Background: Obesity has become a serious global public health challenge, given that it leads to various adverse health outcomes that include cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The World H...Background: Obesity has become a serious global public health challenge, given that it leads to various adverse health outcomes that include cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that, at the end of 2022, 1 out of every 8 individuals were obese, and that the global adult obesity rates have over doubled since 1990, even as the adolescent obesity rates have quadrupled. Thus, as of 2022, nearly 2.5 billion adults, aged 18 years and above, were overweight, with 890 million being obese. Obesity and overweight incidence rate has been gradually increasing over the years, presenting significant challenges to the healthcare systems throughout the globe. In this regard, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. Methodology: To attain the above stated study objective, a systematic evaluation of previous studies was carried out, particularly studies that assessed the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. The authors have used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in the selection of eligible studies for inclusion in the study. Results: The findings indicate that lifestyle interventions resulted in 5% - 10% weight reduction and significant improvements in metabolic indicators, while pharmacotherapy (GLP-1 receptor agonists) achieved up to 15% weight reduction and considerable metabolic health benefits. Further, comparative studies show lifestyle modifications provide overall health benefits, while medication is necessary for non-responders. Conclusion: Individualized treatment strategies are crucial, and further research is needed on long-term consequences and combination therapies.展开更多
The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in a significant number of individuals developing pulmonary fibrosis(PF),an irreversible lung injury.This condition can manifest within...The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in a significant number of individuals developing pulmonary fibrosis(PF),an irreversible lung injury.This condition can manifest within a short inter-val following the onset of pneumonia symptoms,sometimes even within a few days.While lung transplantation is a potentially lifesaving procedure,its limited availability,high costs,intricate surgeries,and risk of immunological rejection present significant drawbacks.The optimal timing of medication administration for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-induced PF remains controversial.Despite this,it is crucial to explore pharmacotherapy interventions,involving early and preventative treatment as well as pharmacotherapy options for advanced-stage PF.Additionally,studies have demonstrated disparities in anti-fibrotic treatment based on race and gender factors.Genetic mutations may also impact therapeutic efficacy.Enhancing research efforts on pharmacotherapy interventions,while considering relevant pharmacological factors and optimizing the timing and dosage of medication administration,will lead to enhanced,personalized,and fair treatment for individuals impacted by COVID-19-related PF.These measures are crucial in lessening the burden of the disease on healthcare systems and improving patients'quality of life.展开更多
Introduction: Transcranial Doppler is a simple, non-invasive and inexpensive examination which allows the assessment of cerebral perfusion. In countries with limited resources, which do not have a means of monitoring ...Introduction: Transcranial Doppler is a simple, non-invasive and inexpensive examination which allows the assessment of cerebral perfusion. In countries with limited resources, which do not have a means of monitoring intracranial pressure, this examination offers hope of survival for patients with traumatic brain injury. This study was designed to investigate the incidence of early cerebral circulation abnormalities after traumatic brain injury using transcranial Doppler (TCD). Methodology: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted over one year, including patients with traumatic brain injury and an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 15. Non-inclusion criteria: Stroke, brain tumor, cerebral abscess. Exclusion criteria: Inadequate insonation window. Results: Out of 854 traumatic brain injury patients admitted to the emergency department, 112 were included in the study. The average age was 30.14 years, with a sex ratio of 4.1. Initially, 83.5% had moderate traumatic brain injury, and 12.1% had severe traumatic brain injury. Brain CT scans were performed in 95.7% of the patients. Edematous-hemorrhagic contusion was observed in 95% of the patients. On initial TCD, the pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery was greater than 1.3 in 49.4% of the patients. Diastolic velocity was less than 20 cm/s in 46.4% of cases, and mean velocity was greater than 150 cm/s in 8.7% of cases. In this group, low diastolic velocity indicated cerebral hypoperfusion suggestive of intracranial hypertension. When the pulsatility index was greater than 1.9, no patient had a normal diastolic velocity. Among patients with severe traumatic brain injury, 61.5% had an abnormal pulsatility index compared to 42.3% of patients with moderate traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: TCD is a simple tool for analyzing intracerebral hemodynamics.展开更多
