Cardiac Denervation for Arrhythmia Treatment with Transesophageal Ultrasonic Strategy in Canine Models

Stellate ganglion (SG) modification has been investigated for arrhythmia treatment. In this study, transesophageal SG imaging and intervention were explored using a homemade 30F integrated focused ultrasonic catheter in healthy mongrel canines in vivo. Anatomic details of SGs were ultrasonically imaged and evaluated. SG had a heterogeneous echoic structure and characteristic profiles sketched by hyper-echoic outlines in an ultrasonogram. Left SGs in the experimental group were successfully ablated through the esophagus under ultrasonic guidance provided by the catheter itself. Two weeks after the ablation, the QT and QTc of the experimental group decreased compared with those of the sham group and at baseline (both p values < 0.001). Histologic examination revealed that left SGs were destroyed. No major complications were observed. This approach may be further explored as a method for ganglia remodeling evaluation and as a strategy of ganglia modification for arrhythmia and for other diseases.     

艾烟的作用与安全性评价＊

艾灸作为中医学最古老的疗法之一，作用多样，应用广泛，疗效显著。随着科技的发展，人们对灸法的认识逐渐深入，其中艾烟的相关研究也硕果累累，其安全性广受关注。通过对艾烟作用和安全性评价研究中取得的成果进行归纳分析，以期为艾灸临床安全应用提供指导。     

Rural–urban disparities in knowledge,behaviors, and mental health during COVID-19 pandemic: A community-based cross-sectional survey

To examine the knowledge level, behaviors, and psychological status of the Chinese population during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore the differences between urban and rural areas.We carried out a cross-sectional survey of the knowledge, behaviors related to COVID-19, and mental health in a probability sample of 3001 community residents in 30 provinces or districts across China from February 16–23, 2020. Convenience sampling and a snowball sampling were adopted. We used General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and knowledge and behaviors questionnaire of community residents regarding COVID-19 designed by us to investigate the psychological status, disease-related knowledge, and the behavior of Chinese urban and rural residents during the pandemic.The average score of anxiety and depression among urban residents was 9.15 and 11.25, respectively, while the figures in rural areas were 8.69 and 10.57, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of anxiety (P < .01) and depression (P < .01). Urban participants reported significantly higher levels of knowledge regarding COVID-19 in all aspects (transmission, prevention measures, symptoms of infection, treatment, and prognosis) (P < .01), compared to their rural counterparts. While a majority of respondents in urban areas obtained knowledge through WeChat, other apps, and the Internet (P < .01), residents in rural areas accessed information through interactions with the community (P < .01). Urban residents fared well in exchanging knowledge about COVID-19 and advising others to take preventive measures (P < .01), but fared poorly in advising people to visit a hospital if they displayed symptoms of the disease, compared to rural residents (P < .01). Regression analysis with behavior showed that being female (OR = 2.106, 95%CI = 1.259–3.522), aged 18 ≤ age < 65 (OR = 4.059, 95%CI = 2.166–7.607), being satisfied with the precautions taken by the community (OR = 2.594, 95%CI = 1.485–4.530), disinfecting public facilities in the community (OR = 2.342, 95%CI = 1.206–4.547), having knowledge of transmission modes (OR = 3.987, 95%CI: 2.039, 7.798), symptoms (OR = 2.045, 95%CI = 1.054–4.003), and outcomes (OR = 2.740, 95%CI = 1.513–4.962) of COVID-19, and not having anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.578, 95%CI = 1.127–5.901) were positively associated with affirmative behavior in urban areas. Being married (OR = 4.960, 95%CI = 2.608–9.434), being satisfied with the precautions taken by the community (OR = 2.484, 95%CI = 1.315–4.691), screening to ensure face mask wearing before entering the community (OR = 8.809, 95%CI = 2.649–19.294), and having knowledge about precautions (OR = 4.886, 95%CI = 2.604–9.167) and outcomes (OR = 2.657, 95%CI = 1.309–5.391) were positively associated with acceptable conduct in rural areas.The status of anxiety and depression among urban residents was more severe compared to those living in rural areas. There was a difference in being positively associated with constructive behaviors between rural and urban areas.     

奥拉西坦联合肌电生物反馈疗法治疗血管性痴呆疗效观察

目的:探讨奥拉西坦联合肌电生物反馈疗法治疗血管性痴呆(VD)的临床效果。方法:随机将2017年1月~2017年6月某院收治的104例VD患者随机分为A、B两组(A=52,B=52)。两组患者均给予奥拉西坦治疗,B组加用肌电生物反馈疗法,对比两组患者治疗前后MMSE、ADL和SF-36评分。结果:治疗后B组患者MMS、ADL和SF-36评分均高于A组(P<0.05)。结论:奥拉西坦联合肌电生物反馈疗法治疗可有效改善VD智力水平、自主生活能力和生活质量,具有较高的临床推广价值。