OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the clinical efficacy on post-stroke insomnia between the low-frequency electric stimulation at the acupoints and the conventional western medication.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty patients of post-stroke insomnia were randomized into a low-frequency electric stimulation group, a medication group and a placebo group, 40 cases in each one. In the low-frequency electric stimulation group, the low-frequency electric-pulsing apparatus was used at Dazhui (GV 14) and Shenshu (BL 23), once a day; the treatment of 15 days made one session and 2 sessions were required. In the medication group, estazolam was taken orally, 1 mg each time. In the placebo group, starch capsules were taken orally, 1 capsule each time. All the drugs were taken before sleep every night, continuously for 15 days as one session, and 2 sessions were required. PSQI changes and clinical efficacy were observed before and after treatment in each group.

RESULTSPitlsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score was reduced in every group after treatment (all P < 0.01). In the low-frequency electric stimulation group and medication group, the score was reduced much more significantly as compared with the placebo group (both P < 0.01). In the placebo group, 1 case was rejected. The total effective rates were 95.0% (38/40), 92.5% (37/40) and 17.9% (7/39) in the low-frequency electric stimulation group, medication group and placebo group separately. The efficacy in the low-frequency electric stimulation group and medication group was better apparently than that in the placebo group (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe low-frequency electric stimulation at the acupoints effectively and safely treats post-stroke insomnia and the efficacy of it is similar to that of estazolam.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Electric Stimulation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; etiology ; therapy ; Stroke ; complications ; Treatment Outcome

A comparison of plant and animal stem cells can highlight core aspects of stem-cell biology. In both kingdoms, stem cells are defined by their clonogenic properties and are maintained by intercellular signals. The signaling molecules are different in plants and animals stem cell niches, but the roles of argonaute and polycomb group proteins suggest that there are some molecular similarities.
Animals ; Plant Cells ; Signal Transduction ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the changes of serum pituitary hormones and thyroid hormones in patients with severe brain injuries during hypothermia therapy. Methods Ninety-eight patients with severe brain injuries were randomly divided into mild hypothermia group (50 cases) and control group (routine therapy group,48 cases). The levels of serum PRL,TSH,FT 3 and FT 4 of patients in the both groups were detected by two-side sandwich immunological autochemoluminescence detection system before and after treatment. The therapeutic effects were observed and compared. Results After treatment,the levels of serum PRL,TSH and FT 4 of patients in hypothermia group were (0.25? 0.02) nmol/L ,(0.7?0.2) mU/L and (15.0?5.3) pmol/L,respectively,which were significantly lower than that in control group,ie,(0.46?0.04) nmol/L,(1.1?0.3) mU/L and (21.2? 6.4) pmol/L ,respectively. The good recovery rate (62%) in hypothermia group was higher than that of control group (35%) but the death rate (22%) in hypothermia group was lower than that of control group (42%). Conclusions Mild hypothermia can inhibit the rise of serum pituitary hormones and thyroid hormones after severe brain injury and improve the therapeutic effects.

Objective To study the effects and techniques of microsurgical resection of giant hypervascular meningiomas. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 32 cases of giant hypervascular meningiomas in this hospital from June 1999 to June 2002. Results The Simpson Grade 1 resection was achieved in 15 cases, Grade 2 in 9 cases, Grade 3 in 6 cases, and Grade 4, 2 cases. There were 2 fatal cases. Complications included 4 cases of intracranial hematoma, 6 cases of cerebral edema and infarction (re-operation of decompression was required in 4 cases), 1 case of mutism, 3 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and 1 case of intracranial infection. The mental dysfunctions or symptoms became worse than before the operation in 7 cases. Follow-up checkups in 30 patients found no recurrence in Simpson Grade 1 resection, 4 cases of recurrence in Simpson Grade 2 resection, and 5 cases of recurrence in Grade 3 and 4. A re-operation was performed to remove the tumor in 6 cases. The size of tumor was unchanged during follow-up period in 7 cases undergoing radiotherapy. Postoperatively, assessments with activity of daily living (ADL) associated with mental dysfunctions revealed grade Ⅰ in 25 cases, grade Ⅱ in 5 cases, and grade Ⅲ in 2. No significant differences were seen in ADL assessments before and after operation (P=0.696). Conclusions Every effort should be made to complete the total resection of intracranial meningiomas. Sufficient preoperative preparation, adequate surgical exposure, efficient management of operative bleeding, and fractionated resection of tumor using microsurgical techniques are important factors to improve clinical outcomes.

