Objective:To observe any therapeutic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with intermittent oroesophageal tube feeding (IOE) on dysphagia among ischemic stroke survivors.Methods:Eighty-four ischemic stroke survivors with dysphagia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, each of 42. In addition to conventional rehabilitation, swallowing training and IOE, the observation group received tDCS while the control group received sham stimulation. Before and after 14 days of this treatment, both groups′ swallowing, life quality and depression were evaluated using the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), and a 9-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9).Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups before the experiment in terms of their general data, their average PAS, FOIS, DHI or PHQ-9 scores, or the incidence of depression. After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the above indicators among both groups, but with significantly better average PAS, FOIS, DHI [(51.25±6.78) vs. (44.78±5.75)] and PHQ-9 [(4.17±1.15) vs. (6.01±1.93)] scores and less depression (14.29% vs. 42.86%) in the observation group compared with the control group.Conclusions:Combining tDCS with IOE better improves swallowing function, depression, and life quality after an ischemic stroke.

Objective:To observe any therapeutic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with intermittent oroesophageal tube feeding (IOE) on dysphagia among ischemic stroke survivors.Methods:Eighty-four ischemic stroke survivors with dysphagia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, each of 42. In addition to conventional rehabilitation, swallowing training and IOE, the observation group received tDCS while the control group received sham stimulation. Before and after 14 days of this treatment, both groups′ swallowing, life quality and depression were evaluated using the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), and a 9-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9).Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups before the experiment in terms of their general data, their average PAS, FOIS, DHI or PHQ-9 scores, or the incidence of depression. After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the above indicators among both groups, but with significantly better average PAS, FOIS, DHI [(51.25±6.78) vs. (44.78±5.75)] and PHQ-9 [(4.17±1.15) vs. (6.01±1.93)] scores and less depression (14.29% vs. 42.86%) in the observation group compared with the control group.Conclusions:Combining tDCS with IOE better improves swallowing function, depression, and life quality after an ischemic stroke.

Objective To study the effects of asiaticoside on the growth of melanoma B16 cell cultures in vitro. Methods Melanoma B16 cells were subcultured and the inhibition of cellular growth was investigated. The morphology of the cells was observed after inhibition. The induction of apoptosis by asiaticoside was determined by flow cytometry. Results It was found that asiaticoside could significantly inhibit the growth of B16 cell cultures in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The annexin-v positive cells were increased, along with that cells intaking R123 marked mitochondria were decreased, and PI positive cells increased, which indicated that cellular apoptosis was induced. Conclusion Asiaticoside plays an inhibitory role in the growth of melanoma B16 cells.