Analysis of the Effect of Limb Rehabilitation Therapy Combined with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy on Muscle Activity in Patients with Upper Limb Dysfunction After Cerebral Infarction

Objective:To analyze the effect of limb rehabilitation therapy combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy on muscle activity in patients with upper limb dysfunction after cerebral infarction(CI).Methods:320 patients with upper limb dysfunction after CI were selected,all of whom were treated in our hospital between June 2021 and June 2023.They were randomly grouped according to the lottery method into the control group(limb rehabilitation therapy,160 cases)and the intervention group(transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy+limb rehabilitation therapy,160 cases).The upper limb function scores,neuro-electrophysiological indicators,daily living ability scores,and quality of life scores of the two groups were compared.Results:Compared with the control group,upper limb function scores and daily living ability scores in the intervention group were higher after treatment,and the neuro-electrophysiological indicators of the intervention group were lower after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy combined with limb rehabilitation therapy has significant effects in patients with upper limb dysfunction after CI and is worthy of promotion and application.

The Effect of Predictive Nursing Intervention on Cardiac Function and Clinical Outcomes in CCU Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction After Interventional Therapy

Objective:To evaluate the impact of predictive nursing on the care of acute myocardial infarction(AMI)patients in the Coronary Care Unit(CCU)after interventional therapy.Methods:From September 2021 to September 2023,84 AMI patients admitted to the CCU were randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group(42 patients)received predictive nursing,and the reference group(42 patients)received conventional nursing.Cardiac function and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups.Results:Before nursing,there was no difference in cardiac function between the two groups(P>0.05).After nursing,the cardiac function of the experimental group was better than that of the reference group(P<0.05).The clinical outcomes of the experimental group were better than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Before nursing,there was no difference in psychological scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After nursing,the psychological scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Predictive nursing can improve the cardiac function and clinical outcomes of AMI patients after interventional therapy and can also regulate patients’negative psychological states.

Application of a hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model combined with motor imagery therapy in patients with cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Rehabilitation nursing is considered an indispensable part of the cerebral infarction treatment system.The hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model can provide continuous nursing services across hospitals,communities,and families for patients.AIM To explore the application of a hospital–community–family rehabilitation nursing model combined with motor imagery therapy in patients with cerebral infarction.METHODS From January 2021 to December 2021,88 patients with cerebral infarction were divided into a study(n=44)and a control(n=44)group using a simple random number table.The control group received routine nursing and motor imagery therapy.The study group was given hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing based on the control group.Motor function(FMA),balance ability(BBS),activities of daily living(BI),quality of life(SS-QOL),activation status of the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortical area to the affected side,and nursing satisfaction were evaluated before and after intervention in both groups.RESULTS Before intervention,FMA and BBS were similar(P>0.05).After 6 months’intervention,FMA and BBS were significantly higher in the study than in the control group(both P<0.05).Before intervention,BI and SS-QOL scores were not different between the study and control group(P>0.05).However,after 6months’intervention,BI and SS-QOL were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).Before intervention,activation frequency and volume were similar between the study and the control group(P>0.05).After 6 months’intervention,the activation frequency and volume were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).The reliability,empathy,reactivity,assurance,and tangibles scores for quality of nursing service were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Combining a hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model and motor imagery therapy enhances the motor function and balance ability of patients with cerebral infarction,improving their quality of life.

Evolving of treatment options for cerebral infarction

In this editorial,we comment on a recent article which addressed the therapeutic effect of aspirin plus edaravone in patients with cerebral infarction(CI).Herein,we outline the progress in therapy of CI.Apart from thrombolysis,aspirin is the most effective treatment for CI.Edaravone,a free radical scavenger,reduces endothelial cell damage and delays neuronal cell death.Aspirin plus edaravone mitigates damage to brain tissue by different mechanisms,thereby expediting the reinstation of neurological function.However,the nephrotoxic effect of edaravone,along with gastrointestinal bleeding associated with aspirin,may restrict this combination therapy.Although clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy and mechanical thrombectomy,patients receiving these treatments experience modest efficacy and many adverse events.Moreover,interest in exploring natural medicines for CI is increasing,and they appear to have a high potential to protect against CI.The evolution of therapeutic strategies is expected to improve clinical outcomes of patients with CI.

