ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of early induced finger function training on motor function and activities of daily living (ADL) of stroke patients.Methods60 stroke patients with hemiplegia were randomly divided into the early induced finger function training group (treatment group) and control group with 30 cases in each group. The patients of the control group were treated with routine rehabilitation; while those of the treatment group were added with training of early induced flexion and extension of fingers. All patients of two groups were assessed with Brunnstorm Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, scores of Neurological Functional Deficit, and Modified Barthel Index before and 8～12 weeks after treatment.ResultsAfter treatment, upper limb motor function, hand function and fingers' fine function in the sick side of the patients in the treatment group improved significantly better than that in the control group ( P<0.05～0.01).ConclusionThe early induced finger function training can obviously improve the upper limb motor function and ADL of stroke patients.

Objective To investigate the value of high-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography combined with two-dimensional strain imaging in early diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Methods Highdose dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed to 28 patients with suspected coronary artery disease. All wall movements were observed during resting condition and at all stress levels,respectively;the peak systolic longitudinal strain in each endomyocardial segment of left ventricular was measured; the sensitivity and specificity between visual method and two-dimensional strain imaging in diagnosing myocardial ischemia with high-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography were compared. The average peak systolic longitudinal strain was calculated against control group, coronary artery disease group during ischemia segments and non-ischemia segments, and a comparison was made inside each group as well as against the other groups. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the peak systolic longitudinal strain was used to predict the sensitivity and the specificity of myocardial ischemia. Results With dobutamine dose of 40 μg·kg-1 · min-1 ,wall motion abnormalities were diagnosed in 6 patients (20 segments) through visual method, myocardial ischemia was found in 15 patients (148 segments) through computing the peak systolic longitudinal strain. Inside the coronary artery disease group during ischemic　segments,the majority of peak systolic longitudinal strain was significantly reduced ( P＜0.05) compared to the non-ischemic segments and the control group. In diagnosing myocardial ischemia in high-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography, the sensitivity of visual method and two-dimensional strain imaging were 35.3％ and 88.2％(P＜0.01), specificity 100％ and 100％(P＞0.05), and accuracy 60.7％ and 92.8％ (P＜0.01). The cutoff value of the peak systolic longitudinal strain was less than or equal to 14.9％, its sensitivity and specificity in predicting myocardial ischemia were 83.3％ and 91.7％,respectively. Conclusions High-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography combined with two-dimensional strain imaging can increase the sensitivity of detecting myocardial ischemia and detect concealed myocardial ischemia. High-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography combined with two-dimensional strain imaging can be used in early diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Objective To observe the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) and the downstream signaling pathways in platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) activated rat hepatic stellate cell (HSC-T6).Methods Rat HSC-T6 cells were divided into blank control group (no treatment),UA control group (50 μmol/L UA),PDGF group (10 μg/L PDGF),UA intervention group (50 μmol/L UA + 10 μg/L PDGF),diphenyleneiodonium intervention(DPI) group (20 μmol/L DPI+ 10 μg/L PDGF),SB203580 (p38 mitogen-activated protein kirase(p38MAPK) inhibitor) intervention group (10 μmol/L SB203580 + 10 μg/LPDGF),LY294002 (phosphatidylinositop 3 kinase(PI3K) inhibitor) intervention group (10 μmol/L LY294002 + 10 μg/L PDGF) and rosup positive control group (5 μg/mL rosup).Except rosup positive control group,the expression of type Ⅰ collagen at mRNA level of each group was detected by fluorescence quantitavepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The expression of membrane protein p47phox (except rosup positive control group),PI3K(except rosup positive control group and SB203580 intervention group),p-protein kinase B (p-AKT,except rosup positive control group and SB203580 intervention group) and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38MAPK,except rosup positive control group and LY294002 intervention group) were tested by Western blot.Except SB203580 intervention group and LY294002 intervention group,the fluorescence intensity in the cells of each group was analyzed with active oxygen detection kit and fluorescence microplate reader.Single factor analysis of variance and LSD test were performed for comparison between groups.Results Type Ⅰ collagen at the mRNA level of PDGF group (3.74±0.32) was higher than that of blank control group (1.00±0.00) ; Type Ⅰ collagen at the mRNA level of UA group (0.21 ±0.02) was lower than that of blank control group,UA intervention group (1.02 ± 0.12),DPI intervention group (1.09±0.21),SB203580 intervention group (1.18± 0.27),and LY294002 intervention group (1.15 ± 0.26) were all lower than PDGF group,and the differences were statistically significant (t =15.667,-4.501,-15.553,-15.154,-14.642 and -14.813,all P＜0.05).p47phox at the protein expression level of PDGF group (1.98±0.53) was higher than that of blank control group (1.00±0.00) ; that of UA group (0.48±0.10) was lower than blank control group; those of UA intervention group (0.95 ± 0.26),DPI intervention group (0.99 ± 0.28),SB203580 intervention group (0.93±0.31),and LY294002 intervention group (1.07±0.19) were all lower than PDGF group (t=4.209,-2.234,4.424,-4.252,-4.510 and-3.909,all P＜0.05).The protein expression level of PI3K of PDGF group (2.27±0.46) was higher than that of blank control group (1.00±0.00); that of UA intervention group (0.14 ± 0.07) was lower than PDGF group and blank control group; that of UA group (0.14±0.07) was lower than blank control group; those of DPI intervention group (0.53±0.25) and LY294002 intervention group (0.35±0.14) were all lower than PDGFgroup (t 6.205,8.208,-2.003,4.202,-8.502 and-9.831,all P＜0.05).The protein expression level of p-Akt of PDGF group (2.54±0.49) was higher than that of blank control group (1.00± 0.00); those of UA intervention group (0.74± 0.20),DPI intervention group (0.94 ± 0.37) and LY294002 intervention group (1.17±0.41) were all lower than PDGF group; that of UA group (0.59± 0.15) was lower than blank control group (t=5.927,-6.928,-6.158,-5.273 and-1.578,all P＜ 0.05).The protein expression level of p-p38MAPK of PDGF group (1.98±0.35) was higher than that of blank control group (1.00±0.00); those of UA intervention group (0.68±0.28),DPI intervention group (0.63±0.27) and SB203580 intervention group (0.67 ± 0.29) was all lower than PDGF group; that of UAgroup (0.28±0.13) was lower than blank control group (t=4.897,-6.479,-6.727,-6.529 and-3.561,all P＜0.05).The level of active oxygen of PDGF group (105.57±7.51) was higher than that of blank control group (69.60±8.63) ; those of UA intervention group (64.56±9.11),DPI intervention group (65.75 ± 6.62) was lower than PDGF group,UA group (29.84 ±3.19) was lower than blank control group (t=6.368,-7.288,-7.071 and-7.255,all P＜0.05).Conclusion UA could inhibit membrane displacement of NOX subunit p47phox and reduce active oxygen production in PDGF induced rat HSC-T6 cells,and then block phosphorylation of PI3K Akt,p 38MAPK signal pathways and inhibited the expression of type Ⅰ collagen at mRNA level.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of Rebixiao granule (RBXG) in treating repeatedly attacking acute gouty arthritis and through experimental study on blood uric acid to explore RBXG's therapeutic mechanism.

