Strong evidence has accumulated to show a correlation between depression symptoms and inflammatory responses.Moreover,anti-inflammatory treatment has shown partial effectiveness in alleviating depression symptoms.Lyci...Strong evidence has accumulated to show a correlation between depression symptoms and inflammatory responses.Moreover,anti-inflammatory treatment has shown partial effectiveness in alleviating depression symptoms.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP),derived from Goji berries,exhibits notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.In our recent double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial,we found that LBP significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adolescents with subthreshold depression.It is presumed that the antidepressant effect of LBP may be associated with its influence on inflammatory cytokines.In the double-blinded randomized controlled trial,we enrolled 29 adolescents with subthreshold depression and randomly divided them into an LBP group and a placebo group.In the LBP group,adolescents were given 300 mg/d LBP.A 6-week follow up was completed by 24 adolescents,comprising 14 adolescents from the LBP group(15.36±2.06 years,3 men and 11 women)and 10 adolescents from the placebo group(14.9±1.6 years,2 men and 8 women).Our results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment,the interleukin-17A level in the LBP group was lower than that in the placebo group.Network analysis showed that LBP reduced the correlations and connectivity between inflammatory factors,which were associated with the improvement in depressive symptoms.These findings suggest that 6-week administration of LBP suppresses the immune response by reducing interleukin-17A level,thereby exerting an antidepressant effect.展开更多
Background:Studies on the association between spicy food intake and cancer risk have reported inconsistent results.We quantitatively assessed this association by conducting a meta-analysis based on evidence from case...Background:Studies on the association between spicy food intake and cancer risk have reported inconsistent results.We quantitatively assessed this association by conducting a meta-analysis based on evidence from case-control studies.Methods:PubMed,EMBASE,and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible publications.Combined odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-or fixed-effects model.The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).All data were analyzed using STATA 1 1.0 software (version 11.0;StataCorp.,College Station,TX,USA).Subgroup analyses were also performed with stratification by region,sex,number of cases,cancer subtype,source of the control group,and NOS score.Results:A total 39 studies from 28 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis (7884 patients with cancer and 10,142 controls).Comparison of the highest versus lowest exposure category in each study revealed a significant OR of 1.76 (95% CI =1.35-2.29) in spite of significant heterogeneity (P 〈 0.00l).In the subgroup analyses,this positive correlation was still found for gastric cancer,different regions,different numbers of cases,different sources of the control group,and high-quality articles (NOS score of≥ 7).However,no statistically significant association was observed for women,esophageal cancer,gallbladder cancer,or low-quality articles (NOS score of〈7).No evidence of publication bias was found.Conclusions:Evidence from case-control studies suggested that a higher level of spicy food intake may be associated with an increased incidence of cancer despite significant heterogeneity.More studies are warranted to clarify our understanding of the association between high spicy food intake and the risk of cancer.展开更多
BACKGROUND The incidence of gastric cancer remains high,and it is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.Oral contrastenhanced ultrasonography is a simple,non-invasive,and...BACKGROUND The incidence of gastric cancer remains high,and it is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.Oral contrastenhanced ultrasonography is a simple,non-invasive,and painless method for the diagnosis of gastric tumors.AIM To explore the diagnostic value of oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the detection of gastric tumors.METHODS The screening results based on oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and electronic gastroscopy were compared with those of the postoperative pathological examination.RESULTS Among 42 patients with gastric tumors enrolled in the study,the diagnostic accordance rate was 95.2%for oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(n=40)and 90.5%for electronic gastroscopy(n=38)compared with postoperative pathological examination.The Kappa value of consistency test with pathological findings was 0.812 for oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and 0.718 for electronic gastroscopy,and there was no significant difference between them(P=0.397).For the TNM staging of gastric tumors,the accuracy rate of oral contrast enhanced ultrasonography was 81.9%for the overall T staging and 50%,77.8%,100%,and 100%for T1,T2,T3,and T4 staging,respectively.The sensitivity and specificity were both 100%for stages T3 and T4.The diagnostic accuracy rate of oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was 93.8%,80%,100%,and 100%for stages N0,N1-N3,M0,and M1,respectively.CONCLUSION The accordance rate of qualitative diagnosis by oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is comparable to that of gastroscopy,and it could be used as the preferred method for the early screening of gastric tumors.展开更多
Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is a commonly diagnosed cancer in Southeast Asia. Many studies have examined the risk factors for NPC, yet the roles of some risk factors remain inconclusive. The purpose of t...Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is a commonly diagnosed cancer in Southeast Asia. Many studies have examined the risk factors for NPC, yet the roles of some risk factors remain inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between modifiable lifestyle factors and the risk of NPC in the Singaporean population.Methods: We conducted a case–control study in Singapore with 300 patients and 310 controls who were recruited between 2008 and 2012. Each control was selected and individually matched to each patient based on sex, ethnicity, and age(±5 years). A total of 290 pairs of cases and controls were matched successfully. We examined lifestyle factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, various salted and preserved food consumption, and weaning practices.Results: After adjusting for covariates, multivariate analysis showed that those participants who were current smokers and had ever smoked tobacco had a higher risk of NPC than participants who had never smoked, with odds ratios(ORs) of 4.50(95% confidence interval [CI] 2.58–7.86; P < 0.001) and 2.52(95% CI 1.54–4.12; P < 0.001), respectively. Those who consumed salted vegetables at least once a week also showed a significantly increased risk of NPC than those who never or rarely consumed salted vegetables, with an OR of 4.18(95% CI 1.69–10.38; P = 0.002).Conclusion: Smoking(currently and ever-smoked) and consuming salted vegetables once a week or more were lifestyle risk factors for NPC, and changes of these factors for the better may reduce the risk of NPC.展开更多
