Whole Blood Viscosity Research Articles

Clinical study of early rehabilitation intervention and IPC combined with low molecular weight heparin for preventing cerebral hemorrhage DVT formation

Objective To observe the preventive effect of early rehabilitation intervention and intermittent pneumatic compression therapy device(IPC) combined with low molecular weight heparin for cerebral hemorrhage deep vein thrombosis(DVT) formation, thus to provide basis for clinical intervention. Methods 124 patients with cerebral hemorrhage were selected, and they were randomly divided into the observation group and control group, 62 cases in each group.The control group received low molecular weight heparin and routine intervention, the observation group received early rehabilitation intervention and IPC treatment on the basis of control group.The venous blood hemorheological indicators were detected, and the incidence of DVT was recorded. Results The whole blood viscosity and D-dimer of the observation group after intervention were (4.17±1.12)mPa/s and (214.84±31.40)ng/mL, which were lower than (5.21±1.08)mPa/s and (331.90±35.38)ng/mL of the control group, the differences were statistically significant(t=8.52, 8.90, all P<0.05). The incidence rate of DVT of the observation group was 1.64%(1/62), which was lower than 17.74%(11/62) of the control group, the difference was statistically significant(χ2=9.17, P<0.05). Conclusion Early rehabilitation intervention and IPC combined with low molecular weight heparin for preventing cerebral hemorrhage DVT formation can significantly increase the venous blood flow velocity, reduce blood viscosity, decrease the incidence of DVT.It has better clinical value for the prevention of DVT formation of cerebral hemorrhage. Key words: Venous thrombosis; Cerebral hemorrhage; Heparin, low-molecular-weight; Rhabiliton

Changes in whole blood viscosity during hemodialysis and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Whole blood viscosity (WBV) plays a role in hemorheology and is determined by many factors such as red blood cell factors, plasma protein and blood volume. As WBV changes during hemodialysis, mortality may be due to changes in WBV in patients on hemodialysis. However, there are few prospective data on the relationship between changes in WBV and overall mortality in dialysis patients. We tried to investigate the correlations between values of WBV at variable shear rates before and after hemodialysis and overall or atherosclerosis-related mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease.Forty-three patients receiving hemodialysis were enrolled in this study. In this 5.8-year prospective observational study, analyses of the effects of WBV at shear rates of 300 s-1 (systolic WBV; SBV), 5 s-1 (diastolic WBV5; DBV5), and 1 s-1 (diastolic WBV1; DBV1) during dialysis on all-cause and atherosclerotic mortality was performed.Among a total of 43 patients, 27 (62.7%) died over the course of the study. Thirteen deaths were caused by atherosclerotic events. A high degree of change in WBV at shear rates of 300 s-1 and 5 s-1 during hemodialysis (ΔSBV, ΔDBV5) was positively correlated with overall mortality (HR = 4.688, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.269-17.319, p = 0.020; HR = 3.941, 95% CI, 1.057-14.701, p = 0.041, respectively). A high degree of change in diastolic blood pressure (ΔDBP) during hemodialysis was also positively correlated with overall mortality (HR = 3.035, 95% CI, 1.039-8.867, p = 0.042). However, comparative analysis between WBV at shear rates of 300 s-1, 5 s-1, and 1 s-1 and overall mortality did not reveal any significant relationships. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients from a high degree of change of WBV at shear rates of 300 s-1, compared to those from the moderate or low degree of changes of WBV at shear rates of 300 s-1 (p = 0.020, log-rank test). Survival rate in high ΔDBP was lower than that of moderate or low ΔDBP group in Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p = 0.004, log-rank test).Our data showed that a high degree of change in WBV at variable shear rates during hemodialysis might impact overall survival in patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, large-scale studies to evaluate the relationship of WBV with overall mortality and atherosclerotic mortality will be needed.