METHODSNinety repeatedly attacking acute gouty arthritis patients were divided into the treated group (n = 60) and control group (n = 30). The treated group was treated with RBXG, and the control group was treated with Futalin tablets (diclofenac sodium). The baseline treatment including good rest, low purine diet, sufficient water drinking and urine alkalization, etc. was then given to both groups. Hypoxanthine 600 mg/kg and niacin 100 mg/kg was applied to hyperuricemic mice by gastrogavage to establish the animal models.

RESULTSThe clinical effective rate of the treated group was 95.0% and that of the control 90.0%. Good therapeutic effects were won, insignificant difference (P > 0.05)was shown between the two groups. However, the cure rate of the treated group was 26.7% while that of the control group was 10.0%, with significant difference (P < 0.01) shown between them. The treated group had its blood uric acid lowered, which was significantly different (P < 0.05) from that of the control group. The animal experiment indicated that all the three groups treated with different dosages of RBXG, as well as the Ash bark and Smilax glabra rhizome groups had their blood uric acid content reduced in the hyperuricemic mice.

CONCLUSIONRBXG has a quicker initiation and better treatment effects than sole anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents on the treatment of repeatedly attacking acute gouty arthritis, showing no obvious toxic or adverse reactions and therefore good for long-term administration and likely to be a safe TCM preparation to control the symptoms and reduce the onsets of repeatedly attacking of acute gouty arthritis. The animal experiment shows that both the compound preparation and part of the single ingredients in the recipe have the function of reducing blood uric acid. However, the compound recipe has better therapeutic effects, proving to be superior to single drugs.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; therapeutic use ; Arthritis, Gouty ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Diclofenac ; therapeutic use ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Hyperuricemia ; blood ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Treatment Outcome ; Uric Acid ; blood

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term on-demand use of vardenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODSWe conducted a questionnaire investigation among 891 ED patients treated by on-demand use of oral vardenafil at 20 mg every 3 days from March 2007 to January 2010, covering the general information of the patients, their need for and attitudes towards the treatment, clinical efficacy and adverse events of the drug, and satisfaction of the patients and their partners after 12 weeks of treatment.

RESULTSTreatment and follow-up were completed in 700 patients, of whom 504 (72%) achieved sufficient hardness and duration of penile erection and overall sexual satisfaction, 84 (12%) admitted to improvement of erectile hardness and duration but not adequate satisfaction, and the other 112 (16%) experienced no significant changes. Significant differences were found in IIEF-5 scores, Rigiscan test results and partners TSS scores before and after the treatment (P < 0.05). Most frequent adverse events included flushing (15%), dizziness and headache (10%), dyspepsia (3%), and nasal congestion (1%).