A case-control study was conducted to investigate associations between organophosphate pesticide(OP)exposure,aggression,impulsivity,and attempted suicide.Questionnaires were used to collect information;impulsivity a...A case-control study was conducted to investigate associations between organophosphate pesticide(OP)exposure,aggression,impulsivity,and attempted suicide.Questionnaires were used to collect information;impulsivity and aggression were measured by the Barratt Impulsivity Scale(BIS)and the Aggression Inventory(AI).展开更多
The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months o...The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.展开更多
We aimed to describe the distribution of tuberculosis (TB) health workers in China and provide evidences of potential inequity for policy development. We used Lorenz curves and Gini index to characterize the distrib...We aimed to describe the distribution of tuberculosis (TB) health workers in China and provide evidences of potential inequity for policy development. We used Lorenz curves and Gini index to characterize the distribution of TB health workers by population size, geographical area and number of annual registered TB cases. An additional stratified analysis was done by three economic regions. The Gini index were 0.33 for population size, 0.62 for geographical area and 0.30 for number of registered tuberculosis cases that indicated an acceptable average, significant inequity and a relative average distribution nationwide respectively.展开更多
Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is an inflammatory disease of the middle ear causing significantmorbidity in early childhood. A pilot study was undertaken to identify the role of various risk factorsSouth Indian ...Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is an inflammatory disease of the middle ear causing significantmorbidity in early childhood. A pilot study was undertaken to identify the role of various risk factorsSouth Indian children with AOM, especially the role of nasopharyngeal otopathogens.Methodology: A prospective case control pilot study was conducted in children aged below six years,presenting to a single tertiary care from 2018 to 2019. Fifty cases with AOM and 45 age and gendermatched controls were recruited. Two nasopharyngeal swabs were collected, one was processed forbacterial culture. The other swab was processed according to the CDC recommended broth enrichmentmethod to identify carriage of S. pneumoniae. Subsequent serotyping was done by Quellung method andconventional sequential multiplex PCR.Result: Otalgia was the major presentation seen in 92% of the children with AOM. None of the clinical anddemographic characteristics were found to be statistically significant between the cases and controls. Themost common otopathogen was S. pneumoniae (55%) followed by H. influenza (29%). The commonS. pneumoniae serotypes encountered were 11A and 19F.Nasopharyngeal colonization with S. pneumoniae[OR 6.57, p < 0.003] and H. influenzae [OR14.18, p < 0.003] were significant risk factors for AOM inchildren. The risk increased with co-colonization (OR 13.89,p < 0.003).Conclusion: This study strengthens the significant association between nasopharyngeal colonization ofotopathogens and AOM as a risk factor that is enhanced by co-colonization.S. pneumoniae was the mainotopathogen in this population, serotypes 11A and 19F being the most common.展开更多
To investigate the high-risk factors for newborn hearing loss and to provide information for preventing the development of hearing loss and delaying its progression, from May 2003 to June 2006, neonates who failed to ...To investigate the high-risk factors for newborn hearing loss and to provide information for preventing the development of hearing loss and delaying its progression, from May 2003 to June 2006, neonates who failed to pass the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) were referred to Jinan Newborn Hearing Screening and Rehabilitation Center from 7 newborn hearing screening centers in seven cities of Shandong province. One-to-one pair-matched case-control method was employed for statistical analysis of the basic features of definitely identified cases. High-risk factors relating to the bilateral hearing loss were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Our results revealed that 721 transferred newborns who didn't pass the heating screening received audiological and medical evaluation and 367 were confirmed to have hearing loss. Of them, 177 neonates with hearing loss who met the matching requirements were included in the study as subjects. Univariate analysis showed that high-risk factors related to hearing loss incuded age of father, education backgrounds of parents, parity, birth weight, gestational weeks, craniofacial deformity, history of receiving treatment in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), neonatal disease, family history of otopathy and family history of congenital hearing loss. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that 4 independent risk factors were related to bilateral hearing loss, including parity (OR=16.285, 95% CI 3.379--78,481), neonatal disease (OR=34;968, 95% CI 2.720 449.534), family history of congenital hearing loss (OR=69.488, 95% CI 4.417--1093.300) and birth weight (OR=0.241, 95% CI 0.090--0.648). It is concluded that parity, neonatal disease and family history of heating loss are the promoting factors of bilateral hearing loss in neonates and appropriate intervention measures should be taken to deal with the risk factors.展开更多
Information was obtained from the same questionnaire (23 risk factors listed) of cases and controls. We used a multivariate logistic model, which described variables significantly increased risk of birth defects....Information was obtained from the same questionnaire (23 risk factors listed) of cases and controls. We used a multivariate logistic model, which described variables significantly increased risk of birth defects. The risk factors included maternal educational levels, medicine taken during pregnancy and antenatal care. It was suggested to strengthen antenatal care was the main preventive measure against birth defects.展开更多
With the changes in trends of disease pattern from infectious to chronic degenerative disease, cardiovascular disease has been considered as the major cause of death in Korea.Numerous studies have been done on the ant...With the changes in trends of disease pattern from infectious to chronic degenerative disease, cardiovascular disease has been considered as the major cause of death in Korea.Numerous studies have been done on the antioxidant effects of some vitamins in the prevention of chronic illness, but not many in relation to the cardiovascular disease.Therefore, the relation between antioxidant vitamins, mainly α-tocopherol (α-T) and B-carotene (B-C), and coronary artery disease (CAD) such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction has been investigated in this study.The blood samples were obtained from the CAD patients who were angiographically diagnosed within a month (100 case group). Patients who had an experience of PTCA or CABG were excluded from the study. Control subjects were healthy adults who had normal EKG values, no chest pain and no past history of cardiac disease (100 control group). All subjects were free of serum lipid lowering drugs. Serum α-T and B-C were analysed using HPLC. In addition to antioxidant vitamins, serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, TG) were also measured. Each case and control was matched in terms of age and sex. And all the CAD risk factors such as blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, serum lipid profile and BMI were adjusted to determine pure effect(s) of α-T and B-C on the CAD.The concentrations of both α-T and B-C were significantly lower in the CAD group than those in control group (P<0.05); in CAD group, mean values of α-T and B-C were 11.9±7.2 (μg/ml), 35.8±3.1 (μg/dl) respectively. As for the levels of B-C, it shows inverse relation with age, but not for the α-T Ievels. Serum levels of both vitamins did not show any significant differences in terms of sex, but men have a tendency o higher levels of B-C,but lower levels of α-T展开更多