Assessment of post-myocardial infarction lipid levels and management:Results from a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan

BACKGROUND Lipid treatment practices and levels in post-acute myocardial infarction(AMI)patients,which are crucial for secondary prevention.AIM To evaluate the lipid treatment practices and lipid levels in post-myocardial infarction(MI)patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.METHODS In this cross-sectional study,we analyzed patients who had experienced their first AMI event in the past 3 years.We assessed fasting and non-fasting lipid profiles,reviewed statin therapy prescriptions,and examined patient compliance.The recommended dose was defined as rosuvastatin≥20 mg or atorvastatin≥40 mg,with target total cholesterol levels set at<160 mg/dL and target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)at<55 mg/dL.RESULTS Among 195 patients,71.3%were male,and the mean age was 57.1±10.2 years.The median duration since AMI was 36(interquartile range:10-48)months and 60% were diagnosed with ST-segment elevation MI.Only 13.8% of patients were advised to undergo lipid profile testing after AMI,88.7% of patients were on the recommended statin therapy,and 91.8% of patients were compliant with statin therapy.Only 11.5% had LDL-C within the target range and 71.7% had total cholesterol within the target range.Hospital admission in the past 12 months was reported by 14.4%,and the readmission rate was significantly higher among non-compliant patients(37.5%vs 5.6%).Subsequent AMI event rate was also significantly higher among non-compliant patients(43.8%vs 11.7%).CONCLUSION Our study highlights that while most post-AMI patients received the recommended minimum statin therapy dose,the inadequate practice of lipid assessment may compromise therapy optimization and raise the risk of subsequent events.

Effect of fibrinolytic therapy on ST-elevation myocardial infarction clinical outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)is the result of transmural ischemia of the myocardium and is associated with a high mortality rate.Primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI)is the recommended first-line treatment strategy for patients with STEMI.The timely delivery of PPCI became extremely challenging for STEMI patients during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,leading to a projected steep rise in mortality.These delays were overcome by the shift from first-line therapy and the development of modern fibrinolytic-based reperfusion.It is unclear whether fibrinolytic-based reperfusion therapy is effective in improving STEMI endpoints.AIM To determine the incidence of fibrinolytic therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on STEMI clinical outcomes.METHODS PubMed,Google Scholar,Scopus,Web of Science,and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from January 2020 up to February 2022 to identify studies investigating the effect of fibrinolytic therapy on the prognostic outcome of STEMI patients during the pandemic.Primary outcomes were the incidence of fibrinolysis and the risk of all-cause mortality.Data were meta-analyzed using the random effects model to derive odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals.Quality assessment was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.RESULTS Fourteen studies including 50136 STEMI patients(n=15142 in the pandemic arm;n=34994 in the pre-pandemic arm)were included.The mean age was 61 years;79%were male,27%had type 2 diabetes,and 47%were smokers.Compared with the pre-pandemic period,there was a significantly increased overall incidence of fibrinolysis during the pandemic period[OR:1.80(1.18 to 2.75);I2=78%;P=0.00;GRADE:Very low].The incidence of fibrinolysis was not associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in any setting.The countries with a low-and middle-income status reported a higher incidence of fibrinolysis[OR:5.16(2.18 to 12.22);I2=81%;P=0.00;GRADE:Very low]and an increased risk of all-cause mortality in STEMI patients[OR:1.16(1.03 to 1.30);I2=0%;P=0.01;GRADE:Very low].Meta-regression analysis showed a positive correlation of hyperlipidemia(P=0.001)and hypertension(P<0.001)with all-cause mortality.CONCLUSION There is an increased incidence of fibrinolysis during the pandemic period,but it has no effect on the risk of all-cause mortality.The low-and middle-income status has a significant impact on the all-cause mortality rate and the incidence of fibrinolysis.