Treatment effects and mechanisms of Yujin Powder on rat model of large intestine dampness-heat syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevanceYujin Powder (YJP), an old prescription, is one of the most classical prescription for treating the large intestine dampness-heat syndrome (LIDHS). However, its potential modern pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the studyThe present study was designed to explore the essence of LIDHS and treatment mechanisms of the YJP on the LIDHS. MethodsThe rat model of LIDHS was established by such complex factors as high-sugar and high-fat diet, improper diet, high temperature and humidity environment (HTHE), drinking and intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli., which imitated the inducing conditions of LIDHS. Then the clinical symptoms and signs, blood routine, blood biochemistry, whole blood viscosity (WBV), serum inflammatory cytokines levels and the histopathological changes of main organs were detected and observed, respectively. ResultsThe results showed that the clinical symptoms and signs of the model rats were consistent with the diagnostic criteria of LIDHS, moreover, there were obvious systemic inflammatory response and extensive congestion. And after treatment with YJP in different dosages, the clinical symptoms and signs of the rats with LIDHS were improved; the indexes of blood routine and blood biochemistry and inflammatory cytokines levels tended to be normal; the WBV decreased and histopathological changes of major organs were alleviated or returned to normal. There was an obvious dose-effect relationship, and the high dose of YJP (HD-YJP) had the best treatment effects. ConclusionsThese results suggested that in LIDHS, diarrhea was the major clinical manifestation; the large intestine was the main lesion area; mucosa injury, inflammation and congestion of the large intestine with systemic inflammatory response and congestion were the most typical pathological characteristics. Meanwhile, YJP exhibited the comprehensive effects of anti-diarrhea, anti-inflammation, lowering blood lipid, relieving blood stasis, repairing intestinal mucosa and regulation and protection of multiple organs on LIDHS. These findings provided not only important information for understanding the essence of LIDHS but also the theoretical basis for developing new-drugs for treating dampness-heat type of diarrheal diseases.

The relationship between hemorheological parameters and mortality in critically ill patients with and without sepsis.

The prognostic scoring systems for mortality of intensive care patients estimate clinical outcome using several physiological and biochemical parameters. In altered hemodynamic conditions of critically ill patients, hemorheological variables may play a significant role in appropriate tissue perfusion. We investigated if hemorheological parameters are altered in critical status and if they could be markers of mortality. 112 patients (67.8 ± 12 years, 58 males, 54 females) treated in intensive care unit with different non-surgical diseases were investigated. Routine laboratory parameters and prognostic scores were determined and hemorheological variables (hematocrit, plasma and whole blood viscosity, red blood cell aggregation and deformability) were measured on the 1st and the 2nd day after admission. ICU scores predicted 35.2-41.3% mortality rate, real mortality in intensive care unit was 37.5%, while 30-day mortality was 46.6%. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) and red blood cell (RBC) deformability were lower, red blood cell aggregation was higher in septic than in nonseptic patients (p < 0.05). In septic patients calcium was increased, osmolality was decreased, while in nonseptic patients WBV and RBC aggregation were higher in nonsurvivors compared to survivors (p < 0.05). Worsening of RBC deformability from day 1 to day 2 predicted higher mortality (p < 0.05). Calcium and osmolality level were associated with outcome in sepsis. Whole blood viscosity, red blood cell aggregation and change in red blood cell deformability could predict mortality in nonseptic patients and they may add prognostic information over the ICU scores. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the benefit of our findings in clinical practice.

Association of Whole Blood Viscosity With Metabolic Syndrome in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Independent Association With Post-Breakfast Triglyceridemia.