The method of using dielectrophoresis (DEP) to assemble graphene between micro-electrodes has been proven to be simple and efficient. We present an optimization method for the kinetic formula of graphene DEP, and di...The method of using dielectrophoresis (DEP) to assemble graphene between micro-electrodes has been proven to be simple and efficient. We present an optimization method for the kinetic formula of graphene DEP, and discuss the simulation of the graphene assembly process based on the finite element method. The simulated results illustrate that the accelerated motion of graphene is in agreement with the distribution of the electric field squared gradient. We also conduct research on the controllable parameters of the DEP assembly such as the alternating current (AC) frequency, the shape of micro-electrodes, and the ratio of the gap between electrodes to the characteristic/geometric length of graphene (λ). The simulations based on the Clausius-Mossotti factor reveal that both graphene velocity and direction are influenced by the AC frequency. When graphene is close to the electrodes, the shape of micro-electrodes will exert great influence on the velocity of graphene. Also, λ has a great influence on the velocity of graphene. Generally, the velocity of graphene would be greater when λ is in the range of 0.4 0.6. The study is of a theoretical guiding significance in improving the precision and efficiency of the graphene DEP assembly.展开更多
With the aid of the latest fiber optic sensing technology parameters in the cure process of ther- mosetting resin-matrix composite, such as temperature, viscosity,void and residual stress, can be monitored entirely an...With the aid of the latest fiber optic sensing technology parameters in the cure process of ther- mosetting resin-matrix composite, such as temperature, viscosity,void and residual stress, can be monitored entirely and efficiently.In this paper, experiment results of viscosity measurement in composite cure process in autoclave using fiber optic sensors are presented. Based on the sensed information, a computer program is utilized to control the cure process. With this technology, the cure process becomes more apparent and controllable, which will greatly improve the cured products and reduce the cost.展开更多
Objective To discuss the postoperative curative effects of two surgical techniques of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) using metal-on-metal largediameter and conventional diameter femoral head for the e...Objective To discuss the postoperative curative effects of two surgical techniques of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) using metal-on-metal largediameter and conventional diameter femoral head for the elderly patients展开更多
BACKGROUND: Recent researches demonstrate that damage of executive function is an early manifestation of vascular cognitive disorder. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the executive functions of patients with transient isch...BACKGROUND: Recent researches demonstrate that damage of executive function is an early manifestation of vascular cognitive disorder. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the executive functions of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). DESIGN: Case control. SETTING: Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 83 TIA patients (46 males and 37 females, aged 32 - 74 years) were selected from Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from July 2005 to December 2006. The diagnosis of TIA was established by the criteria of cerebrovascular diseases made by the Fourth National Cerebrovascular Disease Meeting. In these cases, forty-five patients (54%) were involved in internal carotid artery, and thirty-eight patients (46%) were involved in vertebral basilar system. Fifty healthy adults (Control group: 28 males and 22 females, aged 32 - 74 years) were chosen from retiree in community and family of patients. All of them were right-handedness, without cerebrovascular disease, cerebral trauma, inborn oligophrenia, and heating and visual disorders; also they had no anxiety and depression nearly one week. In addition, all the subjects cooperated with examination. METHODS: After TIA diagnosis, all patients received neuropsychological examination, including attention and inhibition, working memory, flexibility, planning and diversion, based on Stroop tests (C and CW) and the Wisconsin card sorting tests (WCST). ① WCST test: The edition revised by Nelson was used. We would take the times of sorting, incorrect response, persistent incorrect response, and randomly incorrect response as the index of evaluation.② Stroop tests: The edition revised by Trenarry was used and this test had two types: form color and form color-word. Their incorrect response and response time were recorded for data analysis in the end. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of WCST test and Stroop tests. RESULTS: A total of 83 TIA patients and 50 healthy subjects were involved in the final analysis. Items of Stroop tests, including response time of Stroop-C test, incorrect response of Stroop-C test, response time of Stroop-CW test and incorrect response of Stroop-CW test, and items of WCST, including incorrect response, persistent incorrect response and random incorrect response, between internal carotid artery system and vertebral basilar artery system were (93.87±24.39) s, 3.16±3.97, (228.46±68.13) s, 12.91 ± 10.56, 55.42± 20.38, 26.58± 10.41, 28.62±11.22; (96.76±24.75) s, 3.89±4.77, (223.46±72.54) s, 18.71 ± 13.80, 52.47 ±22.25, 28.82± 16.20, 23.39±9.72, respectively; this was higher than those in the control group [(52.10± 12.18) s, 1.68± 1.97, (134.86±34.15) s, 4.22±4.21, 32.46± 17.97, 14.42±8.47, 18.24± 10.24, P 〈 0.05 - 0.01]. Times of sorting of WCST between internal carotid artery system and vertebral basilar artery system were obviously lower than those in the control group (8.27±2.73, 8.66±2.77, 11.22±2.41, P 〈 0.01). However, there were no significant differences between internal carotid artery system and vertebral basilar artery system (P 〉 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with TIA have executive dysfunctions, and the dysfunctions have no difference between internal carotid artery system and vertebral basilar artery system.展开更多
