“Tradamixina TP” Compound in Monotherapy for Three Months in Patients with LUTS: Observational Study on Improvement of Urinary Symptoms and Sexual Function in Men

Introduction: Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) frequently affect the male population after the age of 50. Moreover, it is well known that there is a correlation of these symptoms with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) that can reach a frequency of roughly 52% in men aged between 40 and 70 years old. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of a new natural compound “Tradamixina TP” (composed of 80 mg of the algae Ecklonia Bicyclis, 100 mg of Tribulus terrestris and 100 mg of Chitosan Water-soluble oligosaccharide 320 mg of Serenoa repens) in the improvement of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Materials & Methods: One-hundred patients with an average age of 64 years old and who were not taking any medication or phytotherapy for prostatic hypertrophy or erectile dysfunction were recruited in the study. All participants were subjected to serum prostate antigen (PSA) and uroflowmetry measuring maximal urine flow/sec (Qmax), at baseline and after 12 weeks. In addition, patients were asked to take the Tradamixina TP for 3 months and to complete at the beginning and end of the treatment the following questionnaires: 1) the IPSS investigating the level of LUTS, and 2) the IIEF-15 investigating the erectile dysfunction. Results: After the treatment, the IPSS scores were lower than those before the treatment. Moreover, a significant effect was found for the IIEF erectile subdomain with scores that were significantly higher at 12 weeks than at baseline. A similar result was found for the IIEF overall subdomain. A decrease of total serum PSA was also observed. Conclusions: After 3 months of daily treatment, the new compound “Tradamixina TP” improved patients’ sexual function, LUTS and led also to a decrease in serum PSA levels.

Sleep Quality and Emotional Adaptation among Freshmen in Elite Chinese Universities during Prolonged COVID-19 Lockdown:The Mediating Role of Anxiety Symptoms

Under the effects of COVID-19 and a number of ongoing lockdown tactics,anxiety symptoms and poor sleep quality have become common mental health issues among college freshmen and are intimately related to their emotional adaptation.To explore this connection,this study gathered data from a sample of 256 freshmen enrolled in an elite university in China in September 2022.The association between sleep quality,anxiety symptoms,and emotional adaptation was clarified using correlation analysis.Additionally,the mediating function of anxiety symptoms between sleep quality and emotional adaptation was investigated using a structural equation model.The results reveal that:(1)Chinese elite university freshmen who were subjected to prolonged lockdown had poor sleep quality and mild anxiety symptoms;(2)a significant positive correlation between poor sleep quality and anxiety symptoms was identified;(3)anxiety symptoms were found to have a significant negative impact on emotional adaptation;(4)poor sleep quality had a negative impact on emotional adaptation through anxiety symptoms.This research makes a valuable contribution by offering insights into the intricate relationship between sleep quality and emotional adaptation among freshmen in elite Chinese universities during prolonged lockdown conditions,and it is beneficial for schools and educators to further improve school schedules and psychological health initiatives.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity improves equally with probiotic and placebo

AIM To determine the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM on irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) symptoms and quality of life(Qo L).METHODS In this randomized triple-blind trial, adult IBS volunteerswho were recruited according to Rome Ⅲ criteria received 109 or 1010 colony-forming units of NCFM or placebo daily for 12 wk. IBS Symptom Severity Score(IBS-SSS), which constituted the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes, including individual IBS symptoms, IBS-related QoL questionnaire, anxiety and depression, defecation frequency, and stool consistency, were assessed at baseline at the end of the 8-wk runin period, after 4 and 12 wk of intervention, and after a 4-wk washout.RESULTS A total of 340 of 391 randomized volunteers completed the trial. IBS-SSS improved over 12 wk of treatment in all treatment groups, decreasing by a mean ± SD of 44.0 ± 80.2, 50.8 ± 82.4, and 48.3 ± 72.2 in the placebo, active low-dose, and active high-dose groups, respectively. Similarly, secondary outcomes did not differ between treatment groups. However, in a post hoc analysis of volunteers with moderate to severe abdominal pain at baseline(VAS > 35/100), the treatment significantly reduced the sensation of abdominal pain. Pain scores fell by 20.8 ± 22.8, 29.4 ± 17.9, and 31.2 ± 21.9 in the placebo, active low-dose, and active high-dose groups, respectively(P value for placebo vs combined active doses = 0.0460).CONCLUSION NCFM alleviates moderate to severe abdominal pain, consistent with earlier observations of this strain mitigating visceral pain through increased analgesic receptor expression.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and associated factors in Chinese patients with functional dyspepsia