Background: Associations of whole blood viscosity (WBV) with metabolic syndrome (MS) have not been extensively studied in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Intrapersonal means of 12 measurements of waist circumference, blood pressure (BP) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and those of six measurements of fasting and post-breakfast triglycerides (TG) during 12 months were calculated in a cohort of 168 patients with type 2 diabetes. Based on these means, MS was diagnosed according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria with the Asian definition of abdominal obesity. WBV was calculated from hematocrit and total serum protein concentrations by a validated formula. Results: Diabetes patients with MS (n = 77) had higher WBV as compared to those without MS (6.38 ± 0.06 vs. 6.10 ± 0.07 cP, P = 0.004). As the number of MS components increased, WBV increased (component number 1: 6.12 ± 0.10, 2: 6.09 ± 0.10, 3: 6.37 ± 0.08, 4: 6.42 ± 0.10, 5: 6.30 ± 0.15 cP, P for trends = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that male gender, diastolic BP and post-breakfast TG were determinants of WBV independent of fasting TG, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (R 2 = 0.258). Conclusions: Both the presence of MS and the number of MS components were associated with higher WBV in patients with type 2 diabetes. Physicians need to perform a close follow-up of type 2 diabetes patients with MS on inhibitors of sodium-glucose co-transporters 2, which may increase stroke risk associated with an increase in hematocrit and therefore blood viscosity. Post-breakfast TG was an independent determinant of WBV. Elevated WBV may represent an important confounder of the relationship between MS, postprandial hyperlipidemia and elevated cardiovascular risk in this population. J Clin Med Res. 2017;9(4):332-338 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2885w

Comparison of hemorheological changes in patients after acute coronary events, intervention and ambulatory rehabilitation.

During the past decades, our group have investigated the hemorheological parameters (HPs) of more than 1,000 patients with various forms of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Our data indicate that HPs are altered in patients with IHD and the extent of the alterations is in good correlation with the clinical severity of the disease. Our findings have also proven that HPs play a critical role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia.The lack of regular exercise is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Regular physical activity - as part of the cardiovascular rehabilitation training program (CRP) - is recommended for the treatment of IHD and the prevention of first or further cardiovascular events. To estimate the beneficial hemorheological effects of CRP, compared to patients after a coronary event or intervention and not participating in CRP, the data of four of our prospective studies (three non-CRP and one CRP-participating) were evaluated.Hematocrit (Hct), plasma and whole blood viscosity (WBV), Hct/WBV ratio significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the non-CRP groups during the 6-12 months follow-up, while in the CRP group they significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Red blood cell aggregation decreased in a much greater manner in the CRP group.Our results indicate that CRP has beneficial hemorheological effects and is able to reverse the deterioration of HPs after coronary events or intervention.

Association of Whole Blood Viscosity With Metabolic Syndrome in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Independent Association With Post-Breakfast Triglyceridemia.

BackgroundAssociations of whole blood viscosity (WBV) with metabolic syndrome (MS) have not been extensively studied in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsIntrapersonal means of 12 measurements of waist circumference, blood pressure (BP) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and those of six measurements of fasting and post-breakfast triglycerides (TG) during 12 months were calculated in a cohort of 168 patients with type 2 diabetes. Based on these means, MS was diagnosed according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria with the Asian definition of abdominal obesity. WBV was calculated from hematocrit and total serum protein concentrations by a validated formula.ResultsDiabetes patients with MS (n = 77) had higher WBV as compared to those without MS (6.38 ± 0.06 vs. 6.10 ± 0.07 cP, P = 0.004). As the number of MS components increased, WBV increased (component number 1: 6.12 ± 0.10, 2: 6.09 ± 0.10, 3: 6.37 ± 0.08, 4: 6.42 ± 0.10, 5: 6.30 ± 0.15 cP, P for trends = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that male gender, diastolic BP and post-breakfast TG were determinants of WBV independent of fasting TG, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (R2 = 0.258).ConclusionsBoth the presence of MS and the number of MS components were associated with higher WBV in patients with type 2 diabetes. Physicians need to perform a close follow-up of type 2 diabetes patients with MS on inhibitors of sodium-glucose co-transporters 2, which may increase stroke risk associated with an increase in hematocrit and therefore blood viscosity. Post-breakfast TG was an independent determinant of WBV. Elevated WBV may represent an important confounder of the relationship between MS, postprandial hyperlipidemia and elevated cardiovascular risk in this population.

Antithrombotic Effect and Mechanism of Radix Paeoniae Rubra.

