Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points plus acupuncture point injection in treating postherpetic neuralgia.Methods Sixty-two patients with postherpetic neuralgia were randomly allocated to a treatment group of 32 cases and a control group of 30 cases. The treatment group received electroacupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points plus acupuncture point injection and the control group, oral administration of carbamazepine tablets, vitamin B1 and vitamin B12. The pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical symptom score and VAS score were recorded in the two groups and the clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.Results The total efficacy rate was 93.8% in the treatment group and 66.7% in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in clinical symptom item scores (pain, pruritus, burning sensation and sleep) in the two groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference in the VAS score in the two groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in pre-/post-treatment VAS score difference value between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points plus acupuncture point injection is an effective way to treat postherpetic neuralgia.

Objective Self-made docetaxel-carrying microbubbles were developed and evaluated as a new ultrasound contrast agent for diagnosis and targeted-chemotherapeutic drug delivery.Methods Docetaxel was mixed with an aqueous suspension of phospholipids in vials,which were put into 40℃ water for 30 minutes,after cooling,gas in vials was replaced with perfluoropropane gas,then vials were agitated for 45 s on a shaking device.Properties were studied contained concentration,size,zeta potential,drug entrapment efficiency and drug-loading amount.Drug released with ultrasound and imaging for VX2 carcinoma in rabbits were observed.Results Docetaxel-carrying microbubbles had a concentration of approximately 2.2×109～3.2×109/ml,a mean size of 623.1 am and a zeta potential of -(3.1±0.9)mV.Size distribution was 473.4～706.6 nm.Drug entrapment efficiency was more than 70% and drug-loading amount was(17.5±0.8)%.Fixed amount of ultrasound energy ruptured microbubbles and released docetaxel.Liver imaging of rabbits could be enhanced obviously and persistently,"fast in and out"phenomena was typical of VX2 carcinoma.Conclusions Liposome microbubbles represent a new class of acoustically active drug delivery vehicles.Docetaxel-carrying microbubbles can promote the value of ultrasound in tumor diagnosis,and docetaxel-carrying microbubbles combined with ultrasound have a hope to establish a kind of real-time monitoring,targeted system for tumor therapy.

Objective To investigate the effect of α-galactosidase A (GLA) gene mutation on cell autophagy and to elucidate its mechanism preliminarily.Methods Two families were diagnosed by ultrastructural pathological examination,GLA gene activity test and GLA gene mutation screening.Mutant type recombinant expression plasmid of two pedigrees (pcDNA3.1-GFP-ex1 (EX1 group),pcDNA3.1-GFP-ex3 (EX3 group)) and wild type recombinant expression plasmid of GLA (pcDNA3.1-GFP-GLA,GLA group) were constructed.Hela cell line (control group) was transiently transfected with recombinant expression plasmid according to lipofectin transfection.The relative gene expression of Beclin-1 was measured with real-time PCR,and protein expression level of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ,Beclin-1 and P62/SQSTM1 was examined by Western blotting.Results The LC3 protein values of groups EX1,EX3,GLA and control were 1.495 ± 0.064,1.490 ± 0.020,1.285 ± 0.021,1.260 ± 0.042,respectively;P62/ SQSTM1 values were 0.555 ± 0.086,0.480 ± 0.084,0.785 ± 0.439,0.980 ± 0.278,respectively;Beclin-1 mRNA 2-△Ct values were 0.011 ±0.003,0.008 ±0.002,0.005 ±0.001,0.003 ±0.001,respectively;Beclin-1 protein values were 1.178 ±0.098,1.209 ±0.092,0.931 ±0.100,0.796 ±0.184,respectively.Compared with the wide type group,the level of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ protein was significantly higher in the mutant type groups(t =5.118,4.984;P =0.007,0.008),though no statistically significant difference was found in the expression levels of P62/SQSTM1 (t =1.052,1.400;P =0.323,0.199).Besides,the expression levels of Beclin-1 mRNA (t =3.800,2.445;P =0.005,0.040) and protein (t =2.424,2.729;P =0.042,0.026) were significantly higher in the mutant type groups.Conclusions GLA gene mutation can induce cell autophagic dysfunction,and signaling pathway of autophagic activation may be Beclin-1 dependent.

