Post-stroke fatigue (PoSF) is an independent pathologic symptom after stroke which negatively influenced activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) of the stroke patients. PoSF is irrelevant to depression, age, state of the illness, etc. PoSF should be assessed appropriately and alleviated by medicine, diet, sleep, exercise, and health education, etc.

Objective To explore the relationship between reduction of regional cerebral blood flow in the normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and the extent of age-related white matter lesions (WML).Methods We used Fazekas scale to divide all participants into four groups (normal,mild,moderate,severe) according to the extent of the lesions showed on MRI.Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the area of WML and NAWM was measured by xenon contrast CT examination.Results A total of 56 cases were selected.The average rCBF (ml · 100 g-1 · min-1) in the lesions (WML) around ventricle,in right centrum ovale and in left centrum ovale respectively was 20.33 ± 2.52,21.27 ± 1.02,21.03 ± 1.83 for mild; 16.33 ±2.03,15.55 ±1.71,15.91 ±0.98 for moderate; 14.05 ±2.63,14.46 ±2.17,14.23 ± 1.95 for severe.The average rCBF (ml · 100 g-1 · min-1) in the NAWM around ventricle,in right centrum ovale and in left centrum ovale respectively was 20.79 ± 2.78,22.26 ± 1.9,22.15 ± 2.4 for normal; 21.12 ± 2.95,22.17 ± 1.50,22.25 ± 2.13 for mild,18.02 ± 2.41,19.45 ± 1.94,19.62 ± 1.54for moderate; 16.38 ± 3.22,18.18 ± 2.84,16.74 ± 2.97 for severe.The decrease of rCBF in the severe and moderate lesion areas was more serious than that in the mild lesion areas and reached statistic significance (P ＜ 0.05) ; The decrease of rCBF in the severe and moderate lesion areas was more serious than that in the area of NAWM in the same grade and reached statistic significance (P ＜ 0.05).The decrease of rCBF in the area of NAWM around severe and moderate lesion areas was more serious compared with that around mild lesion areas or normal areas (P ＜ 0.05) ; But the difference of rCBF in the area of NAWM around mild lesion areas and normal areas did not show any statistic significance.Conclusions Chronic ischemia was found to be existed not only in the lesions (WML) but also in the area of NAWM around the lesions,and was related to the extent of the lesions.Chronic ischemia may play a key role in the mechanism of aged-related WML.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of human caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) gene expression on human gastric carcinoma cell line MGC-803.

METHODSpCMV-Cdx2-HA eukaryotic expression plasmid was constructed by using DNA recombinant method. The MGC-803 cells were divided into 4 groups: non-transfected, transfected with pCMV-HA, transfected with pCMV-GAPDH-HA, transfected with pCMV-Cdx2-HA. Cdx2 gene and its protein expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot techniques respectively. The effects of Cdx2 overexpression on the growth of MGC-803 cells in vitro was assessed by measuring MTT, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy analysis.

RESULTSIn MGC-803 cells transfected with pCMV-Cdx2-HA, cell proliferation was significantly suppressed, the cells was ultrastructurally destroyed, cell cycle progression was blocked in G0/G1 and apoptosis rate was higher (P<0.05) in comparison with non-transfected cells or cells transfected with empty vector.

CONCLUSIONIt indicated that Cdx2 gene can suppress the growth of gastric carcinoma and may save as a novel therapeutic target.

Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Genetic Vectors ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transfection

In order to reveal the cause of disease occurred in the process of Coptis chinensis growth, this paper studied the bacterial species diversity index of different aged rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soil planting normal or sick C. chinensis by using PCR-DGGE technique. The representative DGGE bands were chosen to be cloned, and sequenced, the phylogeny were constructed. The results showed that the bacterial communities were very different between the normal and diseased soil samples of C. chinensis, and the diversity index (H) of diseased soil samples were higher than that of normal soil samples. Sequencing analysis of representative cloned DGGE bands showed that the unculturable bacteria were the dominant groups, and bacteria belonged to genus Bacillus, Acidovorax, Acinetobacter, uncultured Kluyvera, and uncultured Comamonas were also existing, but the reported plant pathogenic bacteria were not found in the C. chinensis planting soil. The density and brightness of clone band d in diseased soil samples was higher than that in normal soil sample, and sequencing analysis showed that it belonged to genus Acidovorax. Obviously, during the process of C. chinensis growth, the rhizospheric bacteria population changed, and the quantity of bacteria belong Acidovorax increased, which probably resulted in the disease occurred during C. chinensis growth.
Bacteria ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Biodiversity ; Coptis ; growth & development ; microbiology ; Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rhizosphere ; Soil Microbiology

