Cerebral arterial blood flow,attention,and executive and cognitive functions in depressed patients after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension,and surgery is currently the main treatment for hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage,but the bleeding caused by surgery will cause damage to the patient's nerve cells,resulting in cognitive and motor dysfunction,resulting in a decline in the patient's quality of life.AIM To investigate associations between cerebral arterial blood flow and executive and cognitive functions in depressed patients after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.METHODS Eighty-nine patients with depression after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage who were admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and July 2021 were selected as the observation group,while 100 patients without depression who had acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage were selected as the control group.The attention span of the patients was assessed using the Paddle Pin Test while executive function was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(WCST)and cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA).The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD-24)was used to evaluate the severity of depression of involved patients.Cerebral arterial blood flow was measured in both groups.RESULTS The MoCA score,net scores I,II,III,IV,and the total net score of the scratch test in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Concurrently,the total number of responses,number of incorrect responses,number of persistent errors,and number of completed responses of the first classification in the WCST test were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Blood flow in the basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery were positively correlated with the net and total net scores of each part of the Paddle Pin test and the MoCA score(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with each part of the WCST test(P<0.05).In the observation group,the post-treatment improvement was more prominent in the Paddle Pin test,WCST test,HAMD-24 score,and MoCA score compared with those in the pre-treatment period(P<0.05).Blood flow in the basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery significantly improved in the observation group after treatment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Impaired attention,and executive and cognitive functions are correlated with cerebral artery blood flow in patients with depression after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and warrant further study.

Effects of Combined Inhalation of Budesonide,Formoterol,and Tiotropium Bromide on Arterial Blood Gas and Pulmonary Function Indexes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective:To analyze the effect of combined inhalation of budesonide formoterol and tiotropium bromide on arterial blood gas and pulmonary function indexes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:100 patients with COPD treated from January to December 2022 were selected as observation objects,and were divided into a control group(n=50,in which budesonide and formoterol were administered)and an experimental group(n=50,the treatment drug was budesonide formoterol combined with tiotropium bromide)according to the computer grouping method,and compared the treatment results.Results:(i)Before treatment,there was no difference in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and partial pressure of oxygen between the control group and the experimental group(P>0.05);after treatment,the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and partial pressure of oxygen in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group,with significant differences(P<0.05).(ii)Before treatment,there was no difference in forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),FEV1/FVC between the control group and the experimental group(P>0.05);after treatment,the FVC,FEV1,and FEV1/FVC in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).(iii)There was no difference in the levels of CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αbetween the control group and the experimental group(P>0.05);after treatment,the levels of CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αin the experimental group were lower than those in the control group,with significant differences(P<0.05).(iv)Compared to the total incidence of adverse reactions in the control group(28.00%),the incidence of total adverse reactions in the experimental group was lower at 10.00%,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combined inhalation of budesonide and formoterol with tiotropium bromide has demonstrated a clear therapeutic efficacy and safety in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.This treatment approach effectively enhances arterial blood gas levels and lung function,showing promising potential for widespread application.

Algorithm-based arterial blood sampling recognition increasing safety in point-of-care diagnostics

AIM To detect blood withdrawal for patients with arterial blood pressure monitoring to increase patient safety and provide better sample dating.METHODS Blood pressure information obtained from a patient monitor was fed as a real-time data stream to an experimental medical framework. This framework was connected to an analytical application which observes changes in systolic, diastolic and mean pressure to determine anomalies in the continuous data stream. Detection was based on an increased mean blood pressure caused by the closing of the withdrawal three-way tap and an absence of systolic and diastolic measurements during this manipulation. For evaluation of the proposed algorithm, measured data from animal studies in healthy pigs were used.RESULTS Using this novel approach for processing real-time measurement data of arterial pressure monitoring, the exact time of blood withdrawal could be successfully detected retrospectively and in real-time. The algorithm was able to detect 422 of 434(97%) blood withdrawals for blood gas analysis in the retrospective analysis of 7 study trials. Additionally, 64 sampling events for other procedures like laboratory and activated clotting time analyses were detected. The proposed algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 0.97, a precision of 0.96 and an F1 score of 0.97.CONCLUSION Arterial blood pressure monitoring data can be used toperform an accurate identification of individual blood samplings in order to reduce sample mix-ups and thereby increase patient safety.