Objective To investigate psychosocial factors for post-stroke depression (PSD). Methods 405 in-pa-tients with stroke were first screened for depression using Comprehensive International Diagnostic Interview-3.0. 22 pa-tients with depression were recruited as the depression group. From 383 patients without depression, 44 patients were se-lected and served as the non depression controlled group according to the sex and age paired with 1:2. Both groups were measured by using questionnaires including Life Event Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Social Support Rat-ing Scale, Activities of Daily Living Scale and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire, Short Form. Re-sults The score of passive coping was significantly higher in depression group than in non depression group [(1.2 ± 0.5) vs. (0.8±0.7), P<0.05]. The score of subjective support was significantly lower in depression group than in non depression group [(17.5±4.0) vs. (20.7±4.6), P<0.05]. Logistic regression analysis showed, minority nationality (OR=2.564, 95%CI:1.039~6.327) and passive coping style (OR=2.223, 95%CI:1.052~5.192) were risk factors for PSD, while subjective sup-port was protective factor for PSD (OR=0.884, 95%CI:0.793~0.986). Conclusions Passive coping style and low subjec-tive support may be the important psychosocial factors of PSD.

Objective:To explore any effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli point on the scorch death of duodenal cells in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) and possible mechanisms.Methods:Twenty-four 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and an EA group, each of 8. FD was induced in both the model and EA group rats using iodoacetamide gavage with tail-clip stimulation. After successful modeling the EA group was given acupuncture at the Zusanli point and then connected with a Korean acupuncture point nerve stimulator for 2 weeks. The other 2 groups were not given any intervention. The rats′ body weight was recorded before and after the modeling, as well as 7 and 14 days later. The gastric emptying rate and the small intestine propulsion rate of the three groups were detected right after the EA intervention, and the serum expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reactions were used to detect the transcription levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the rats′ duodenums, while western blotting was employed to assess the expression of caspase-1 P20 and dermatin D (GSDMD) in their duodenums.Results:After successful modeling, the average body weight of the rats in the model and EA groups was significantly different from that in blank group, and after 7 and 14 days the average body weight of the former groups was significantly different from that of the blank group, with significant differences between the two groups as well. After the EA intervention significant differences were observed in gastric reside and small intestine propulsion rate between the EA group and the model group, as well as between the model and the blank group. After the intervention, there were significant differences between the blank group and the other two groups in the average expression of IL-1β and IL-6 in serum, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in the duodenum, as well as the GSDMD and caspase-1 p20 proteins in the duodenum. There were significant differences between the model and EA groups in all of the above measurements.Conclusions:EA at the Zusanli point can significantly reduce the level of scorch death in the duodenum of FD rats, as well as relieve low-grade duodenal inflammation and the clinical symptoms of FD. Its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the expression of caspase-1 P20 and GSDMD-N protein, and of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and IL-6, relieving low-grade duodenal inflammation.

Objective:To report a SPTLC2 gene mutation in a family with a phenotype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.Methods:To screen the family of patients with pathogenic mutations of SPTLC2 gene from the database of hereditary peripheral neuropathy in the Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, and to collect their clinical data, peripheral nerve conduction examination, nerve ultrasound examination, pathological examination of the peroneal nerve and whole exome sequencing results of prohand.Results:One family was screened, the proband was a 16-year-old female with 4 years of sensory loss and anhidrosis of both lower limbs and 16 months of walking difficulty who admitted to Peking University First Hospital in January 2022. Physical examination showed sensory loss, dry skin and weakness in distal limbs. Her father had numbness and dry skin in the distal lower limbs from childhood,weakness and atrophy of his lower limbs in adulthood. He died at age of 52 years old. The nerve conduction study revealed no action potentials of the sensory and motor nerves of the lower limbs in the proband. The amplitude of the compound muscle action potential of the motor conduction of the bilateral ulnar nerve and median nerve decreased, and the nerve conduction velocity of the bilateral median nerve were 32 m/s and 24 m/s. Neurosonography showed thickening of peripheral nerves. Sural biopsy revealed severe loss of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers with onion bulbs formation. SPTLC2 gene showed a known heterozygous p.G435V mutation. The lower limb weakness was improved after oral L-serine.Conclusions:SPTLC2 gene mutation can lead to an intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease phenotype. L-serine can improve the limb weakness.

