The neural stimulator is a core component of animal robots. While the control effect of animal robots is influenced by various factors, the performance of the neural stimulator plays a decisive role in regulating animal robots. In order to optimize animal robots, embedded neural stimulators had been developed using flexible printed circuit board technology. This innovation not only enabled the stimulator to generate parameter-adjustable biphasic current pulses through control signals, but also optimized its carrying mode, material, and size, overcoming the disadvantages of traditional backpack or head-inserted stimulators, which have poor concealment and are prone to infection. Static, in vitro, and in vivo performance tests of the stimulator demonstrated that it not only had precise pulse waveform output capability, but also was lightweight and small in size. It had excellent in vivo performance in both laboratory and outdoor environments. Our study has high practical significance for the application of animal robots.
Animals ; Robotics

Objectives:To investigate the clinical and genetic features of young Chinese patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) .Methods:In this cross-sectional study, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to patients with MPN patients nationwide. The respondents were divided into 3 groups based on their age at diagnosis: young (≤40 years) , middle-aged (41-60 years) , and elderly (>60 years) . We compared the clinical and genetic characteristics of three groups of MPN patients.Results:1727 assessable questionnaires were collected. There were 453 (26.2%) young respondents with MPNs, including 274 with essential thrombocythemia (ET) , 80 with polycythemia vera (PV) , and 99 with myelofibrosis. Among the young group, 178 (39.3%) were male, and the median age was 31 (18-40) years. In comparison to middle-aged and elderly respondents, young respondents with MPN were more likely to present with a higher proportion of unmarried status (all P<0.001) , a higher education level (all P<0.001) , less comorbidity (ies) , fewer medications (all P<0.001) , and low-risk stratification (all P<0.001) . Younger respondents experienced headache (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.007; MF, P=0.001) at diagnosis, had splenomegaly at diagnosis (PV, P<0.001) , and survey (ET, P=0.052; PV, P=0.063) . Younger respondents had fewer thrombotic events at diagnosis (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.011) and during the survey (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.003) . JAK2 mutations were found in fewer young people (ET, P<0.001; PV, P<0.001; MF, P=0.013) ; however, CALR mutations were found in more young people (ET, P<0.001; MF, P=0.015) . Furthermore, mutations in non-driver genes (ET, P=0.042; PV, P=0.043; MF, P=0.004) and high-molecular risk mutations (ET, P=0.024; PV, P=0.023; MF, P=0.001) were found in fewer young respondents. Conclusion:Compared with middle-aged and elderly patients, young patients with MPN had unique clinical and genetic characteristics.

Objectives:To explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and identify its associated variables in Chinese patients with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) .Methods:In this cross-sectional study, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to adult patients with MPNs to assess symptom burden measured by MPN-10 and HRQoL measured by Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) .Results:The data from 1405 respondents with MPNs, including 645 (45.9%) with essential thrombocythemia (ET) , 297 (21.1%) with polycythemia vera (PV) , and 463 (33.0%) with myelofibrosis (MF) , were analyzed. 646 (46.0%) respondents were male. The median age was 56 (range, 18-99) years. The mean MPN-10 scores were 13.0±12.7, 15.0±14.7, and 21.0±16.6 ( P<0.001) , and the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were 48.0±8.5, 47.0±9.0, and 42.0±10.0 ( P<0.001) and 51.0±11.0, 50.0±10.8, and 49.0±11.1 ( P=0.002) for respondents with ET, PV, and MF, respectively. Respondents with MF reported the lowest score of physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, cognitive functioning, social function, and global health status (all P<0.01) and the highest score of fatigue, pain, dyspnea, appetite loss, diarrhea, and financial problems (all P<0.05) in EORTC QLQ-C30. Multivariate analyses revealed that higher MPN-10 scores were significantly associated with lower PCS (-0.220 to -0.277, P<0.001) and MCS (-0.244 to -0.329, P<0.001) scores; increasing age (-1.923 to -4.869; all P<0.05) , lower PCS score. Additionally, comorbidity (ies) , symptom at diagnosis, splenomegaly, anemia, unknown driver gene, and higher annual out-of-pocket cost were significantly associated with lower PCS and/or MCS scores. However, age ≥ 60 years, urban household registration, concomitant medication, and receiving ruxolitinib therapy in respondents with MF were associated with higher MCS scores. Weak correlations were found between MPN-10 score (except the subscale of appetite loss and constipation) and EORTC QLQ-C30 score in majority of subscales in respondents with ET (| r| = 0.193-0.457, all P<0.001) , PV (| r| = 0.192-0.529, all P<0.01) , and MF (| r| = 0.180-0.488, all P<0.001) , respectively. Conclusions:HRQoL in patients with MPN was significantly reduced, especially in patients with MF. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were significantly associated with the HRQoL in patients with MPNs.

