The synergistic effect of acupuncture and computer-based cognitive training on post-stroke cognitive dysfunction: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of 2 × 2 factorial design.

Background: Stroke is one of the most common causes of cognitive impairment. Up to 75% of stroke survivors may be considered to have cognitive impairment, which severely limit individual autonomy for successful reintegration into family, work and social life. The clinical efficacy of acupuncture with Baihui (DU20) and Shenting (DU24) in stroke and post-stroke cognitive impairment has been previously demonstrated.

Near-infrared photocatalytic activity induced by intrinsic defects in Bi2MO6 (M = W, Mo).

The electronic structure and related photocatalytic properties of Bi2MO6 (M = W, Mo) with various intrinsic defects are studied based on the first-principles density functional theory (DFT). Our results indicate that O vacancies form easily in both Bi2WO6 and Bi2MoO6 under Bi rich/O poor conditions. The near-infrared light transitions can be realized involving electrons from the O vacancy induced impurity states within the band gap to the conduction band.

Facile synthesis of iridium nanocrystals with well-controlled facets using seed-mediated growth.

Iridium nanoparticles have only been reported with roughly spherical shapes and sizes of 1-5 nm, making it impossible to investigate their facet-dependent catalytic properties. Here we report for the first time a simple method based on seed-mediated growth for the facile synthesis of Ir nanocrystals with well-controlled facets. The essence of this approach is to coat an ultrathin conformal shell of Ir on a Pd seed with a well-defined shape at a relatively high temperature to ensure fast surface diffusion.

Community-applied research of a traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation scheme on Broca's aphasia after stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Aphasia is a common and severely disabling complication in stroke patients. It usually brings about lower rates of functional recovery, longer rehabilitation length of stay (LOS), and significantly poorer LOS efficiency (LOS-Eff), resulting in higher rehabilitation costs compared to patients without aphasia. It also decreases the quality of life and increases the mortality of stroke patients.

Seed-mediated synthesis of gold tetrahedra in high purity and with tunable, well-controlled sizes.

We report a facile synthesis of Au tetrahedra in high purity and with tunable, well-controlled sizes via seed-mediated growth. The success of this synthesis relies on the use of single-crystal, spherical Au nanocrystals as the seeds and manipulation of the reaction kinetics to induce an unsymmetrical growth pattern for the seeds. In particular, the dropwise addition of a precursor solution with a syringe pump, assisted by cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and bromide at appropriate concentrations, was found to be critical to the formation of Au tetrahedra in high purity.

Characteristics of distal radius speed of sound data in Chinese mainland men and women.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) assessment of bone health status, as a reliable method, is rapidly gaining popularity. Speed of sound (SOS) is one parameter of skeletal status provided by QUS assessment. The objective of the present study was first to determine the normative distal radius SOS data on healthy Chinese mainland men and women and second to investigate the effects of sex, age, and body size on this parameter.

An electrospun nanowire-based triboelectric nanogenerator and its application in a fully self-powered UV detector.

A new kind of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is developed based on electrospun PVDF and nylon nanowires. This nanogenerator exhibits the remarkable characteristics of easy fabrication, low cost and high output. Its open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density respectively reach up to 1163 V and 11.

Increased CD34+CD38 -CD123 + cells in myelodysplastic syndrome displaying malignant features similar to those in AML.

Leukocyte interleukin-3 receptor α (CD123) is regarded as a marker of leukemia stem cells. We previously found that CD123 was also highly expressed on CD34(+)CD38(-) cells in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients, but it is unclear whether the level and the characteristics of CD34(+)CD38(-)CD123(+) cells in MDS are similar to those in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Based on previous research by our team, we further enlarged the specimens and found that the mean proportion and the mean MFI of CD34(+)CD38(-)CD123(+) cells in low-grade MDS were lower than that in AML, and those in high-grade MDS were similar to those in AML.

[Significance of the R.E.N. A.L. nephrometry scoring system in renal tumour of T1 stage].

Objective: To evaluate the application value of R.E.N.

The effectiveness of Tai Chi on the physical and psychological well-being of college students: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The physical and mental health of college-age youths tends to continuously decline around the world. It is therefore important to promote health during this period. As a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) may be an available selection.

Analysis of central mechanism of cognitive training on cognitive impairment after stroke: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objective: To investigate the central mechanism of cognitive training in patients with stroke, using resting state (RS) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods: Patients with stroke and executive function and memory deficit were randomized to receive computer-assisted cognitive training (treatment group; total 60 h training over 10 weeks) or no training (control group). All participants received neuropsychological assessment and RS fMRI at baseline and 10 weeks.

Primary prevention for risk factors of ischemic stroke with Baduanjin exercise intervention in the community elder population: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in the world, and the prevalence of stroke tends to increase with age. Despite advances in acute care and secondary preventive strategies, primary prevention should play the most significant role in the reduction of the burden of stroke. As an important component of traditional Chinese Qigong, Baduanjin exercise is a simple, safe exercise, especially suitable for older adults.

[Detection rates of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with different ethnicities in Xinjiang Uigur areas].

Objective: To investigate the detection rates of overweight and obesity among Han,Uygur and Kazakh Children and adolescents in Xinjiang.

Methods: Random samples were used to analyze the detection rates on overweight and obesity based on data from Han,Uygur and Kazakh Children and adolescents aged 7-14 years from 3 regions-Hetian, Kashi and Fuhai prefectures in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Anthropometric data including weight and height was collected.

[An improved protocol for primary culture of cardiomyocyte from neonatal rat].

Objective: The present study describes an improved in vitro culture method for obtaining high purity, vital and fully functional cardiomyocytes from neonatal rat.

Methods: After cutting ventricular tissue with improved method, ventricular tissues were digested with low concentrations of trypsin overnight at 4 °C, and then underwent collagenase II digestion. Thereafter, cardiomyocytes were purified by combined differential adhesion and chemical inhibition methods.

Electroacupuncture promotes neural cell proliferation in vivo through activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on cell proliferation and its molecular mechanisms. Sixty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham operation control (SC), ischemia control (IC), EA, EA and DMSO injection (ED), EA and U0126 injection (EU). All the groups, with the exception of SC, underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and DMSO or U0126 was injected into the rat in the ED or EU group 30 min prior to MCAO.

[Relationship between occupational stress and depression in migrant workers].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between occupational stress and depression in migrant workers.

Methods: Migrant workers in the textile industry were selected as subjects, and the self-made Occupational Stress Questionnaire and Self-rating Depression Scale were used to investigate the sex, age, seniority, educational level, and marital status of these subjects. Data analysis was performed by independent-samples t test, analysis of variance, Spearman rank correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

Curcumin inhibits expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 1 in PC3 cells and xenografts.

Inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id1) plays an important role in genesis and metastatic progression of prostate cancer. We previously reported that down regulation of Id1 by small interfering RNA could inhibit the proliferation of PC3 cells and growth of its xenografted tumors. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has shown anti-cancer properties via modulation of a number of different molecular regulators.

Compositing polyetherimide with polyfluorene wrapped carbon nanotubes for enhanced interfacial interaction and conductivity.

A novel approach to chemically functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for making superior polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposites with polyfluorene polymer is presented. In this approach, MWCNTs are non-covalently functionalized with poly(9,9-dioctyfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO) through π-π stacking as confirmed by UV-vis, fluorescence, and Raman spectra. Atomic force microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy shows the PFO coated MWCNTs, which provides excellent dispersion of the latter in both solvent and PEI matrix.

ClC-3 chloride channel/antiporter defect contributes to inflammatory bowel disease in humans and mice.

Background: ClC-3 channel/antiporter plays a critical role in a variety of cellular activities. ClC-3 has been detected in the ileum and colon.

Objective: To determine the functions of ClC-3 in the gastrointestinal tract.

Identification of novel 7-amino-5-methyl-1,6-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives as potent PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors.

Inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is one of the most intensively studied approaches to cancer therapy. Rational design led to the identification of novel 7-amino-5-methyl-1,6-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives as potent PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors. Design, synthesis and structure activity relationship are reported.

Neuroprotective effects of Gua Lou Gui Zhi decoction against glutamate-induced apoptosis in BV-2 cells.

Gua Lou Gui Zhi decoction (GLGZD), a traditional Chinese medicine consisting of different herbal medicines, has been used for centuries in the treatment of muscular spasticity following stroke, epilepsy or spinal cord injury. However, the precise mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of GLGZD on glutamate-induced apoptosis in cultured BV-2 cells, as well as the underlying mechanisms.

[Concentration level and characteristics of indoor particle matter ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter under extreme weather condition in Beijing winter in 2013].

Objective: To study the concentration level and characteristics of indoor particle matter ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) under extreme weather condition.

Prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors and adverse risk profiles among three ethnic groups in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.

Background: Prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have been scarcely studied in Xinjiang, a multi-ethnic region.

Methods: Multi-ethnic, cross-sectional cardiovascular risk survey study in Xinjiang, including individuals of Uygur (n = 4695), Han (n = 3717) and Kazakh (n = 3196) ethnicities, aged 35-74 years. Analyses involved 11,608 participants with complete data enrolled between October 2007 and March 2010.

[Effect of antagonistic bacteria and soil disinfectant on soil bacterium community in banana Fusarium wilt disease area].

Objective: The objective of the present study is to elucidate the effects of the application of cake fertilizer fermentation fluid with antagonistic bacteria and soil disinfectant chlorine dioxide on the occurrence of banana fusarium wilt disease and soil bacterium community.

Method: Under the field cultivation conditions, the Biolog and T-RFLP method was used to investigate the soil bacterium diversity and community features in different treatments at different periods.

Result: The results show that both cake fertilizer fermentation fluid with antagonistic bacteria and soil disinfectant could reduce disease index of banana fusarium wilt disease significantly, the highest control effect could reach 60.

The effect of Baduanjin exercise for physical and psychological wellbeing of college students: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The physical and mental health of college students tends to continuously decline around the world. Since they are in a significant transition period which presents opportunities and challenges in health promotion, it is important to improve their health in this period. As a traditional Chinese exercise form which combines movements with breath and mind, Baduanjin may be one of the selectable effective exercises.