Objective To investigate the expressions and correlation of monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT1) and CD147 in human gliomas,and analyzee the relationship between their expressions and prognosis.Methods Immunohistochemistry SP methods were applied to detect the expressions of MCT1 and CD147 in 28 cases of low grade gliomas and 32 cases high grade gliomas.Their expression level and correlation were analyzed statistically.Prospective cohorts were set to acquire follow-up data.Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox multi-factor model were used to analyze patients’ prognosis.Results Both CD147 and MCT1 had strong expressions in human gliomas.The positive expression rate of MCT1 and CD147 (93.8% and 90.6%) and the strong positive expression rate (73.3% and 72.4%) in high grade gliomas were significantly enhanced compared with that of low grade gliomas (positive expression rate:46.4% and 50%,strong positive expression rate:30.8% and 35.7%,P

Objective To improve the microsurgical results of solid hemangioblastoma in the posterior fossa. Methods A retrospective review of 34 patients with solid hemangioblastoma in the posterior fossa was conducted including the clinical manifestations,diagnostic modalities and microsurgical outcomes. Results Total tumor removal was achieved in 29 cases,subtotal removal of tumor in 5 cases. Neurological function improved in 24 cases postoperatively,deteriorated in 6 cases,died 4 cases because of brain stem ischemia or edema. Conclusion it is an effective and importent method by using the microsurgical technique to removal solid hemangioblastoma in posterior fossa

Understanding of the classification of intracerebral hemorrhage may help to better manage the patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.Selecting the appropriate diagnosis and treatment measures as well as preventive strategies for different subtypes in order to improve the prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage and prevent the recurrence.This article reviews the present common classification methods of intracerebral hemorrhage studied and reported in the world.

Aim Poly (methoxypolyethyleneglycol cyanoacrylate-co-hexadecyl cyanoacrylate) (PEGPHDCA) and PHDCA niosomes were prepared and the influence of the PEG chain length on the niosomes physicochemical characteristics, complement consumption and phagocytic uptake were studied. Methods The physicochemical parameters of PEG-PHDCA niosomes were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, surface PEG density and fixed aqueous layer thickness. The relationship between physicochemical characteristics and in vitro complement consumption and phagocytic uptake was further illustrated. Results Experimental results showed that PEG10000-PHDCA had most loose structure and least PEG surface density among three groups. Configuration simulation through fixed aqueous layer thickness confirmed that PEG folding and less flexibility of the PEG chains of PEG10000-PHDCA niosomes were accountable for its poor stealth effects. Compared with PEG2000-PHDCA, PEG5000-PHDCA showed a thicker fixed aqueous layer (FALT) of 4. 20 nm, less negative zeta potential of -10.03 mV, and consumption and phagocytic uptake. Conclusion Excessive chain length of PEG was not necessary for stealth effects of PEG-PHDCA niosomes. PEG5000-PHDCA niosomes had best effects on evading complement consumption and subsequent phagocytic uptake.

Background and purpose: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is precursor lesions of invasive breast cancer, belongs to non-systemic ductal lesions, which is similar to other ductal lesions on imaging. This study aimed to investigate the differential diagnostic value of MRI in DCIS between DCIS with microinvasion (DCIS-MI) and breast intraductal papilloma (BIDP). Methods:All the cases were surgico-pathologically conifrmed. Twenty-four patients were DCIS, 9 patients were DCIS-MI, and 20 patients were BIDP. The MRI charateristics of DCIS, DCIS-MI and BIDP were analyzed and compared. Results:DCIS and DCIS-MI’s performance in the form of MRI is dififcult to differentiate (P<0.05). Compared with BIDP, the ductal and segmental enhancement, typeⅢtime-signal intensity curve (TIC), and the red pseudo-color image were associated with the DCIS. The local area enhancement, typeⅡTIC, and no-red pseudo-color image were associated with BIDP. Conclusion:MRI is a useful for differentiate between DCIS and BIDP, but is dififcult for DCIS and DCIS-MI.

BACKGROUND:A novel galactosylated alginate-chitosan oligomer microcapsule has been prepared successful y. There is no report on hepatocytes encapsulated into the microcapsule prepared with chitosan oligomer and alginate sodium.
OBJECTIVE:To study the structure and properties of the previous novel galactosylated alginate-chitosan oligomer microcapsule, and then explore the morphology and function expression of the hepatocytes encapsulated.
METHODS:The membrane structure and thickness of the microcapsule (containing 50%or 30%galactosylated alginate) were observed using a laser confocal microscopy. Mechanical property was determined by mechanical rupture rate. Permeability was evaluated by release profile of fluoresceine isothiocyanate-labeled human serum albumin and immunoglobulin G. The morphology of hepatocytes in the microcapsule was observed using an inverted phase contrast microscopy. Function expression of the hepatocytes included albumin secretion and urea synthesis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The microcapsule had an asymmetry structure, with dense inner and loosened outer surfaces. With the increase of the galactosylated alginate, the membrane became loose, which indicated the negative charge on the alginate molecular chains was weakened after introduction of galactose, and thus electrostatic complex was affected. Mechanical property was correlated with both membrane structure and thickness. With the increase of the galactosylated alginate, the membrane structure became loose and the thickness was decreased, resulting in poor mechanical properties. The permeability was dependent mainly on the pore size of the skin layer of the membrane other than the loose sublayer. The prepared microcapsule can selectively pass through the human serum albumin and cut off immunoglobulin G, indicating skin pore size between human serum albumin and immunoglobulin G. The hepatocytes can form sphere assemble in the galactosylated alginate-chitosan oligomer microcapsule and exhibit improved albumin secretion and urea synthesis compared to the control in the alginate-chitosan oligomer microcapsule.