BACKGROUND Low back pain(LBP)is a prevalent issue that orthopedic surgeons frequently address in the outpatient setting.LBP can arise from various causes,with stiffness in the paraspinal muscles being a notable contri...BACKGROUND Low back pain(LBP)is a prevalent issue that orthopedic surgeons frequently address in the outpatient setting.LBP can arise from various causes,with stiffness in the paraspinal muscles being a notable contributor.The administration of Botulinum toxin type A(BoNT-A)has been found to alleviate back pain by relaxing these stiff muscles.While BoNT-A is approved for use in numerous conditions,a limited number of randomized clinical trials(RCTs)validate its efficacy specifically for treating LBP.AIM To study the safety and the efficacy of BoNT-A in minimizing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients of chronic LBP(CLBP).METHODS In this RCT,adults aged 18-60 years with mechanical LBP persisting for at least six months were enrolled.Participants were allocated to either the Drug group,receiving 200 Ipsen Units(2 mL)of BoNT-A,or the Control group,which received a 2 mL placebo.Over a 2-month follow-up period,both groups were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS)for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)for disability at the start and conclusion of the study.A decrease in pain by 50%was deemed clinically significant.RESULTS The study followed 40 patients for two months,with 20 in each group.A clinically significant reduction in pain was observed in 36 participants.There was a statistically significant decrease in both VAS and ODI scores in the groups at the end of two months.Nonetheless,when comparing the mean score changes,only the reduction in ODI scores(15 in the placebo group vs 16.5 in the drug group,clinically insignificant)was statistically significant(P=0.012),whereas the change in mean VAS scores was not significant(P=0.45).CONCLUSION The study concludes that BoNT-A does not offer a short-term advantage over placebo in reducing pain or improving LBP scores in CLBP patients.展开更多
Some published evidence has revealed that the dendritic cells can interact with pathogens that exist in the inner foreskin. This information provides a new vision that pathogens could play a role through the redundant...Some published evidence has revealed that the dendritic cells can interact with pathogens that exist in the inner foreskin. This information provides a new vision that pathogens could play a role through the redundant prepuce; numerous studies have failed to find pathogens in prostates of patients who had chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). However, no studies have reported an association between foreskin length and CP/CPPS. Hence, we conducted a retrospective case-control study of clinical data from 322 CP/CPPS patients (case group) and 341 nonCP/CPPS patients (control group). Demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and foreskin lengths were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was adopted to calculate the odds of foreskin length for CP/CPPS. According to the multivariate logistic regression results, when the foreskin length covered up more than half of the glans penis, the odds for CP/CPPS were higher with an increased foreskin (odds ratio (OR): 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-2.66). In comparison, when the glans penis was completely covered by the foreskin, the OR value increased to 1.86 (95% CI, 1.2-2.88). The study results showed an association between foreskin length and the odds of CP/CPPS. When the foreskin length covered up more than half of the glans penis, there were greater odds for CP/CPPS. This possible mechanism might result from interaction between pathogens and DCs in the inner foreskin, consequently activating T-cells to mediate allergic inflammation in the prostate and producing the autoimmunizations causing CP/CPPS.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairments are core characteristics of schizophrenia,but are largely resistant to current treatments.Several recent studies have shown that highfrequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulat...BACKGROUND Cognitive impairments are core characteristics of schizophrenia,but are largely resistant to current treatments.Several recent studies have shown that highfrequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)can reduce negative symptoms and improve certain cognitive deficits in schizophrenia patients.However,results are inconsistent across studies.AIM To examine if high-frequency rTMS of the DLPFC can improve visual memory deficits in patients with schizophrenia.METHODS Forty-seven chronic schizophrenia patients with severe negative symptoms on stable treatment regimens were randomly assigned to receive active rTMS to the DLPFC(n=25)or sham stimulation(n=22)on weekdays for four consecutive weeks.Patients performed the pattern recognition memory(PRM)task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery at baseline,at the end of rTMS treatment(week 4),and 4 wk after rTMS treatment(week 8).Clinical symptoms were also measured at these same time points using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms(SANS)and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS).RESULTS There were no significant differences in PRM performance metrics,SANS total score,SANS subscores,PANSS total score,and PANSS subscores between active and sham rTMS groups at the end of the 4-wk treatment period,but PRM performance metrics(percent correct and number correct)and changes in these metrics from baseline were significantly greater in the active rTMS group at week 8 compared to the sham group(all P<0.05).Active rTMS treatment also significantly reduced SANS score at week 8 compared to sham treatment.Moreover,the improvement in visual memory was correlated with the reduction in negative symptoms at week 8.In contrast,there were no between-group differences in PANSS total score and subscale scores at either week 4 or week 8(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION High-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation improves visual memory and reduces negative symptoms in schizophrenia,but these effects are delayed,potentially due to the requirement for extensive neuroplastic changes within DLPFC networks.展开更多
Objective: To improve the effects of treatment of severe acute re spiratory syndrome (SARS) and to explore the clinical significance of integrate d traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine (ICWM) in the treat...Objective: To improve the effects of treatment of severe acute re spiratory syndrome (SARS) and to explore the clinical significance of integrate d traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine (ICWM) in the treatment of S ARS and its influence on the chief indexes in the process of the disease. Methods: The clinical study involving observation of 135 patients of SARS was conducted in the randomized, synchronously controlled and open way. The patients were divided into two groups, 68 in the ICWM group and 67 in the c ontrol group, all of whom were treated with the same basic treatment of western medicine, but to the ICWM group, Chinese drugs for clearing Heat, detoxifying an d removing Dampness were given additionally. The comprehensive effect on relievi ng fever, cell mediated immunity, pulmonary inflammation and secondary infect ion was compared between the two groups. Results: The therapeutic effect in the ICWM group was better than that in the control group in such aspects as steadily lowering body temperature, alleviating general symptoms, accelerating the absorption of pulmonary infiltra tion and easing cellular immunity suppression. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of ICWM is better in treating SARS than that of western medicine alone.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81671347(to KL)the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou of China,No.202007030012(to KFS and KL)the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou of China,No 202102020735(to RW).
