OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection combined with Vitalstim electrical stimulation for post-stroke dysphagia. METHODS: A total of 98 patients with dysphagia after first stroke were randomized into an acupoint injection group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off), an electrical stimulation group (31 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a combination group (32 cases, 3 cases dropped off). Injection of mecobalamin into Tunyan point, Vitalstim electrical stimulation and the combination of injection of mecobalamin into Tunyan point and Vitalstim electrical stimulation were applied respectively in the 3 groups, once a day, 10 times as one course, 2 courses were required. Before and after treatment, the tongue muscle thickness and video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) score were observed in the 3 groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the tongue muscle thickness was decreased (P<0.05), the VFSS scores were increased (P<0.05) compared with before treatment in the 3 groups, and the variation of tongue muscle thickness and VFSS score in the combination group was greater than the acupoint injection group and the electrical stimulation group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Both acupoint injection of mecobalamin and Vitalstim electrical stimulation have therapeutic effect on dysphagia after stroke, and the two have synergistic effect.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Deglutition ; Deglutition Disorders/therapy* ; Electric Stimulation ; Humans ; Treatment Outcome

R2 R3-MYB transcription factors are ubiquitous in plants, playing a role in the regulation of plant growth, development, and secondary metabolism. In this paper, the R2 R3-MYB transcription factors were identified by bioinformatics analysis of the genomic data of Erigeron breviscapus, and their gene sequences, structures, physical and chemical properties were analyzed. The functions of R2 R3-MYB transcription factors were predicted by cluster analysis. Meanwhile, the expression patterns of R2 R3-MYB transcription factors in response to hormone treatments were analyzed. A total of 108 R2 R3-MYB transcription factors, named EbMYB1-EbMYB108, were identified from the genome of E. breviscapus. Most of the R2 R3-MYB genes carried 2-4 exons. The phylogenetic tree of MYBs in E. breviscapus and Arabidopsis thaliala was constructed, which classified 234 MYBs into 30 subfamilies. The MYBs in the five MYB subfamilies of A.thaliala were clustered into independent clades, and those in E. breviscapus were clustered into four clades. The transcriptome data showed that MYB genes were differentially expressed in different tissues of E. breviscapus and in response to the treatments with exogenous hormones such as ABA, SA, and GA for different time. The transcription of 13 R2 R3-MYB genes did not change significantly, and the expression patterns of some genes were up-regulated or down-regulated with the extension of hormone treatment time. This study provides a theoretical basis for revealing the mechanisms of R2 R3-MYB transcription factors in regulating the growth and development, stress(hormone) response, and active ingredient accumulation in E. breviscapus.
Erigeron/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Genes, myb ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism*

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fibrinolysis strategy in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to provide reference value for optimization of fibrinolytic process on the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff. Methods: The efficacy and safety of fibrinolysis were retrospectively analyzed in 7 patients with acute STEM, who hospitalized from February 29, 2020 to April 3, 2020 in the Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. To optimize the fibrinolytic process on the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff, a full-time medical team in charge of fibrinolysis under third-grade protection was established. The acute STEMI patients were treated immediately in a fixed and isolated area in emergency department before receiving green channel fibrinolysis. Blood samples for complete blood count, COVID-19 antibody test and nasopharyngeal swab samples for COVID-19 nucleic acid test were made before fibrinolysis, while the chest CT examination was accomplished after fibrinolysis. By comparing differences of time from the first electrocardiogram (ECG) to fibrinolysis before and after the improvement of fibrinolytic process, the effect of optimization of the fibrinolytic process was evaluated. Results: In the present study, seven patients with acute STEMI received fibrinolysis therapy, 6 of them achieved reperfusion and no bleeding was observed in all of the patients. Five out of the 7 patients were hospitalized after fibrinolysis, and the hospitalization days were 19.6 days on average. By following up to April 14, 2020, none of the 7 patients died. The first 2 patients were treated according to the routine medical procedure and the time from the first ECG to fibrinolysis were 201 and 106 minutes, respectively. After the optimization of the fibrinolytic process, the time from the first ECG to fibrinolysis of the last 5 patients were 42, 46, 51, 43 and 54 minutes, respectively，which was significantly shorter than that before optimization. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 epidemic, fibrinolysis in patients with acute STEMI is safe, effective and easy to implement. Therefore, it is recommended as the top priority for the patients with acute STEMI with indications for fibrinolysis. On the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff, the duration of myocardial ischemia can be shortened by optimization of the fibrinolytic process.
Betacoronavirus ; COVID-19 ; Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology* ; Epidemics ; Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Pandemics ; Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy* ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the diagnostic and vaccine potential of a novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen Rv0674. METHODS: To evaluate the diagnostic potential and antigenicity of Rv0674, IgG was evaluated using ELISA and interferon (IFN)-γ was done by using ELISpot assay among TB patients and healthy donors. For immunogenicity evaluation, BALB/c mice were immunized with Rv0674. Cytokine production was determined by cytokine release assay using an ELISA kit, and the antibodies were tested using ELISA. RESULTS: The results of serum Elisa tests showed that Rv0674 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) response was higher in TB patients than negative controls. And Rv0674 had good performance in serological test with sensitivity and specificity of 77.1% and 81.1%, respectively. While it shows poor sensitivity and specificity of 26.23% and 79.69% for IFN-γ tests. In BALB/c mice, Rv0674 adjuvant by DDA/Poly I:C could also induce a high level of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 as well as a high IgG titer in both high- and low-dose groups indicating that Rv0674 is essential in humoral and cellular immunity. Moreover, the cytokine profile and IgG isotype characterized Rv0674 as a Th1/Th2-mixed-type protective immunity with the predominance of Th1 cytokines. CONCLUSION Rv0674 may be a good potential candidate for the development of TB serological diagnosis and a new TB vaccine.
Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Antigens, Bacterial ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunity, Humoral ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Middle Aged ; Tuberculosis ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence of allergic diseases in children aged 0-24 months in the Wuhu urban area of Anhui Province and risk factors for allergic diseases.