Objective To investigate how electroacupuncture activates the AMPKαpathway in the treatment of functional dyspepsia ( FD) . Methods Tail clipping stimulation was combined with an irregular diet to induce FD in 20 Sprague-Dawley rats. They were randomly divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture group, each of 10. Ten others had no FD induced and formed a normal group. The rats in the electroacupuncture group were given 10 days of electroacupuncture treatment, while those in the normal and model groups were restrained and fixed like those in the electroacupuncture group, but not given electroacupuncture. The expression of phosphorylated adenosine mono-phosphate-activated protein kinase alpha (p-AMPKα), phosphorylated tuberin (p-TSC2) and Rheb protein in the stomachs and small intestines of each group were detected using the western blotting. Levels of mTOR mRNA were quantified using the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR) . Results The western blotting re-sults showed that compared with the normal group, the expression levels of p-AMPKα and p-TSC2 in the stomachs and small intestines of the model group decreased significantly, while that of Rheb protein increased significantly. Compared with the model group, the expression of p-AMPKαand p-TSC2 increased significantly after the electroacu-puncture treatment, while that of Rheb protein decreased significantly. According to the RT-PCR results, the expres-sion of mTOR mRNA in the stomachs and small intestines of the model group was up-regulated significantly compared with the normal group. Compared with the model group, expression of mTOR mRNA in the electroacupuncture group was significantly down-regulated. Conclusion Electroacupuncture can activate the AMPKα pathway, up-regulate the expression of the related protein p-TSC2, and decrease the expression of Rheb protein, thereby down-regulating the transcription of the mTOR gene. That would serve to treat FD.

Objective To investigate the susceptibility and resistance of clinical isolates from hospitals in several regions of China .Methods Fifteen general hospitals and two children′s hospitals were involved in this program . Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby‐Bauer method or automated systems .Results were analyzed according to CLSI 2014 breakpoints .Results A total of 78 955 clinical isolates were collected from January to December 2014 ,of which gram negative organisms and gram positive cocci accounted for 72 .6% and 27 .4% ,respectively . Methicillin‐resistant strains in S .aureus(MRSA)and coagulase negative Staphylococcus(MRCNS)accounted for an average of 44 .6% and 83 .0 % ,respectively .The resistance rates of methicillin‐resistant strains to β‐lactams and other antimicrobial agents were much higher than those of methicillin‐susceptible strains .However ,92 .0% of MRSA strains were still susceptible to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole ,while 85 .6% of MRCNS strains were susceptible to rifampin .No staphylococcal strains were found resistant to vancomycin ,teicoplanin or linezolid .In Enterococcus spp .,the resistance rates of E .f aecalis strains to most tested drugs (except chloramphenicol) were much lower than those of E . f aecium .Some strains of both species were resistant to vancomycin .Vancomycin resistant strains of E . f aecalis and E . f aecium were mainly V anA ,V anB or V anM type based on their phenotype or genotype .Regarding non‐meningitis S .pneumoniae strains ,the prevalence of penicillin‐susceptible S .pneumoniae strains isolated from both adults and children were higher than those isolated in 2013 ,but the prevalence of penicillin‐intermediate S . pneumoniae or penicillin‐resistant S . pneumoniae strains decreased . The prevalence of ESBLs producingstrainswas55.8% in E.coliand29.9% in Klebsiellaspp.(K.pneumoniaeand K.oxytoca)and24.0% in Proteus mirabilis isolates on average . ESBLs‐producing Enterobacteriaceae strains were more resistant than non‐ESBLs‐producing strains in terms of antibiotic resistance rates . The strains of Enterobacteriaceae were still highly susceptible to carbapenems .Overall less than 10 % of these strains were resistant to carbapenems . About 62 .4% and 66 .7% of Acinetobacter spp .(A .baumannii accounts for 93 .0 % ) strains were resistant to imipenem and meropenem ,respectively . Compared with the data of year 2013 ,extensively‐drug resistant strains in K . pneumoniae and A .baumannii increased . Conclusions The antibiotic resistance of clinical bacterial isolates is growing .The disseminated multi‐drug or pan‐drug resistant strains in a special region poses a serious threat to clinical practice and implies the importance of strengthening infection control .

