Acupuncture for post-stroke dysphagia: An overview of systematic reviews

Objective: To overview the systematic reviews of acupuncture for Post-stroke Dysphagia. Methods: The Chinese and English databases were searched for the systematic reviews of dysphagia after acupuncture treatment. The retrieval time was until October 30, 2019. The final literature was evaluated for bias risk, methodology quality and evidence quality by using ROBIS tool, AMSTER-2 scale and GRADE method. Results: 9 systematic reviews and 36 outcomes were included. ROBIS bias risk assessment results show that all the studies are high bias risk;AMSTER-2 methodology quality assessment results show that all the systems are of very low quality;GRADE grading shows that there are only 7 intermediate evidences in 36 clinical evidences, the rest are low-level evidences or very low-level evidences, and there are multiple intermediate evidences in the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. In addition, acupuncture can significantly improve the scores of all kinds of swallowing function related scales, such as Tengdao food intake swallowing function grade, swallowing disorder specific quality of life score, standard swallowing function evaluation scale, and the incidence of adverse reactions is low. Conclusion: Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. It can improve the scores of various swallowing function scales and has high safety. However, the risk of systematic evaluation bias is high, the quality of methodology is low, and the level of clinical evidence is low as a whole. In the future, the relevant research design should be more rigorous, and the research report should be written in strict accordance with the PRISMA statement.

Treatment of Post-stroke Dysphagia by VitalStim Therapy Coupled with Conventional Swallowing Training

To investigate the effects of VitalStim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training on recovery of post-stroke dysphagia,a total of 120 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomly and evenly divided into three groups：conventional swallowing therapy group,VitalStim therapy group,and VitalStim therapy plus conventional swallowing therapy group.Prior to and after the treatment,signals of surface electromyography（sEMG） of swallowing muscles were detected,swallowing function was evaluated by using the Standardized Swallowing Assessment（SSA） and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study（VFSS） tests,and swallowing-related quality of life（SWAL-QOL） was evaluated using the SWAL-QOL questionnaire.There were significant differences in sEMG value,SSA,VFSS,and SWAL-QOL scores in each group between prior to and after treatment.After 4-week treatment,sEMG value,SSA,VFSS and SWAL-QOL scores were significantly greater in the VitalStim therapy plus conventional swallowing training group than in the conventional swallowing training group and VitalStim therapy group,but no significant difference existed between conventional swallowing therapy group and VitalStim therapy group.It was concluded that VitalStim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training was conducive to recovery of post-stroke dysphagia.

Analysis of Adaptation Process of Evidence-Based Interventions by Taking Post-Stroke Dysphagia Screening As an Example--Based on a Series of Empirical Studies

Background:Evidence-based interventions(EBIs)are frequently adapted or modified during the implementation process to meet the needs of the target context,public health professionals,or health practitioners.However,little is known about how the EBIs of the same clinical problem at a different time(sustainability)and a different setting(scalability)should be adapted to facilitate implementation.To address this gap,this research aims to analyze the adaptations process of EBIs by taking post-stroke dysphagia screening as an example based on a series of empirical studies.Methods:We reviewed three best practice implementation projects of post-stroke dysphagia identification and management in China's Mainland,and conducted a comparative analysis of three projects of dysphagia screening practical decision-making according to core elements of evidence-based nursing(EBN).Results:We identified the core elements of EBN that influence decision-making in each best practice implementation project.The decision-making of screening time and tool for dysphagia in the three projects varied.Project 1:Post-stroke dysphagia was screened using Water Swallow Test(WST)before the first intake of liquid or food.Project 2:A sustainability study based on project 1,post-stroke dysphagia was screened using Standardized Swallowing Assessment(SSA)before the first intake of liquid or food,within 24 hours of admission.Project 3:A community scalability study based on project 2,post-stroke dysphagia was screened using Water Swallow Test(WST)before the first intake of liquid or food,within 24 hours after referral.Conclusions:Adaption of EBIs needs to fully consider the best available external evidence from systematic research,clinical expertise,patient preferences,as well as context.