Available pharmacotherapies for autism spectrum disorders(ASD)are reviewed based on clinical and research experience,highlighting some older drugs with emerging evidence.Several medications show efficacy in ASD,though...Available pharmacotherapies for autism spectrum disorders(ASD)are reviewed based on clinical and research experience,highlighting some older drugs with emerging evidence.Several medications show efficacy in ASD,though controlled studies in ASD are largely lacking.Only risperidone and aripiprazole have Federal Drug Administration approval in the United States.Methylphenidate(MPH)studies showed lower efficacy and tolerability for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)than in the typically developing(TD)population;atomoxetine demonstrated lower efficacy but comparable tolerability to TD outcomes.Guanfacine improved hyperactivity in ASD comparably to TD.Dextroamphetamine promises greater efficacy than MPH in ASD.ADHD medications reduce impulsive aggression in youth,and may also be key for this in adults.Controlled trials of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors citalopram and fluoxetine demonstrated poor tolerability and lack of efficacy for repetitive behaviors.Trials of antiseizure medications in ASD remain inconclusive,however clinical trials may be warranted in severely disabled individuals showing bizarre behaviors.No identified drugs treat ASD core symptoms;oxytocin lacked efficacy.Amitriptyline and loxapine however,show promise.Loxapine at 5-10 mg daily resembled an atypical antipsychotic in positron emission tomography studies,but may be weight-sparing.Amitriptyline at approximately 1 mg/kg/day used cautiously,shows efficacy for sleep,anxiety,impulsivity and ADHD,repetitive behaviors,and enuresis.Both drugs have promising neurotrophic properties.展开更多
Small bowel angiodysplasia(SBAD)is reported to account for nearly 50%of cases of small bowel bleeding.When SBAD occurs frequently,it is difficult to treat all the angiodysplasias endoscopically,and gastrointestinal bl...Small bowel angiodysplasia(SBAD)is reported to account for nearly 50%of cases of small bowel bleeding.When SBAD occurs frequently,it is difficult to treat all the angiodysplasias endoscopically,and gastrointestinal bleeding often recurs.Hormone therapy,somatostatin analogs,thalidomide and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-neutralizing antibodies have been reported to reduce gastrointestinal angiodysplasia(GIAD)bleeding.However,there is no strong evidence to recommend them.Also,there are no guidelines for their use.Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia(HHT)is a hereditary disease caused by abnormalities in VEGF,resulting in multiple GIADs.A treatment guideline has been created for GIAD in HHT,and the use of tranexamic acid,an antifibrinolytic agent,is the first recommendation pharmacotherapy for GIAD with gastrointestinal bleeding that is difficult to treat endoscopically.It has been reported that fibrinolysis is accelerated in GIAD patients who are not HHT,similar to HHT patients.The use of tranexamic acid for gastric antral vascular ectasia in GIAD has been reported to be useful.However,there are very few reports of its use for SBAD.There are concerns with tranexamic acid use regarding the development of thrombosis/embolism,but there are few reports of such side effects.Future clinical trials including tranexamic acid for SBAD are desired.展开更多
Improvement of photosynthetic efficiency is a major approach to increase crop yield potential.Previously,we cloned a gene encoding the chloroplast-located putative monooxygenase TCD5,which is essential in plastid deve...Improvement of photosynthetic efficiency is a major approach to increase crop yield potential.Previously,we cloned a gene encoding the chloroplast-located putative monooxygenase TCD5,which is essential in plastid development under low temperature in rice(Oryza sativa L.).In this study,the effects of TCD5 on the photosynthesis and the yields were investigated in rice.Two sets of genetic materials with three levels of TCD5 expression,including tcd5 mutant or TCD5 RNAi transgenic lines and TCD5 over-expression transgenic lines in Jiahua1 and Nipponbare backgrounds,were used in the field trails of multi-locations and multi-years.TCD5 positively affected the panicle number and the yield at dosage.Compared with the wild-types,the panicle numbers were 12.4%-14.6%less in tcd5 mutant and 8.3%-38.6%less in TCD5 RNAi lines,but 26.2%-61.8%more in TCD5 over-expression lines.The grain yields per plant were 9.1%-18.4%less in tcd5 mutant and 14.3%-56.7%less in TCD5 RNAi lines,but 6.9%-56.5%more in TCD5 over-expression lines.The measurements of net photosynthetic rate indicated that mutation or knock down of TCD5 decreased the net photosynthetic rate by 10.4%and 15.6%,respectively,while increasing it by 8.9%and 8.7%in the TCD5 over-expression lines in Jiahua1 and Nipponbare backgrounds,respectively.Accordingly,the measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters showed that the electron transport rate and quantum yield decreased in tcd5 mutant or TCD5 RNAi lines but increased in TCD5 overexpression lines,both in Jiahua1 and Nipponbare backgrounds.IP-MS screening revealed that TCD5 interacts with 29 chloroplast proteins involved in chlorophyll synthesis,photo-reactions of the photosynthesis,carbon assimilation and metabolism,energy metabolism,redox balance,protein synthesis and transportation.Two TCD5 interacted proteins,D1 and FBA were effective targets for improving photosynthesis.These results suggest a potentially new strategy for increasing rice yield by enhancing photosynthesis.展开更多