A retrospective analysis of the relationship between dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease and disease duration,age,arterial blood gas pH,and serum Cl^(-)levels

Background:Dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease(DM-ILD)represents a severe and insidious complication of dermatomyositis(DM).The study aimed to investigate the association between DM-ILD and arterial blood gas indices,serum ion levels,and the timing of interstitial lung disease onset,with the goal of identifying potential predictors for DM-ILD.Methods:The investigation involved the collection of basic data from 89 patients with DM hospitalized at the Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2019 and April 2022,and 43 normal control patients hospitalized for physical examinations during the same period.Analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between DM-ILD,arterial blood gas indices,disease duration,and serum ions.A regression model to predict DM-ILD was developed using these indices,and a receiver operating characteristic curve was generated.Results:Significant differences were observed in pH and PaO2 between the control group and the disease group(p<0.05).The DM group exhibited higher levels of pH,actual bicarbonate,and base excess(BE)compared with the control group.In contrast,pH and BE levels were lower in the DM-ILD group than in the DM group,with these differences being statistically significant(p<0.05).Interstitial lung disease was correlated with the duration of the disease and pH levels(p<0.05).The cutoff values for age,disease duration,pH,and Cl^(-)were 55.5 years,5.5 years,7.432,and 101.5 mmol/L,respectively.The model demonstrated a prediction sensitivity and specificity for DM-ILD of 0.809 and 0.722,respectively,with an area under the curve of 0.809.Conclusion:Arterial blood gas analysis and serum Cl^(-)levels may assist in predicting DM-ILD.A combined monitoring approach involving arterial blood gas pH,disease duration,age,and serum Cl^(-)levels could enhance the accuracy of DM-ILD predictions and hold significant clinical evaluation potential.

Low molecular weight heparin reduces arterial blood lactic acid content and increases estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with moderate Covid-19 pneumonia

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019(Covid-19)remains a serious health threat worldwide.We aimed to investigate whether low molecular weight heparin(LMWH)can promote organ function recovery in moderate Covid-19 pneumonia patients.Methods:We initiated an LMWH protocol in Covid-19 patients with increased D-dimer,body mass index>30 kg/m^(2) or a history of diabetes from January 18,2020 at Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.In this retrospective study,we assigned moderate Covid-19 pneumonia patients admitted between January 18th and April 18,2020 receiving the LMWH protocol to the LMWH group.Moderate patients who met the inclusion criteria but did not receive LMWH protocol were included in the control group by 1:2 propensity score matching.General clinical information,indicators for renal function,arterial blood gas analyses,arterial blood lactic acid content(mmol/L),and coagulation indexes at 0 day,3 days,7 days,and 11 days after admission were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results:There were 41 patients in the LMWH group and 82 patients in the control group.General information in both groups were similar.Compared to the control group,the arterial blood lactic acid content(mmol/L)at day 11(1.3[1.1,1.7]vs.1.2[0.9,1.3],P=0.016)was reduced in the LMWH group.The estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)in the LMWH group was higher than that in the control group at day 7(108.54[89.11,128.17]vs.116.85[103.39,133.47],P=0.039)and day 11(113.74[94.49,126.34]vs.128.31[112.75,144.12],P=0.003).The serum creatinine levels(Scr)in the LMWH group were lower than that in the control group at day 7(62.13[51.47,77.64]vs.55.49[49.50,65.75],P=0.038)and day 11(63.35[50.17,75.73]vs.51.62[44.62,61.24],P=0.005).Conclusions:LMWH treatment can reduce arterial blood lactic acid levels and improve eGFR in moderate Covid-19 pneumonia patients.Randomized controlled trials are warranted to further investigate this issue.

Effects of acupuncture on the relationship between cerebral hemodynamics and arterial blood pressure in patients with hypertension

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an auricular acupuncture intervention on the relationship between changes in oxyhemoglobin concentration(Δ[O2Hb])and arterial blood pressure(ABP).The cerebral oxygenation signals in the bilateral prefrontal cortex(PFC),sensorimotor cortex(SMC),and temporal lobe cortex(TLC)of 15 patients with hypertension were measured by a 24-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)device before(State_R)and after(State_AT)the auricular acupuncture intervention.Coupling strength was used to quantitatively evaluate the strength of the couplings between ABP andΔ[O2Hb]in low-frequency oscillations(LF,0.07–0.2 Hz)and very-low-frequency oscillations(VLF,0.02–0.07 Hz).Results showed that the changes in wavelet amplitudes in the LF and VLF intervals did not exhibit significant differences after auricular acupuncture.The coupling strength from ABP toΔ[O2Hb]was significantly lower in the LF range after auricular acupuncture in the bilateral PFC,SMC,and TLC(p<0.0083).Additionally,the coupling strength from ABP toΔ[O2Hb]in the VLF range was significantly lower in the bilateral PFC in State_AT than in State_R(p<0.0083).These results indicated that fNIRS together with ABP can effectively evaluate cerebral hemodynamic responses to interventions and is therefore capable of guiding more individualized acupuncture strategies.The auricular acupuncture intervention improved hemodynamic responses in patients suffering from hypertension.

