An electro-acupuncture stimulator for hemiplegia rehabilitation is designed, which adopts 51 series of SCMs and CPLD as the control unit to fulfill parameter setup, numerical display and separated multi-channel output.

BACKGROUND: Recently, many researches suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation has effect on learning and memory. Moreover, the effects of magnetic fields simulating electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythm on memory have been investigated.OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of magnetic field simulating EEG rhythm on memory retrieval ability and its mechanism.DESIGN: Randomized controlled study.SETTING: Department of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University,and School of Precision Instrument & Photoelectronic Engineering, Tianjin University.MATERIALS: The experiment was conducted at the Electroscopic Center of TianjSn Medical University and Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering Department of Tianjin University from February 2002 to February 2004.Totally 25 Wistar rats and 5 domestic cats were selected from the Experimental Animal Center of Tianjin Medical University.INTERVENTIONS: All the 25 Wister rats were randomly divided into 5 group, 4 experimental groups and one control group with 5 rats in each group. Magnetic field simulating EEG rhythm was used to stimulate Wistar rats in the 4 experimental groups, but the time and frequency rate were different. Group 1 was stimulated by weak magnetic field with frequency in α rhythm (10 Hz); Group 2 was stimulated by weak magnetic field with frequency in β rhythm (20 Hz); Group 3 was stimulated by weak magnetic field with frequency changing from α to β rhythm; and Group 4 was stimulated by weak magnetic field with frequency changing from β to α rhythm. Memory retrieval ability and changes of neurotransmitters in the brain were recorded. Five cats were treated with weak magnetic field with frequency changing from α to β rhythm for 20 minutes, and the changes of EEG power spectra before and after stimulation were compared.information from long-term memory was tested with modified cross maze;hippocampus of the rats was measured with high performance liquid multiple-channel electrophysiological recording device.Comparison of memory retrieval ability: Memory retrieval ability in Group 2 and Group 4 was obviously higher than that in control group 5 hours after Content ofdopamine (DA) in rats' cerebral hippocampus: It was obviously higher in the 4 experimental groups than in control group [(192.72±18.66,percentage of power spectrum of β rhythm was increased after stimulation [(23.0±3.4, 14.2±1.3) %.].CONCLUSION: Most of the weak magnetic fields simulating EEG rhythm of human brain can decrease the retrieval of long-term memory, but magnetic field with special rhythm may increase memory retrieval ability.All the effects are related to the release of hippocampal neurotransmitters which is mediated by the change of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and synaptic vesicle.

Objective To explore the effect and the mechanism of modulated magnetic pulse fields on memory retention and retrieval ability of rats. Methods The influence of different pulsed magnetic fields on memory performance of rats was evaluated by using cross maze test, the morphological changes of neurons and nerve synapses in the hippocampus of rats were observed by the electronic microscopy. Results The 20 Hz modulated-pulse magnetic field impaired the memory retrieval ability and the memory retention significantly after 1 hour of exposure of the rats to it ( P 0.05). These influences on nerve tissues were also observed in rats underwent the 10Hz modulated magnetic stimulation, manifested as an initial increase in ability of memory in the first 24 hours after the stimulation, but no significant difference from the control was found. The influence of magnetic fields on memory depended on what the rats remembered. Conclusion Changes in the nerve synapses may be a main factor of mechanisms of the influence of pulse magnetic fields on memory ability of rats.

