Objective:To observe any effect of dual-task training on abnormal gait and fall risk among hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:A total of 90 stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group, a cognitive dual-task group, and a motor dual-task group, each of 30. All 3 groups received conventional post-stroke medication and rehabilitation training, but the cognitive and motor dual-task groups received cognitive or motor dual-task training as well. Before and after 4 weeks of the training, everyone′s balance, walking and lower limb motor functioning were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE). Additionally, three-dimensional gait analysis was performed to document gait speed, bilateral spatial asymmetry, bilateral temporal asymmetry, and the dual-task cost (DTC) of gait speed.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average BBS scores, TUGT times, FMA-LE scores, gait speed, DTC of gait speed, bilateral spatial asymmetry ratios, and bilateral temporal asymmetry ratios of all 3 groups after the experiment. The averages of the cognitive dual-task group were then significantly better than the control group′s averages. The motor dual-task group′s average BBS score (42.67±7.87), TUGT time [(22.30±8.53)s], gait speed (0.58±0.2m/s), DTC of gait speed (19.02±5.99%), and bilateral spatial asymmetry ratio (19.79±10.41%) were then significantly better than the control group′s averages but not significantly different from those of the cognitive dual-task group.Conclusions:Dual-task training can significantly improve the balance, walking and lower limb motor function of stroke survivors, correcting their abnormal gait patterns and consequently reducing their fall risks.

Objective:To observe any effect of dual-task training on abnormal gait and fall risk among hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:A total of 90 stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group, a cognitive dual-task group, and a motor dual-task group, each of 30. All 3 groups received conventional post-stroke medication and rehabilitation training, but the cognitive and motor dual-task groups received cognitive or motor dual-task training as well. Before and after 4 weeks of the training, everyone′s balance, walking and lower limb motor functioning were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE). Additionally, three-dimensional gait analysis was performed to document gait speed, bilateral spatial asymmetry, bilateral temporal asymmetry, and the dual-task cost (DTC) of gait speed.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average BBS scores, TUGT times, FMA-LE scores, gait speed, DTC of gait speed, bilateral spatial asymmetry ratios, and bilateral temporal asymmetry ratios of all 3 groups after the experiment. The averages of the cognitive dual-task group were then significantly better than the control group′s averages. The motor dual-task group′s average BBS score (42.67±7.87), TUGT time [(22.30±8.53)s], gait speed (0.58±0.2m/s), DTC of gait speed (19.02±5.99%), and bilateral spatial asymmetry ratio (19.79±10.41%) were then significantly better than the control group′s averages but not significantly different from those of the cognitive dual-task group.Conclusions:Dual-task training can significantly improve the balance, walking and lower limb motor function of stroke survivors, correcting their abnormal gait patterns and consequently reducing their fall risks.

Objective:To observe the impact of core stability training in the sling exercise therapy pattern on the balance of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group ( n=30) and an experimental group ( n=30). In addition to routine rehabilitation training, the control group received traditional core stability training, while the experimental group underwent core stability training applying the sling exercise therapy pattern. Before and after 4 weeks of training, the standing balance of both groups was evaluated using the Prokin balance trainer, with the length and area of motion recorded when performing the balance test with the eyes open and closed. Surface electromyography was used to record the average EMG (AEMG) values of the bilateral erector spinae and multifidus muscles during the balance testing. Results:After the 4 weeks of training the length and the area of progression of the center of the pressure were both significantly smaller for both groups than before the training with the eyes both open and closed. The average length and area in the experimental group were significantly less than among the controls. The AEMG values recorded during the balance tests were significantly higher than those before the intervention for both groups, with the multifidus muscle averages on the affected side significantly greater in the experimental group than among the controls when performing the balance test with the eyes closed.Conclusion:Core stability training in the sling exercise therapy pattern is superior to conventional core stability training because it can better improve the balance of stroke survivors.