Effect of Electroacupuncturing Heart Meridian on Arterial Blood Pressure with Myocardial Ischemia in Rabbits

Objective: To explore the relationship between Heart Meridian (HM) and cardiac function.Methods: Forty-eight rabbits with acute myocardial ischemia resulting from intravenous pituitrin injection was established. Electroacupuncture (EA) on the HM and the Lung Meridian, 3 points for each, was applied and their change of arterial pressure was observed.Results: Distinct difference existed in the improvement of arterial pressure on the HM and Lung Meridian with EA. The regulatory action of EA in HM on the cardiac function was significantly better than that of EA in Lung Meridian.Conclusion: HM was closely related to the cardiac function.

Arterial blood supply of hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with efficacy of sorafenib therapy

Aim:There are some previous reports concerning the relationship between prognosis of patients treated with sorafenib and parameters of computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).This study presents monocentric experience with sorafenib in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients and will try to identify predictive factors for survival based on the correlation of results from imaging and survival.Methods:A total of 38 HCC patients treated from April 2009 to December 2010 with sorafenib were included in this study.HCCs were classified as good arterial supply and poor arterial supply according to the enhancement intensity on CT scan or MRI.Clinical data were collected and survival time was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method.A Cox’s regression model was performed to reveal predictive factors for survival.Results:Among the 38 patients treated with sorafenib,mean age was 53.3±11.1 years and 35(92.1%)were males.Tumors in 17 patients were classified as good arterial supply,while the remaining 21 patients belonged to poor arterial supply.The median survival time(MST)was 10.7 months[95%confidence interval(CI),8.7-12.7]and the 1-year overall survival(OS)was 41.0%.The MST and 1-year OS in patients with a good arterial supply of tumors were 12 months(range:4-20 months)and 52.9%,compared with that of 7 months(range:1-16 months)and 23.8%in patients with a poor arterial supply of tumors(P=0.002).Patients who had tumors at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)stage B had longer MST and higher OS than those who had tumors at BCLC stage C,but there was no statistical difference between these two stages.On multivariate analysis,only arterial supply of the tumors remained statistically predictive for OS(hazard ratios 0.22,95%CI,0.07-0.67,P=0.008).Conclusion:Arterial blood supply is an independent predictor for survival in patients treated with sorafenib,and patients with a good arterial supply of tumors benefit more than those with a poor arterial supply of tumors.

Most patients with non-hypertensive diseases at a critical care resuscitation unit require arterial pressure monitoring: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND:Blood pressure(BP)monitoring is essential for patient care.Invasive arterial BP(IABP)is more accurate than non-invasive BP(NIBP),although the clinical signifi cance of this diff erence is unknown.We hypothesized that IABP would result in a change of management(COM)among patients with non-hypertensive diseases in the acute phase of resuscitation.METHODS:This prospective study included adults admitted to the Critical Care Resuscitation Unit(CCRU)with non-hypertensive disease from February 1,2019,to May 31,2021.Management plans to maintain a mean arterial pressure>65 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)were recorded in real time for both NIBP and IABP measurements.A COM was defined as a discrepancy between IABP and NIBP that resulted in an increase/decrease or addition/discontinuation of a medication/infusion.Classification and regression tree analysis identified significant variables associated with a COM and assigned relative variable importance(RVI)values.RESULTS:Among the 206 patients analyzed,a COM occurred in 94(45.6%[94/206])patients.The most common COM was an increase in current infusion dosages(40 patients,19.4%).Patients receiving norepinephrine at arterial cannulation were more likely to have a COM compared with those without(45[47.9%]vs.32[28.6%],P=0.004).Receiving norepinephrine(relative variable importance[RVI]100%)was the most signifi cant factor associated with a COM.No complications were identifi ed with IABP use.CONCLUSION:A COM occurred in 94(45.6%)non-hypertensive patients in the CCRU.Receiving vasopressors was the greatest factor associated with COM.Clinicians should consider IABP monitoring more often in non-hypertensive patients requiring norepinephrine in the acute resuscitation phase.Further studies are necessary to confi rm the risk-to-benefi t ratios of IABP among these high-risk patients.