Clinical observation of acupoint injection combined with nerve electrical stimulation in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia

Background:Post-stroke dysphagia is one of the common clinical symptoms in the rehabilitation department of primary hospitals,which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and their families.Majority of medical workers have comprehensively studied post-stroke dysphagia as it easily induces inhalation pneumonia,asphyxia,and many other complications.At present,many methods for post-stroke dysphagia have been proved to be effective.With regard to comprehensive treatment effect,patient compliance,technology promotion difficulty,grassroots hospital operability,and other factors,we found that acupoint injection combined with nerve electrical stimulation is a good method worthy of promotion.Methods:A total of 130 patients with dysphagia after stroke were randomly divided into nerve electrical stimulation group(n=41),acupoint injection group(n=40),and comprehensive treatment group(nerve electrical stimulation plus acupoint injection,n=49).The therapeutic effect in each group was evaluated before treatment and 20 days after treatment using the improved water swallow test,video fluoroscopic swallowing study,and standardized swallowing assessment.Results:After 20 days of treatment,significant differences were noted in each group.The scores of improved water swallow test decreased from 4.10±0.74 to 2.12±0.95 in the nerve electrical stimulation group,4.00±0.78 to 2.28±1.04 in the acupoint injection group,and 4.16±0.77 to 1.73±0.79 in the comprehensive treatment group;video fluoroscopic swallowing study scores increased from 3.71±2.16 to 5.05±2.111 in the nerve electrical stimulation group,3.80±1.94 to 5.20±1.942 in the acupoint injection group,and 3.73±2.22 to 6.24±2.21 in the comprehensive treatment group;and standardized swallowing assessment scores of the three groups also decreased from 35.13±3.38 to 28.17±3.42,34.66±3.46,and 34.48±3.26 to 26.39±3.86,respectively.The overall scores of each group after treatment were significantly different from those before treatment(P<0.05),indicating that both nerve electrical stimulation and acupoint injection were effective for post-stroke dysphagia;the scores of nerve electrical stimulation group and acupoint injection group were similar,but those of the comprehensive treatment group were significantly better than the single treatments(P<0.05).It shows that the two treatment methods have synergistic effect,and combined treatments have more benefits.Conclusion:Nerve electrical stimulation and acupoint injection have a synergistic therapeutic effect on post-stroke dysphagia.The combined treatment is more beneficial to patients with post-stroke dysphagia than the single treatments.

Electroencephalogram findings in 10 patients with post-stroke epilepsy:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Post-stroke epilepsy is a common and easily overlooked complication of acute cerebrovascular disease.Long-term seizures can seriously affect the prognosis and quality of life of patients.Electroencephalogram(EEG)is the simplest way to diagnose epilepsy,and plays an important role in predicting seizures and guiding medication.AIM To explore the EEG characteristics of patients with post-stroke epilepsy and improve the detection rate of inter-seizure epileptiform discharges.METHODS From January 2017 to June 2020,10 patients with post-stroke epilepsy in our hospital were included.The clinical,imaging,and EEG characteristics were collected.The stroke location,seizure type,and ictal and interictal EEG manifestations of the patients with post-stroke epilepsy were then retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In all 10 patients,epileptiform waves occurred in the side opposite to the stroke lesion during the interictal stage;these manifested as sharp wave,sharp-wave complex,or spike discharges in the anterior head lead of the side opposite to the lesion.CONCLUSION In EEG,epileptiform waves can occur in the side opposite to the stroke lesion in patients with post-stroke epilepsy.

Mechanism of acupuncture for limb spasm of post-stroke spasticity based on GABA and BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway

Background:To investigate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke limb spasm model rats and the underlying mechanism.Methods:A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups,Control group(10),Model group(20)and Zhishen Tiaoxing(ZSTX)acupuncture group(20).Middle cerebral artery occlusion was conducted in SD rats to establish post-stroke limb spasm rats,which were treated with ZSTX acupuncture.Behavioral assays were determined by the Narrow ally test,the limb muscle tension was detected by the BL-420S test system,and infarct volume was assessed after the cerebral infarction by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.Heterogeneous neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and its receptors GABAA and GABAB in the cerebral cortex of the infarct area were determined by immunofluorescence assay.The release of Trkb and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2 was detected by an immunofluorescence double labeling study.Western Blot was utilized to measure the expression of BDNF and Trkb.Results:The results showed that the behavioral assays in post-stroke limb spasm rats were significantly improved by the treatment of ZSTX acupuncture.14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can effectively inhibit muscle tone and decrease Infarct volume,which was measured with BL-420S biological function experiment system and triphenyltetrazolium chloride.Meanwhile,the results of Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays showed that ZSTX acupuncture improved the expression of GABA,GABAA,GABAB,BDNF,and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2.Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays and WB results showed that 14 days ZSTX acupuncture declined the expression of Trkb.Conclusions:Our results suggest that 14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can significantly improve post-stroke limb spasm.Meanwhile,the pathogenesis of post-stroke limb spasm and the efficacy of ZSTX acupuncture involve metabolic pathways of neurotransmitters,and electro-acupuncture can treat post-stroke limb spasm by regulating BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway.