文摘Strong evidence has accumulated to show a correlation between depression symptoms and inflammatory responses.Moreover,anti-inflammatory treatment has shown partial effectiveness in alleviating depression symptoms.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP),derived from Goji berries,exhibits notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.In our recent double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial,we found that LBP significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adolescents with subthreshold depression.It is presumed that the antidepressant effect of LBP may be associated with its influence on inflammatory cytokines.In the double-blinded randomized controlled trial,we enrolled 29 adolescents with subthreshold depression and randomly divided them into an LBP group and a placebo group.In the LBP group,adolescents were given 300 mg/d LBP.A 6-week follow up was completed by 24 adolescents,comprising 14 adolescents from the LBP group(15.36±2.06 years,3 men and 11 women)and 10 adolescents from the placebo group(14.9±1.6 years,2 men and 8 women).Our results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment,the interleukin-17A level in the LBP group was lower than that in the placebo group.Network analysis showed that LBP reduced the correlations and connectivity between inflammatory factors,which were associated with the improvement in depressive symptoms.These findings suggest that 6-week administration of LBP suppresses the immune response by reducing interleukin-17A level,thereby exerting an antidepressant effect.
文摘Background:Studies on the association between spicy food intake and cancer risk have reported inconsistent results.We quantitatively assessed this association by conducting a meta-analysis based on evidence from case-control studies.Methods:PubMed,EMBASE,and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible publications.Combined odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-or fixed-effects model.The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).All data were analyzed using STATA 1 1.0 software (version 11.0;StataCorp.,College Station,TX,USA).Subgroup analyses were also performed with stratification by region,sex,number of cases,cancer subtype,source of the control group,and NOS score.Results:A total 39 studies from 28 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis (7884 patients with cancer and 10,142 controls).Comparison of the highest versus lowest exposure category in each study revealed a significant OR of 1.76 (95% CI =1.35-2.29) in spite of significant heterogeneity (P 〈 0.00l).In the subgroup analyses,this positive correlation was still found for gastric cancer,different regions,different numbers of cases,different sources of the control group,and high-quality articles (NOS score of≥ 7).However,no statistically significant association was observed for women,esophageal cancer,gallbladder cancer,or low-quality articles (NOS score of〈7).No evidence of publication bias was found.Conclusions:Evidence from case-control studies suggested that a higher level of spicy food intake may be associated with an increased incidence of cancer despite significant heterogeneity.More studies are warranted to clarify our understanding of the association between high spicy food intake and the risk of cancer.
文摘BACKGROUND The incidence of gastric cancer remains high,and it is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.Oral contrastenhanced ultrasonography is a simple,non-invasive,and painless method for the diagnosis of gastric tumors.AIM To explore the diagnostic value of oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the detection of gastric tumors.METHODS The screening results based on oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and electronic gastroscopy were compared with those of the postoperative pathological examination.RESULTS Among 42 patients with gastric tumors enrolled in the study,the diagnostic accordance rate was 95.2%for oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(n=40)and 90.5%for electronic gastroscopy(n=38)compared with postoperative pathological examination.The Kappa value of consistency test with pathological findings was 0.812 for oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and 0.718 for electronic gastroscopy,and there was no significant difference between them(P=0.397).For the TNM staging of gastric tumors,the accuracy rate of oral contrast enhanced ultrasonography was 81.9%for the overall T staging and 50%,77.8%,100%,and 100%for T1,T2,T3,and T4 staging,respectively.The sensitivity and specificity were both 100%for stages T3 and T4.The diagnostic accuracy rate of oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was 93.8%,80%,100%,and 100%for stages N0,N1-N3,M0,and M1,respectively.CONCLUSION The accordance rate of qualitative diagnosis by oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is comparable to that of gastroscopy,and it could be used as the preferred method for the early screening of gastric tumors.
基金This study was funded by a grant from the National Cancer Centre Singapore Research Fund(CEFIA 08113-25260790-CREF-IARC)(Grant No.CEFIA08136).
文摘Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is a commonly diagnosed cancer in Southeast Asia. Many studies have examined the risk factors for NPC, yet the roles of some risk factors remain inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between modifiable lifestyle factors and the risk of NPC in the Singaporean population.Methods: We conducted a case–control study in Singapore with 300 patients and 310 controls who were recruited between 2008 and 2012. Each control was selected and individually matched to each patient based on sex, ethnicity, and age(±5 years). A total of 290 pairs of cases and controls were matched successfully. We examined lifestyle factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, various salted and preserved food consumption, and weaning practices.Results: After adjusting for covariates, multivariate analysis showed that those participants who were current smokers and had ever smoked tobacco had a higher risk of NPC than participants who had never smoked, with odds ratios(ORs) of 4.50(95% confidence interval [CI] 2.58–7.86; P < 0.001) and 2.52(95% CI 1.54–4.12; P < 0.001), respectively. Those who consumed salted vegetables at least once a week also showed a significantly increased risk of NPC than those who never or rarely consumed salted vegetables, with an OR of 4.18(95% CI 1.69–10.38; P = 0.002).Conclusion: Smoking(currently and ever-smoked) and consuming salted vegetables once a week or more were lifestyle risk factors for NPC, and changes of these factors for the better may reduce the risk of NPC.