文摘Background: Obesity has become a serious global public health challenge, given that it leads to various adverse health outcomes that include cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that, at the end of 2022, 1 out of every 8 individuals were obese, and that the global adult obesity rates have over doubled since 1990, even as the adolescent obesity rates have quadrupled. Thus, as of 2022, nearly 2.5 billion adults, aged 18 years and above, were overweight, with 890 million being obese. Obesity and overweight incidence rate has been gradually increasing over the years, presenting significant challenges to the healthcare systems throughout the globe. In this regard, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. Methodology: To attain the above stated study objective, a systematic evaluation of previous studies was carried out, particularly studies that assessed the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. The authors have used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in the selection of eligible studies for inclusion in the study. Results: The findings indicate that lifestyle interventions resulted in 5% - 10% weight reduction and significant improvements in metabolic indicators, while pharmacotherapy (GLP-1 receptor agonists) achieved up to 15% weight reduction and considerable metabolic health benefits. Further, comparative studies show lifestyle modifications provide overall health benefits, while medication is necessary for non-responders. Conclusion: Individualized treatment strategies are crucial, and further research is needed on long-term consequences and combination therapies.
基金Supported by the Project of Special Funds for Science and Technology Cooperation in Guizhou Provinces and Zunyi City,No.Shengshikehe(2015)53.
文摘The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in a significant number of individuals developing pulmonary fibrosis(PF),an irreversible lung injury.This condition can manifest within a short inter-val following the onset of pneumonia symptoms,sometimes even within a few days.While lung transplantation is a potentially lifesaving procedure,its limited availability,high costs,intricate surgeries,and risk of immunological rejection present significant drawbacks.The optimal timing of medication administration for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-induced PF remains controversial.Despite this,it is crucial to explore pharmacotherapy interventions,involving early and preventative treatment as well as pharmacotherapy options for advanced-stage PF.Additionally,studies have demonstrated disparities in anti-fibrotic treatment based on race and gender factors.Genetic mutations may also impact therapeutic efficacy.Enhancing research efforts on pharmacotherapy interventions,while considering relevant pharmacological factors and optimizing the timing and dosage of medication administration,will lead to enhanced,personalized,and fair treatment for individuals impacted by COVID-19-related PF.These measures are crucial in lessening the burden of the disease on healthcare systems and improving patients'quality of life.
文摘Introduction: Transcranial Doppler is a simple, non-invasive and inexpensive examination which allows the assessment of cerebral perfusion. In countries with limited resources, which do not have a means of monitoring intracranial pressure, this examination offers hope of survival for patients with traumatic brain injury. This study was designed to investigate the incidence of early cerebral circulation abnormalities after traumatic brain injury using transcranial Doppler (TCD). Methodology: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted over one year, including patients with traumatic brain injury and an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 15. Non-inclusion criteria: Stroke, brain tumor, cerebral abscess. Exclusion criteria: Inadequate insonation window. Results: Out of 854 traumatic brain injury patients admitted to the emergency department, 112 were included in the study. The average age was 30.14 years, with a sex ratio of 4.1. Initially, 83.5% had moderate traumatic brain injury, and 12.1% had severe traumatic brain injury. Brain CT scans were performed in 95.7% of the patients. Edematous-hemorrhagic contusion was observed in 95% of the patients. On initial TCD, the pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery was greater than 1.3 in 49.4% of the patients. Diastolic velocity was less than 20 cm/s in 46.4% of cases, and mean velocity was greater than 150 cm/s in 8.7% of cases. In this group, low diastolic velocity indicated cerebral hypoperfusion suggestive of intracranial hypertension. When the pulsatility index was greater than 1.9, no patient had a normal diastolic velocity. Among patients with severe traumatic brain injury, 61.5% had an abnormal pulsatility index compared to 42.3% of patients with moderate traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: TCD is a simple tool for analyzing intracerebral hemodynamics.