Effects of oxygen therapy on the outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction:A randomized clinical trial

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of supplemental oxygen on patients with myocardial infarction.Methods:This study was a randomized,double-blind clinical trial.The study population included all patients who were admitted to the emergency room of Ali-ibn-Abitaleb and Khatam-al-Anbia hospitals in Zahedan within six hours of the onset of classic symptoms of myocardial infarction.The patients(n=47)were divided into two groups:the case group(with oxygen therapy)and the control group(without oxygen therapy).The initial follow-up was evaluated after one month and the second follow-up was evaluated after three months in the target population in terms of mortality caused by acute myocardial infarction,mortality caused by any other cause,and re-hospitalization caused by acute myocardial infarction.Results:Out of the 47 patients,27 were male(57.4%).The average age of the patients was(60.9±8.1)years.One month after admission,2 patients(8.7%)in the case group and 2 patients(8.3%)in the control group died due to acute myocardial infarction.A total of 7 patients(14.9%)died three months after admission.There was no significant difference between the control and case groups in terms of mortality caused by acute ischemia within one and three months.After one month,2 patients(8.7%)in the case group and 1 patient(4.2%)in the control group died of other causes.After three months,4 patients(8.5%)in total died for other causes.There was no significant difference between the control and case groups in terms of mortality due to other causes within one and three months.One month after admission,5 patients(21.7%)of the case group and 4 patients(16.7%)of the control group were re-hospitalized due to acute myocardial ischemia.During the next three months,3 patients(13.0%)of the case group and 5 patients(20.8%)of the control group were re-hospitalized.There was no significant difference between the control and case groups regarding the rate of re-hospitalization caused by acute myocardial infarction within one and three months after admission.Conclusions:There is no significant relationship between oxygen therapy and death by acute myocardial ischemia,or any other causes.The relationship between oxygen therapy and the rate of re-hospitalization caused by acute myocardial ischemia is not found within one and three months after admission.The results show that oxygen therapy does not affect patients with acute myocardial ischemia within three months after admission.

Cardioprotection and pharmacological therapies in acute myocardial infarction: Challenges in the current era

In patients with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, timely myocardial reperfusion using primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the most effective therapy for limiting myocardial infarct size, preserving left-ventricular systolic function and reducing the onset of heart failure. Within minutes after the restoration of blood flow, however, reperfusion itself results in additional damage, also known as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. An improved understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying reperfusion injury has resulted in the identification ofseveral promising pharmacological(cyclosporin-A, exenatide, glucose-insulin-potassium, atrial natriuretic peptide, adenosine, abciximab, erythropoietin, metoprolol and melatonin) therapeutic strategies for reducing the severity of myocardial reperfusion injury. Many of these agents have shown promise in initial proofof-principle clinical studies. In this article, we review the pathophysiology underlying myocardial reperfusion injury and highlight the potential pharmacological interventions which could be used in the future to prevent reperfusion injury and improve clinical outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease.

Effect of medical care linkage-continuous management mode in patients with posterior circulation cerebral infarction undergoing endovascular interventional therapy

BACKGROUND Acute cerebral infarction is a severe type of ischemic stroke that can be divided into anterior circulation cerebral infarction and posterior circulation cerebral infarction(PCCI).PCCI affects the structure of the posterior circulation brain,because posterior part of the brain,which has more complex anatomical structures and more prone to posterior circulation vascular variation.Therefore,improving the prognosis of PCCI patients is necessary.AIM To explore the effect of medical care linkage-continuous management mode(MCLMM)on endovascular interventional therapy(EIT)for PCCI.METHODS Sixty-nine patients with PCCI who received EIT and conventional nursing intervention were selected as the control group,and 78 patients with PCCI who received EIT and MCLMM intervention were selected as the observation group.The incidence of postoperative complications,compliance and disease selfmanagement behavior after six months of intervention,modified Rankin scale(mRS)and Barthel index(BI)scores in the acute phase and after one year of intervention,and recurrence within one year were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The total incidence rate of postoperative complications in the observation group(7.69%)was lower than that in the control group(18.84%)(P<0.05).The scores for medical compliance behavior(regular medication,appropriate diet,and rehabilitation cooperation rates)and disease self-management behavior(self-will,disease knowledge,and self-care ability)in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).After one year of intervention,in the observation group,the mRS score was significantly lower,and the BI score was significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The recurrence rate within one year in the observation group(3.85%)was significantly lower than that in the control group(13.04%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION MCLMM can reduce the incidence of complications after EIT for PCCI,improve patient compliance behavior and disease self-management ability,and promote the recovery of neurological function.