基金partially supported by the Colorado Injury Control Research Center Grant Number 5R49CE001168 from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionthe USA-China Agricultural Injury Research Training Project Grant Number 5DW43TW007257 from the National Institutes of Health,Fogarty International Center
文摘A case-control study was conducted to investigate associations between organophosphate pesticide(OP)exposure,aggression,impulsivity,and attempted suicide.Questionnaires were used to collect information;impulsivity and aggression were measured by the Barratt Impulsivity Scale(BIS)and the Aggression Inventory(AI).
文摘The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.
基金supported by Ministry of Health,China and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency granted project "Evidence for Policy and Implementation (EPI-4) Intensifying efforts to achieve the health-related MDGs in four countries with developing economies"
文摘We aimed to describe the distribution of tuberculosis (TB) health workers in China and provide evidences of potential inequity for policy development. We used Lorenz curves and Gini index to characterize the distribution of TB health workers by population size, geographical area and number of annual registered TB cases. An additional stratified analysis was done by three economic regions. The Gini index were 0.33 for population size, 0.62 for geographical area and 0.30 for number of registered tuberculosis cases that indicated an acceptable average, significant inequity and a relative average distribution nationwide respectively.
基金The study was approved by our institutional review board (IRBNo10947/17) and all the subjects provided informed consent.
文摘Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is an inflammatory disease of the middle ear causing significantmorbidity in early childhood. A pilot study was undertaken to identify the role of various risk factorsSouth Indian children with AOM, especially the role of nasopharyngeal otopathogens.Methodology: A prospective case control pilot study was conducted in children aged below six years,presenting to a single tertiary care from 2018 to 2019. Fifty cases with AOM and 45 age and gendermatched controls were recruited. Two nasopharyngeal swabs were collected, one was processed forbacterial culture. The other swab was processed according to the CDC recommended broth enrichmentmethod to identify carriage of S. pneumoniae. Subsequent serotyping was done by Quellung method andconventional sequential multiplex PCR.Result: Otalgia was the major presentation seen in 92% of the children with AOM. None of the clinical anddemographic characteristics were found to be statistically significant between the cases and controls. Themost common otopathogen was S. pneumoniae (55%) followed by H. influenza (29%). The commonS. pneumoniae serotypes encountered were 11A and 19F.Nasopharyngeal colonization with S. pneumoniae[OR 6.57, p < 0.003] and H. influenzae [OR14.18, p < 0.003] were significant risk factors for AOM inchildren. The risk increased with co-colonization (OR 13.89,p < 0.003).Conclusion: This study strengthens the significant association between nasopharyngeal colonization ofotopathogens and AOM as a risk factor that is enhanced by co-colonization.S. pneumoniae was the mainotopathogen in this population, serotypes 11A and 19F being the most common.
基金This project is supported by a grant from the National Natural Sciences Foundation (No. 30100207)a grant from the Top Ten Scientific Research Programs of Shandong Province (No. 2004GG3202003)
文摘To investigate the high-risk factors for newborn hearing loss and to provide information for preventing the development of hearing loss and delaying its progression, from May 2003 to June 2006, neonates who failed to pass the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) were referred to Jinan Newborn Hearing Screening and Rehabilitation Center from 7 newborn hearing screening centers in seven cities of Shandong province. One-to-one pair-matched case-control method was employed for statistical analysis of the basic features of definitely identified cases. High-risk factors relating to the bilateral hearing loss were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Our results revealed that 721 transferred newborns who didn't pass the heating screening received audiological and medical evaluation and 367 were confirmed to have hearing loss. Of them, 177 neonates with hearing loss who met the matching requirements were included in the study as subjects. Univariate analysis showed that high-risk factors related to hearing loss incuded age of father, education backgrounds of parents, parity, birth weight, gestational weeks, craniofacial deformity, history of receiving treatment in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), neonatal disease, family history of otopathy and family history of congenital hearing loss. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that 4 independent risk factors were related to bilateral hearing loss, including parity (OR=16.285, 95% CI 3.379--78,481), neonatal disease (OR=34;968, 95% CI 2.720 449.534), family history of congenital hearing loss (OR=69.488, 95% CI 4.417--1093.300) and birth weight (OR=0.241, 95% CI 0.090--0.648). It is concluded that parity, neonatal disease and family history of heating loss are the promoting factors of bilateral hearing loss in neonates and appropriate intervention measures should be taken to deal with the risk factors.
文摘Information was obtained from the same questionnaire (23 risk factors listed) of cases and controls. We used a multivariate logistic model, which described variables significantly increased risk of birth defects. The risk factors included maternal educational levels, medicine taken during pregnancy and antenatal care. It was suggested to strengthen antenatal care was the main preventive measure against birth defects.