Relieving throat and opening orifice acupuncture therapy for the post-stroke dysphagia

Objectives: To observe the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for relieving throat and opening orifice on dysphagia due to different brain infarct sites.Methods: According to the random number table, 128 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were divided into group A(63 cases, intervention with deglutition training and acupuncture) and group B(65 cases,intervention with simple deglutition training). The conventional treatment and deglutition rehabilitation training in neurology department were used in the two groups. In group B, according to patient's condition, the rehabilitation trainings, such as respiration and neck movement range were used selectively.In group A, on the base of deglutition training, acupuncture therapy for relieving throat and opening orifice was supplemented. The acupoints included Sìshéncōng(四神聪EX HN 1),Bāihuì(百会GV 20), Tàiyang(太阳EX-HN5) bilateral, Fēngchi(风池GB 20) bilateral and Shésānzhēn(舌三针).Electrostimulator was attached on EX-HN 1, bilateral GB 20 and Shesanzhen(舌三针). Needles were retained for 30 min in each treatment. The treatment was given once a day, 5 treatments a week and the treatment for 3 weeks as 1 course. After 6 weeks of treatment, the deglutition ability scale developed by Fujishima Ichiro was adopted to determine the therapeutic effects and observe the score increase for dysphagia related to brain infarct sites before and after treatment.Results: In assessment after 6-week treatment, the improvements of deglutition ability were different corresponding to different brain infarct sites in group A. Specially, the improvements in the patients with dysphagia related to cerebral hemisphere infarction in group A were better than group B(8.68 ±1.12 vs7.32 ±0.91, P<0.05), followed by the improvements in the patients with dysphagia related to internal capsule/basal ganglia/diencephalon infarction(6.53 ±0.65 vs 6.36 ±0.84, P>0.05). Regarding the therapeutic effects in comparison of the two groups, the total effective rates in dysphagia related to cerebral hemisphere infarction were different between the two groups significantly(96.67% vs 82.75%, P< 0.05), as well as in the patients related to internal capsule/basal ganglia/diencephalon infarction(88.89% vs 66.67%,P<0.05). The therapeutic effects were not different in the patients related to cerebral stem and cerebella infarction between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion: The acupuncture therapy for relieving throat and opening orifice combined with deglutition training achieves the satisfactory therapeutic effects on dysphagia induced by cortical infarction in stroke.However, a large sample and multicentral clinical trial with this therapy is needed for a further argument so that this therapy is likely promoted in clinical practice in future.

Clinical Study on Tongyan Spray(通咽喷雾剂) for Post-Stroke Dysphagia Patients:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective： To observe the effectiveness and safety of Tongyan Spray （通咽喷雾剂） composed of Chinese medicine for post-stroke dysphagia patients. Method： One hundred and twenty-two post-stroke dysphagia patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group （61 cases） and the control group （61 cases）. Basic treatment was given to both groups, with Tongyan Spray additionally used in oropharynx for the treatment group, and the placebo used for the control group. After 28-day treatment, the clinical effect and safety were evaluated according to the standard swallowing assessment （SSA） scale. Results： One patient dropped out in each group, and 120 patients reached the final analysis of the study. The total effective rate for the treatment group was 71.7% （43/60）, higher than 46.7% （28/60） in the control group （P〈0.05）, and the improvement on SSA scores of the two groups were significantly different after treatment （P〈0.05）. For grade 1 dysphagia patients （completely depending on nasogastric tube）, the effective rate of the treatment group was 40.9% （9/22）, and 12.5% （2/16） of the control group, without significant difference （P〉0.05）, while the improvement of SSA score was significantly different between the two groups after treatment （P〈0.05）. For grade 2-3 dysphagia patients （oral and nasogastric tube feeding）, the total effective rate of the treatment group was 89.5% （34/38）, higher than 59.1% （26/44） in the control group （P〈0.05）, and also the improvement on SSA scores was significantly different between the two groups after treatment （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Tongyan Spray was an effective and safe method for post-stroke dysphagia patients.