The compounds of Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) were isolated and identified by bioassay-guided method, and antithrombotic effects and mechanism were investigated by the acute blood stasis rat model. The RPR extract was evaluated by APTT, TT, PT, and FIB assays in vitro. Results indicated that RPR extract exhibited the anticoagulant activity. In order to find active compounds, six compounds were isolated and identified, and four compounds, paeoniflorin (Pae), pentagalloylglucose (Pen), albiflorin (Ali), and protocatechuic acid (Pro), exhibited the anticoagulant activity in vitro. Therefore, the antithrombosis effects of RPR extract and four active compounds were investigated in vivo by measuring whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV), APTT, PT, TT, and FIB. Meanwhile, the levels of TXB2, 6-Keto-PGF1α, eNOS, and ET-1 were detected. Results suggested that RPR extract and four active compounds had the inhibition effect on thrombus formation, and the antithrombotic effects were associated with the regulation of vascular endothelium active substance, activating blood flow and anticoagulation effect.

Protective Effects of Total Flavones of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson against Vascular Endothelial Injury in Blood Stasis Model Rats.

The aim was to evaluate the protective effects of total flavones of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson (TFE) against vascular endothelial injury in blood stasis model rats and explore the potential mechanisms preliminarily. The model of blood stasis rat model with vascular endothelial injury was induced by subcutaneous injection of adrenaline combined with ice-water bath. Whole blood viscosity (WBV), histological examination, and prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen (FIB) were measured. Meanwhile, the levels of Thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-PGF1α, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and thrombomodulin (TM) were detected. In addition, Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) was performed to identify PI3K, Erk2, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 gene expression. The results showed that TFE can relieve WBV, increase PT and APTT, and decrease FIB content obviously. Moreover, TFE might significantly downregulate the levels of TXB2, vWF, and TM in plasma and upregulate the level of 6-keto-PGF1α in plasma. Expressions of PI3K and Bcl-2 were increased and the expression of caspase-3 was decreased by TFE pretreatment in the rat model. Consequently, the study suggested that TFE may have the potential against vascular endothelial injury in blood stasis model rats induced by a high dose of adrenaline with ice-water bath.

Antithrombotic mechanism of polysaccharides in Blackberry (Rubus spp.) seeds

ABSTRACTThe blackberry seed was typically removed as a byproduct and waste from blackberry fruits for juices. Developing value-added utilization of berry seeds will significantly expand the market for berry products as well as improve benefit to berry producers. However, the research on blackberry seed is limited. The objective of this paper was to research antithrombotic mechanism of polysaccharides in blackberry seeds. Polysaccharides in blackberry seeds were extracted, purified and identified by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPSEC), gas chromatography (GC), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (NMR). Anticoagulant activities were evaluated in vivo by measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB) and plasma recalcification time (RRT). Four polysaccharides named BSP-1a, BSP-1b, BSP-2 and BSP-3 were isolated from Blackberry (Rubus spp.) seeds. The results indicated that BSP-1b, BSP-2 and BSP-3 exhibited the anticoagulant activity. Therefore, the anti-thrombosis effects of BSP-1b, BSP-2 and BSP-3 were investigated in vivo by 6-Keto-PGF1α, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV), hematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), APTT, TT, PT and FIB. The results suggested that BSP-1b, BSP-2 and BSP-3 had the inhibition effect on thrombus formation, and the antithrombotic effects were associated with the regulation of vascular endothelium active substance, activating blood flow and anticoagulation effect.

Haemorheological changes associated with the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive therapy

In this study of 3 normal females and 30 receiving oral contraceptives (OCs) no association was established between plasma viscosity whole blood viscosity (WBV) corrected for a 45% packed cell volume red cell filterability and levels of plasma estrogen and progesterone. In OC users there was a transient rise in both plasma and WBV recorded after 1 month with reversal by 3 months and stabilization thereafter. (authors)

Therapeutical aspects of Ginkgo biloba flavone glucosides in the context of increased blood viscosity

Complex viscosity of whole blood in patients with arterial circulatory disorders have been determined under treatment with a Ginkgo biloba extract. The Ginkgo preparation influences the pathologically increased blood viscoelasticity