Objective:To investigate protective effect of Pinus massoniana needle extract (PMNE) against oxidative stress in human dermal papilla cells (HDPC) , and to explore its mechanisms. Methods:As research objects, some cultured HDPC were treated with H 2O 2 at different concentrations of 0 (control group) , 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.0 mmol/L, in order to establish the optimal condition for in vitro oxidative stress in HDPC; some other HDPC were transfected with nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) specific small interfering RNAs (siRNA1, siRNA2, siRNA3) or a Nrf2-overexpressing plasmid (pCMV6-XL5-Nrf2) , the HDPC transfected with a scrambled-siRNA and an empty plasmid pCMV6-XL5 served as the control siRNA group and control plasmid group respectively, and HDPC subjected to conventional culture served as the blank group; after the above treatment, real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to determine Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression, respectively; cell viability and apoptosis were detected in the above transfected cells after the treatment with H 2O 2 at an optimal concentration. In the subsequent experiment, some HDPC were divided into several groups: control group subjected to conventional culture, dihydrotestosterone group treated with 0.03 μg/ml dihydrotestosterone, proanthocyanidin group treated with 0.03 μg/ml dihydrotestosterone and 6.00 μg/ml proanthocyanidin B2, PMNE groups treated with 0.03 μg/ml dihydrotestosterone and PMNE at different concentrations of 1, 5, 25 and 100 μg/ml; after the above treatment, cell viability and apoptosis were detected, relative fluorescence intensity of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) , malondialdehyde (MDA) content, mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) , heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) , Kelch-like ECH-related protein 1 (Keap1) , transforming growth factor (TGF) -β1, Sma- and Mad-related protein 2/3 (Smad2/3) , phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) were determined in HDPC. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons among multiple groups, and least significant difference- t test for multiple comparisons. Results:The viability of HDPC ranged from 75% to 85% after the treatment with 0.4 mmol/L H 2O 2, which was selected as the optimal condition for in vitro oxidative stress in HDPC. Compared with the blank group and control siRNA group, the Nrf2-siRNA1, Nrf2-siRNA2, Nrf2-siRNA3 groups showed significantly decreased Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression (all P < 0.05) , but significantly increased apoptosis rate (Nrf2-siRNA1, Nrf2-siRNA2, Nrf2-siRNA3 groups, blank group and control group: 12.50% ± 0.05%, 26.07% ± 0.05%, 58.44% ± 1.03%, 10.38% ± 0.64%, 13.05% ± 0.12%, respectively; all P < 0.05) . Nrf2 protein expression was the lowest in the Nrf2-siRNA2 group, so Nrf2-siRNA2 was selected as the optimal interfering fragment for subsequent experiments. Compared with the blank group and control plasmid group, the Nrf2 overexpression group showed significantly increased Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression (both P < 0.05) , but a significantly decreased apoptosis rate (all P < 0.05) . After the treatment with 0.4 mmol/L H 2O 2, the Nrf2 overexpression group showed a significantly decreased apoptosis rate, but significantly increased cell viability compared with the empty vector group ( t = 3.66, 40.40, respectively, both P < 0.001) ; the Nrf2-siRNA2 group showed a significantly increased apoptosis rate, but significantly decreased cell viability compared with the control group ( t = 13.13, 67.37, respectively, both P < 0.001) . In the PMNE treatment experiment, the proanthocyanidin group and PMNE groups showed significantly increased cell viability, but significantly decreased apoptosis rates compared with the dihydrotestosterone group (all P < 0.01) ; proanthocyanidin and PMNE at different concentrations could significantly inhibit dihydrotestosterone-induced overexpression of ROS and MDA in HDPC (all P < 0.01) ; the protein expression of Nrf2, NQO1 and HO-1 was significantly higher in the proanthocyanidin group, 5-, 25- and 100-μg/ml PMNE groups than in the dihydrotestosterone group (all P < 0.05) , while the protein expression of Keap1 and TGF-β1, and the Smad2/3 phosphorylation level were significantly lower in the proanthocyanidin group, 25- and 100-μg/ml PMNE groups than in the dihydrotestosterone group (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Nrf2 plays an important role in protecting against oxidative damage in HDPC, and PMNE may exert marked protective effect on HDPC by activating the Nrf2-antioxidant responsive element signaling pathway.

