Objective To study the inter-rater reliability of Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) and Gait Abnormality Rating Scale (GARS) in patients with stroke. Methods 20 hemiplegic patients were required to walk on their comfortable speed and videotaped from frontal, backward and lateral. The video recordings were scored with WGS and GARS by 2 experienced physical therapists. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the scores in each category and the total score. Results ICC for the WGS were 0.372~1, and were 0~0.875 for the GARS. Conclusion WGS is more appropriater to assess the gait of hemiplegic stroke patients than GARS.

This study aims to perform a survey of genetic variation in neuraminidase (NA) gene of influenza A/H3N2 virus, as well as related resistance to NA inhibitors, in Qinghai Province of China, 2010 to 2012. Strains of influenza A/H3N2 isolated during an influenza survey from 2010 to 2012 in Qinghai were enrolled by random sampling. Viral RNA was extracted and amplified by RT-PCR. Purified PCR products were sequenced thereafter. Genetic analysis of nucleic acid and the derived amino acid sequences was performed by MEGA 4.0. Phylogenetic trees were also constructed. Strains isolated during 2010-2011 in this study clustered closely with World Health Organization (WHO) 2010-2012 reference vaccine strain A/Perth/16/2009 and 2008-2010 reference vaccine strain A/Brisbane/10/2007 on the phylogenetic tree, while the 2012 isolates were located on another branch. In analysis of derived amino acid sequences, the 2010 isolates mutated at K81T, the 2011 isolates mutated at I26V and D127N, while the 2012 isolates mutated at E41K, P46A, I58V, T71N, L81P, D93G, D127N, D151N, and I307M. The D151N mutation added a glycosylation site to the activity center of NA. No significant variation was discovered in H3N2 NA gene of 2010-2011 isolates in Qinghai, China. Isolates of 2012 were found with significant mutation, which has the potential of inducing minor resistance to NA inhibitors like zanamivir and oseltamivir.
Amino Acid Sequence ; China ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype ; classification ; enzymology ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human ; virology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Neuraminidase ; chemistry ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Alignment ; Viral Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) used as an alternative to air in the gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Methods 80 cases underwent ESD treatment were randomly as-signed to two groups, 40 cases in CO2 group and 40 in air group. Arterial blood CO2 partial pressure was measured preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to record patients the degree of abdominal pain and distention at 1 h, 6 h and 24 h after operation in each group. The incidence of com-plications were evaluated. Regular follow up were scheduled in all the patients. Results There was no significant dif-ference in degree of abdominal pain score and the CO2 partial pressure between the two groups. The abdominal dis-tension scores of CO2 group were significant lower than air group at 1 h, 6 h after the ESD procedure. There were no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of complications. Conclusion The utilization of CO2 in gas in-sufflation during gastric ESD is safe. CO2 insufflation can significant reduce the postoperative abdominal distension and improve the quality of postoperative recovery.

Objective To find the plantar pressure readings which best indicate foot inversion during the stance phase of walking among hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods Twenty-two hemiplegic stroke survivors who were able to walk without extra aid were recruited as the experimental group, while 17 healthy elderly men of similar age and body weight were selected as the control group.Those in both groups were asked to walk at their preferred speed over a Footscan device which measured medio-lateral pressure ratios, maximum plantar pressures and the contact areas of both feet.The Clinical Spasticity Index (CSI) was used to evaluate the affected feet.Results The average medial forefoot pressure of the affected side in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group, but their average mesopodium and heel pressure was significantly higher.The average pressure applied by the great toe on the uninjured side in the experimental group was significantly smaller than that of the control group, but the average mesopodium and heel pressure of both feet among the hemiplegics were significantly higher than those of the control group.Among the experimental group, the average medial forefoot pressure of the affected foot was significantly greater than that of the healthy foot.The average contact area of the great toe on the affected side was significantly bigger than was observed in the control group.That of the medial forefoot was, however, significantly smaller than in the control group.There was no significant difference in the contact area between the healthy and affected feet in the experimental group, though the maxmium medio-lateral pressure ratios of their full feet and forefeet on the affected side were significantly lower than those in the healthy group.No significant differences in the maxmium medio-lateral pressure ratios of the heel were observed between the two groups, nor of the full feet, forefeet and heels of the affected and unaffected sides in the experimental group.The patients demonstrated consistently reduced joint mobility on both sides during the stance phase, coinciding with increased inversion.A significant negative correlation was found between the maxmium medio-lateral pressure ratios of the full foot and the maximum pressure of the lateral part of forefoot in the experimental group, but there was no significant correlation with contact area or CSI.Conclusions Plantar pressure data can be used to describe the amount of foot inversion in the stance phase of walking with hemiplegic patients after stroke.The maxmium medio-lateral pressure ratios can effectively reflect their foot inversion.