Objective To investigate the effect of low molecular weight heparin combined with active immunization on patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion and its influences of hemodynamics.Methods A total of 92 cases of recurrent spontaneous abortion patients were randomly divided into treatment group (46 cases) and control group (46 cases).In control group,the lymphocytes of the patients' husbands were actively immunized.After pregnancy confirmed with blood β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG),the patients were administered of progesterone 40 mg,intramuscularly once a day until 14 weeks of gestation.The treatment group was treated with low molecular heparin calcium 5000 U,twice a day on the basis of control group until 24 h before termination of pregnancy.The clinical efficacy,the levels of β-HCG,progesterone and hemodynamics and the incidence of adverse drug reactions were observed before and after treatment.Results The clinical effective rate in treatment group was 95.65％ (44 cases/46 cases),had significant difference with that in control group,which was 76.09％ (35 cases/46 cases,P ＜0.05).After treatment,the levels of β-HCG in treatment group and control group were (6535.05 ± 54.34),(9845.50 ± 86.91) mU · mL-1,progesterone were (123.45 ±3.79),(93.24 ±5.18) nmol · L-1 (all P ＜0.05).After treatment,the blood viscosity,whole blood low shear viscosity and plasma viscosity in treatment group were (5.98 ± 0.52),(7.68 ± 0.51),(1.90 ± 0.34) mPa · s,had significant difference with those in control group,which were (7.78 ± 0.76),(9.18 ± 0.71),(2.30 ± 0.29) mPa · s (all P ＜ 0.05).In treatment group,there were 3 cases of erythema and itching in the injection site,2 cases of temporary vaginal bleeding,the incidence of adverse drug reactions was 10.87％ (5 cases/46 cases).There were 4 cases of erythema and itching in the injection site in control group,with incidence of 8.70％ (4cases/46 cases,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Low molecular weight heparin combined with active immunization has a significant effect on recurrent spontaneous abortion,and can improve the blood rheology.

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) in predicting the early-stage outcome of liver transplantation in patients with end-stage liver disease.

METHODSThe MELD scores of 87 liver transplantation recipients with end-stage liver disease were calculated, and their early-stage complications and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTSThe incidence of severe complications was 20.7%; in these recipients, with the 28-day and 3-month survival rates of 89.7%; and 88.5%;, respectively. The mean MELD scores showed significant differences between the complication-free group and survival group (14.6 vs 12.9, P<0.05), and also between the complication group and death group (21.6 vs 29.4, P<0.05). Compared to patients with MELD no greater than 15, patients with MELD between 16 and 24 showed significantly increased complication rate but had comparable survival rate (P>0.05); but in patients with MELD no less than 25, the survival rate was significantly decreased with also increased complication rate.

CONCLUSIONSA higher MELD score before liver transplantation is associated with greater likeliness of early-stage complication rate and mortality. High MELD score (over 25) can be a useful index in predicting severe complications and death in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Liver Failure ; etiology ; pathology ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Biological ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Survival Analysis ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDMultidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) is an important and emerging hospital-acquired pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to identify the sources of MDRAB and its role in respiratory tract colonization and nosocomial pneumonia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODSWe conducted a prospective active surveillance study of MDRAB in three ICUs at a Chinese Hospital from April to August 2011, to identify the sources of MDRAB and its role in respiratory tract colonization and nosocomial pneumonia.