Impact of extended nursing model after multi-disciplinary treatment on young patient with post-stroke

BACKGROUND Stroke has become one of the most serious life-threatening diseases due to its high morbidity,disability,recurrence and mortality rates.AIM To explore the intervention effect of multi-disciplinary treatment(MDT)extended nursing model on negative emotions and quality of life of young patients with post-stroke.METHODS A total of 60 young stroke patients who were hospitalized in the neurology department of our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group,with 30 patients in each group.The control group used the conventional care model and the experimental group used the MDT extended nursing model.After the inhospital and 3-mo post-discharge interventions,the differences in negative emotions and quality of life scores between the two groups were evaluated and analyzed at the time of admission,at the time of discharge and after discharge,respectively.RESULTS There are no statistically significant differences in the negative emotions scores between the two groups at admission,while there are statistically significant differences in the negative emotions scores within each group at admission and discharge,at discharge and post-discharge,and at discharge and post-discharge.In addition,the negative emotions scores were all statistically significant at discharge and after discharge when compared between the two groups.There was no statistically significant difference in quality of life scores at the time of admission between the two groups,and the difference between quality of life scores at the time of admission and discharge,at the time of discharge and post-discharge,and at the time of admission and post-discharge for each group of patients was statistically significant.CONCLUSION The MDT extended nursing mode can improve the negative emotion of patients and improve their quality of life.Therefore,it can be applied in future clinical practice and is worthy of promotion.

Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture Combining Standard Swallowing Training for Post-stroke Dysphagia:A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective： To assess the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combining standard swallowing training for patients with dysphagia after stroke. Methods： A total of 105 consecutively admitted patients with post-stroke dysphagia in the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine were included： 50 patients from the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation received standard swallowing training and acupuncture treatment （acupuncture group）; 55 patients from the Department of Neurology received standard swallowing training only （control group）. Participants in both groups received 5-day therapy per week for a 4-week period. The primary outcome measures included the scores of Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study （VFSS） and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment （SSA）; the secondary outcome measure was the Royal Brisbane Hospital Outcome Measure for Swallowing （RBHOMS）, all of which were assessed before and after the 4-week treatment. Results： A total of 98 subjects completed the study （45 in the acupuncture group and 53 in the control group）. Significant differences were seen in VFSS, SSA and RBHOMS scores in each group after 4-week treatment as compared with before treatment （P〈0.01）. Comparison between the groups after 4-week treatment showed that the VFSS （P=0.007） and SSA scores （P=0.000） were more significantly improved in the acupuncture group than the control group. However, there was no statistical difference （P=0.710） between the acupuncture and the control groups in RBHOMS scores. Conclusions： Acupuncture combined with the standard swallowing training was an effective therapy for post-stroke dysphagia, and acupuncture therapy is worth further investigation in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia.

Acupuncture Treatment for Post-Stroke Dysphagia: An Update Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective： To explore the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in patients with post-stroke dysphagia by an update meta-analysis. Methods： Potentially eligible RCTs aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture vs. non-acupuncture treatments, such as rehabilitation training or routine medication on the swallowing difficulty after stroke were searched from PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and other database from the earliest record to June 2016. Patient demographics, regimens for acupuncture, type of controls, methods of randomization, and measurements of the clinical symptoms of dysphagia were retrieved. The relative risk （RR） and 95% confidence interval （CI） of effective rate of dysphagia was calculated after intervention performed following admission. Subgroup analyses and a meta- regression analysis were performed to describe the heterogeneity. Results： Twenty-nine RCTs comprising 2,190 patients were included. The included studies had a medium quality grade based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials （CONSORT） and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture （STRICTA） checklist. Acupuncture therapy provided a higher effective rate compared with non- acupuncture treatments [RR=1.33, 95% confidence interval （CI）, 1.25 to 1.43]. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses suggested that acupuncture intensity and measurement method were main sources of heterogeneity and resulted in a significant difference for pooled effect size. No severe adverse events were documented in these RCTs. Conclusions： Our meta-analysis provides a new evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treatment to post-stroke dysphagia in short-term compared with rehabilitation or medication. More high-quality and large-scale research studies are needed.

“Timing of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in post-stroke patients does not impact mortality,complications,or outcomes”:Commentary

In this commentary,we summarize some of the key points of the original paper“Timing of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in post-stroke patients does not impact mortality,complications,or outcomes”and offer support for the proposed results.Specifically,we address how early percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)tube placement may reduce hospital length of stay and costs.We also discuss topics related to the article including PEG weaning and post-stroke nutritional formulation.However,we note that concerns purported by previous studies that early PEG placement may worsen outcomes are not fully addressed,and further research is needed.