Objective To observe among stroke survivors the timing of muscle activation at the stance phase during walking using the surface electromyography ( sEMG) combined with 3D gait analysis. Methods Twenty stroke survivors assessed as at Brunnstrom stages Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ were assigned to groups designated Ⅲ, Ⅳ and V. sEMG and 3D gait analysis were used to assess the activation timing of the bilateral rectus femoris ( RF) and biceps femoris ( BF) , the tibialis anterior ( TA) and the gastrocnemius medialis ( GM) . The activation timing and the dura-tion of activation of the muscles were compared among the 3 groups, as well as with those of healthy muscles. Results The onset time of the RF on the affected side was significantly later than on the healthy side, while that of the GM was significant earlier. The durations of BF and GM activation on the affected side were significantly shorter than on the unaffected side in group III. The onset times of the TA and GM on the affected side were significantly ear-lier than on the healthy side in group IV, as was the onset time of the TA of the affected side in group V. The average RF and BF onset times on the affected side in group Ⅳ were significantly earlier than in group Ⅲ. The onset time of the TA on the unaffected side and the average BF onset time on the affected side in group Ⅴ were significantly later than in group IV. The onset time of the RF and TA on the unaffected side in group Ⅳ and the onset time of the GM on the affected side were significantly later than in group III, while the onset time of the BF and TA on the affected side was significantly earlier. The average duration of BF activation on the unaffected side in group Ⅳ was significant-ly shorter than that of group Ⅲ. The average duration of TA activation on the unaffected side in group Ⅴ was signifi-cantly shorter than that of group IV. The duration of RF activation on the affected side in group Ⅴ was significantly shorter than that in group Ⅲ, and the same was true of the RF, BF, TA and GM activation times on the healthy side. Conclusions There are significant differences in the onset and duration of muscle activation when stroke survivors at different stages of recovery walk. Some muscles are activated too early and others are over-activated. These abnormali-ties gradually disappear with the recovery of motor function.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Qili Qiangxin capsules on the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and cardiac function in patients with silicosis.

METHODSHospitalized silicosis patients with heart failure were divided into treatment group (41 cases) and control group (30 cases) according to their own will. Both groups received comprehensive symptomatic treatment; in addition, the treatment group received Qili Qiangxin capsules. The treatment lasted 6 months. The observed items included NT-proBNP level, 6-minute walk test, ultrasonic cardiogram, and NYHA classification before and after treatment.

RESULTSAccording to NYHA classification, the response rate was 29.27%in the treatment group and 10.00%in the control group; there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The average walk distance in the treatment group was increased from 150.96±73.12 m before treatment to 169.32±77.04 m after treatment, and the improvement was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The average NT-proBNP level in the treatment group was reduced from 1154.44 ± 480.79 ng/L before treatment to 494.49 ± 342.61 ng/L after treatment, and the reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly improved in the treatment group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQili Qiangxin capsules in addition to comprehensive symptomatic treatment can significantly reduce NT-proBNP level and improve cardiac function in silicosis patients, and thereby improve patients' quality of life.