OBJECTIVETo explore the silencing effects of RNA interference on the expression of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) gene, and the effects on malignant phenotypes of esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells.

METHODSPDK1 siRNAs was transfected into the EC9706 cells. The expression of PDK1 mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). At the same time, expressions of PDK1, Akt and phosphorylated Akt proteins were detected by Western blot. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT) was used to examine the cell proliferation after transfection. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of apoptosis cells, and Transwell chambers were used to detect the invasion ability of the cells. Tumor formation in nude mice was used to assess the tumorigenic characteristics in vivo.

RESULTSCompared with the non-transfected group, PDK1 siRNA effectively inhibited the expression of PDK1 mRNA in EC9706 cells, with an inhibition rate of (28.5 ± 4.2)% at 24 h, (51.1 ± 5.7)% at 48 h and (60.6 ± 4.1)% at 72 h after transfection. The expressions of PDK1 and phosphorylated Akt protein were also knocked down by PDK1 siRNA (P < 0.05). PDK1 siRNA significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and invasion, promoted the cell apoptosis, and inhibited the EC9706 cells proliferation in vivo and the expression of PDK1 protein in the transplanted tumors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPDK1 may play an important role in esophageal cancer cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis, and may serve as an effective target for cancer gene therapy.

3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinases ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Phosphorylation ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection ; Tumor Burden

Objective To construct the eukaryotic expression plasmid containing glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and cysteine protease inhibitor ( CPI ) gene from periodic Brugia malayi (Bm) and to lay foundation for studying multivalent vaccines. Methods Total RNA was extracted from periodic Bin. The BmGAPDH and BmCPI genes were amplified by RT-PCR. The PCR product was cloned and then subeloned into eukaryotic recombinant plasmid vector pcDNA3.1 (+). pcDNA3.1 (+)/BmGAPDH/BmCPI was constructed. The recombinant plasmids were screened and identified by digestion with restriction enzyme and PCR amplification, and were transformed into HeLa cell subsequently. The transient expression of BmGAPDH and BmCPI were examined by RT-PCR. The expressed protein was identified by sodium dodeeylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE). Results Two specific bands of around 877 bp of BmGAPDH and 621 bp of BmCPI were amplified, consistent with the expected value. The same bands were obtained by double restriction enzyme digestion of recombinant plasmids or PCR using recombinant plasmid as template. BmGAPDH and BmCPI mRNA were highly expressed in transfeeted HeLa cell. The relative molecular mass (Mr) of the recombinant protein was about 54 × 103. Conclusion The recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1 (+)/BmGAPDH/BmCPI has been constructed successfully and the protein is expressed correctly in mammalian cell.

Background Most of endovascular stent-graft modifications to preserve side branch must be customized according to extensive pre-operative assessment,which may not be possible in many hospitals and emergency settings.The study was to develop a novel stent-grafts system that would allow in situ “fenestration”,with less reliance on preoperative imaging.Methods The magnitude of pressure difference (PD) between left subclavian artery (LSA) and aortic arch were measured in 12 experimental pigs.Changes of PD before and after LSA was covered were analyzed respectively.The novel stent graft was made by multi-dimensional and multiple textiles forming technology.According to the PD measurement in pigs,we evaluated the feasibility of the stent-graft in a mock circulation system.Results In pigs,the blood pressure of aortic arch was significantly higher than that of LSA after it was covered (P ＜0.001) and PD was (42.78±5.17) mmHg.After target vessel was covered and when PD between the LSA and aorta reached the magnitude measured in pigs,contrast media oozed from the cranny of graft to the LSA,which was generated by sliding and deformation of yarns of novel stent-graft.Conclusions The study proposes the design of pressure difference-induced perforation aortic stent-grafts system and verifies that the PD between LSA and aortic arch is high enough to allow in situ “fenestration” by stent graft made by multi-dimensional and multiple textiles forming technology.