Objective To systematically evaluate and analyze the evidence level of randomized controlled trials (RCT) of preoperative skin preparation for emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to understand the current research status and evidence level of preoperative skin preparation randomized controlled trials for emergency PCI, and provide reference for skin preparation for emergency PCI. Methods PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, JBI, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang DATA were searched by computer from inception to March, 2018 for emergency PCI preoperative skin preparation randomized controlled trials. Two evidence panel members searched and selected articles independently and the quality was assessed in accordance with Cochrane Manual. The articles were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3, and the evidence quality was assessed with GRADE profiler 3.6.1 software. Results A total of 5 RCTs were included, of which the number of RCTs with grade A quality was 1 and the number of RCTs with grade B was 4. The results of the Meta analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of skin infections at the postoperative puncture site by conventional methods for routine removal of surgical wild hair and no removal of hair prior to emergency PCI (P＜0.05). In addition, regular removal of hair before surgery may result in prolonged preoperative preparation and may cause psychological discomfort to the patient. After the GRADE system rating, the quality of the evidence body was of a lower level. Conclusions It is more beneficial to shorten the treatment time without routine removal of all the hair at the puncture site and the surrounding patients. The evidence included is not yet certain whether the incomplete removal of hair can reduce the infection rate. In the future, more large-scale, multi-center, high-quality research should be carried out to provide more credible evidence for this study.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of Q?SPECT, CTPA, Q?SPECT/CT, and Q?SPECT/CTPA for pulmonary embolism (PE) in rabbit models. Methods (1) The PE models were constructed by injecting Gelfoam into the femoral vein of New Zealand rabbits ( n=30) . Q?SPECT, CTPA, Q?SPECT/CT and Q?SPECT/CTPA fusion images were obtained by integrated SPECT/CT. (2) All images were interpreted by two experienced nuclear radiologists who were blind to pathologic findings. The locations and numbers of lung lobes with PE were recorded respectively. ( 3) Serial sectioning of the lungs was per?formed and pathologically determined. (4) Se, Sp and Ac of different methods were compared using McNemar test;PPV and NPV were compared usingχ2 test. Kappa test was used to analyze the consistency between two nuclear radiologists. Kappa values<0.40 were interpreted as poor consistency, 0.40 to 0.75 as moderate con?sistency, >0.75 as good consistency. Results (1) Histologically confirmed emboli were present in a total of 26 pulmonary lobes and absent in 79 lobes. (2)The Se, Sp, Ac, PPV, and NPV of 4 imaging methods were:53.8%(14/26), 93.7%(74/79), 83.8%(88/105), 14/19, 86.0%(74/86) for Q?SPECT;73.1%(19/26), 96.2%(76/79), 90.5%(95/105), 86.4%(19/22), 91.6%(76/83) for CTPA;76.9%(20/26), 93.7%(74/79), 89.5%(94/105), 80.0%(20/25), 92.5%(74/80)for Q?SPECT/CT;88.5%(23/26), 91.1%(72/79), 90.5%(95/105), 76.7%(23/30), 96.0%(72/75) for Q?SPECT/CTPA. (3) McNemar test showed Q?SPECT/CT and Q?SPECT/CTPA had higher diagnostic Se for the detection of PE than Q?SPECT (χ2=4.167, 7.111, both P<0.05) , but without any significant difference with CTPA in diagnostic efficiency (χ2=0-2.250, all P>0.05) . Q?SPECT/CT had higher diagnostic Ac than Q?SPECT (χ2=4.167, P<0.05) . There was no significant difference between Q?SPECT/CT and Q?SPECT/CTPA in diagnostic effi?ciency (χ2=0.001-1.333, all P>0.05). (4)Kappa values of 4 imaging methods for radiologist 1 and 2 were 0.902, 0.915, 0.973, and 0.884. Conclusions Q?SPECT/CT imaging provides good Se and Sp. The diag?nostic efficiency of Q?SPECT/CT is better than that of Q?SPECT and is corresponded roughly to the efficien?cy of CTPA, Q?SPECT/CTPA. The diagnosis of two radiologists on Q?SPECT/CT images has the best con?sistency.