Filtration of washed erythrocytes in atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus

A positive-pressure filtration technique, using 5 µm pore-size Nuclepore filters, was used to study erythrocyte deformability in 47 atherosclerotic patients (compared with 25 controls) and 55 diabetics (compared with 37 controls). The effects of hyperproteinaemia, which caused significant increases in plasma viscosity and whole-blood viscosity in the atherosclerotic patients, and which can also impair erythrocyte filtration, were eliminated by washing the erythrocytes. The leucocytosis of diabetes mellitus, which can also impair erythrocyte filtration, was corrected for by adjusting the filtration results to a standard leucocyte count of 7.5 × 109/l. After elimination of these extrinsic variables, the filterability of atherosclerotic and diabetic erythrocytes, from out-patients in the steady state, was not significantly different from that of control erythrocytes.

Clinical measurement of whole-blood viscosity at low-shear rates

Clinical measurement of whole-blood viscosity at low-shear rates

Effect of acupuncture combined with conventional therapies for the patients with post-stroke motor aphasia language function and hemorheology

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with conventional therapies for the patients with post-stroke motor aphasia language function and hemorheology. Methods One hundred and sixty patients with post-stroke motor aphasia language function and hemorheology were divided into 2 groups (80 patients in each group). Conventional therapy with language rehabilitational training and controling of blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid to the normal levels was used inthe control group. Acupuncture treatment on the basis of the control group was used inthe treatment group. The whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity wered tested by the LBY-N6A self-cleaning rotary viscosimeter. Red blood cells deposited was tested by the Winchester points vascular method. The language function and neural function defect scale were detected before and after treatment. Results The total effective rate in the treatment group was 88.8% (71/80), and the control group was 70.0% (56/80). The difference between of two groups was statistically significant (χ2=8.590, P=0.003). After treatment, the needle transmitte nerve function score (5.5 ± 1.6 vs. 7.5 ± 1.5, t=6.893) in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). The needle transmitte written (44.7 ± 2.5 vs. 39.1 ± 2.4, t=2.198), retelling ability (47.1 ± 4.4 vs. 35.9 ± 3.6, t=4.433), reading (77.2 ± 7.6 vs. 65.2 + 6.9, t=3.677) and listening comprehension (45.2 ± 2.4 vs. 38.9 ± 2.5, t=2.150) score after treatment were signigicantly higher than those before treatment (P<0.05). The high shear viscosity (2.7 ± 1.0 mPa•s vs. 4.1 ± 1.1 mPa•s, t=4.197), low shear viscosity (13.9 ± 2.0 mPa•s vs. 20.1 ± 2.1 mPa•s, t=3.011) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusions Acupuncture combined with conventional therapy can improve the language function and blood rheologyin the patients with post-stroke motor aphasia. Key words: Stroke; Aphasia, broca; Acupuncture; Integrated Chinese traditional and western medicine therapy; Rehabilitation of speech and language disorders; Hemorheology

Comparatively evaluating effect contribution of promoting blood circulation of herb pairs containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix on Xin-Sheng-Hua granule by withdrawal analysis