The present study aimed to explore whether the stretch of ischemic myocardium could modulate the electrophysiological characteristics via mechanoelectric feedback (MEF), as well as the effect of phalloidin on the electrophysiological changes. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (n=9), phalloidin group (n=7), myocardial infarction (MI) group (n=9), MI + phalloidin group (n=7). The acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was conducted by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 30 min in isolated rat heart. The volume alternation of a water-filled latex balloon in the left ventricle produced the stretch of myocardium. After perfused on Langendorff, the isolated hearts were stretched for 5 s by an inflation of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mL separately and the effect of stretch was observed for 30 s, including the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), ±dp/dt(max), monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarization (MAPD90), and occurrence of premature ventricular beats (PVB) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). The stretch caused an increase of MAPD(90) in both control and MI rats (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, MAPD(90) in MI group increased more significantly than that in the control group at the same degree of stretch (P<0.05, P<0.01). Phalloidin (1 μmol/L) had no effect on MAPD(90) in basal state. After stretch, MAPD(90) in phalloidin group slightly increased but was not significantly different from that in the control group. However, phalloidin reduced MAPD(90) in infarcted myocardium, especially when ΔV=0.3 mL (P<0.05). The incidence rates of PVB and VT in MI group were higher than that in the control group (both P<0.01). And there was no significant difference in the incidence rates of PVB and VT between phalloidin group and control group. Phalloidin inhibited the occurrence of PVB and VT in infarcted hearts (both P<0.01). LVSP and +dp/dt(max) in MI group obviously decreased (P<0.01 vs control). With application of phalloidin, LVSP slightly, but not significantly increased in infarcted hearts, while -dp/dt(max) significantly increased (P<0.05). It is suggested that MI facilitates the generation and maintenance of malignant arrhythmias, while phalloidin obviously inhibits the occurrence of arrhythmias.
Action Potentials ; Animals ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; prevention & control ; Coronary Vessels ; Heart ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Heart Ventricles ; Myocardial Infarction ; physiopathology ; Phalloidine ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVEFor heart functional parameters, we commonly used normal range. The reference values and predict formulas of heart functional parameters and their relationships with individual characteristics are still lack.

METHODSLeft ventricular (LV) volumes (end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac output (CO) were measured by cardiac CT angiography (CAT) in 1 200 healthy Caucasian volunteers, men 807 and women 393, and age 20-90yr. The results are analyzed by high-accuracy three-dimensional imaging technology, and then measured the dynamic changes of the volumes of each atriam and ventricule during their contractions and relaxations. The gender, age, height and weight were analyzed by multiple linear regression to predict LV functional parameters.

RESULTSExcept the LVEF was lower in man than in women (P < 0.001), all other LV functional parameters of EDV, ESV, SV, FE and CO were higher in man (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression indicated that age, gender, height and weight are all independent factors of EDV, ESV and SV (P < 0.001). CO could be significantly predicted by age, gender and weight (P < 0.001), but not height (P > 0.05). The predict equation for CO (L x min(-1)) = 6.963+0.446 (Male) -0.037 x age (yr) +0.013 x weight (kg).

CONCLUSIONAge, gender, height and weight are predictors of heart functions. The reference values and predict equations are important for noninvasive and accurate evaluation of cardiovascular disease and individualized treatment.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Body Height ; Body Weight ; Cardiac Output ; Female ; Heart ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reference Values ; Sex Factors ; Stroke Volume ; Ventricular Function, Left ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of serum sex hormones and parathyroid hormone (PTH) with the biochemical markers of bone turnover in aged men.

METHODSWe collected the laboratory data of 465 men aged 60- 93 (73. 1 +/- 8. 3) years old, who came for routine physical examinations in our hospital. We obtained the levels of serum follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), PTH, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH) D3), and bone turnover markers C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteocalcin (OC) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP). We also determined free testosterone (FT) , bioactive testosterone (BT) , testosterone secretion index (TSI) and FT index (FTI), and analyzed the correlation of each index with the biochemical markers of bone turnover.

RESULTSThe concentrations of serum FSH, LH, and SHBG increased, while the levels of FT, BT, TSI, FTI, PTH, CTX, OC and PINP decreased with age, especially in those over 80 years old (P <0.05). PTH was positively correlated with CTX, OC and PINP (r =0. 227, 0. 269 and 0. 162, P <0. 01), even after the adjustment for age, while SHBG negatively correlated with OC (r = -0. 100, P <0.05). The bone turnover markers increased with the elevation of the PTH quartiles, with significant differences between the first and the fourth quartile (P <0. 01). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that age was correlated inversely with CTX, OC and PINP ( beta = -0. 126, -0. 141 and -0. 122, P <0.05) , PTH positively with the three markers (beta = 0. 196, 0.279 and 0.189; P <0. 001), and SHBG negatively with OC ( beta = -0. 100, P <0.05) .

CONCLUSIONAging is the fundamental cause of reduced bone turnover in aged men. The levels serum PTH and SHBG are significantly associated with the biochemical markers of bone turnover.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging ; Bone Density ; Bone Remodeling ; physiology ; Bone and Bones ; metabolism ; Estradiol ; blood ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parathyroid Hormone ; blood ; Testosterone ; blood