Long-Term Prognosis of Different Reperfusion Strategies for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Chinese County-Level Hospitals:Insight from China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

Objective To evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)treated with different reperfusion strategies in Chinese county-level hospitals Methods A total of 2,514 patients with STEMI from 32 hospitals participated in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry between January 2013 and September 2014.The success of fibrinolysis was assessed according to indirect measures of vascular recanalization.The primary outcome was 2-year mortality.Results Reperfusion therapy was used in 1,080 patients(42.9%):fibrinolysis(n=664,61.5%)and primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)(n=416,38.5%).The most common reason for missing reperfusion therapy was a prehospital delay>12 h(43%).Fibrinolysis[14.5%,hazard ratio(HR):0.59,95%confidence interval(CI)0.44–0.80]and primary PCI(6.8%,HR=0.32,95%CI:0.22–0.48)were associated with lower 2-year mortality than those with no reperfusion(28.5%).Among fibrinolysistreated patients,510(76.8%)achieved successful clinical reperfusion;only 17.0%of those with failed fibrinolysis underwent rescue PCI.There was no difference in 2-year mortality between successful fibrinolysis and primary PCI(8.8%vs.6.8%,HR=1.53,95%CI:0.85–2.73).Failed fibrinolysis predicted a similar mortality(33.1%)to no reperfusion(33.1%vs.28.5%,HR=1.30,95%CI:0.93–1.81).Conclusion In Chinese county-level hospitals,only approximately 2/5 of patients with STEMI underwent reperfusion therapy,largely due to prehospital delay.Approximately 30%of patients with failed fibrinolysis and no reperfusion therapy did not survive at 2 years.Quality improvement initiatives are warranted,especially in public health education and fast referral for mechanical revascularization in cases of failed fibrinolysis.

Fifteen years of bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy in acute myocardial infarction

In spite of modern treatment, acute myocardial infarction(AMI) still carries significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Even though standard of care therapy improves symptoms and also long-term prognosis of patients with AMI, it does not solve the critical issue, specifically the permanent damage of cardiomyocytes. As a result, a complex process occurs, namely cardiac remodeling, which leads to alterations in cardiac size, shape and function. This is what has driven the quest for unconventional therapeutic strategies aiming to regenerate the injured cardiac and vascular tissue. One of the latest breakthroughs in this regard is stem cell(SC) therapy. Based on favorable data obtained in experimental studies, therapeutic effectiveness of this innovative therapy has been investigated in clinical settings. Of various cell types used in the clinic, autologous bone marrow derived SCs were the first used to treat an AMI patient, 15 years ago. Since then, we have witnessed an increasing body of data as regards this cutting-edge therapy. Although feasibility and safety of SC transplant have been clearly proved, it's efficacy is still under dispute. Conducted studies and meta-analysis reported conflicting results, but there is hope for conclusive answer to be provided by the largest ongoing trial designed to demonstrate whether this treatment saves lives. In the meantime, strategies to enhance the SCs regenerative potential have been applied and/or suggested, position papers and recommendations have been published. But what have we learned so far and how can we properly use the knowledge gained? This review will analytically discuss each of the above topics, summarizing the current state of knowledge in the field.

Bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion

BACKGROUND Intravenous thrombolysis is an important treatment for cerebral infarction.However,it is difficult to achieve good results if the patient is complicated with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion.In addition,the vascular recanalization rate is low,so mechanical thrombectomy,that is,bridging therapy,is needed AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion.METHODS Ninety-six patients in our hospital with cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion from January 2017 to July 2020 were divided into a direct thrombectomy group(n=48)and a bridging group(n=48).Direct mechanical thrombectomy was performed in the direct thrombectomy group,and bridging therapy was used in the bridging treatment group.Comparisons were performed for the treatment data of the two groups(from admission to imaging examination,from admission to arterial puncture,from arterial puncture to vascular recanalization,and from admission to vascular recanalization),vascular recanalization rate,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)scores before and after treatment,prognosis and incidence of adverse events.RESULTS In the direct thrombectomy group,the time from admission to imaging examination was 24.32±8.61 min,from admission to arterial puncture was 95.56±37.55 min,from arterial puncture to vascular recanalization was 54.29±21.38 min,and from admission to revascularization was 156.88±45.51 min,and the corresponding times in the bridging treatment group were 25.38±9.33 min,100.45±39.30 min,58.14±25.56 min,and 161.23±51.15 min;there were no significant differences between groups(P=0.564,0.535,0.426,and 0.661,respectively).There was no significant difference in the recanalization rate between the direct thrombectomy group(79.17%)and the bridging group(75.00%)(P=0.627).There were no significant differences between the direct thrombectomy group(16.69±4.91 and 12.12±2.07)and the bridging group(7.13±1.23) and(14.40±0.59)in preoperative NIHSS score and GCS score(P=0.200 and 0.203,respectively).After the operation,the NIHSS scores in both groups were lower than those before the operation,and the GCS scores were higher than those before the operation.There was no significant difference in NIHSS and GCS scores between the direct thrombectomy group(6.91±1.10 and 14.19±0.65)and the bridging group(7.13±1.23 and 14.40±0.59)(P=0.358 and 0.101,respectively).There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who achieved a good prognosis between the direct thrombectomy group(52.08%)and the bridging group(50.008%)(P=0.838).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the direct thrombectomy group(6.25%)and the bridging group(8.33%)(P=0.913).CONCLUSION Bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy can safely treat cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion,achieve good vascular recanalization effects and prognoses,and improve the neurological function of patients.

Effect of reperfusion strategy on QT dispersion in patients with acute myocardial infarction:Impact on in-hospital arrhythmia

BACKGROUND Myocardial ischemia and ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)increase QT dispersion(QTD)and corrected QT dispersion(QTcD),and are also associated with ventricular arrhythmia.AIM To evaluate the effects of reperfusion strategy[primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI)or fibrinolytic therapy]on QTD and QTcD in STEMI patients and assess the impact of the chosen strategy on the occurrence of in-hospital arrhythmia.METHODS This prospective,observational,multicenter study included 240 patients admitted with STEMI who were treated with either PPCI(group I)or fibrinolytic therapy(group II).QTD and QTcD were measured on admission and 24 hr after reperfusion,and patients were observed to detect in-hospital arrhythmia.RESULTS There were significant reductions in QTD and QTcD from admission to 24 hr in both group I and group II patients.QTD and QTcD were found to be shorter in group I patients at 24 hr than those in group II(53±19 msec vs 60±18 msec,P=0.005 and 60±21 msec vs 69+22 msec,P=0.003,respectively).The occurrence of in-hospital arrhythmia was significantly more frequent in group II than in group I(25 patients,20.8%vs 8 patients,6.7%,P=0.001).Furthermore,QTD and QTcD were higher in patients with in-hospital arrhythmia than those without(P=0.001 and P=0.02,respectively).CONCLUSION In STEMI patients,PPCI and fibrinolytic therapy effectively reduced QTD and QTcD,with a higher observed reduction using PPCI.PPCI was associated with a lower incidence of in-hospital arrhythmia than fibrinolytic therapy.In addition,QTD and QTcD were shorter in patients not experiencing in-hospital arrhythmia than those with arrhythmia.