METHODSCluster random sampling was performed to select 600 children aged 0-24 months and their mothers from the Wuhu urban area, and a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the data of disease history, family history, mothers' conditions during pregnancy, and child-rearing situation. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed for such data.

RESULTSAmong the 597 children included in the analysis, 56 (9.4%) were diagnosed with allergic diseases in the past. The univariate analysis showed that the age, use of antipyretic and analgesic drugs, a history of allergy in the father or grandparents, and the consumption of fish, shrimps, crabs, and shellfish during pregnancy were significantly associated with past allergic diseases (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age and a history of allergy in the father or grandparents were positively associated with past allergic diseases (OR=4.0-4.9, 2.7, and 2.4 respectively; P<0.05), while frequent consumption of fish, shrimps, crabs, and shellfish during pregnancy was negatively associated with past allergic diseases (OR=0.3; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSA family history of allergy is an independent risk factor for allergic diseases in children aged 0-24 months in the Wuhu urban area of Anhui Province, while frequent consumption of fish, shrimps, crabs, and shellfish during pregnancy is a protective factor.

Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; etiology ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE To characterize the molecular weight of Radix Isatidis protein(RIP)and optimize the extraction process of protein from Radix Isatidis.METHODS Response surface methodology(RSM)was applied to optimize the extrac-tion of protein from Radix Isatidis.Extraction time,liquid-to-solid ratio and pH value were set as the investigated factors with respect to the protein yield.In addition,Design Expert software was used for data analysis.The RIP was characterized for composition using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE).Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis was performed to observe microstructure of the Radix Isatidis powder before and after ultrasound-assisted ex-traction(UAE).RESULTS Based on the RSM analysis,optimum conditions were determined as follows:twice ultrasonic ex-traction in 50 mmol/L Tris-HCl buffer solution,pH at 7.8,liquid-to-solid ratio at 80:1 and extraction for 65 min each time.Under the optimized conditions,the experimental values were 0.705％,which is in close agreement with values predicted by the model.The characterization of the RIP demonstrated that it contained five major groups of protein bands,namely bands of 19.2 kDa,21.5 kDa,24.8 kDa,34～43 kDa and >170 kDa respectively.CONCLUSION RSM can be applied for the optimi-zation of extraction process of RIP,which is effective,stable and feasible.

OBJECTIVETo determine the effectiveness and safety of Xinfeng Capsules (XFC) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with decreased pulmonary function.

METHODSThis was a randomized controlled clinical trial of 80 RA patients. Participants were assigned to the trial group (40 cases) and the control group (40 cases) by block randomization. The trial group was treated with XFC, three pills each time three times daily for 2 months. The control group was treated with tripterygium glycoside (TPT), two pills each time three times daily for 2 months. Both groups were followed up after 2 months. The clinical effects, changes in joint and pulmonary function, and quality of life before and after treatment were observed; safety indices were also evaluated.

RESULTSPain, swelling, tenderness, and duration of morning stiffness of joints were obviously decreased after treatment in both the trial and the control groups compared with baseline (P<0.01). Compared with before treatment, hand grip strength increased significantly after treatment in the trial group (P=0.0000); pulmonary function parameters such as forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), 50% of the expiratory flow of forced vital capacity (FEF50), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) were increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05); measures of quality of life such as role-physical, body pain, vitality and mental health were also improved after treatment in the trial group (all P<0.05). Joint swelling in the trial group decreased compared with the control group (P=0.0043), while hand grip strength was increased after treatment (P=0.0000). The increase in FEF50, DLco, and the dimensions of quality of life such as vitality and mental health were all significantly greater in the trial group than the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSXFC not only relieved joint pain in RA patients, but also significantly improved the ventilation and diffusion function of the lungs. Therefore, XFC could improve the whole body function and enhance the quality of life of RA patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Capsules ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Joints ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of 18-β glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal epithelial cells in allergic rhinitis (AR) model rats.