Arterial pulse impact on blood flow

Numerous pathophysiologic observations in humans and animals led to the formulation of the response-to-injury hypothesis of atherosclerosis, which proposed that endothelial denu- dation by the blood flow was the first step in atherosclerosis. At present it is impossible to describe hemodynamics only by the Navier-Stokes or Oldroyd-B equations because in the large arteries blood flow is unsteady, with the flow separation and waveform propagation of the thyxotropic mass. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of the arterial pulse wave on the blood flow and initial factors of atherosclerosis. In 12 healthy men (25-39 years of age) peak velocity, mean velocity, mean flow and net flow in the aorta have been investigated by МR angiography. Initial velocity was registered after 43msec of the ECG-R wave, and it differed from zero at all sites of the aorta, although net flow was equal to zero. Womersley’s number from the ascending to the thoracic aorta decreased from 12.5 &#177;1.5 to 7.3 &#177;1.2;flow modified from inertio-elastic to viscous. In the aortic arch in protodiastole blood flow separated into the opposite directed streams resulting in wave superposition with the high net flow. At the isthmus area separated waves interferences and reflects to anterograde direction. Here flow acceleration in protodiastole is 6 times higher than in systole. Pulse waves move on artery walls fifteen or more times more rapidly than the blood flow. Pulse oscillation increases strain rate to the contiguous vessel wall flow layers. At the sites with the flow wave negative interference vessel pulse oscillation attenuates and at the boundary reflection flow wave can shift the vessel wall.

Correlation between blood pressure changes and AMS, sleeping quality and exercise upon high-altitude exposure in young Chinese men

Background: Excessive elevation of arterial blood pressure(BP) at high altitude can be detrimental to our health due to acute mountain sickness(AMS) or some AMS symptoms. This prospective and observational study aimed to elucidate blood pressure changes induced by exposure to high-altitude hypoxia and the relationships of these changes with AMS prevalence, AMS severity, sleep quality and exercise condition in healthy young men.Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in 931 male young adults exposed to high altitude at 3,700 m(Lhasa) from low altitude(LA, 500 m). Blood pressure measurement and AMS symptom questionnaires were performed at LA and on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 of exposure to high altitude. Lake Louise criteria were used to diagnose AMS. Likewise, the Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS) were filled out at LA and on day 1, 3, and 7 of exposure to high altitude.Results: After acute exposure to 3,700 m, diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure(MABP) rose gradually and continually(P【0.05). Analysis showed a relationship with AMS for only MABP(P【0.05) but not for SBP and DBP(P】0.05). Poor sleeping quality was generally associated with higher SBP or DBP at high altitude, although inconsistent results were obtained at different time(P【0.05). SBP and Pulse BP increased noticeably after high-altitude exercise(P【0.05).Conclusions: Our data demonstrate notable blood pressure changes under exposure to different high-altitude conditions: 1) BP increased over time. 2) Higher BP generally accompanied poor sleeping quality and higher incidence of AMS. 3) SBP and Pulse BP were higher after high-altitude exercise. Therefore, we should put more effort into monitoring BP after exposure to high altitude in order to guard against excessive increases in BP.

Modulation by anti-oketsu formulations in Kampo medicine of human arterial stiffness

Objective:In traditional herbal medicine(Kampo medicine in Japan),'sho'is diagnosed by the traditional assessments of clinical conditions.Among a variety of the shos,there is an'oketsu'syndrome,which is a stagnation and disturbance of microcirculation.The prompt effects of four anti-oketsu formulations in Kampo medicine on cardiovascular functions were compared in oketsu and non-oketsu persons.Methods:The arterial pulse wave from radial artery is formed by the combination with ejection and reflection pulses.An augmentation index(AI),a ration of the ejection and reflection pulses,indicates a degree of arteriosclerosis.For both seventy-six students with oketsu and thirty-seven students with non-oketsu,Kampo formulations overcoming oketsu of Tokishakuyakusan(TS,Dang-Gui-Shao-Yao-San),Kamishoyosan(KS,Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San),Keisibukuryogan(KB,Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan)and Tokakujokito(TJ,Tao-He-Cheng-Qi-Tang)were taken once,and then,the cardiovascular functions including blood pressure,heart rate,central arterial blood pressure(CBP)and AI were examined for 60 min.Results:At 40-60 min after an intake,these formulations decreased the AI almost by 6-18%(n=76),by 18.3±3.1%(P<0.01,n=15)with TJ.Simultaneously,the CBP was reduced by 9.0±1.8%(P<0.05,n=23)with KS and by 9.1±2.0%(P<0.05,n=15)with TJ.On the other hands,non-oketsu group had less or no effect by any kinds of the formulations.Conclusion:The anti-oketsu formulations can exert the ameliorative action for oketsu persons via decreasing AI and CBP.