P25/CDK5-mediated Tau Hyperphosphorylation in Both Ipsilateral and Contralateral Cerebra Contributes to Cognitive Deficits in Post-stroke Mice

Objective Post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)develops in approximately one-third of stroke survivors and is associated with ingravescence.Nonetheless,the biochemical mechanisms underlying PSCI remain unclear.The study aimed to establish an ischemic mouse model by means of transient unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusions(MCAOs)and to explore the biochemical mechanisms of p25/cyclin-dependent kinase 5(CDK5)-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation on the PSCI behavior.Methods Cognitive behavior was investigated,followed by the detection of tau hyperphosphorylation,mobilization,activation of kinases and/or inhibition of phosphatases in the lateral and contralateral cerebrum of mice following ischemia in MACO mice.Finally,we treated HEK293/tau cells with oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD)and a CDK5 inhibitor(Roscovitine)or a GSK3βinhibitor(LiCl)to the roles of CDK5 and GSK3βin mediating ischemia-reperfusion-induced tau phosphorylation.Results Ischemia induced cognitive impairments within 2 months,as well as causing tau hyperphosphorylation and its localization to neuronal somata in both ipsilateral and contralateral cerebra.Furthermore,p25 that promotes CDK5 hyperactivation had significantly higher expression in the mice with MCAO than in the shamoperation(control)group,while the expression levels of protein phosphatase 2(PP2A)and the phosphorylation level at Tyr307 were comparable between the two groups.In addition,the CDK5 inhibitor rescued tau from hyperphosphorylation induced by OGD.Conclusion These findings demonstrate that upregulation of CDK5 mediates tau hyperphosphorylation and localization in both ipsilateral and contralateral cerebra,contributing to the pathogenesis of PSCI.

Application of Cluster Nursing Among Post-Stroke Patients with Dysphagia

Objective:To explore the effect of cluster nursing care among post-stroke patients.Methods:Post-stroke patients with dysphagia(n=72)were randomly divided into two groups:experimental(or intervention)(n=36)the control(n=36).Patients in the experimental group were given cluster care,including swallowing assessment,safe eating guide,swallowing rehabilitation,the establishment of cluster prevention strategy and health education to patients and caregivers.Patients in the control group were given conventional nursing care,and the score of swallowing function,the prevalence of aspiration pneumonia and nursing care satisfactory level in both groups were assessed before and after the intervention.Results:The swallowing function of patients in the two groups were improved after intervention,but patients in the experimental group showed significantly higher improvement than the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the satisfactory level of nursing management was higher in the experimental group than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Cluster nursing(CN)practice has significantly improved the swallowing function of stroke patients with dysphagia,reduced the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and enhanced the satisfaction of nursing care.

Perspectives on multidimensional assessment of post-stroke sequelae: fromclinimetrics to holism

In this work,we intended to connect clinimetrics with holism in traditional Chinese medicine towards multidimensional assessment of post-stroke sequelae in real-world setting,as a bridge between inheritance and innovation.Firstly,a systematic search of current evidence that supported integrated treatment of traditional Chinese and Western medicine for post-stroke sequelae sufferers was performed.Secondly,on the basis of available evidence,we presented couples of implications.Lastly,as psychosomatic perspective is one of the main academic paradigms of traditional Chinese medicine holism,we chiefly proposed comprehensive assessment for both motor and non-motor severities to probably match consonance with traditional Chinese medicine practice that treats psycho-/somatic-complains simultaneously.

Clinical Study of Acupuncture Combined with Emotional Intervention in Patients with Post-Stroke Depression

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with emotional intervention in patients with post-stroke depression(PSD).Methods:A total of 100 patients with PSD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an experimental group(50 cases)and a control group(50 cases)using the random number table method,and the enrollment was in order of admission time.The control group used conventional treatment of oral antidepressant Deanxit tablets(0.5 mg flupenthixol+10 mg melitracen)with the dose appropriately adjusted according to the patient’s medication effect,and modern rehabilitation treatment given selectively according to the patient’s condition.The experimental group had similar treatment as the control group with the addition of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)acupuncture combined with emotional intervention.The application effects of both groups before and after treatment were verified using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(Ham-D),National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),and Activities of Daily Living(ADL),serotonin levels were measured,and statistical analyses were carried out.Results:The total effective rate of patients in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the Ham-D score,NIHSS score,ADL score,and serotonin level after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:For patients with PSD,adding TCM acupuncture with emotional intervention on top of conventional treatment significantly improve the clinical efficacy and better improve the daily life ability of patients.