Xin-Sheng-Hua granule (XSHG) is a popular remedy commonly used in clinic for the treatment of lochiostasis after delivery. To comparatively investigate the roles of herb pairs containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) upon the formula by evaluating the blood coagulation and hemorheology function in acute blood stasis rats, acute blood stasis rat model was established by ice water bath and subcutaneous injection of adrenaline. And the blood stasis mice were administrated intragastrically with different samples of the formula minus herb pairs containing Danggui and the whole formula (XSHG, SHD, DY, DC, DT, DH, DJ and DZ). The whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and haematocrit (HCT) were applied to evaluate the effects of the formula minus herb pairs containing Danggui on hemorheology of blood stasis rats. The thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and plasma fibrinogen (FIB) were used to observe the effects of the formula minus herb pairs containing Danggui on blood coagulation function of blood stasis rats. Additionally, the maximum aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was tested to observe the effect of different samples on platelet aggregation index of blood stasis rats.Afterwards, multi-attribute comprehensive index methods and principal component analysis were both applied to comprehensively assess the total effects of the formula minus herb pairs containing Danggui on promoting blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis. Compared with normal group, the hemorheological parameters and coagulation indexes of model group had statistical differences (P<0.01). Compared with model group, different samples (XSHG, SHD, DY, DC, DT, DH, DJ and DZ) could improve the blood hemorheology indexes, coagulation parameters and platelet aggregation in acute blood stasis rats. According to multi-attribute comprehensive index methods and the principal component analysis, the effects of promoting blood circulation by removing blood stasis became poor when excluding herb pairs containing Danggui from the formula, the sample DY and DC had the weakest effect of activating blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis, and the effect of sample DY was slightly poorer than DC. The orders of contribution of herb pairs containing Danggui on the formula were Danggui-Yimucao>Danggui-Chuanxiong>Danggui-Honghua>Danggui-Zhigancao>Danggui-Taoren>Danggui-Jiangtan. In conclusion, various herb pairs containing Danggui played different roles on the effects of improving the abnormality of hemorheology and coagulation function. And the herb pairs Danggui-Yimucao were particularly important for the formula, which was consistent with the characteristics of XSHG and the traditional effect of Yimucao. Moreover, it could lay foundation to further reveal the compatibility mechanism of XSHG.

Study on intervention action of total flavonoids from Ilex Pubescens Radix on animal models of cerebral ischemic tolerance with blood stasis

The mice models of blood stasis were established by injecting dexamethasone into the intramuscular of side the thigh for successive 15 days, and giving related drugs via an intragastric administration. Firstly, the method of blocking the bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) was used for 10 minutes, and then perfusion restore for 5 days. Secondly, the method of CCA was used for 30 minutes, and then reperfusion for 24 hours. The whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity, the activity of NOS and ATPase and the level of NOS, and the content of Glu in the ischemic brain were measured. The morphological changes of brain tissue were observed by eosin (HE) staining technique. The results showed that compared with IPC model group the large doses of the flavonoids could reduce the viscosity of whole blood significantly (P<0.01). The small and medium doses of flavonoids could reduce the whole blood viscosity low-shear obviously (P<0.01). The medium doses of flavonoids could reduce the midst-shear obviously (P<0.05). The large and medium dose of flavonoids could significantly improve the ATP activity (P<0.01). The medium dose of flavonoids could improve the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity significantly (P<0.01). The small dose of flavonoids could improve the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity obviously (P<0.05). The large doses of flavonoids could reduce the content of gluin the ischemic brain significantly (P<0.01). And the others does of flavonoids could reduce the content of gluin the ischemic brain obviously (P<0.05). The large doses of flavonoids could reduce the activity of TNOS and iNOS significantly (P<0.01). The medium doses of flavonoids could reduce the activity of TNOS and iNOS obviously (P<0.05). The small doses of flavonoids could reduce the activity of iNOS obviously (P<0.05). Total flavonoids could obviously or significantly decrease the whole blood viscosity, the activity of NOS and the content of gluin the ischemic brain, increase the activity of ATPase significantly or obviously, could significantly relieve the degree of pathological injury of brain tissue of animal models.

Active Ankle Movements Prevent Formation of Lower-Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis After Orthopedic Surgery.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the preventive value of active ankle movements in the formation of lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT), attempting to develop a new method for rehabilitation nursing after orthopedic surgery.Material/MethodsWe randomly assigned 193 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery in the lower limbs into a case group (n=96) and a control group (n=97). The control group received routine nursing while the case group performed active ankle movements in addition to receiving routine nursing. Maximum venous outflow (MVO), maximum venous capacity (MVC), and blood rheology were measured and the incidence of DVT was recorded.ResultsOn the 11th and 14th days of the experiment, the case group had significantly higher MVO and MVC than the control group (all P<0.05). The whole-blood viscosity at high shear rate and the plasma viscosity were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group on the 14th day (both P<0.05). During the experiment, a significantly higher overall DVT incidence was recorded in the control group (8 with asymptomatic DVT) compared with the case group (1 with asymptomatic DVT) (P=0.034). During follow-up, the case group presented a significantly lower DVT incidence (1 with symptomatic DVT and 4 with asymptomatic DVT) than in the control group (5 with symptomatic DVT and 10 with asymptomatic DVT) (P=0.031).ConclusionsThrough increasing MVO and MVC and reducing blood rheology, active ankle movements may prevent the formation of lower-extremity DVT after orthopedic surgery.