Effect of adjuvant therapy with ginkgo-damole on apoptosis, nerve injury and platelet aggregation of patients with acute cerebral infarction

Objective:To investigate the effect of adjuvant therapy with ginkgo-damole on apoptosis, nerve injury and platelet aggregation of patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods:A total of 74 patients with acute cerebral infarction treated in our hospital from March 2014 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into ginkgo-damole group and conventional treatment group according to a therapeutic schedule that whether ginkgo-diyidamolum were included. At Week 2 and Week 4 after treatment, contents of apoptosis molecule, nerve injury molecule and index of platelet aggregation in serum were detected. Results:At Week 2 after treatment, contents of soluble Fas, soluble Fas ligand, soluble tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand, S100β, neuron specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, myelin basic protein, malonaldehyde, endothelin-1, fibrinogen and D-dimer in patients' sera of ginkgo-damole group were significantly lower than those of conventional treatment group. Contents of nitric oxide in sera were obviously higher than that of conventional treatment group. At Week 4 after treatment, contents of soluble Fas, soluble Fas ligand, soluble tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand, S100β, neuron specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, myelin basic protein, malonaldehyde, endothelin-1, fibrinogen and D-dimer in patients' sera of ginkgo-damole group were significantly lower than those of conventional treatment group. Contents of nitric oxide in sera were obviously higher than that of conventional treatment group. Conclusions:Adjuvant therapy with ginkgo-damole can inhibit the apoptosis of neuron cells and neurogliocyte and reduce the neural function injury and the situation of platelet aggregation.

Effect of autologous mesenchymal stem cells induced by low level laser therapy on cardiogenesis in the infarcted area following myocardial infarction in rats

In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that photobiostimulation by low-energy laser therapy (LLLT) applied to the bone marrow (BM) of myocardial infarcted rats may attenuate the scarring processes that follow myocardial infarction (MI). Wistar rats underwent experimental MI. LLLT (Ga-Al-As diode laser) was applied to the BM of the exposed tibia at different time intervals post-MI (4 hrs, 48 hrs and 5 days). Sham-operated infarcted rats served as control. Infarct size was significantly reduced (55%) in the laser-treated rats as compared to the control non-treated rats, at 2 weeks post-MI. A significant 3-fold increase was observed in the density of desmin immunopositive stained cells 14 days post-MI in the infarcted area of the laser-treated rats as compared to the non-laser-treated controls. The electron microscopy from the control infarcted rat hearts revealed a typical interphase area between the intact myocardium and the infarcted area, with conspicuous fibroblasts with collagen deposition dispersed among them. In rats that were laser treated (to BM), the interphase zone demonstrated cells with different intracellular structures. There was also a significant increase in the percentage of c-kit positive cells and macrophages in the circulating blood of the laser treated rats as compared to control non treated ones. In the majority of the cells clusters of myofibrils anchored to well-developed Z-lines and structures resembling the morphological characteristics of mature intact cardiomyocytes were evident. In conclusion, LLLT to the BM of rats post-MI induces cardiogenesis mainly at the borders of the infarcted area in the heart.

Direct Coronary Intervention Therapy in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective To introduce the initial experience of direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty(PTCA) and intracoronary stenting in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI) from October 1998 to November 2001 in our hospital. Methods Primary PTCA was performed in 38 patients with acute myocardial infarction.29 cases were 20 male and 9 female, ranging in age from 30 to 76 old years.23 cases had anterior and 15 had inferior wall infarction. The patients we chose for direct coronary intervention therapy had stable hemodynamics. Of the 38 infarct related arteries (IRA), 23 were left anterior descend arteries (LAD), 4 left circumflex (LCX) and 11 right coronary arteries (RCA). 33 IRA were TIMI 0 flow and 5 TIMI 1 flow. The indications for coronary stent implantation were: ① Acute reocclusion and high risk of reocclusion due to initial dissection after PTCA; ② Severe residual stenosis (stenosis of diameter≥50%) after repeated balloon dilation; ③ No response to recurrent infusions of Nitroglycerin in Obviously elastic recoil. Results Of the 38 patients with AMI, PTCA was successful in 35 Two patients were given up because 014 guide wire entered into false lumen. One was selected for emergency coronary artery bypass graft because of LAD infarct related artery accompanied by 70%stenosis of left main. 35 intracoronary stents were implanted.16 patients were followed up, of whom 2 patients had restenosis and were successful in the second attempt. Conclusion Direct PTCA and stent implantation are effective and safe means of treatment for AMI and stent implantation can prevent and cure the acute reocclusion after PTCA.