文摘With the changes in trends of disease pattern from infectious to chronic degenerative disease, cardiovascular disease has been considered as the major cause of death in Korea.Numerous studies have been done on the antioxidant effects of some vitamins in the prevention of chronic illness, but not many in relation to the cardiovascular disease.Therefore, the relation between antioxidant vitamins, mainly α-tocopherol (α-T) and B-carotene (B-C), and coronary artery disease (CAD) such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction has been investigated in this study.The blood samples were obtained from the CAD patients who were angiographically diagnosed within a month (100 case group). Patients who had an experience of PTCA or CABG were excluded from the study. Control subjects were healthy adults who had normal EKG values, no chest pain and no past history of cardiac disease (100 control group). All subjects were free of serum lipid lowering drugs. Serum α-T and B-C were analysed using HPLC. In addition to antioxidant vitamins, serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, TG) were also measured. Each case and control was matched in terms of age and sex. And all the CAD risk factors such as blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, serum lipid profile and BMI were adjusted to determine pure effect(s) of α-T and B-C on the CAD.The concentrations of both α-T and B-C were significantly lower in the CAD group than those in control group (P<0.05); in CAD group, mean values of α-T and B-C were 11.9±7.2 (μg/ml), 35.8±3.1 (μg/dl) respectively. As for the levels of B-C, it shows inverse relation with age, but not for the α-T Ievels. Serum levels of both vitamins did not show any significant differences in terms of sex, but men have a tendency o higher levels of B-C,but lower levels of α-T
基金Supported by the Basic Research Project of Shanxi Province under Grant No 2015021092the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 61471255,61474079,61501316,51505324 and 51622507the National High-Technology Research and Development Program of China under Grant No 2015AA042601
文摘The method of using dielectrophoresis (DEP) to assemble graphene between micro-electrodes has been proven to be simple and efficient. We present an optimization method for the kinetic formula of graphene DEP, and discuss the simulation of the graphene assembly process based on the finite element method. The simulated results illustrate that the accelerated motion of graphene is in agreement with the distribution of the electric field squared gradient. We also conduct research on the controllable parameters of the DEP assembly such as the alternating current (AC) frequency, the shape of micro-electrodes, and the ratio of the gap between electrodes to the characteristic/geometric length of graphene (λ). The simulations based on the Clausius-Mossotti factor reveal that both graphene velocity and direction are influenced by the AC frequency. When graphene is close to the electrodes, the shape of micro-electrodes will exert great influence on the velocity of graphene. Also, λ has a great influence on the velocity of graphene. Generally, the velocity of graphene would be greater when λ is in the range of 0.4 0.6. The study is of a theoretical guiding significance in improving the precision and efficiency of the graphene DEP assembly.
文摘With the aid of the latest fiber optic sensing technology parameters in the cure process of ther- mosetting resin-matrix composite, such as temperature, viscosity,void and residual stress, can be monitored entirely and efficiently.In this paper, experiment results of viscosity measurement in composite cure process in autoclave using fiber optic sensors are presented. Based on the sensed information, a computer program is utilized to control the cure process. With this technology, the cure process becomes more apparent and controllable, which will greatly improve the cured products and reduce the cost.
文摘Objective To discuss the postoperative curative effects of two surgical techniques of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) using metal-on-metal largediameter and conventional diameter femoral head for the elderly patients
基金High-educational Talents Starting Foundation of Xinxiang Medical College
文摘BACKGROUND: Recent researches demonstrate that damage of executive function is an early manifestation of vascular cognitive disorder. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the executive functions of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). DESIGN: Case control. SETTING: Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 83 TIA patients (46 males and 37 females, aged 32 - 74 years) were selected from Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from July 2005 to December 2006. The diagnosis of TIA was established by the criteria of cerebrovascular diseases made by the Fourth National Cerebrovascular Disease Meeting. In these cases, forty-five patients (54%) were involved in internal carotid artery, and thirty-eight patients (46%) were involved in vertebral basilar system. Fifty healthy adults (Control group: 28 males and 22 females, aged 32 - 74 years) were chosen from retiree in community and family of patients. All of them were right-handedness, without cerebrovascular disease, cerebral trauma, inborn oligophrenia, and heating and visual disorders; also they had no anxiety and depression nearly one week. In addition, all the subjects cooperated with examination. METHODS: After TIA diagnosis, all patients received neuropsychological examination, including attention and inhibition, working memory, flexibility, planning and diversion, based on Stroop tests (C and CW) and the Wisconsin card sorting tests (WCST). ① WCST test: The edition revised by Nelson was used. We would take the times of sorting, incorrect response, persistent incorrect response, and randomly incorrect response as the index of evaluation.② Stroop tests: The edition revised by Trenarry was used and this test had two types: form color and form color-word. Their incorrect response and response time were recorded for data analysis in the end. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of WCST test and Stroop tests. RESULTS: A total of 83 TIA patients and 50 healthy subjects were involved in the final analysis. Items of Stroop tests, including response time of Stroop-C test, incorrect response of Stroop-C test, response time of Stroop-CW test and incorrect response of Stroop-CW test, and items of WCST, including incorrect response, persistent incorrect response and random incorrect response, between internal carotid artery system and vertebral basilar artery system were (93.87±24.39) s, 3.16±3.97, (228.46±68.13) s, 12.91 ± 10.56, 55.42± 20.38, 26.58± 10.41, 28.62±11.22; (96.76±24.75) s, 3.89±4.77, (223.46±72.54) s, 18.71 ± 13.80, 52.47 ±22.25, 28.82± 16.20, 23.39±9.72, respectively; this was higher than those in the control group [(52.10± 12.18) s, 1.68± 1.97, (134.86±34.15) s, 4.22±4.21, 32.46± 17.97, 14.42±8.47, 18.24± 10.24, P 〈 0.05 - 0.01]. Times of sorting of WCST between internal carotid artery system and vertebral basilar artery system were obviously lower than those in the control group (8.27±2.73, 8.66±2.77, 11.22±2.41, P 〈 0.01). However, there were no significant differences between internal carotid artery system and vertebral basilar artery system (P 〉 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with TIA have executive dysfunctions, and the dysfunctions have no difference between internal carotid artery system and vertebral basilar artery system.
基金Supported by All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar Research Grant,No.AIIMS/BBSR/RS/2022/372.