RESULTSOne hundred and fourteen (13.0%) MDRAB isolates were detected from 876 specimens, with a sensitivity of 11.6% (55/474) in screening of the pharyngeal and tracheal swabs, and 14.7% (59/402) of the sputum/endotracheal aspirates. MDRAB colonization/infection was found in 34 (26.8%) of 127 patients, including 16 (12.6%) cases of pure colonization and 18 (14.2%) cases of pneumonia (two pre-ICU-acquired cases of pneumonia and 16 ICU-acquired cases of pneumonia). Previous respiratory tract MDRAB colonization was found in 22 (17.3%) patients: eight (6.3%) were pre-ICU-acquired colonization and 14 (11.0%) ICU-acquired colonization. Of eight pre-ICU-colonized patients, five were transferred from other wards or hospitals with hospitalization > 72 hours, and three came from the community with no previous hospitalization. Overall, 6/22 colonized patients presented with secondary pneumonia; only two (9.1%) colonized MDRAB strains were associated with secondary infections. Respiratory tract MDRAB colonization had no significant relationship with nosocomial pneumonia (P = 0.725). In addition, acute respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, renal failure, and prior carbapenem use were risk factors for MDRAB colonization/infection.

CONCLUSIONSA high proportion of cases of MDRAB colonization/infection in ICU patients were detected through screening cultures. About one-third were acquired from general wards and the community before ICU admission. The low incidence of MDRAB colonization-related pneumonia questions the appropriateness of targeted antibiotic therapy.

Acinetobacter baumannii ; drug effects ; pathogenicity ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Cross Infection ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Female ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumonia ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Prospective Studies ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; drug therapy ; microbiology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of angiogenesis inhibitor YH-16 in combination with 5-FU on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.

METHODSIn vitro, the inhibitory effects of YH-16 and 5-FU on the growth of vascular endothelial cells and colorectal cancer cells were examined by MTT assay. In vivo, colorectal cancer cells were transplanted into BALB/c mice, and the mice were divided into six groups randomly:control group, low-dose YH-16 group, middle-dose YH-16 group, high-dose YH-16 group, 5-FU group and combination group. The number of liver metastases, the size of primary tumor and the toxicity were examined after 2 weeks postoperatively. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in liver metastases was detected by immunohistochemistry, and tumor microvessel density (MVD) was measured by immunostaining with CD34 and factor VIII (monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTSIn vitro, YH-16 inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells, with the IC50 at (2.16+/-0.28) microg/ml and (0.64+/-0.10) microg/ml respectively. In vivo high-dose YH-16 and 5-FU had a remarkable inhibitory effect on liver metastasis, and the combination group showed significant enhancement on this effect (P< 0.05). The combination group and 5-FU group could inhibit the growth of primary tumor, but not found in YH-16 group. The toxicity of YH-16 was lower than that of 5-FU (P< 0.05), and the difference was not found in the toxicity between combination group and 5-FU group (P > 0.05). Expression of VEGF in liver metastases was clearly inhibited by YH-16 in combination with 5-FU or 5-FU alone compared to the control group, and MVD in middle-dose and high-dose YH-16 group, 5-FU group and combination group was lower than that in control group (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe angiogenesis inhibitor YH-16 can inhibit liver metastasis of colorectal cancer through inhibiting the growth of vascular endothelial cells. YH-16 in combination with 5-FU has additive effect on inhibitory activity against liver metastasis.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; therapeutic use ; Liver Neoplasms ; prevention & control ; secondary ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo determine the operation procedure of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Crowe type-IV developmental dysplasia of hip and its relationship with nerve injury.

METHODSA consecutive series of 39 THAs was performed for Crowe type-IV developmental dysplasia of hip in 35 patients (all female). The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 46 years (range 36 - 56 years). Thirty-five hips in 31 patients were followed up. The average follow-up period of the whole series was 4 years (range 1 - 8 years). All procedures were carried out through a lateral-posterior approach. In 33 of 35 hips, the cup was inserted in the "true" acetabulum. All the prostheses used were cementless, except for 5 cemented femoral stems in 5 patients. Each patient was evaluated clinically and by radiographs before the operation and during the follow-up period, according to the Harris hip score (HHS).

RESULTSNone of the cups and stems were revised for aseptic loosening, dislocation or infection during the follow-up period. The mean preoperative HHS was 43 compared with the postoperative HHS of 87. The mean amount of postoperative leg lengthening was 5 cm (range 4 - 6 cm).

CONCLUSIONSThe reconstruction of the hip at the level of the "true" acetabulum through a lateral-posterior approach is a safe and effective procedure of THA for Crowe type-IV developmental dysplasia of hip in adults. Acute leg lengthening of less than 6 cm could not cause nerve injury.

Adult ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Dislocation, Congenital ; surgery ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome