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A built‐in magnetic field by magnetic embedding has been proven to be an effective approach to improve the electro‐thermal conversion performance of thermoelectric materials. However, the function of the built‐in magnetic field direction is still unknown. In this study, ferromagnetic Co particles with different morphologies are introduced into Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/PVDF thermoelectric films to control the direction of the built‐in magnetic field. Co particles with shape anisotropy establish magnetic anisotropy fields inside the flexible thermoelectromagnetic films, which make the magnetic moments tend to be aligned parallel to the film surface, causing spiral motion of carriers. The atomic‐scale micro‐electric field established by the in situ reaction of Co and Te induces hopping migration of carriers. The coupling of the magnetic anisotropy field and micro‐electric field brings about a substantial increase in carrier mobility, thus greatly enhancing conductivity. The carrier energy filtering effect generated by Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/CoTe2/Co hetero interface and additional magnetic scattering provided by the CoTe2/Co micro‐magnetic field maintain the Seebeck coefficient at a high level. The maximum power factor of Co/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/PVDF flexible thermoelectromagnetic film with sheet Co particles reaches 1.45 mW m−1 K−2 at 300 K, increased by 54% and 6% as compared with that of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/PVDF thermoelectric film and Co/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/PVDF flexible thermoelectromagnetic film with spherical Co particles, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents sliding mode pulsewidth modulation (SMPWM) control methodologies for a current-controlled inverter. Discussion begins with circuit analysis and the selection of proper references. Based on this formulation, switching methodologies are developed. Two novel approaches adopting the sliding mode concept are proposed to make the system tracking reference inputs. Phase currents and the neutral point voltage are controlled simultaneously. Optimization of different operational criteria is offered by SMPWM via the control of neutral point voltage. Simulations and experiments are carried out to confirm the effectiveness of proposed control algorithms. Index Terms--Power converter, pulsewidth modulation (PWM), sliding mode control.

Byline: Wenguang Yan, Vadim Utkin, Giorgio Rizzoni Propulsion systems can be hybridised by providing additional energy sources and energy conversion devices. In a Hybrid Power System (HPS), an appropriate power split strategy is important to distribute the requested power such that overall energy consumption is minimised. This paper presents the analysis and design procedure of a power split strategy of a HPS with a capacitive Energy Buffer (EB). The discussion starts with the description of properties of different components in a HPS. Then, analysis is performed to show the critical factor to design an optimal power split strategy for the HPS in which the Fuel Converter (FC) has faster dynamic response than the power request profile. Next, a power split strategy for the HPS with slow FC dynamic is developed using Pontryagin's Minimum Principle. A numerical solver is used to obtain the solution of boundary value problem of the non-linear ordinary differential equations derived from MP. The optimisation objective is to find the tradeoff between fuel consumption and performance requirements.

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common clinical problem that can lead to bladder and bowel dysfunction such as urinary incontinence, urinary retention, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor rehabilitation aids are essential tools in the treatment of PFD. However, there is limited understanding of the efficacy and mechanisms of these aids, and there is a lack of standardized guidelines for selecting appropriate aids for different types of PFD. To assist patients in choosing suitable pelvic floor rehabilitation aids to their needs, it is necessary to summarize the existing types, mechanisms, and applications of these aids. Based on their mechanisms and target functions, pelvic floor rehabilitation aids can be mainly categorized into 3 main types. The first type includes aids that improve pelvic floor function, such as vaginal dumbbells, vaginal tampons, and vaginal dilators, which aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and enhance the contractility of the urethral, vaginal, and anal sphincters, thereby improving incontinence symptoms. The second type consists of aids that mechanically block the outlet, such as pessaries, urethral plugs, incontinence pads, incontinence pants, anal plugs, and vaginal bowel control systems, which directly or indirectly prevent incontinence leakage. The third type includes aids that assist in outlet drainage, such as catheters and anal excreta collection devices, which help patients effectively expel urine, feces, and other waste materials, preventing incontinence leakage. By summarizing the existing pelvic floor rehabilitation aids, personalized guidance can be provided to patients with PFD, helping them select the appropriate aids for their rehabilitation needs.

