Objective:To investigate the effect of cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) combined with upper limb robot therapy (RT) on the rehabilitation of upper limb motor function in stroke patients.Methods:Forty patients with stroke hemiplegia who met the enrollment criteria were randomly divided into a pseudo-stimulation group ( n = 20) and a stimulation group ( n = 20). In addition to conventional treatment in both groups, ctDCS + RT was used in the stimulation group, and sham stimulation + RT was used in the sham-stimulation group. Treatment was performed 10 times, 5 times per week, for 30 minutes each time. Patients in both groups were evaluated before, during, and after treatment using the Brunnstrom Staging Scale, the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scale, and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), respectively. Results:Compared with the same group before treatment, there were statistically significant differences in Brunnstrom’s rating grade Ⅳ for upper limbs and hands in both groups during and after treatment (all P < 0.05). Compared with the same group during treatment, there were statistically significant differences in Brunnstrom’s rating grade Ⅳ for upper limbs and hands in both groups after treatment (all P < 0.05). MBI scores were higher in two groups during and after treatment compared to the same group before treatment (all P < 0.05). MBI scores were higher in two groups after treatment compared to the same group during treatment (all P < 0.05). The MBI scores after treatment in the stimulation group were higher than those in the pseudo-stimulation group ( P < 0.05). The MAS scores of elbow flexion grade 2 and extension grade 4 and shoulder flexion grade 2, extension grade 2, adduction grade 2, and abduction grade 2 were lower in both groups after treatment compared with the same group before treatment (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation combined with robotic therapy can effectively promote upper limb motor function rehabilitation in stroke patients and is superior to upper limb robotic therapy alone.

Carnosic acid (CA) is a natural phenolic diterpene compound found in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) characterized as an ortho-dihydroquinone - type molecule. Multiple lines of studies have shown that CA has potent neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo in Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of the present review is to summarize the pharmacological neuroprotective actions of CA, and provide a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanism by which CA exert neuroprotective effect in PD. The current review highlights CA is a therapeutic potential for PD.

The significant clinical feature of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is the exposure of the necrotic jaw. Other clinical manifestations include jaw pain, swelling, abscess, and skin fistula, which seriously affect the patients' life, and there is no radical cure. Thus, new methods need to be found to prevent the occurrence of BRONJ. Here, a novel nanoparticle, tFNA-KLT, was successfully synthesized by us, in which the nanoparticle tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) was used for carrying angiogenic peptide, KLT, and then further enhanced angiogenesis. TFNA-KLT possessed the same characteristics as tFNA, such as simple synthesis, stable structure, and good biocompatibility. Meanwhile, tFNA enhanced the stability of KLT and carried more KLT to interact with endothelial cells. First, it was confirmed that tFNA-KLT had the superior angiogenic ability to tFNA and KLT both in vitro and in vivo. Then we apply tFNA-KLT to the prevention of BRONJ. The results showed that tFNA-KLT can effectively prevent the occurrence of BRONJ by accelerating angiogenesis. In summary, the prepared novel nanoparticle, tFNA-KLT, was firstly synthesized by us. It was also firstly confirmed by us that tFNA-KLT significantly enhanced angiogenesis and can effectively prevent the occurrence of BRONJ by accelerating angiogenesis, thus providing a new avenue for the prevention of BRONJ and a new choice for therapeutic angiogenesis.
Angiogenic Proteins/therapeutic use* ; Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw/prevention & control* ; Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Nanoparticles ; Nucleic Acids/therapeutic use*