Objective To investigate the micro-anatomical approach to resect both intracranial and extracranial jugular foramen tumors in one-stage. Methods With the aid of surgical microscope, fifteen cadaver heads were used to study the microsurgical anatomy of high cervical part and jugular foramen, measure relative data. Results Detailed dissection was performed on high cervical part between the 1st cervical vertebra and the 4th cervical vertebra, resect foramen processus transversi of the 1st cervical vertebra, free vertebral artery 2nd and 1st cervical vertebra segment and horizontal segment. The jugular tubercle, jugular tunisia and part of the occipital condylus was drilled away as much as possible, total exposure of lateral semicircular canal was completed after the removal of the mastoid revealed labyrinthinem. Then the sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb were skeletonized. The vertical of segment of facial nerve was fully skeletonized to study the necessity of the facial nerve translocation. Full exposure to the sigmoid sinus, open jugular foramen. JF areas expanded, and the measured parameters revealed. The distance was (29.65 ± 3.24)mm from mastoidalec to oncentrated focus of condyle (10.18 ± 0.81)mm from hinder margin of condyle to endostoma of hypoglossal canal. The left distance was (6.8 ± 0.35)mm from jugular foramen to perpendicular part of facial nerve, right was (4.6 ± 0.33)mm. Conclusions Total exposure of JF can be achieved through the approach we described, and will enable the facial nerve, cochlea, and the structure of the vertebral artery to be performed. Both intracranial and extracranial tumors can be removed in a one-stage procedure related to anatomical parameters. Improve the cure, reduce complication and lower mortality.

The ongoing development of high-throughput sequencing technology and continuous decline of sequencing cost have made it possible to carry out large-scale screening for genetic diseases, which are the main component of birth defects. The screening of genetic diseases is expected to significantly reduce the rate of birth defects and the burden of genetic diseases to the affected families and the society. Taking Down syndrome as an example, through the analysis of the cost-benefit ratio of relevant screening programs, this article has summarized the socio-economic indicators to be considered during the design and development of genetic disease screening.
Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Down Syndrome/genetics* ; Genetic Testing ; Humans

In order to identify rat ovarian germ cells, we expressed and purified rat RVLG protein in Escherichia coli cells and prepared a mouse anti-rat RVLG polyclonal antibody. The rat RVLG cDNA was obtained from rat testicle tissue by RT-PCR and was cloned into the vector pMD19-T. Sequence analysis proves that the cloned RVLG cDNA fragment was 60 bp longer than that released in the GenBank (NM_001077647), resulting from an alternative splicing of the RVLG pre-mRNA. The RVLG cDNA was double digested with the restriction endonucleases BamH I and EcoR I, and then was extracted from gel and inserted into the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-4T-1. The recombinant expression plasmid pGEX-RVLG was verified for successful construction and then was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) for induction to express the GST-RVLG fusion protein by IPTG. The GST-RVLG fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) at a high level which accounts for more than 10% of the total bacterial cellular protein. The purified RVLG protein was used as an antigen to immunize KM mouse for the production of polyclonal antibody in ascetic fluid followed by celiacly injecting the mouse with S180 cells. The mouse anti-rat RVLG antibody was analyzed by ELISA, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry for its specificity and titer. The antibody could recognize RVLG protein specifically and its titer was about 1:20 000. These results confirm that the mouse anti-rat RVLG polyclonal antibody with high affinity and specificity has been prepared successfully, and lay a foundation for our ongoing research on the specific expression of RVLG in rat ovary.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; DEAD-box RNA Helicases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; DNA, Complementary ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Mice ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Ovary ; cytology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology

Objective To evaluate the efficiency and safety of corticosteroid therapy for IgA nephropathy.Methods Pubmed,Medline/embase,and Te Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of hormone therapy for IgA nephropathy from database establishment to September 2017.According to the Cochrane system evaluation method,two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted data,evaluated the quality of the included studies and cross-checked them according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.The Cochrane bias risk method was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.The fixed effect model was used to assess the risk of serum creatinine change and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).The random-effect models were used to assess 24-hour urinary protein quantification and the incidence of adverse events leading to drug withdrawal or hospitalization.The data were pooled using RevMan 5.3 software.The quadratic variables were odds ratio (OR) and the continuous variables were mean difference (MD).The odds ratio was used as the effect variable for the two variables,and the mean variance was used as the effect variable for the continuous variable data.Results A total of 9 RCTs were enrolled.Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group,the steroid treatment group could slow down the increase of serum creatinine by more than 50％ in IgA nephropathy patients (OR =0.15,95％ CI:0.04-0.53,P =0.003) and delay the progression to ESRD (OR =0.38,95％ CI:0.16-0.87,P =0.02),but there was no significant difference in the level of serum creatinine (MD =-0.03,95％ CI:-0.29-0.24,P =0.85),the 24 hour urinary protein quantification (MD =-0.55,95％ CI:-1.42-0.31,P =0.21),and the incidence of adverse reactions (OR =1.68,95％ CI:0.69-4.11,P =0.26).Conclusions The meta analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the safety of steroid treated IgA nephropathy compared with the control group,and may be beneficial to the long-term prognosis of patients with IgA nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the social and economic burden of Downs syndrome for patients and their families residing in Changsha, China. METHODS: An 160-item self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed to the primary caregivers of the patients in March 2020. A total of 81 eligible participants had completed the questionnaire, among which 20 were excluded for incomplete data. A patient perspective was taken to estimate the economic burden of the disease. The social impact of the disease on the patient's family was evaluated through questions adapted from the Stanford Psychological Wellbeing (PWB) Scale. RESULTS: The estimated life-course cost of a Downs syndrome patient in Changsha is 4 985 659 RMB, with the patient and caregiver's loss of income taking the greater proportion. In addition, as the majority of the patients' primary caregivers, female caregivers experienced not only considerable financial hardship caused by the care provision, but also a significant amount of psychological pressure and social discrimination. CONCLUSION Increased level of social welfare for the patients and social support for their female caregivers are essential for reducing economic burden and improving their quality of life in the area. In addition, prenatal screening and diagnosis for Downs syndrome are important for reducing both the social and economic burden of the disease by preventing its occurrence.
Caregivers ; China ; Down Syndrome ; Female ; Financial Stress ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; Social Discrimination ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical application and health economic values of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and second trimester serum screening (STSS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 54 026 singleton pregnant women undergoing NIPT and STSS from March 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 in Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. For pregnant women with high-risk results of NIPT, prenatal diagnosis and follow-up of pregnancy outcomes were conducted. The data was grouped to 4 screening models, and their cost-benefit was analyzed. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of NIPT were all higher than STSS. Screening models 1 to 4 have prevented the birth of 71, 29, 52 and 54 patients with Down syndrome, respectively. The safety index of screening models 1 to 4 were 0.0036, 0.3944, 02215 and 0.1281, respectively. When the price of NIPT was decreased to 600 RMB, the cost-benefit of the screening models 1 to 4 was 0.46, 0.65, 0.44 and 0.40 million RMB, respectively. CONCLUSION NIPT has a better detection performance than STSS. When the price of NIPT is 600 RMB, screening model 1 has the best screening effect and the highest accuracy, safety index and health economical value.
Child ; China ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Down Syndrome/diagnosis* ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods* ; Retrospective Studies

Objective: To compare the surgical accuracy of the 3D printing surgical guide and traditional occlusal splint in the treatment of skeletal facial asymmetry cases. Methods: 12 facial asymmetric patients underwent joint orthognathic and orthodontics treatments were included in this research. In the 3D printing group (n=6) the pre-surgical CT scan for the skeleton and laser scan for the dentures were performed and 3D orthognathic procedures including Le FortⅠ and BSSRO combined with genioplasty were planned. The 3D printing surgical guides were manufactured and applied during surgeries. Another 6 cases were received same procedures by traditional occlusal splint techniques as the control group. Post-surgical CT reconstruction and 3D superimposition with pre-surgical planning was carried out for outcome comparison. Results: The maximal error of maxillar was 0.65 mm and average error was less than 1 mm in 3D printing group, while the maxillary maximal error was 2.11 mm and average error was greater than 1 mm in traditional group which showed the statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions The usage of 3D printing surgical guide could improve the orthognathic surgical precision by controlling the jaw bone in a three-dimensional way.