Effects of ganglioside + aspirin + atorvastatin triple therapy on oxidative stress and inflammatory response in patients with cerebral infarction

Objective: To investigate the effects of ganglioside + aspirin + atorvastatin triple therapy on oxidative stress and inflammatory response in patients with cerebral infarction. Methods:A total of 138 patients with acute cerebral infarction between July 2016 and July 2017 were divided into control group (n=69) and triple group (n=69) by random number table method. Control group accepted conventional symptomatic treatment combined with aspirin and atorvastatin therapy, triple group accepted conventional symptomatic treatment combined with ganglioside, aspirin and atorvastatin triple therapy, and both groups were treated for 1 month. The differences in oxidative stress and inflammatory response were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: Immediately after admission, There was no statistically significant difference in serum levels of oxidative stress indexes and inflammatory mediators between the two groups. After 1 week of treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment, serum oxidative stress indexes ROS and AOPPs levels of triple group were lower than those of control group whereas SOD and CAT contents were higher than those of control group;serum inflammatory mediators IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β levels were lower than those of control group whereas IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 levels were higher than those of control group. Conclusion: ganglioside + aspirin + atorvastatin triple therapy can effectively inhibit the systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory response in patients with cerebral infarction.

EFFECT OF REPERFUSION THERAPY ON SOLUBLE CELL ADHESION MOLECULES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Objective To observe the changes of serum soluble intercellular adhesion moiecuie type-1(ICAM-1) and E-selectin in patients with acute myocardial inlarction (AMI) receiving reperfusiontherapy. Methods Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from 21 patients with AMI before and4,8,12,24,48,72h after thrombolytic treatment or direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).Blood samples from 16 control subjects were drawn for one time. Serum concentration of ICAM-1 and E-selectinwas determined by double antibodies sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum levels ofICAM-1 and E-selectin were higher in patients with AMI than those in controls. Sixteen patients with AMIand successful roperfusion therapy had signifcantly reduction in serum concentration of ICAM-1 and E-selectinat 24 and 48h, but had a peak at 4h. The remaining live patients who failed in mperfusion theropy didn’t show anysignificant changes in these values. Conclusion The serum concentration of ICAM-1 and E-selectin waselevated significantly in patients with AMI Successful reperfusion therapy can reduce the increased serumconcentration.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of acute myocardial infarction