Objective:To evaluate the independent prognostic value of minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope (VE/Vco 2 slope)on heart failure after acute myocardial infarction. Methods:131 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated in the cardiology department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from September 2018 to September 2019 were collected and followed up 3 months after discharge. They were divided into heart failure (HF) group and non-heart failure (NHF) group. All the patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) before discharge.Results:Three months after discharge, the VE/Vco 2 slope was higher in HF group than in NHF group (36.7±3.8 vs 29.7±4.0, P=0.014). The best VE/Vco 2 slope cutoff for the prediction of heart failure after 3 month was 33.05 with a sensitivity of 81.4% and a specificity of 80.6% [area under curve (AUC) was 0.844, P<0.001]. VE /Vco 2 slope level was an independent predictor of heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction after discharge ( OR=1.245, 95% CI: 1.021-1.366, P=0.019). Other independent indicators related to heart failure included N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptid (NT-proBNP) level ( OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.019-1.399, P=0.033). Conclusions:VE/Vco 2 slope yielded strong, independent predictive value for heart failure at 3 month after discharge to AMI patients.

【Objective】 To establish and evaluate a fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) method for detecting antibodies against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) based on Vero E6 cells. 【Methods】 Based on the adapted VZV-Oka-E6 strain that VZV-Oka live attenuated varicella vaccine strain grew in Vero E6 cells, Vero E6 cells were infected with VZV-Oka-E6 of three different doses (10^4.65, 10^4.95 and 10^5.25 TCID50), and the cytopathic effect was observed under a microscope to determine the optimal infection dose of VZV-Oka-E6 strain. Then the detectable sensitivity of the infected cell antigen slides prepared after fixing the infected cells with different fixatives was compared to determine the optimal fixative. As a result, the FAMA method based on Vero E6 cells for the determination of neutralizing anti-VZV has been developed. The established FAMA assay was used to detect the international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin with different titers to determine the sensitivity of the assay. The specificity of the assay was evaluated by detecting specific antibodies against human herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2. The neutralizing anti-VZV antibodies of the international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin were detected using VZV-infected cell antigen slides prepared in the same batch and four different batches, respectively, to determine the intra-assay repeatability and inter-assay repeatability. The international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin with three known titers was detected to evaluate the relative accuracy of this assay. The anti-VZV titers in 20 apheresis plasma samples were determined with the newly established FAMA test and ELISA test, respectively, and the detection results of the two methods were compared using Spearman’s correlation test. 【Results】 The optimal infection dose of the VZV-Oka-E6 strain in FAMA assay was determined to be 10^5.25 TCID50, and acetone precooled at -20℃ was used as the fixative. The FAMA test has a high sensitivity with a detecting limit of 31.25 mIU/mL for neutralizing anti-VZV titers. The negative result was observed when detecting herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 specific antibodies. The international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin was detected by VZV infected cell antigen slides prepared in the same batch and 4 different batches, with the coefficient of variation being 29.95% and 26.71%, respectively. The detection value of the international standard for varicella zoster immunoglobulin with three different titer levels was consistent with their theoretical value. The correlation coefficient of the detection results of 20 apheresis plasma samples by the FAMA test and ELISA test was 0.268. 【Conclusion】 The VZV FAMA assay has good sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, and relative accuracy in detecting neutralizing anti-VZV titers. It can be applied for detecting neutralizing anti-VZV titers in apheresis plasma samples as well as the varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) preparations.

Objective:To investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the behavior and the mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the auditory evoked potential of autistic children.Methods:Thirty-four autistic children were randomly divided into an anode stimulation group ( n=19) and a pseudo-stimulation group ( n=16). Both groups were given one hour of routine rehabilitation five times a week for 4 weeks, while the anode stimulation group was additionally provided with 20 minutes of tDCS 3 times a week. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ behavior was evaluated by using autism behavior checklist (ABC) as well as any changes in MMN of the auditory evoked EEG signals. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the measurements before the treatment. Afterwards behavior had improved significantly in both groups, with significantly greater improvement in the stimulated group. In the stimulated group the average MMN amplitude had increased significantly and the average latency had decreased significantly. However, no such significant changes were observed in the pseudo-stimulation group. There was a significant linear correlation between the changes in the incubation period of MMN components and the improvements in ABC, vestibular functioning, tactile defense and proprioception.Conclusion:Anodal tDCS combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy can effectively increase the MMN amplitude and shorten the latency in autistic children, improving their brain function.