Objectives: The efficacy of using a single electrical or magnetic stimulation for treating pelvic floor dysfunction is limited. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of radiofrequency combined with magnetic stimulation treatment for mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse., Methods: Patients who completed the treatment in the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University were screened, and were divided into 2 groups based on different treatment plans. There were 28 patients who completed magnetic stimulation therapy (the magnetic stimulation therapy group) and 21 patients who completed radiofrequency combined with magnetic stimulation therapy (the combined treatment group). The pelvic organ prolapse quantitation (POP-Q), pelvic floor muscle strength, and pelvic floor ultrasound results were analyzed to assess the efficacy before and after the treatment in both groups, and the POP-Q results of 3 months after the treatment were used to evaluate the maintenance effect of the treatment mode., Results: The POP-Q evaluation results of Aa, Ap, and C points after the treatment in both groups were better than those before the treatment, with statistical significance (all P <0.05). The Aa point POP-Q result of the combined treatment group was better than that of the magnetic stimulation therapy group, with statistical significance ( P <0.05). Pelvic floor ultrasound evaluation showed that the bladder neck position during the valsalva maneuver in the combined treatment group was higher than that in the magnetic stimulation treatment group, with statistical significance ( P <0.05). The persistence effect of the combined treatment group was long better than that of the magnetic stimulation treatment group, with significant statistical significance ( P <0.01)., Conclusions: The combined treatment is more effective and has a longer lasting effect than single magnetic stimulation treatment.

Objectives: Restoration of blood circulation within "time window" is the principal treating goal for treating acute ischemic stroke. Previous studies revealed that delayed recanalization might cause serious ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, plenty of evidences showed delayed recanalization improved neurological outcomes in acute ischemic stroke. This study aims to explore the role of delayed recanalization on blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the penumbra (surrounding ischemic core) and neurological outcomes after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)., Methods: Recanalization was performed on the 3rd day after MCAO. BBB disruption was tested by Western blotting, Evans blue dye, and immunofluorescence staining. Infarct volume and neurological outcomes were evaluated on the 7th day after MCAO. The expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and serine/threonine kinase (Akt) in the penumbra were observed by immunofluorescence staining and/or Western blotting., Results: The extraversion of Evans blue, IgG, and albumin increased surrounding ischemic core after MCAO, but significantly decreased after recanalization. The expression of Claudin-5, Occludin, and zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) decreased surrounding ischemic core after MCAO, but significantly increased after recanalization. Infarct volume reduced and neurological outcomes improved following recanalization (on the 7th day after MCAO). The expressions of Claudin-5, Occludin, and ZO-1 decreased surrounding ischemic core following MCAO, which were up-regulated corresponding to the increases of FGF21, p-FGFR1, PI3K, and p-Akt after recanalization. Intra-cerebroventricular injection of FGFR1 inhibitor SU5402 down-regulated the expression of PI3K, p-Akt, Occludin, Claudin-5, and ZO-1 in the penumbra, which weakened the beneficial effects of recanalization on neurological outcomes after MCAO., Conclusions: Delayed recanalization on the 3rd day after MCAO increases endogenous FGF21 in the penumbra and activates FGFR1/PI3K/Akt pathway, which attenuates BBB disruption in the penumbra and improves neurobehavior in MCAO rats.

Objectives: Stress urinary incontinence is a common disease with many therapeutic ways, but it lacks long-term follow-up. This study aims to conduct a retrospective study on the long-term efficacy of women with mild and moderate stress urinary incontinence after pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment for 3-years so as to provide a more effective treatment plan for this disease., Methods: Data were collected from 279 female patients, who were diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence at the Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Center of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2017 to January 2019. All patients received health education and were instructed to perform Kegel exercises for 20 min daily at home. According to the treatment pattern, patients were divided into 3 groups as A, B, and C. Group A ( n =94) received pelvic floor biofeedback, electrical stimulation and electroacupuncture; Group B ( n =99) received pelvic floor biofeedback and electrical stimulation; Group C ( n =86) only got pelvic floor function examinations and did not receive any pelvic floor treatment. The pelvic floor functional examinations included a pelvic floor electrophysiological test, pelvic organ prolapse quantitive examination (POP-Q), and stress urinary incontinence severity assessment. All patients were followed up with questionnaire consisting of the International Committee on Urinary Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICI-Q-SF) and the Quality of Life questionnaire of Urinary Incontinence (I-QOL) before and after the treatment, as well as at 1-, 2-, and 3-years after the treatment (5 times in total). Among the patients who received the treatment, 43 returned to the hospital, including 21 in group A (Group A return ) and 22 in group B (Group B return ). Pelvic floor electrophysiological test and POP-Q were performed on the 2 groups., Results: For the leakage rate at the end of the treatment and the following 1-, 2-, and 3-years: Group A0.05), but the I-QOL scores of Group A and Group B were much higher than that in Group C (both P <0.05). On the other hand, the I-QOL scores at 1-, 2-, and 3-years after the treatment were Group A>Group B>Group C (all P <0.05). In addition, the ICI-Q-SF scores at the end of the treatment and 1-, 2-, and 3-years after the treatment were Group Areturn and Group B return at the end of the treatment, but 3 years later, the score of anterior vaginal wall prolapse in Group A return was less than that in Group B return ( P <0.05). Besides, no significant difference was found in the pelvic floor muscle strength between Group A return and Group B return at the end of the treatment ( P >0.05). While the pelvic floor muscle strength in Group A return was much higher than that in Group B return ( P <0.05) after 3 years of the treatment. What's more, the pelvic floor muscle potential in Group A return was much higher than that in Group B return (both P <0.05) at the end of the treatment and after 3 years of the treatment., Conclusions: Compared with pelvic floor biofeedback and electrical stimulation for stress urinary incontinence, electroacupuncture combined with pelvic floor electrical stimulation and biofeedback reveal more remarkable short-term efficacy and more stable long-term efficacy, which can significantly improve the quality of life in female patients.

HOXC10 has been reported to be upregulated in ovarian cancer (OC) tissues, attributing to the metastasis of OC. However, the specific functions of HOXC10 in OC, especially its role in chemoresistance, remain to be determined. Therefore, in this study, we explored the function and the underlying mechanisms of HOXC10 in carboplatin resistance of OC. A variety of approaches were utilized to analyze the expression of HOXC10 and its related genes. The effect of HOXC10 in cell growth and chemoresistance was investigated in carboplatin-resistant OC subline TOV21G-R and the parental TOV21G-P cells. ROC curve and survival analysis were conducted to determine the predictive value of HOXC10 and ABCC3 combination in carboplatin resistance and the prognosis of OC. Luciferase reporter assay and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to explore the direct regulation of β-catenin by HOXC10. Our results demonstrated that the expression of HOXC10 was upregulated both in the carboplatin-resistant OC tissues and TOV21G-R cells. Furthermore, the upregulation of HOXC10 could promote the expression of ABCC3 by transcriptionally upregulating β-catenin. Moreover, overexpression of HOXC10 could decrease the sensitivity of cells to carboplatin, while knocking down HOXC10 had the opposite effect both in vitro and in vivo . Therefore, the expression of HOXC10/ABCC3 could be a novel biomarker for predicting the carboplatin resistance and the prognosis of OC patients., Competing Interests: None., (AJCR Copyright © 2022.)

Objectives: Pelvic floor tendons, fascia, and ligaments are rich in proprioceptors. Proprioceptive training can stimulate local proprioceptors to increase neuromuscular responses and promote the recovery of muscle and fascial ligament functions. This study aims to observe the therapeutic effect of proprioception training combined with pelvic floor electrical stimulation biofeedback on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), and to provide evidence for the treatment of postpartum PFD., Methods: A total of 108 puerpera with postpartum PFD were selected and divided into a control group ( n =50) and an experimental group ( n =58). Puerpera in the control group received pelvic floor electrical stimulation biofeedback treatment. Puerpera in the experimental group received proprioception training combined with pelvic floor electrical stimulation biofeedback treatment. After one course of treatment, the pelvic floor muscle strength, muscle endurance, repetitive contraction ability, rapid contraction ability, percentage of normal vaginal posterior wall elevation, percentage of normal lower abdominal muscle synergistic contraction, percentage of normal reflex contraction during coughing, incidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and staging of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were compared before and after treatment between the 2 groups., Results: After treatment, all indexes of the 2 groups were better than those before treatment; the pelvic floor muscle strength, muscular endurance, repetitive contraction ability, and rapid contraction ability of the experimental group were better than those of the control group (all P <0.05); the percentage of normal lower abdominal muscle synergistic contraction and percentage of normal reflex contraction during coughing of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group (both P <0.05); the incidence of SUI in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group ( P <0.05); the percentage of POP staging II in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage of normal posterior vaginal wall elevation after treatment between the 2 groups ( P >0.05)., Conclusions: Proprioception training combined with pelvic floor electrical stimulation biofeedback could improve the rehabilitation effect of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and promote the recovery of pelvic floor function, which possesses important clinical application value.

Objectives: Cerebrovascular disease can be roughly divided into 2 subtypes: Cerebral ischemia (CI) and cerebral hemorrhage (CH). No scale currently exist that can predict the subtypes of cerebrovascular diseases. This study aims to establish a prediction scale for the subtypes of cerebrovascular diseases., Methods: A total of 1 200 cerebrovascular disease patients were included in this study, data from 1 081 (90%) patients were used to establish the CI-CH risk scale, and data from 119 (10%) patients were used to test it. Risk factors for the CI-CH risk scale were identified by 2 screens, with two-tailed student's t -test and two-tailed Fisher's exact test preliminarily and with logistic regression analysis further. The scores of each risk factor for CI-CH risk scale were determined according to the odds rate, and the cut-off point was determined by Youden index., Results: Nine risk factors were ultimately selected for score system, including age (≥75 years old was -1, <75 years old was 0), BMI (<24 kg/m 2 was 0, 24-28 kg/m 2 was -1, >28 kg/m 2 was -2), hypertension grade (grade 1 was 1, grade 2 was 2, and grade 3 was 3), diabetes status (no was 0, yes was -1), antihypertensive drug use (no was 0, yes was -2), alcohol consumption (<60 g/d was 1, ≥60 g/d was 2), uric acid (less than normal was 0, normal was -1, high than normal was -2), LDL cholesterol (<2 mmol/L was 0, 2-4 mmol/L was -1, and >4 mmol/L was -2), and HDL cholesterol (<1.55 mmol/L was 0, ≥1.55 mmol/L was 2). Patients with a score more than 0 were classified as the CH group, Conversely, they were assigned to the CI group; its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 74.5%, 77.9%, and 76.4%, respectively., Conclusions: The CI-CH risk scale can help the clinician predict the subtypes of cerebrovascular diseases.

Objectives: To screen the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA related to the radiosensitivity of melanoma cells by inhibiting glycolysis through microarray technology., Methods: WM35 melanoma cells were treated with different concentrations (1.25, 2.50, 5.00, 10.00 mmol/L) of 2-deoxy- D -glucose (2-DG) and different doses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 Gy) of X-ray irradiation. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of NC-0 Gy group (negative control group), NC-4 Gy group (only 4 Gy X-ray irradiation), 2-DG group (only 2.50 mmol/L DG treatment), and 2-DG-4 Gy group (2.50 mmol/L 2-DG treatment, 4 Gy X-ray irradiation). Microarray chip was used to detect the changes in the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA in the NC-4 Gy group and the 2-DG-4 Gy group. Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantitatively detect the top 5 upregulated and the top 5 downregulated expression lncRNA. CNC analysis was used to predict potential target genes for the 10 most significantly expressed lncRNAs, after which the co-expression network of lncRNA and co-regulated mRNA were constructed. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were used to predict the functional distribution of differentially expressed lncRNA. Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantitatively detect the top 5 upregulated and the top 5 downregulated expression lncRNAs., Results: After 48 and 96 h, the cell proliferation of WM35 treated with 2-DG was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (all P< 0.05). The cell proliferation of WM35 was inhibited by a high dose of X-ray irradiation, resulting in the death of mass cells. The cell proliferation activity of WM35 after 4 Gy X-ray irradiation descended 61% compared to the negative control group. Microarray analysis showed that there were 1 206 lncRNAs and 543 differentially expressed mRNAs between the NC-4 Gy group and the 2-DG-4 Gy group, while real-time RT-PCR showed basically consistent changes in lncRNA and mRNA microarray. Further CNC analysis showed that these 10 lncRNAs had a positive or negative correlation with 333 target genes. GO analysis was mainly concentrated in DNA binding, DNA damage repair, cell cycle arrest, and oxidative stress, while KEGG pathway analysis showed the 10 lncRNAs were related to radiosensitivity., Conclusions: Microarray chip screens the expression profiles of differentially expressed lncRNA related to the radiosensitivity of melanoma cells via inhibiting glycolysis, and lncRNA RPL34-AS1 might be a potential biological target for melanoma radiotherapy.

Objectives: To study the effect of rotation errors on the γ pass rate of volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan in rectal cancer based on the ArcCheck phantom., Methods: CT data from 20 rectal cancer patients underwent VMRT were selected randomly for this study. Targeting areas were selected, and clinical radiotherapy and validation plans were formulated. ArcCheck model was selected to validate the radiotherapy plans. The effect of the rotation errors on the dosimetric verification for VMAT in rectal cancer was simulated and analyzed with ArcCheck model software., Results: When there was no rotation errors, the γ pass rate of VMRT plans was more than 95%. When the absolute rotation angle was less than or equal to 1°, the γ pass rate of VMAT plans was more than 90%, meeting the clinical requirements. When the absolute rotation angle was greater than 1°, the γ pass rate was less than 90%, which did not meet clinical requirements., Conclusions: The rotation errors affect the γ pass rate of VMAT plans. The larger the rotation angle, the lower the γ pass rate. It meets clinical requirements when the rotation error is less than or equal to 1°.

Objective: To explore the risk factors for and the pathogenic mechanisms of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
 Methods: A total of 2 668 females who completed pelvic floor functional detection from July 2014 to October 2015 in the Physical Examination Center of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The patients were divide into 4 groups: an urinary incontinence group, an organ prolapse group, an organ prolapse with urinary incontinence group, and a normal group. We compared the age, BMI, menopause, gravidity and parity, delivery pattern, the coordination of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles among the 4 groups.
 Results: There were statistical differences in age and BMI values among the 4 groups (P<0.05).There were statistical differences in menopause rate, gravidity and parity history among the normal group and the other 3 groups (P<0.05), and between the organ prolapse group and the organ prolapse with urinary incontinence group (P<0.05). However, the urinary incontinence group was not statistically different from the organ prolapse group and the normal group (P>0.05). In the mode of delivery, there were statistical difference among the normal group and the other 3 groups (P<0.05), and between the organ prolapse group with urinary incontinence group and the organ prolapse or the urinary incontinence group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the urinary incontinence group and the organ prolapse group (P>0.05). Among the 4 groups, the normal group was the best one in coordination between pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, following by the organ prolapse group, the pelvic organ prolapse group and the urinary incontinence group.
 Conclusion: Aging, menopause, number of pregnancies and delivery, BMI, and mode of delivery all affect the occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Females with urinary incontinence or organ prolapse are not good in coordination between the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of manipulation combined with electrical stimulation and biofeedback on the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. 
 Methods: Seventy-two female patients with sexual dysfunction were recruited from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2014 to December 2015. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, and C). Patients in group A and group B received manipulation therapy and electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy, respectively, while patients in group C received manipulation combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation treatment for 30 days. The strength and fatigue degree of the type I and the type II muscle fiber of the pelvic muscles in all groups were evaluated before and one month after the treatment for further comparison. Questionnaire survey was used to investigate the frequency of sexual life and orgasm before and after treatment.
 Results: The strength and fatigue degree of patients in group C was significantly better than those of the other two groups (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Manipulation therapy combined with electrical stimulation and biofeedback can effectively enhance the recovery of sexual dysfunction in postpartum women and improve the quality of sexual life for patients with postpartum sexual dysfunction. It therefore can be spread in clinical practice.

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of lumbrokinase in the treatment of acute and moderate risk pulmonary thromboembolism.
 Methods: The clinical data of 60 patients with acute and moderate risk pulmonary thromboembolism, who were collected from January 2010 to October 2015 in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different treatments, 60 patients were randomly divided into a lumbrokinase group (lumbrokinase in combination with low molecular heparin and sequential warfarin, n=30) and a control group (low molecular heparin and sequential warfarin, n=30). The clinical efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups.
 Results: Compared with the control group, maximum short axis, ratio of right and left ventricles, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, and the main pulmonary artery diameter in the lumbrokinase group were significant changed after the treatment for 10, 20 and 30 d. NT-proBNP level in the lumbrokinase group after the treatment for 10, 20 and 30 d was significantly reduced than that in the the control group (P<0.05). However, the value of PO2 significantly increased after 10, 20 and 30 d, and there was no significant difference between 20 d and 30 d (P>0.05). D-dimer in the two groups was obviously increased after treatment for 10 d, but it was significantly reduced after treatment for 20 d or 30 d (P<0.05). The clinical efficacy of the lumbrokinase group was better than that in the control group, with significant difference (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Combination of lumbrokinase with low molecular heparin and sequential warfarin is a safe and efficient strategy in treating the patients with acute and moderate risk pulmonary thromboembolism. It is worthy of clinical popularization and application.

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
 Methods: lncRNA-mRNA microarray was conducted on the liver tissue samples from 10 patients with simple gallbladder stone (5 NAFLD liver samples and 5 normal liver samples), and the differentially expressed lncRNA was analyzed by bioinformatics technology.
 Results: Compared with the normal liver samples, there were abnormal expression of 1 735 lncRNAs and 1 485 mRNAs in NAFLD liver samples. Among them, 535 lncRNAs and 760 mRNAs were up-regulated, 1 200 lncRNAs and 725 mRNAs were down-regulated.
 Conclusion: Compared with normal liver, the expression of lncRNA in NAFLD tissues is obviously abnormal. These lncRNAs may play an important role in the occurrence and development of NAFLD.

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of extracorporeal shock wave combined with orthopaedic insole on plantar fasciitis., Methods: A total of 153 plantar with plantar fasciitis were randomly divided into a combined group (n=51), an extracorporeal shock wave group (n=53) and an orthopaedic group (n=49). The combined group received treatment of both extracorporeal shock wave and orthopaedic insole while the extracorporeal shock wave or the orthopaedic group only received the treatment of extracorporeal shock wave or orthopaedic insole. The therapeutic parameters such as visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, continued walking time and thickness of the plantar fascia were monitored before and aft er the treatment for 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months, respectively., Results: The VAS scores in the 3 groups were all reduced after the treatment compared with the corresponding scores before the therapy (P< 0.05). The VAS score in the extracorporeal shock wave group was greater than that in the orthopedic group after the treatment for 2 weeks. The VAS score in the combined group was smaller than that in the orthopedic group after the treatment for 2 weeks and 3 months (P< 0.05). The VAS scores in the orthopedic group and the combined group were smaller than those in the extracorporeal shock wave group after the treatment for 1 month or 3 months (P< 0.05). The continued walking time and thickness of the plantar fascia was improved after the treatment (P< 0.05). The cure rate and total effective rate in the combination group were obviously greater than those in the two other groups. The cure rate in the orthopedic group was greater than that in the extracorporeal shock wave group (P< 0.05)., Conclusion: Extracorporeal shock wave combined with orthopaedic insole therapy is an effective method to treat plantar fasciitis. It is recommended to spread in clinic.