文摘BACKGROUND Low back pain(LBP)is a prevalent issue that orthopedic surgeons frequently address in the outpatient setting.LBP can arise from various causes,with stiffness in the paraspinal muscles being a notable contributor.The administration of Botulinum toxin type A(BoNT-A)has been found to alleviate back pain by relaxing these stiff muscles.While BoNT-A is approved for use in numerous conditions,a limited number of randomized clinical trials(RCTs)validate its efficacy specifically for treating LBP.AIM To study the safety and the efficacy of BoNT-A in minimizing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients of chronic LBP(CLBP).METHODS In this RCT,adults aged 18-60 years with mechanical LBP persisting for at least six months were enrolled.Participants were allocated to either the Drug group,receiving 200 Ipsen Units(2 mL)of BoNT-A,or the Control group,which received a 2 mL placebo.Over a 2-month follow-up period,both groups were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS)for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)for disability at the start and conclusion of the study.A decrease in pain by 50%was deemed clinically significant.RESULTS The study followed 40 patients for two months,with 20 in each group.A clinically significant reduction in pain was observed in 36 participants.There was a statistically significant decrease in both VAS and ODI scores in the groups at the end of two months.Nonetheless,when comparing the mean score changes,only the reduction in ODI scores(15 in the placebo group vs 16.5 in the drug group,clinically insignificant)was statistically significant(P=0.012),whereas the change in mean VAS scores was not significant(P=0.45).CONCLUSION The study concludes that BoNT-A does not offer a short-term advantage over placebo in reducing pain or improving LBP scores in CLBP patients.
文摘Some published evidence has revealed that the dendritic cells can interact with pathogens that exist in the inner foreskin. This information provides a new vision that pathogens could play a role through the redundant prepuce; numerous studies have failed to find pathogens in prostates of patients who had chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). However, no studies have reported an association between foreskin length and CP/CPPS. Hence, we conducted a retrospective case-control study of clinical data from 322 CP/CPPS patients (case group) and 341 nonCP/CPPS patients (control group). Demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and foreskin lengths were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was adopted to calculate the odds of foreskin length for CP/CPPS. According to the multivariate logistic regression results, when the foreskin length covered up more than half of the glans penis, the odds for CP/CPPS were higher with an increased foreskin (odds ratio (OR): 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-2.66). In comparison, when the glans penis was completely covered by the foreskin, the OR value increased to 1.86 (95% CI, 1.2-2.88). The study results showed an association between foreskin length and the odds of CP/CPPS. When the foreskin length covered up more than half of the glans penis, there were greater odds for CP/CPPS. This possible mechanism might result from interaction between pathogens and DCs in the inner foreskin, consequently activating T-cells to mediate allergic inflammation in the prostate and producing the autoimmunizations causing CP/CPPS.
基金Supported by Key Diagnosis and Treatment Program of Suzhou,No.LCZX201919 and No.LCZX202016The Scientific and Technological Program of Suzhou,No.SS201752 and No.SS202069Introduction Project of Suzhou Clinical Expert Team,No.SZYJTD201715。
文摘BACKGROUND Cognitive impairments are core characteristics of schizophrenia,but are largely resistant to current treatments.Several recent studies have shown that highfrequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)can reduce negative symptoms and improve certain cognitive deficits in schizophrenia patients.However,results are inconsistent across studies.AIM To examine if high-frequency rTMS of the DLPFC can improve visual memory deficits in patients with schizophrenia.METHODS Forty-seven chronic schizophrenia patients with severe negative symptoms on stable treatment regimens were randomly assigned to receive active rTMS to the DLPFC(n=25)or sham stimulation(n=22)on weekdays for four consecutive weeks.Patients performed the pattern recognition memory(PRM)task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery at baseline,at the end of rTMS treatment(week 4),and 4 wk after rTMS treatment(week 8).Clinical symptoms were also measured at these same time points using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms(SANS)and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS).RESULTS There were no significant differences in PRM performance metrics,SANS total score,SANS subscores,PANSS total score,and PANSS subscores between active and sham rTMS groups at the end of the 4-wk treatment period,but PRM performance metrics(percent correct and number correct)and changes in these metrics from baseline were significantly greater in the active rTMS group at week 8 compared to the sham group(all P<0.05).Active rTMS treatment also significantly reduced SANS score at week 8 compared to sham treatment.Moreover,the improvement in visual memory was correlated with the reduction in negative symptoms at week 8.In contrast,there were no between-group differences in PANSS total score and subscale scores at either week 4 or week 8(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION High-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation improves visual memory and reduces negative symptoms in schizophrenia,but these effects are delayed,potentially due to the requirement for extensive neuroplastic changes within DLPFC networks.
文摘Objective: To improve the effects of treatment of severe acute re spiratory syndrome (SARS) and to explore the clinical significance of integrate d traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine (ICWM) in the treatment of S ARS and its influence on the chief indexes in the process of the disease. Methods: The clinical study involving observation of 135 patients of SARS was conducted in the randomized, synchronously controlled and open way. The patients were divided into two groups, 68 in the ICWM group and 67 in the c ontrol group, all of whom were treated with the same basic treatment of western medicine, but to the ICWM group, Chinese drugs for clearing Heat, detoxifying an d removing Dampness were given additionally. The comprehensive effect on relievi ng fever, cell mediated immunity, pulmonary inflammation and secondary infect ion was compared between the two groups. Results: The therapeutic effect in the ICWM group was better than that in the control group in such aspects as steadily lowering body temperature, alleviating general symptoms, accelerating the absorption of pulmonary infiltra tion and easing cellular immunity suppression. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of ICWM is better in treating SARS than that of western medicine alone.