Objective:To reveal the mechanism of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction and its disassembled formula for improving the skin barrier function in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD).Methods:Sixty specific-pathogen free male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,whole formula group (WF),exterior-releasing formula group (ERF),interior-clearing for-mula group (ICF),and positive control group (PC).A mouse model of AD was established using the semi-antigen 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene induction method.The lesion scores,transepidermal water loss and pH,and skin histopathology of mice in each group were observed.The expressions of filaggrin,loricrin,and involucrin were detected by the streptavidin peroxidase immunohistochemical method and western blotting,and their mRNA expressions were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:Mice in the WF,ERF,ICF,and PC groups showed reduced skin lesion performance,improved histopathology,decreased skin lesion score,transepidermal water loss and pH,and upregulated ex-pressions of proteins including filaggrin,loricrin,and involucrin,and their mRNAs.The most obvious regulatory effect was observed in the WF group,followed by the ICF,ERF,and PC groups,accordingly.Conclusions:Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction and its disassembled formula can improve the skin barrier function in a mouse model of AD by upregulating filaggrin,loricrin,and involucrin,and their mRNA expressions,and the most optimal effect was noted in the WF group,followed by the ICF and ERF groups,which suggests that the effect of clearing heat and resolving dampness in improving the skin barrier function of AD is more obvious and is one of the key treatments for AD.

Objective: To investigate the effects of tanshinone ⅡA on atherosclerosis plaque formation and adventitial mast cells activation in high-fat-diet induced Apo E^-/- mice model. Methods: Sixteen 8-week-old Apo E^-/-male mice and eight 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly allocated into following group: the control group (C57BL/6 + carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage), the atherogenic group (Apo E^-/-+carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage) and the tanshinoneⅡA intervention group (Apo E^-/-+30 mg/kg tanshinone ⅡA per gavage). All three groups were fed with high-fat-diet for 26 weeks. Tanshinone ⅡA/carboxymethyl cellulose was applied by the method of gavage administration 6 weeks before execution. After 26 weeks, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) andinterleukin (IL)-6 levels in serum were assessed by ELISA. Carotid artery was removed, fixed with paraformaldehyde, embedded with paraffin and sectioned. Percentage of stenosis was evaluated on HE stained sections. Plaque progression was assessed by Movat staining. Toluidine blue staining was used to evaluate mast cells infiltration and activation. Immunochemistry staining was used to assess 5-HT, TNF-α and IL-6 expression. mRNA expression of mast cell marker Fcer1a in adventitial tissue was detected by real time-PCR. Results: After high-fat-diet for 26 weeks, the mice in the atherogenic group showed advanced atherosclerosis, tanshinoneⅡA intervention reduced the percentage of carotid artery stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation ((58.48±8.07)% vs. (80.31±4.08)%, P<0.05). Compared with the atherogenic group, tanshinone ⅡA intervention group had lower level of TNF-α ((12.39±1.62)pg/ml vs. (17.44±1.42)pg/ml) and IL-6 ((116.24±12.16)pg/ml vs. (166.05±19.09)pg/ml) in serum, lower TNF-α ((20 145±1 556) vs. (25 288±1 671)) and IL-6 ((25 688±1 604) vs. (35 286±4 198)) expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). TanshinoneⅡA intervention also decreased the number of mast cells infiltration and activation, reduced 5-HT expression and mast cell marker Fcer1a mRNA relative expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). Conclusions Tanshinone ⅡA could attenuate induced by high-fat-diet carotid artery atherosclerosis in Apo E^-/- mice. The protective effect of tanshinoneⅡA is probably mediated through reducing the number and activation percentage of mast cells, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation of carotid artery in adventitia.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) and global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE) risk scores for in-hospital mortality in Chinese non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. Methods: Data of present study derived from the prospective, multi-center registry trial of Chinese AMI (CAMI). Among 31 provinces, municipalities or autonomous districts in China, at least one tertiary and secondary hospital was selected. From January 2013 to September 2014, 5 896 consecutive non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients who were admitted to 107 hospitals within 7 days of symptom onset were enrolled. For each patient, TIMI and GRACE risk scores were calculated using specific variables collected at admission. Their prognostic value was evaluated by the endpoint of in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 5 896 NSTEMI patients (age was (65.4±12.1) years old), 68.2% (n=4 020) were males. The in-hospital mortality was 6.0% (n=353) and the median length of hospital stay was 10.0 (7.0, 13.0) days. The incidence of pre-hospital cardiac arrest was 3.6% (n=213) among 5 896 NSTEMI patients. Six hundreds and forty five patients (10.9%) received primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and 6 patients underwent emergent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (0.1%), and the median time of reperfusion was 529.5 (256.0, 1 065.0) minutes. The prescription percentage of statins, β-blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers, and aldosterone antagonists were 94.8% (n=5 587), 71.7% (n=4 228), 65.5% (n=3 864) and 26.0% (n=1 533) respectively. The area under the curve of GRACE risk score for in-hospital mortality (0.7930 (95%CI 0.767-0.818)) was better than that of TIMI risk score (0.5588 (95%CI 0.532-0.586), P<0.001). Conclusion GRACE risk score demonstrates better predictive accuracy than TIMI risk score for in-hospital mortality in NSTEMI patients in this patient cohort.