Capsules ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Echocardiography ; Heart Failure ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Peptide Fragments ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Quality of Life ; Silicosis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical relationship between allergic rhinitis and allergic factors with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps. METHOD: Two hundred patients were divided into A and B two groups. Group A of 110 patients was diagnosed allergic rhinitis. Group B of 90 patients was diagnosed chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps. Serums sIgE was detected with EUROIMMUN, and observe the recurrence rate of chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps patients who accept operation treatment and observe the incidence of allergic rhinitis superinduced chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps. RESULT: The total positive rate of group A sIgE was 89.09%. The total positive rate of group B sIgE was 74.44%. The postoperative recurrence rate of sIgE positive group was 58.21% and the postoperative recurrence rate of sIgE negative group was 8.70% in the group B. In the group A, the positive rate of serums sIgE in allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps (37.27%) was 97.56%, while the positive rate of serums sIgE in allergic rhinitis without chronic sinusitis (62.73%) was 79.71%, there is a significant difference in allergic rhinitis with or without chronic sinusitis (χ2 = 6.96, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION There is a certain correlation between allergic rhinitis and allergic factors with chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps. Therefore, through avoiding allergen exposure, the treatment of allergic rhinitis can effectively control recurrence rate of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyp.
Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Nasal Polyps ; complications ; immunology ; Recurrence ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; complications ; immunology ; Sinusitis ; complications ; immunology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment of benign positional paroxysmal vertigo of posterior semi-circular canal by Epley maneuver combined with Semont maneuver. METHOD: One hundred and fifty patients with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo of posterior semicircular canal were randomly divided into three groups: group A, B and C. Patients in group A were treated by Epley maneuver and patients in group B were treated by Semont maneuver. Patients in group C were received the treatment of Epley maneuver combined with Semont ma- neuver. We recorded the times of treatments in different groups respectively. Statistics of treatment effects and follow-up studies with 3 months after the recovery were assessed. RESULT: The cure rate of the canalith repositioning on the primary, secondary and tertiary treatment in group A was respective 72% (38/53) and 81% (43/53) and 85% (45/53), in group B was 68% (30/44) and 80% (35/44) and 84% (37/44), in group C was 89% (47/53) and 94% (50/53) and 98% (52/53). The cure rate in group C is significantly higher than group A and group B (χ2 = 6.777, P < 0.05; χ2 = 6.647, P < 0.05). 3 months after recovery 6 patients in group A, 5 patients in group B and 1 patient in group C were relapsed. CONCLUSION By the use of Epley maneuver combined with Semont maneuver in the treatment of benign positional paroxysmal vertigo of posterior semicircular canal, the primary cure rate was increased and the numbers of treatments were reduced and the relapse was decreased. It is suitable to use Epley maneuver combined with Semont maneuver in the clinic.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo ; therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Patient Positioning ; Physical Therapy Modalities ; Posture ; Recurrence ; Semicircular Canals ; Vertigo

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the efficacy and adverse effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) of dust mite drops to allergic rhinitis with mite allergy. The compliance and satisfaction of SLIT were also assessed. METHOD: One hundred and three patients of allergic rhinitis sensitive to dust mites were treated with SLIT for 6 months or more. The symptom questionnaire,including items on rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itchy nose, olfactory disturbance, eye discomfort and sleep disturbance were obtained before and 6 months after SLIT. The patients' satisfaction and adverse effects were also investigated. RESULT: Seventy-five of the 103 patients insist on SLIT for more than 6 months and completed the questionnaire. The duration of receiving SLIT was 9.8 months on average (range from 6 to 13 months). The satisfaction rate was 89.3%. The drop-out rate of SLIT was 31.0%. CONCLUSION The subjective symptoms were improved with SLIT in patients with allergic rhinitis sensitive to dust mites. The drop out rate was high despite of the symptomatic improvement.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Compliance ; Patient Satisfaction ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; psychology ; therapy ; Sublingual Immunotherapy ; psychology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To retrospectively analyze medical data of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) so as to provide evidence for clinical use of opportunistic screening.Methods A total of 2450 CRC patients (male 1377,female 1073) who were treated at five hospitals in North China during October 2001 and September 2011 and had complete medical records and pathological results were recruited.The correlations of incidenceofCRCwithage,gender,tumorlocationandhistologicaltypeswere analyzed.Results Of all the CRC patients,those less than 50 years old accounted for 18.14％ ; and the incidence of CRC was substantially increased in those over 50 years old.Seventy-three percent of tumor occurred at the rectum and sigmoid colon,6％ at descending colon,7％ at transverse colon and 14％ at ascending colon.Moderately,well or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma accounted for 50.33％,40.35％and 9.32％,respectively.Histological differentiation was not correlated with age and gender ( P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusions Age and gender should not be considered a determination of opportunistic screening for CRC.Colonoscopy is recommended as an alternative CRC screening procedure.