The Third Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction(MI) requires cardiac myocyte necrosis with an increase and/or a decrease in a patient's plasma of cardiac troponin(cT n) with at least one cT n measurement greater than the 99 th percentile of the upper normal reference limit during:(1) symptoms of myocardialischemia;(2) new significant electrocardiogram(ECG) ST-segment/T-wave changes or left bundle branch block;(3) the development of pathological ECG Q waves;(4) new loss of viable myocardium or regional wall motion abnormality identified by an imaging procedure; or(5) identification of intracoronary thrombus by angiography or autopsy.Myocardial infarction,when diagnosed,is now classified into five types.Detection of a rise and a fall of troponin are essential to the diagnosis of acute MI.However,high sensitivity troponin assays can increase the sensitivity but decrease the specificity of MI diagnosis.The ECG remains a cornerstone in the diagnosis of MI and should be frequently repeated,especially if the initial ECG is not diagnostic of MI.There have been significant advances in adjunctive pharmacotherapy,procedural techniques and stent technology in the treatment of patients with MIs.The routine use of antiplatelet agents such as clopidogrel,prasugrel or ticagrelor,in addition to aspirin,reduces patient morbidity and mortality.Percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) in a timely manner is the primary treatment of patients with acute ST segment elevation MI.Drug eluting coronary stents are safe and beneficial with primary coronary intervention.Treatment with direct thrombin inhibitors during PCI is non-inferior to unfractionated heparin and glycoprotein Ⅱb/Ⅲa receptor antagonists and is associated with a significant reduction in bleeding.The intra-coronary use of a glycoprotein Ⅱb/Ⅲa antagonist can reduce infarct size.Pre- and post-conditioning techniques can provide additional cardioprotection.However,the incidence and mortality due to MI continues to be high despite all these recent advances.The initial ten year experience with autologous human bone marrow mononuclear cells(BMCs) in patients with MI showed modest but significant increases in left ventricular(LV) ejection fraction,decreases in LV endsystolic volume and reductions in MI size.These studies established that the intramyocardial or intracoronary administration of stem cells is safe.However,many of these studies consisted of small numbers of patients who were not randomized to BMCs or placebo.The recent LateT ime,Time,and Swiss Multicenter Trials in patientswith MI did not demonstrate significant improvement in patient LV ejection fraction with BMCs in comparison with placebo.Possible explanations include the early use of PCI in these patients,heterogeneous BMC populations which died prematurely from patients with chronic ischemic disease,red blood cell contamination which decreases BMC renewal,and heparin which decreases BMC migration.In contrast,cardiac stem cells from the right atrial appendage and ventricular septum and apex in the SCIPIO and CADUCEUS Trials appear to reduce patient MI size and increase viable myocardium.Additional clinical studies with cardiac stem cells are in progress.

Effective treatment of depression improves post-myocardial infarction survival

AIM: To examine the contribution of treatment resistant depression(TRD) to mortality in depressed postmyocardial infarction(MI) patients independent of biological and social predictors.METHODS: This secondary analysis study utilizes the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease(ENRICHD) clinical trial data.From 1834 depressed patients in the ENRICHD study,there were 770 depressed post-MI patients who were treated for depression.In this study,TRD is defined as having a less than 50% reduction in Hamilton Depression(HAM-D) score from baseline and a HAM-D score of greater than 10 in 6 mo after depression treatment began.Cox regression analysis was used to examine the independent contributions of TRD to mortality after controlling for the biological and social predictors.RESULTS: TRD occurred in 13.4%(n = 103) of the 770 patients treated for depression.Patients with TRD were significantly younger in age(P = 0.04)(mean = 57.0 years,SD = 11.7) than those without TRD(mean = 59.2 years,SD = 12.0).There was a significantly higher percentage of females with TRD(57.3%) compared to females without TRD(47.4%) [χ2(1) = 4.65,P = 0.031].There were significantly more current smokers with TRD(44.7%) than without TRD(33.0%) [χ2(1) = 7.34,P = 0.007].There were no significant differences in diabetes(P = 0.120),history of heart failure(P = 0.258),prior MI(P = 0.524),and prior stroke(P = 0.180) between patients with TRD and those without TRD.Mortality was 13%(n = 13) in patients with TRD and 7%(n = 49) in patients without TRD,with a mean follow-up of 29 mo(18 mo minimum and maximum of 4.5 years).TRD was a significant independent predictor of mortality(HR =1.995; 95%CI: 1.011-3.938,P = 0.046) after controlling for age(HR = 1.036; 95%CI: 1.011-1.061,P = 0.004),diabetes(HR = 2.912; 95%CI: 1.638-5.180,P < 0.001),heart failure(HR = 2.736; 95%CI: 1.551-4.827,P = 0.001),and smoking(HR = 0.502; 95%CI: 0.228-1.105,P = 0.087).CONCLUSION: The analysis of TRD in the ENRICHD study shows that the effective treatment of depression reduced mortality in depressed post-MI patients.It is important to monitor the effectiveness of depression treatment and change treatments if necessary to reduce depression and improve cardiac outcomes in depressed post-MI patients.