Objective To study the clinical efficacy and safety of iguratimod in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Ninety patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly divided into three groups, with 30 cases in each group. Group A: oral administration of iguratimod, 25 mg two times a day, and oral administration of methotrexate, 10 mg once a week. Group B:oral administration of iguratimod, 25 mg two times a ady. Group C: oral administration of methotrexate, 15 mg once a week. According to the American College of Rheumatology criteria for judging 20%, 50%and 70%(ACR20, ACR 50 and ACR 70) improvement of swollen and tender joint was judged according to the American College Of Rheumatology criteria, and the adverse reactions were observed. Results After the treatment in group A and group B ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 were higher than those in group C [76.67%(23/30) and 60.00% (18/30) than 40.00% (12/30), 50.00% (15/30) and 33.33% (10/30) than 20.00% (6/30), 23.33%(7/30) and 13.33%(4/30) than 6.67%(2/30)], and in group A was higher than that in group B. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The adverse reaction rate in group A and group B was significantly lower than that in group C:16.67%(5/30) and 13.33%(4/30) than 30.00%(9/30), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); the adverse reaction occurred rate in group A and group B, had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusions Monotherapy with iguratimod in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis is superior to methotrexate, and has fewer side effects. The combined application of the two drugs is more effective, and can reduce the dose of methotrexate and reduce the incidence of side effects, which is worthy of clinical application.

BACKGROUND:Orthopedic osteotomy at the apex of kyphosis is best for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis from a biomechanical aspect, but there is a high risk for intraoperative spinal cord injury.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical efficacy of vertebral plate osteotomy+vertebra osteotomy+long-segment pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with kyphotic deformity.
METHODS:Thirty-six patients with ankylosing spondylitis were subjected to pedicle subtraction osteotomy and Smith-Peterson osteotomy, and then fol owed up for 3 months to 2 years.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After implantation, sagittal imbalance did not occur in 36 patients, and the improvement rate of sagittal imbalance was 64%. The improvement rates of thoracolumbar kyphosis and chin-brow vertical angle were 60%and 98%, respectively. The pain relief rate was 64%, and the Oswestry Disability Index was 95%. There were no pul ed nails, broken nails and broken robs after implantation. These findings indicate that the combination of selective osteotomy technique and long-segment internal fixation can achieve stable fixation effects, prevent sagittal imbalance, and avoid the occurrence of pul ing nails, breaking nails and breaking robs caused by osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVETo study effects of polysaccharide of Radix Ranunculi Ternati (PRT) on immunological function and anti-oxidation activity of mouse.

METHODCell proliferations of splenocyte, thymocyte and peritoneal macrophage were measured by MTT colorimetry. The phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophage was measured by neutral red colorimetric method. The disoxidation power of PRT was measured by Prussian blue method. The clearing effect of PRT on hydroxyl radical was measured by salicylic acid capture method. The clearing effect of PRT on superoxide anion free radical was measured by pyrogallol auto oxidation method.