文摘Available pharmacotherapies for autism spectrum disorders(ASD)are reviewed based on clinical and research experience,highlighting some older drugs with emerging evidence.Several medications show efficacy in ASD,though controlled studies in ASD are largely lacking.Only risperidone and aripiprazole have Federal Drug Administration approval in the United States.Methylphenidate(MPH)studies showed lower efficacy and tolerability for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)than in the typically developing(TD)population;atomoxetine demonstrated lower efficacy but comparable tolerability to TD outcomes.Guanfacine improved hyperactivity in ASD comparably to TD.Dextroamphetamine promises greater efficacy than MPH in ASD.ADHD medications reduce impulsive aggression in youth,and may also be key for this in adults.Controlled trials of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors citalopram and fluoxetine demonstrated poor tolerability and lack of efficacy for repetitive behaviors.Trials of antiseizure medications in ASD remain inconclusive,however clinical trials may be warranted in severely disabled individuals showing bizarre behaviors.No identified drugs treat ASD core symptoms;oxytocin lacked efficacy.Amitriptyline and loxapine however,show promise.Loxapine at 5-10 mg daily resembled an atypical antipsychotic in positron emission tomography studies,but may be weight-sparing.Amitriptyline at approximately 1 mg/kg/day used cautiously,shows efficacy for sleep,anxiety,impulsivity and ADHD,repetitive behaviors,and enuresis.Both drugs have promising neurotrophic properties.
文摘Small bowel angiodysplasia(SBAD)is reported to account for nearly 50%of cases of small bowel bleeding.When SBAD occurs frequently,it is difficult to treat all the angiodysplasias endoscopically,and gastrointestinal bleeding often recurs.Hormone therapy,somatostatin analogs,thalidomide and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-neutralizing antibodies have been reported to reduce gastrointestinal angiodysplasia(GIAD)bleeding.However,there is no strong evidence to recommend them.Also,there are no guidelines for their use.Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia(HHT)is a hereditary disease caused by abnormalities in VEGF,resulting in multiple GIADs.A treatment guideline has been created for GIAD in HHT,and the use of tranexamic acid,an antifibrinolytic agent,is the first recommendation pharmacotherapy for GIAD with gastrointestinal bleeding that is difficult to treat endoscopically.It has been reported that fibrinolysis is accelerated in GIAD patients who are not HHT,similar to HHT patients.The use of tranexamic acid for gastric antral vascular ectasia in GIAD has been reported to be useful.However,there are very few reports of its use for SBAD.There are concerns with tranexamic acid use regarding the development of thrombosis/embolism,but there are few reports of such side effects.Future clinical trials including tranexamic acid for SBAD are desired.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grand No.U19A2025)Scientific Research Foundation of China Jiliang University.
文摘Improvement of photosynthetic efficiency is a major approach to increase crop yield potential.Previously,we cloned a gene encoding the chloroplast-located putative monooxygenase TCD5,which is essential in plastid development under low temperature in rice(Oryza sativa L.).In this study,the effects of TCD5 on the photosynthesis and the yields were investigated in rice.Two sets of genetic materials with three levels of TCD5 expression,including tcd5 mutant or TCD5 RNAi transgenic lines and TCD5 over-expression transgenic lines in Jiahua1 and Nipponbare backgrounds,were used in the field trails of multi-locations and multi-years.TCD5 positively affected the panicle number and the yield at dosage.Compared with the wild-types,the panicle numbers were 12.4%-14.6%less in tcd5 mutant and 8.3%-38.6%less in TCD5 RNAi lines,but 26.2%-61.8%more in TCD5 over-expression lines.The grain yields per plant were 9.1%-18.4%less in tcd5 mutant and 14.3%-56.7%less in TCD5 RNAi lines,but 6.9%-56.5%more in TCD5 over-expression lines.The measurements of net photosynthetic rate indicated that mutation or knock down of TCD5 decreased the net photosynthetic rate by 10.4%and 15.6%,respectively,while increasing it by 8.9%and 8.7%in the TCD5 over-expression lines in Jiahua1 and Nipponbare backgrounds,respectively.Accordingly,the measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters showed that the electron transport rate and quantum yield decreased in tcd5 mutant or TCD5 RNAi lines but increased in TCD5 overexpression lines,both in Jiahua1 and Nipponbare backgrounds.IP-MS screening revealed that TCD5 interacts with 29 chloroplast proteins involved in chlorophyll synthesis,photo-reactions of the photosynthesis,carbon assimilation and metabolism,energy metabolism,redox balance,protein synthesis and transportation.Two TCD5 interacted proteins,D1 and FBA were effective targets for improving photosynthesis.These results suggest a potentially new strategy for increasing rice yield by enhancing photosynthesis.