CONCLUSIONLong-term on-demand use of oral vardenafil, in addition to its safety and good tolerance, can effectively improve the erectile function of ED patients, their success rate of sexual intercourse, and overall quality of sexual life.

Adult ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Piperazines ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Sulfones ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Triazines ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Vardenafil Dihydrochloride ; Vasodilator Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

Acute Disease ; Acute Kidney Injury ; etiology ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Creatine Kinase ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhabdomyolysis ; complications

Objective To evaluate the role of imaging diagnosis in surgical treatment of primary aldosteronism(PA). MethodsFrom Jan 1995 to Dec 2004,245 patients with PA were hospitalized in our hospital.Before the operations,all the patients underwent B-ultrasonography and CT scaning,240 received intravenous pyelography and 75 MRI.The preoperative imaging diagnosis were compared with the findings during the operations and postoperative pathologic results. Results Compared with the findings during the operations,the accuracy rates of localized diagnosis for PA with B-ultrasonography,CT scanning and MRI were 92.7%,98.2% and 90.4%,respectively.Compared with the postoperative pathologic results,the accuracy rates of qualitative diagnosis for aldosterone-producing adenoma(APA) with B-ultrasonography,CT scanning and MRI were 83.0%,90.7% and 72.2%,respectively. Conclusion The comprehensive imaging data are helpful in the localized diagnosis of PA.Correct preoperative qualitative diagnosis of APA is the key step for the surgical treatment for PA.

OBJECTIVETo improve the clinician's ability for emergency treatment of priapism.

METHODSBoth cases received 2 mg to 8 mg of metaraminol injection at the root of cavernous body, and perfusion of heparinized saline at glans and root of cavernous body of the penis by contrecoup, but they had not good response to the above therapy. At last surgery was performed.

RESULTSTotal penectomy was performed for both cases. One case was diagnosed of penile sarcoma, and another was metastatic transitional cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONPriapism due to neoplasma is infrequent, it should not be misdiagnosed in case of emergency.

Erectile Dysfunction ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Neoplasms ; complications ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo compare the regulatory effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) at acupoints Zusanli (ST36) and Hegu (LI4) on the visceral hyper-sensitivity in the rat model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and to explore the acting targets and specialty of acupoints.

METHODSExcept 8 rats of the normal control group, the rest 32 rats were prepared to set up the IBS models. IBS animal model was prepared by enema with acetic acid. Model rats were divided into three groups. Except for rats in the model group for control, those in the other two groups were treated 20 min by EA on ST36 (EA-ST36) and LI4 (EA-LI4) respectively for 2 weeks to observe the effect on behavior response of viscera sensitivity. The changes of neuropeptide (NPY), the somatostatin (SS) levels in blood and tissues of brain and intestine were monitored as well.

RESULTSThe volume thresholds for abdomen uplifting and back hunching were obviously increased after EA-ST36 (P<0.05), but showed insignificant change after EA-LI4. NPY contents lowered and SS contents increased in model rats; both EA-ST36 and EA-LI4 could raise the level of thalamic NPY (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), but showed insignificant effects on NPY in colonic tissue. As for SS content, its colonic level could be reduced by EA-S36 and EA-LI4 (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), however, its blood level was affected only by EA-ST36 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSEA-ST36 or EA-LI4 could regulate the NPY in thalamus and SS in colonic tissue, the former could affect blood level of SS as well. It is deemed that NPY and SS may be the key substances for regulating the action of acupuncture in the brain-intestinal axis; their different levels could be regarded as an indicator for the functional difference between the acupoints.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Brain ; metabolism ; Electroacupuncture ; methods ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Neuropeptide Y ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Somatostatin ; metabolism ; Viscera ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo compare clinical therapeutic effects of abdominal acupuncture and traditional acupuncture on cervical spondylosis (CS).

METHODSSixty-two cases of neck or nerve-root type CS were randomly divided into an observation group (n=32) treated by abdominal acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4) and others, and a control group (n=30) treated by traditional acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) and cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2), etc.. Simplified McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and clinical therapeutic effects were served as the objective indexes. Their clinical therapeutic effects were compared after the first session of treatment, at the end of therapeutic course and 3 months after the end of treatment.

RESULTSThe two groups had a same effective rate of 100.0%. All items of MPQ in these two groups after treatment and 3 months after the end of treatment significantly improved, and in the observation group the differences in the PRI feeling score before and after the first treatment, and the difference of the total PRI scores after the first treatment, at the end of therapeutic course and 3 months after the end of treatment significantly improved as compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAbdominal acupuncture can better reduce the pain of the patient caused by CS, with transient pain-alleviating effect, but whether or not the clinical therapeutic effect of abdominal acupuncture is better than the traditional acupuncture still can not be proved.

Abdomen ; Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Osteophytosis ; therapy