Determination of whole blood and plasma viscosity in term neonates by flow curve analysis with the LS300 viscometer1.

Determination of shear stresses at given shear rates allow approximation of flow curves by mathematical models and to calculate viscosities of non-Newtonian fluids. In term neonates, the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) is markedly below that of adults, therefore rheological properties of blood play an important role in maintaining perfusion. Whole blood viscosity was measured in umbilical cord blood taken from 62 term neonates using the LS 300 viscometer. Individual parameters that influence the viscosity of whole blood were measured: red blood cell (RBC) aggregation, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, and RBC deformability. The flow curve of whole blood of neonates was approximated by the method of Ostwald with the highest quality whereas in adults the best approximation was found by the method of Casson. With hematocrits of 0.40, the viscosity of whole blood in newborns approximated by Ostwald (9.84 ± 5.12 mPa·s) was significantly lower than that of adults (15.34 ± 3.01 mPa·s). The aggregation index of the blood of newborns was markedly lower (2.98 ± 2.12) than in adults (14.63 ± 3.50) whereas RBC deformability was higher in neonates. The viscosity of plasma determined by Ostwald revealed a lower exponent (n) in neonates (0.94 ± 022) compared to adults (1.01 ± 0.12) and the viscosity determined by Newton was lower in neonates (1.04 ± 0.16 mPa·s) than in adults (1.19 ± 0.07 mPa·s). The flow curve of neonatal blood which is best approximated by the model of Ostwald emphasizes its important viscous properties necessary for conditions with physiologically low blood pressure.

Zhongfeng-Tengtong decoction combined with pregabalin for central post-stroke pain

Objective To observe the clinical effect of Zhongfeng-Tengtong decoction combined with tramadol in the treatment of central post-stroke pain (CPSP). Methods A total of 121 patients with stroke were recruited in our hospital. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups by the ramdom number table method, 61 patients in the treatment group and 60 in the control group. All patients received conventional treatment of stroke secondary prevention, and the control group received oral tramadol hydrochloride sustained release tablets, while the treatment group received Zhongfeng-Tengtong decoction based on the intervention of control group. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The outcomes included Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL), and the changes of hemorheology indexes of the 2 groups before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the NRS scores of treatment group were significantly lower than the control group (2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 4.6 ± 0.7; t=20.303, P<0.01). and FMA and SS-QOL scores of treatment group were significantly higher than the control group (FMA 57.1 ± 18.1 vs. 44.2 ± 12.5; t=4.702, P<0.01), (SS-QOL 193.4 ± 25.6 vs. 165.4 ± 22.8; t=6.536, P<0.01). The whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen and thrombosis coefficient of treatment group were significantely lower than the control group (whole blood viscosity 4.22 ± 0.13 mPa•s vs. 4.56 ± 0.41 mPa•s, t=14.452, P<0.01; plasma viscosity 1.72 ± 0.31 mPa•s vs. 2.33 ± 0.23 mPa•s, t=14.258, P<0.01; fibrinogen 3.72 ± 0.49 g/L vs. 4.98 ± 0.41 g/L, t=17.783, P<0.01; thrombosis coefficient 0.76 ± 0.30 vs. 1.11 ± 0.20, t=8.178, P<0.01). Conclusions Zhongfeng-Tengtong decoction combined with tramadol could alleviate the pain symptom in patients with CPSP, improve the movement function of limbs and improve the quality of life. Key words: Central post-stroke pain; Zhongfeng-Tengtong decoction; Pregabalin; Treatment outcome