Objective To analyze the resistance proifle of bacterial strains isolated from geriatric patients in 17 hospitals across China from 2005 to 2014.Methods A total of 17 representative general hospitals were involved in this program. Bacterial susceptibility testing was carried out by means of a uniifed protocol using Kirby-Bauer method and MIC determination. The results were analyzed according to CLSI 2014 breakpoints.Results The proportion of the strains isolated from geriatric patients among all the clinical isolates increased with time from 30.0% in 2005 to 32.7% in 2014. A total of 159 888 clinical isolates were collected from geriatric patient during the period from 2005 to 2014, about 33.1% of the whole patient population. Gram negative organisms and gram positive cocci accounted for 77.1% (123 229/159 888) and 22.9% (36 659/159 888), respectively. Majority (92.8%, 148 376/159 888) of the isolates were from inpatients and more than half (55.2%, 88 201/159 888) of the isolates were from sputum or other respiratory tract specimens. Methicillin-resistant strains inS. aureus (MRSA) and coagulase negativeStaphylococcus (MRCNS) accounted for an average of 67.1% and 75.9%, respectively. The resistance rates of methicillin-resistant strains to β-lactams and other antimicrobial agents were much higher than those of methicillin-susceptible strains. No staphylococcal strains were found resistant to vancomycin, teicoplanin or linezolid. Some strains ofE. faecalis (0.4%) andE. faecium (4.6%) were resistant to vancomycin, which was higher than average national level (0.3%, 3.2%). Vancomycin-resistant strains ofE. faecalisandE. faecium were mainly VanA type and VanB type based on their phenotype. The prevalence of penicillin-susceptibleS. pneumoniae strains was 78.2%, slightly lower than the 95.0% in Chinese adults in year 2014. The prevalence of ESBLs-producing strains was 67.5% inE. coli, 40.4% inKlebsiella (K. pneumoniae andK. oxytoca) and 34.3% inProteus mirabilis isolates on average. The strains ofEnterobacteriaceae were still highly susceptible to carbapenems (<10% resistant), followed by amikacin and the beta-lactam and beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Overall, 35.9% and 33.0% of theP. aeruginosa strains were resistant to imipenem and meropenem. More than 50% of theA. baumannii strains were resistant to imipenem and meropenem. The prevalence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR)P. aeruginosa (4.0%-1.8%) was higher than the average national level (2.1%-1.6%). The prevalence of XDR A. baumannii (19.2%-15.5%) and XDREnterobacteriaceae (0.1%-1.0%) was lower than the average national level (21.4%-19.7% and 0.3%-3.2%).Conclusions The proportion of clinical isolates from geriatric patients is different from average national level at the same period. The isolates from geriatric patients are more likely from inpatients, respiratory tract specimens and more likely non-fermentative gram-negative bacilli compared to average national level. The proportion of fastidious bacteria andEnterobacteriaceae species is generally lower than average national level. MRSA, VRE, ESBLs-producing strains and XDRP. aeruginosa are more prevalent in geriatric patients than in general Chinese patient population. This study suggests that surveillance of antimicrobial resistance for the clinical isolates from geriatric patients is very important for rational antimicrobial therapy.

Objective To investigate the distribution and changing resistance proifle ofSalmonella isolates in hospitals across China during the period from January 2005 to December 2014.Methods Seventeen general hospitals and two children’s hospitals were involved in this program. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by means of a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or MIC determination. The results were analyzed according to CLSI 2014 breakpoints.Results The proportion ofSalmonella isolates increased with time from 0.2% in 2005 to 0.7% in 2014. A total of 3 478Salmonella strains were collected from 19 hospitals. The proportion ofSalmonella typhimurium andSalmonella enteritidis was 27.4% and 24.4%, respectively. During the 10-year period, theSalmonella strains showed highest resistance rate to ampicillin (33.3%-64.8%), but low resistance to cefoperazone-sulbactam (0-5.3%) and ciprofloxacin (2.4%-14.3%).S. typhimurium showed higher resistance rate thanS. typhi,S. paratyphi andS. enteritidis. About 76.8% and 50.5% ofS. typhimurium were resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The average prevalence of multi-drug resistantSalmonellawas 3.9% in the ten-year period, the highest (7.5%) was in 2005, the lowest (1.5%) in 2013.Conclusions During the period from 2004 to 2015, majority of theSalmonella isolates in hospitals across China wasS. typhimurium andS. enteritidis. Ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are no longer appropriate for empirical treatment ofS. typhimurium infection due to high resistance rate.Salmonella isolates are relatively more susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones. Ongoing monitoring is necessary to identify multi-drug resistant strains ofSalmonella.