Application Effect of Early Rehabilitation Nursing in Elderly Cerebral Infarction Patients with Dysphagia

Objective:To observe the application effect of early rehabilitation nursing in elderly cerebral infarction patients with dysphagia.Methods:120 cases of elderly cerebral infarction patients with dysphagia were divided into 60 cases in the control group and 60 cases in the observation group by the double-blind method,and conventional nursing and early rehabilitation nursing were implemented respectively.Swallowing function,quality of life,adverse events,and nursing satisfaction were compared before and after nursing care.Results:After nursing,the swallowing function score of the observation group(1.01±0.18 points)was lower than that of the control group,and the quality of life score(160.63±9.95 points)was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);the incidence rates of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia in the observation group(5.00%and 3.33%)were lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the total nursing satisfaction of the observation group(98.33%)was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Early rehabilitation nursing can reduce the degree of dysphagia in elderly patients with cerebral infarction,reduce the incidents of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia,and improve the quality of life,with high nursing satisfaction.

Central post-stroke pain due to injury of the spinothalamic tract in patients with cerebral infarction： a diffusion tensor tractography imaging study

Many studies using diffusion tensor tractography（DTT） have demonstrated that injury of the spinothalamic tract（STT） is the pathogenetic mechanism of central post-stroke pain（CPSP） in intracerebral hemorrhage; however, there is no DTT study reporting the pathogenetic mechanism of CPSP in cerebral infarction. In this study, we investigated injury of the STT in patients with CPSP following cerebral infarction, using DTT. Five patients with CPSP following cerebral infarction and eight age-and sex-matched healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. STT was examined using DTT. Among DTT parameters of the affected STT, fractional anisotropy and tract volume were decreased by more than two standard deviations in two patients（patients 1 and 2） and three patients（patients 3, 4, and 5）, respectively, compared with those of the control subjects, while mean diffusivity value was increased by more than two standard deviations in one patient（patient 2）. Regarding DTT configuration, all affected STTs passed through adjacent part of the infarct and three STTs showed narrowing. These findings suggest that injury of the STT might be a pathogenetic etiology of CPSP in patients with cerebral infarction.

miR-137, a new target for post-stroke depression?

Expression of miR-137 is downregulated in brain tissue from patients with depression and suicidal behavior, and is also downregulated in peripheral blood from stroke patients. However, it is not yet known if miR-137 acts as a bridge between stroke and depression. To test this, we used middle cerebral artery occlusion and chronic mild stress to establish a post-stroke depression model in rats. Compared with controls, we found significantly lower miR-137 levels in the brain and peripheral blood from post-stroke depression rats. Injection of a miR-137 antagonist into the brain ventricles upregulated miR-137 levels, and improved behavioral changes in post-stroke depression rats. Luciferase assays showed miR-137 bound to the 3＇UTR of Grin2A, regulating Grin2A expression in a neuronal cell line. Grin2A gene overexpression in the brain of post-stroke depression rats, no- ticeably suppressed the inhibitory effect of miR-137 on post-stroke depression. Overall, our results show that miR-137 suppresses Grin2A protein expression through binding to Grin2A mRNA, thereby exerting an inhibitory effect on post-stroke depression. Our results offer a new therapeutic direction for post-stroke depression.

The effects of Xingnao Jieyu capsules on post-stroke depression are similar to those of fluoxetine

The Xingnao Jieyu capsule has been shown to effectively relieve neurologic impairments and les- sen depression. It remains poorly understood whether this capsule can be used to treat post-stroke depression. Thus, in the present study, we established a rat model of post-stroke depression using left middle cerebral artery occlusions in combination of chronic unpredictable stress and solitary housing during development. Experimental rats received intragastric perfusion with 0.82, 0.41, and 0.20 g/kg Xingnao Jieyu capsules separately dissolved in 2 mL distilled water. Fluoxetine served as a positive control. The treatment was conducted over 28 days. Sugar water consumption test, open-field test, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining results demonstrated that intragastric perfusion with various doses of Xingnao Jieyu capsules increased sugar water consumption, voluntary behaviors and synaptotagmin mRNA and protein expression in rats with post-stroke depression. These therapeutic effects were similar to those of fluoxetine. These results indicate that Xingnao Jieyu capsules upregulate synaptotagmin expression in hip pocampi of rats with post-stroke depression, and exert antidepressant effects.