METHODSTotally 96 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the blank group, the AR model group, the loratadine group, the GA group, 24 in each group. AR models were established by peritoneally injecting ovalbumin (OVA). Morphological scoring was performed. GA at 21. 6 mg/kg was intragastrically administered to rats in the GA group. Nasal mucosal tissues were taken for electron microscopic examinations at the second, fourth, sixth, and tenth week after drug intervention.

RESULTSThe overlapping score was 2.10 ± 0.45 in the blank group, 5.10 ± 0.56 in the loratadine group, 5.10 ± 0.56 in the AR model group, 5.20 ± 0.78 in the GA group, showing statistical difference when compared with the blank group (P < 0.01). Results under transmission electron microscope showed that the number of the endoplasmic reticulum increased in the AR model group, with obvious cystic dilatation, a lot of vacuole formation, and degranulation. A large number of free ribosomes could be seen in cytoplasm. With persistent allergen exposure, changes mentioned above was progressively aggravated in the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal mucosal epithelium in the AR model group. But the dilation of endoplasmic reticulum, vacuole formation, and degranulation were relieved in the GA group, and got close to those of the blank group.

CONCLUSION18-β GA could improve the expansion, vacuolization, and degranulation of the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal epithelial cells in AR model rats.

Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Endoplasmic Reticulum ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; Glycyrrhetinic Acid ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Nasal Mucosa ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect differences on post-stroke dysphagia among acupoint injection combined with neural electrical stimulation, acupoint injection, neural electrical stimulation, and swallowing training respectively, so eligible intervention can be applied to this kind of disease.

METHODSOne hundred and eight-three patients of post-stroke dysphagia were randomized into a comprehensive treatment group (42 cases), an acupoint injection group (44 cases), a neural electrical stimulation group (49 cases) and a swallow training group (48 cases) and were treated with the comprehensive therapy of acupoint injection and neural electrical stimulation, acupoint injection, neural electrical stimulation and swallowing training separately. The treatments for 10 days made one session. There were 3 days at the interval among treatment sessions and 3 sessions were required totally. The cases in those treatment groups were blankly controlled with the other 47 patients of post-stroke dysphagia. All the patients received basic rehabilitation treatment. The modified water swallowing test was conducted to assess the efficacy before treatment, 10 days after treatment and 30 days after treatment in each group separately. The clinical efficacy, score of water swallowing test and improvement in water swallow test were compared among the groups.

RESULTSAfter 10-day treatment, the differences in efficacy and score of water swallow test were not significant in each group (all P > 0.05). After 30-day treatment, the effective rate (94.29%, 33/35) in the comprehensive treatment group was apparently better than 68.75% (22/32) in the acupoint injection group, 80.00% (32/40) in the neural electrical stimulation group, 67.50% (27/40) in the swallowing training group and 42.86% (12/28) in the blank group separately. The score in water swallow test in the comprehensive treatment group was lower than that in each of the other groups (1.37 ± 0.60 vs 2.03 ± 1.00, 1.90 ± 0.90, 2.20 ± 0.72, 2.71 ± 0.90, all P < 0.05). The differences in the effective rate and score in water swallow test were not significant among the acupoint injection group, neural electrical stimulation group and swallowing training group (all P > 0.05), which indicated that the improvement in swallowing function in the comprehensive treatment group was significantly superior to the other groups (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe comprehensive therapy of acupoint injection and neural electrical stimulation achieves the much better efficacy on post-stroke dysphagia.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Deglutition ; Deglutition Disorders ; drug therapy ; etiology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Electric Stimulation Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; complications ; Treatment Outcome ; Vitamin B 12 ; administration & dosage ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDErythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates that causing invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) in Chinese children remain uncharacterized. This study aims to identify the resistance genes associated with erythromycin resistance and to determine the genetic relationships of IPD isolates in Chinese children.

METHODSA total of 171 S. pneumoniae strains were isolated from 11 medical centers in China from 2006 to 2008. All the isolates were characterized via serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility determination. The erythromycin-resistant isolates were further characterized via ermB and mefA gene detection, multi-locus sequence typing analysis, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

RESULTSA total of 164 (95.9%) isolates showed resistance to erythromycin, of which 162 strains with high high-level resistance (MIC ≥ 256 µg/ml). A total of 104 (63.4%) isolates carry the ermB gene alone, whereas 59 (36.0%) harbor both ermB and mefA genes. Of the 59 strains, 54 were of serotypes 19A and 19F and were identified as highly clonal and related to the Taiwan(19F)-14 clone.

CONCLUSIONSThe erythromycin resistance rate in IPD isolates is significantly high and is predominantly mediated by the ermB gene. Isolates that carry both ermB and mefA genes are predominantly of serotypes 19A and 19F.

Adolescent ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Erythromycin ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Infant ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Pneumococcal Infections ; microbiology ; Serotyping ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; classification ; drug effects ; genetics ; isolation & purification