Objective: To explore the factors related to the length of hospital stay for cerebrovascular accident and to provide the basis for health administrative department to formulate measures, and for clinical department to develop treatment guidelines., Methods: We collected the medical record of the hospitalized cerebrovascular accident patients from 2008 to 2013 in the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. The collected data included demographic information, disease characteristics, treatment information and health economics information. Then we analyzed the factors related to the length of hospital stay for cerebrovascular accident. SPSS 13.0 was used for statistical analysis and logistic regression and nonparametric rank sum test was performed., Results: The length of stay in hospital was from one day to 513 days, with a median of 10 days. The length of stay for women was shorter than that of men (OR=0.869). The length of stay for the older patients was longer than that of younger patients (OR=1.158). The length of stay for patients who implemented a surgery was 1.686 times longer than those who were not implemented a surgery (OR=1.686). The length of stay for ischemic cerebrovascular patients was shorter than that of the hemorrhagic cerebrovascular patients (OR=0.275). The patients with new rural cooperative medical insurance or without health insurance usually stayed a short time in hospital., Conclusion: Sex, age, surgery, type of cerebrovascular accident and medicare type are the factors that affect the length of hospital stay for cerebrovascular accident.

Objective: To determine the effect of Parkinson's disease-weight bearing exercise for better balance (PD-WEBB) exercise on balance impairment and falls in people with Parkinson's disease (PD)., Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. The falls efficacy scale score, unified Parkinson disease rating scale (UPDRS) score and Mini-BESTest score were measured and compared between a PD-WEBB group and a control group., Results: The falls efficacy scale score, UPDRS-2 score, UPDRS-3 score and Mini-BESTest score were improved in the PD-WEBB group compared with the control group (P<0.05), with no significant change in UPDRS-1 score between the two groups., Conclusion: PD-WEBB training can significantly improve the balance impairment and quality of life to prevent falls. PD-WEBB training is suitable for PD patients in China, and is a reasonable, effective and sustainable training of family and community assessment model.

Objective: To investigate the expression of periostin in in vitro cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by TGF-β1 and the relationship between periostin expression and the migration and proliferation of the VSMCs. Further, to investigate the effects of atorvastatin on the above-mentioned processes and the molecular mechanisms of atorvastatin inhibition of TGF-β1- induced periostin production., Methods: Rat aorta smooth muscle cells were cultivated by the method of tissue explants adherence. Cells of generation 3 to 6 were used as the experimental system. Primary cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells were treated by TGF-β1 and different concentrations of atorvastatin,Y-2763 (Rho kinase inhibitor), or atorvastatin plus MVA for 24 hours. The expression of periostin was measured by RT-PCR and Western blot. A Boyden chamber assay was used to measure cell migration, and an MTT test was used to measure cell proliferation., Results: Periostin expression in rat VSMCs stimulated by TGF-β1 increased significantly (4.158 ± 0.515 vs 0.385 ± 0.031), VSMC migration(25 ± 4 vs 8 ± 2) and proliferation (0.85 ± 0.06 vs 0.32 ± 0.03) also increased significantly. Atorvastatin significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced periostin production in rat VSMCs, as well as VSMC migration and proliferation, in a dose-dependent manner. Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced periostin production in rat VSMCs (2.082 ± 0.245). The inhibitory effect of atorvastatin on periostin upregulation induced by TGF-β1 was reversed by mevalonate (3.838 ± 0.326)., Conclusion: Periostin can promote rat VSMC migration and proliferation. Atorvastatin inhibition of periostin expression induced by TGF-β1 in VSMCs may be exerted by inhibition of the production of MVA and other isoprene compounds and by blocking the Rho/Rho kinase signaling pathway.

Objective: To determine the effect of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) on the function of vascular endothelial cells (VEC)., Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line, derived from human umbilical vein, was cultured in vitro with PAPP-A at 0, 50, 100, and 200 ng/mL for 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours, respectively. Nitric oxide (NO) levels and endothlin-1 (ET-1) levels were determined by spectrophotometer and immunehistory., Results: The NO levels of HUVECs in the PAPP-A groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The ET-1 levels of HUVECs in the PAPP-A groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The changes were all dose-dependent., Conclusion: PAPP-A may affect the function of vascular endothelial cells by reducing the secretion of NO and increasing the level of ET-1.