RESULTPRT among 25-400 mg x L(-1) could enhance thymocytes and spleen lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis. PRT(200 mg x L(-1)) has the strongest macrophage proliferation. PRT in different concentration has shown some disoxidation effects. PRT in 8 g x L(-1) has nearly the same ability of clearing x OH by Vit C with the same concentration. The clearance rate of PRT on O2*- is 95.39%.

CONCLUSIONPRT can enhance the cell proliferation capability of thymocytes, spleen lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages. PRT can enhance macrophage phagocytosis in a dose-response relationship. PRT has saome disoxidation power and strong ability of clearing x OH and O2*-.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Male ; Mice ; Oxidation-Reduction ; drug effects ; Phagocytosis ; drug effects ; Polysaccharides ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Ranunculus ; chemistry ; Spleen ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Thymus Gland ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology

This study examined the effects of arsenic trioxide on apoptosis and interleukin4 release in T cells of asthmatic patients in vitro and investigated the role of Bcl2 in the active mechanism. Tcells were isolated from asthmatic patients (n=21) and healthy controls (n=20), and then treated with arsenic trioxide and dexamethasone. Cell apoptosis was measured using fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and a cytochrome c ELISA kit. Interleukin4 levels in the serum and in supernatants from T cells were quantified by ELISA. Flow cytometric analysis and immunofluorescence studies were performed to determine Bcl 2 expression. Tcells of the asthmatic patients (I.e. without treatment) exhibited decelerated spontaneous apoptosis after 24 h incubation in vitro when compared to T cells of the healthy controls. With dexamethasone treatment, an increase in apoptosis of Tcells was not significantly different between both groups, irrespective of the method used. Arsenic trioxide treatment, however, significantly increased the apoptosis of T cells of the asthmatic group and showed a slight effect on the control group. In asthmatic patients, elevated levels of interleukin 4 and upregulated Bcl 2 expression were detected. Moreover, in vitro, T cells of asthmatic patients spontaneously released more interleukin4 and exhibited more Bcl 2 expression than T cells from the control group. Arsenic trioxide treatment significantly decreased interleukin4 release and downregulated Bcl 2 expression in asthmatic patients, while it only slightly affected healthy controls. Dexamethasone treatment decreased interleukin4 release in both groups examined. It did not significantly influence Bcl2 expression. These results suggest that arsenic trioxide induces T cell apoptosis and decreases interleukin4 release in T cells of asthmatic patients in vitro and that downregulation of Bcl2 expression may be an important mechanism.

AIM To study the possible mechanism of the treatment of arsenic trioxide on asthma. METHODS T cells isolated from 21 asthmatic patients and 20 healthy controls were treated with arsenic trioxide (0.1 mg·L-1) or dexamethasone (5 mg·L-1),in vitro, for 24 h. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels in supernatants from T cells were quantified with ELISA. Cell apoptosis was measured by using fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and cytochrome c ELISA kit. RESULTS T cells of asthmatic patients spontaneously released more IL-4 than that of healthy controls. Arsenic trioxide significantly decreased IL-4 release of T cells from asthmatic patients, which was more obvious compared with healthy controls. Dexamethasone decreased IL-4 release in both groups. Apoptosis percentage and cytochrome c content in cytoplasm of T cells from asthmatic patients were lower than those from healthy controls. Arsenic trioxide significantly increased the apoptosis percentage and cytochrome c content in cytoplasm of T cells in the asthmatic group, and had slighter effects on that in healthy controls. Dexamathasone increased the apoptosis percentage and cytochrome c content of T cells in both groups. CONCLUSION The mechanism of the treatment of arsenic trioxide on asthma involves the induction of T cell apoptosis and decrease of IL-4 release in asthmatic patients.