Objective To investigate the effects of tanshinoneⅡA on atherosclerosis plaque formation and adventitial mast cells activation in high?fat?diet induced Apo E?/?mice model. Methods Sixteen 8?week?old Apo E?/?male mice and eight 8?week?old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly allocated into following group: the control group (C57BL/6+carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage), the atherogenic group (Apo E?/?+carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage) and the tanshinoneⅡA intervention group (Apo E?/?+30 mg/kg tanshinoneⅡA per gavage). All three groups were fed with high?fat?diet for 26 weeks. TanshinoneⅡA/carboxymethyl cellulose was applied by the method of gavage administration 6 weeks before execution. After 26 weeks, tumor necrosis factor?α (TNF?α) andinterleukin (IL)?6 levels in serum were assessed by ELISA. Carotid artery was removed, fixed with paraformaldehyde, embedded with paraffin and sectioned. Percentage of stenosis was evaluated on HE stained sections. Plaque progression was assessed by Movat staining. Toluidine blue staining was used to evaluate mast cells infiltration and activation. Immunochemistry staining was used to assess 5?HT, TNF?α and IL?6 expression. mRNA expression of mast cell marker Fcer1a in adventitial tissue was detected by real time?PCR. Results After high?fat?diet for 26 weeks, the mice in the atherogenic group showed advanced atherosclerosis, tanshinoneⅡA intervention reduced the percentage of carotid artery stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation ((58.48±8.07)% vs. (80.31±4.08)%, P<0.05). Compared with the atherogenic group, tanshinoneⅡA intervention group had lower level of TNF?α ((12.39 ± 1.62)pg/ml vs. (17.44 ± 1.42)pg/ml) and IL?6 ((116.24 ± 12.16)pg/ml vs. (166.05 ± 19.09)pg/ml) in serum, lower TNF?α ((20 145±1 556) vs. (25 288±1 671)) and IL?6 ((25 688±1 604) vs. (35 286±4 198)) expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). TanshinoneⅡA intervention also decreased the number of mast cells infiltration and activation, reduced 5?HT expression and mast cell marker Fcer1a mRNA relative expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). Conclusions TanshinoneⅡA could attenuate induced by high?fat?diet carotid artery atherosclerosis in Apo E?/?mice. The protective effect of tanshinoneⅡA is probably mediated through reducing the number and activation percentage of mast cells, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation of carotid artery in adventitia.