; immunology ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Cattle ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, Muscarinic ; immunology ; Sjogren's Syndrome ; blood ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDThe conventional thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) involves groin incisions under general or epidural anesthesia. As technology moves towards less invasive procedures, a total percutaneous approach is desirable. In this study, we describe a Preclosing technique and investigate its safety and efficacy for femoral access sites management, and evaluate its advantages as compared to those of traditional surgical cutdown approaches.

METHODSThe Preclosing technique involves two or multiple 6 F Perclose Proglide devices deployed in the femoral artery before upsizing to a 20-25 F sheath. The sutures were secured to close the arteriotomy at the end of the procedure. The medical records of patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repairs using the Preclosing technique between December 2009 and November 2010 (group A) were compared with those using surgical femoral cutdown from January 2008 to November 2009 (group B). Outcome measures included rates of technical success, early complications, anesthesia method, procedure time, cardiac care unit (CCU) stay, time from procedure to discharge, hospital stay, procedure expense, hospital cost.

RESULTSBetween the two groups, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, in the endograft models or profiles. The technical success rate was 100.0% (85/85) in group A vs. 97.4% (147/151) in group B (P < 0.05). There was no access-related mortality in both groups. Compared with group B, the incidence of early complications were fewer in group A, 9.4% (8/85) vs. 22.5% (34/151) (P < 0.01). Local anesthesia with conscious sedation was used more often in group A, 68.2% (58/85) vs. 51.7% (78/151) in group B (P < 0.01). The procedure duration was shorter, (96 ± 33) minutes in group A vs. (127 ± 41) minutes in group B (P < 0.01). The length of the CCU stay, the duration from procedure to discharge, and the hospital stay were both reduced in group A, (117.3 ± 88.3) hours, (7.5 ± 5.3) days and (15.3 ± 6.8) days vs. (132.7 ± 115.5) hours, (10.5 ± 5.0) days and (19.5 ± 7.8) days in group B (P < 0.01). The procedure cost was RMB (109,000 ± 30,000) Yuan in group A vs. RMB (108,000 ± 25,000) Yuan in group B (P = NS). The hospital cost was RMB (130,000 ± 35,000) Yuan in group A vs. RMB (128,000 ± 33,000) Yuan in group B (P = NS).

CONCLUSIONSTotal percutaneous TEAVR with the Preclosing technique is safe and effective with meticulous technique and appropriate patient selection. The Preclosing technique decreases access-related complications, depends less on general anesthesia and the surgeon's cooperation, saves procedure time and shortens the CCU/hospital stay. With these advantages, the use of two percutaneous closure devices increases the hospital cost only slightly.

Aged ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Femoral Artery ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Vascular Surgical Procedures ; methods

Adult ; Aged ; Coronary Disease ; therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sirolimus ; administration & dosage ; Stents ; adverse effects ; Thrombosis ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of different subtypes IFN alpha (IFN alpha2b, IFN alpha2a, and IFN alpha1b) transduction molecular STAT1, STAT2, IFNAR, PKR, and RNase L, and to study the differences of their antiviral effects and to evaluate the key signaling transduction molecules.

METHODS(1) After HepG2 cells were treated with IFN alpha2b, IFN alpha2a, or IFN alpha1b, the mRNA levels of STAT1, STAT2, IFNAR, PKR, and RNase L were detected by RT-PCR. (2) After HepG2 cells were treated with 1000 U/ml IFN alpha2b, IFN alpha2a, or IFN alpha1b, the protein expression levels of STAT1 and IFNAR were examined by Western blot.

RESULTSRT-PCR results: (1) IFNAR, STAT1, and STAT2 mRNA expression levels were slightly higher in the IFN alpha1b group than those in the IFN alpha2b group (P > 0.05). The mRNA expression levels in IFN alpha1b or IFN alpha2b groups were significantly higher than in the IFN alpha2a group (P < 0.05). (2) The PKR mRNA expression showed no significant differences among IFN alpha1b, IFN alpha2b, and IFN alpha2a groups. (3) The RNase L mRNA expression was very weak. We could not compare the differences of the RNase L mRNA levels in different groups by RT-PCR. Western blot results: (1) The IFNAR, and STAT1 protein expressions were greatly up-regulated after IFN alpha induction compared with the untreated group (P < 0.05). (2) The IFNAR, and STAT1 protein expression levels in IFN alpha1b group were slightly higher than the IFN alpha2b group. IFNAR, and STAT1 protein levels of IFN alpha1b or IFN alpha2b group were significantly higher than IFN alpha2a group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTAT1, STAT2, IFNAR mRNA and protein expressions could all be markedly up-regulated after IFN alpha treatment. Effects of IFN alpha1b or IFN alpha2b were greatly stronger than IFN alpha2a. The PKR mRNA expression also was greatly up-regulated after IFN alpha treatment. Expression levels of PKR in IFN alpha1b, IFN alpha2b, and IFN alpha2a groups were all similar. The mRNA level results were consistent with the protein level results. Our results showed that the antiviral activity of IFN alpha1b or IFN alpha2b were stronger than that of IFN alpha2a. The signal transduction molecules STAT1, STAT2, and IFNAR could be regarded as a key index to evaluate antiviral activity of IFN alpha. Further confirmation is still needed to see whether PKR could be regarded as a key index.

Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; virology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; pharmacology ; Liver Neoplasms ; virology ; Recombinant Proteins ; STAT1 Transcription Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; STAT2 Transcription Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Cells, Cultured