Analyses of Characteristics of Long-Term Monitoring of Arterial Pressure and Pulse

Long-term observations of pulse and arterial blood pressure taken from a patient＇s daily self-control diary have been analyzed in the paper. The diary was kept in the morning and in the evening. It contains regular observational data collected during over 13 years. Statistical estimates of series and their spectral responses were obtained. A difference between the morning and evening series was noted. Spectral harmonics with the period of 7 days was typical of the evening series. The morning series are characterized by a ＂lunar＂ component with the -27.35-day period. The examined series were also compared with the daily series of atmospheric pressure and daily Wolf numbers. Seasonal pulse and arterial pressure pattern and average monthly self-control tabulated data obtained during 13 years are presented in the paper.

A Novel Technique to Maintain Radial Arterial Catheter Position: The Arterial Catheter Stabilizer

Despite widespread use of arterial catheters, there is remarkably little described about their stabilization in the literature. A brief review of arterial catheterization techniques is included. The fixation techniques described in the literature and in commercial product information are essentially to tape or suture the arterial catheter flat against the skin. Often the wrist is immobilized in the dorsiflexed position to prevent kinking or dislodging of the catheter. We describe a simple device made from a gauze pad and tape to elevate and protect the arterial line while minimizing its kinking during wrist flexion.

Predicting Endometrium Receptivity with Parameters of Spiral Artery Blood Flow

In order To evaluate whether the parameters of spiral artery blood flow, as measured by transvaginal color Doppler, may be used to assess endometrium receptivity prior to embryo transfer (ET), a retrospective study of 94 infertile women who had undergone ART treatments with different outcomes (pregnant or nonpregnant) was done. Subendometrial blood flow was evaluated. The resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) and pulsatility index (PI) were significantly lower in those who achieved pregnancy as compared with those who did not: 0.62±0.04 vs 0.68±0.04 (P<0.001), 2.66±0.33 vs 3.19±0.39 (P<0.01) and 1.15±0.17 vs 1.34±0.22 (P<0.05), respectively. Furthermore, when RI>0.72, PI>1.6, and S/D>3.6, no pregnancy occurred. These data suggest that the parameters of spiral artery blood flow could be used as a new assay in predicting endometrial receptivity before ET.

Electroacupuncture induces acute changes in cerebral cortical mi RNA profile, improves cerebral blood flow and alleviates neurological deficits in a rat model of stroke

Electroacupuncture has been shown to improve cerebral blood flow in animal models of stroke. However, it is unclear whether electroacupuncture alters mi RNA expression in the cortex. In this study, we examined changes in the cerebral cortical mi RNA profile, cerebral blood flow and neurological function induced by electroacupuncture in a rat model of stroke. Electroacupuncture was performed at Renzhong（GV26） and Neiguan（PC6）, with a frequency of 2 Hz, continuous wave, current intensity of 3.0 m A, and stimulation time of 1 minute. Electroacupuncture increased cerebral blood flow and alleviated neurological impairment in the rats. mi RNA microarray profiling revealed that the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway, which links cell proliferation with stroke, was most significantly affected by electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture induced changes in expression of rno-mi R-206-3p, rno-mi R-3473, rno-mi R-6216 and rno-mi R-494-3p, and these changes were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings suggest that changes in cell proliferation-associated mi RNA expression induced by electroacupuncture might be associated with the improved cerebral blood supply and functional recovery following stroke.

EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON BLOOD FLOW OF VERTEBRAL AND BASILAR ARTERIES IN STROKE PATIENTS

Objective: To observe the short-term effect and long-term effect of acupuncture on blood flow of vertebral and basilar arteries in stroke patients. Methods: A total of 58 stroke patients (34 males and 24 females) were agreed to participate in this study, and changes of blood flow of the vertebral and basilar arteries were detected after one week’s and 45 days’ continuous acupuncture treatment by using a Doppler’s ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus. Bilateral Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Tianzhu (BL 10), etc. were punctured and stimulated with small amplitude, high frequency and twirling-reinforcing method for 3 min. The treatment was conducted once daily. Results: Following one week’s and 45 days’ acupuncture treatment, diastolic velocity (DV), systolic velocity (SV) and mean velocity (MV) of the basilar artery increased significantly in comparison with pre-treatment (P<0.05～0.01). After one week’s acupuncture treatment, DV, SV and MV of the vertebral artery on the affected side of the brain and after 45 days’ treatment, DV, SV and MV of the vertebral artery on the bilateral sides of the brain all increased considerably compared with their individual basic levels of pre-treatment (P<0.05～0.01). No significant differences were found between pre-treatment and post-treatment in pulse index (PI) of the basilar artery and bilateral vertebral arteries (P> 0.05). Results indicated that acupuncture treatment could effectively improve blood supply of the basilar artery and regulate the uneven blood flow of the bilateral vertebral arteries. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment can raise blood flow of the brain in stroke patients.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACPUNCTURE COMBINED WITH MASSAGE FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS OF VERTEBRAL ARTERIAL TYPE BY USING TRANCRANIAL DOPPLYER ULTRASONOGRAPHY

To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with massage on blood flow velocity of the vertebro-basilar artery in cervical spondylosis of vertebral arterial type （CSVAT） patients. Methods： In the present study, methods of evidence-based medicine, triple-centers, single-blindness, randomization and control were used. A total of 100 cases of CSVAT patients were randomized into acupuncture plus massage （acu-massage） group （n = 38）, acupuncture group （n = 32） and massage group （n = 30）. Acupoints used were Fengchi （风池, GB 20）, cervical Jiaji （颈夹脊 EX-B 2）, Baihui （百会 GV 20）, and the methods of massage used were kneading-rolling, adhesion-separating and acupoint-digital pressing, topical digital pressing and rubbing, traction-extending and mild palm-rubbing. The treatment was conducted once daily, with 7 sessions being a therapeutic course and continuously for 2 courses. Changes of peak velocity （Vp）, end-diastolic velocity （Vd）, mean velocity （Vm） of blood flow of the vertebral artery （VA） and basilar artery （BA）, etc were detected before and after the treatment by using transcranial Doppler （TCD） ultrasonography. Resuits： After the treatment, the abnormally low Vp of both VA and BA in acu-massage, acupuncture and massage groups, Vm of VA in acu-massage and acupuncture groups, Vm of BA in acu-massage and massage groups, and Vd of VA and BA in the 3 groups all increased significantly in comparison with their own pretreatment（ P 〈 0.05, 0.01）, and the therapeutic effects of acu-massage group in the 3 indexes were significantly superior to those of acupuncture group and/or massage group （P 〈0.05, 0.01 ）. The abnormally increased Vp of VA in acu-massage and acupuncture groups, Vm of VA in the 3 groups, and Vd of VA in acu-massage and massage groups decreased obviously after the treatment in comparison with their own pretreatment （P 〈 0.05, 0.01）, and the therapeutic effects of acu-massage group were significantly superior to those of acupuncture and/or massage group in the 3 indexes of VA （P〈0.05, 0.01）. In addition, the abnormally increased Vp, Vm and Vd of BA in the 3 groups showed a similar tendency. No significant differences between acupuncture and massage groups in 3 indexes （ P 〉0.05）. Conclusion： The therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus massage is significantly superior to those of simple acupuncture and simple massage therapies in improving abnormal blood dynamics of vertebral and basilar arteries in CSVAT patients.

Preliminary study of abnormal increase of postexercise systolic blood pressure in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic value of abnormal increase of postexercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with or without hypertension. Methods Treadmill exercise testing (TET) was conducted in 88 patients (40 CAD patients, 48 control subjects) with or without hypertension, each of whom underwent selective coronary angiography (CAG). The abnormal increase of postexercise SBP was defined as 10mmHg higher than earlier periods during the recovery phase (6 minutes) of exercise testing. Results The abnormal increase of postexercise SBP had higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting CAD than those of ST - segment depression in patients with or without hypertension. Its accuracy increased with the severity of CAD while decreased in patients with hypertension, and the increase value of SBP had a positive correlation with the extent of coronary artery lesion. The combination of ST - segment depression and abnormal increase of postexercise SBP diagnosed CAD most accurately in patients with hypertension. Conclusions Abnormal increase of postexercise SBP may be a useful index for diagnosing CAD.