AIM:To study the evolution of gastrointestinal symptoms and associated factors in Chinese patients with functional dyspepsia(FD).METHODS:From June 2008 to November 2009,a total of 1049 patients with FD(65.3%female,mean age42.80±11.64 years)who visited the departments of gastroenterology in Wuhan,Beijing,Shanghai,Guangzhou,and Xi’an,China were referred for this study.All of the patients fulfilled the RomeⅢcriteria for FD.Baseline demographic data,dyspepsia symptoms,anxiety,depression,sleep disorder,and drug treatment were assessed using self-report questionnaires.Patients completed questionnaires at baseline and after1,3,6 and 12 mo follow-up.Comparison of dyspepsia symptoms between baseline and after follow-up was explored using multivariate analysis of variance of repeated measuring.Multiple linear regression was done to examine factors associated with outcome,both longitudinally and horizontally.RESULTS:Nine hundred and forty-three patients(89.9%of the original population)completed all four follow-ups.The average duration of follow-up was12.24±0.59 mo.During 1-year follow-up,the mean dyspeptic symptom score(DSS)in FD patients showed a significant gradually reduced trend(P<0.001),and similar differences were found for all individual symptoms(P<0.001).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex(P<0.001),anxiety(P=0.018),sleep disorder at 1-year follow-up(P=0.019),weight loss(P<0.001),consulting a physician(P<0.001),and prokinetic use during 1-year follow-up(P=0.035)were horizontally associated with DSS at 1-year followup.No relationship was found longitudinally between DSS at 1-year follow-up and patient characteristics at baseline.CONCLUSION:Female sex,anxiety,and sleep disorder,weight loss,consulting a physician and prokinetic use during 1-year follow-up were associated with outcome of FD.

A Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of Solifenacin, Tamsulosin and Tadalafil in Relieving Double-J Stent Related Symptoms

Objective: To evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of Solifenacin, Tamsulosin, and Tadalafil in treating ureteral stent related symptoms (SRS) in patients with indwelling Double-J ureteral stents. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 146 consecutive patients in the department of urology, Government Stanley Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India between Sept 2017-March 2019, with SRS after taking informed consent and confirming DJ Stent position by X-ray KUB post-operatively. Patients were randomized into 4 groups: Group A (Placebo), Group B (Solifenacin 5 mg), and Group B (Tamsulosin 0.4 mg) and group D (Tadalafil 5 mg) at end of 1st week till the removal of DJ stent at end of 3 weeks. All patients were assessed for bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) using the validated Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) at 1st week and 3 weeks after the starting of medications. Appropriate statistical analysis as carried out and the level of significance was set at P Results: LUTS, general health, and work performance improved with Solifenacin, Tamsulosin and Tadalafil and all the three were comparable in relieving urinary symptoms. Tadalafil was better at relieving body pain, additional problems and sexual problems better than Tamsulosin. Tadalafil showed comparable improvement in LUTS, better sexual health and decreased body pain compared to solifenacin, whereas the latter had better general health, additional problems & work performance scores. Conclusion: Solifenacin is more effective than Tamsulosin in alleviating LUTS associated with SRS and both show a distinctive advantage over placebo. PDE inhibitor Tadalafil can also be tried for SRS and is as effective as antimuscarinics and α-blockers in relieving urinary symptoms and is more efficacious in relieving sexual symptoms and body pain.

This pain drives me crazy:Psychiatric symptoms in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)is an at least 6-mo noninfectious bladder inflammation of unknown origin characterized by chronic suprapubic,abdominal,and/or pelvic pain.Although the term cystitis suggests an inflammatory or infectious origin,no definite cause has been identified.It occurs in both sexes,but women are twice as much affected.AIM To systematically review evidence of psychiatric/psychological changes in persons with IC/BPS.METHODS Hypothesizing that particular psychological characteristics could underpin IC/BPS,we investigated in three databases the presence of psychiatric symptoms and/or disorders and/or psychological characteristics in patients with IC/BPS using the following strategy:("interstitial cystitis"OR"bladder pain syndrome")AND("mood disorder"OR depressive OR antidepressant OR depression OR depressed OR hyperthymic OR mania OR manic OR rapid cyclasterisk OR dysthymiasterisk OR dysphoriasterisk).RESULTS On September 27,2023,the PubMed search produced 223 articles,CINAHL 62,and the combined PsycLIT/PsycARTICLES/PsycINFO/Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection search 36.Search on ClinicalTrials.gov produced 14 studies,of which none had available data.Eligible were peer-reviewed articles reporting psychiatric/psychological symptoms in patients with IC/BPS,i.e.63 articles spanning from 2000 to October 2023.These studies identified depression and anxiety problems in the IC/BPS population,along with sleep problems and the tendency to catastrophizing.CONCLUSION Psychotherapies targeting catastrophizing and life stress emotional awareness and expression reduced perceived pain in women with IC/BPS.Such concepts should be considered when implementing treatments aimed at reducing IC/BPS-related pain.

Association of Erectile Dysfunction and Hypogonadism with Metabolic Syndrome in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms of Younger and Older Age Groups

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypogonadism in 193 men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in the younger (20 - 39 years old) and older (40 - 60 years old) age groups depending on the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Triglycerides, glucose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin, prostate-specific antigen, pituitary hormones levels were measured in serum. Standardized criteria (2009) were used to determine the prevalence of MetS. Patients were assessed based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the IPSS-Quality of Life (IPSS-QoL) for LUTSs and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for ED. Hypogonadism was determined in accordance with the ISA, ISSAM, EAU, EAA and ASA recommendations. In men with MetS in the younger age group the incidence of ED was 2.4 times higher, and that of low TT level and hypogonadism was 8.4 times higher compared to men without the syndrome. In the older age group, an increased incidence of ED and low TT level in men with MetS compared to men without the syndrome was on the trend level, but the incidence of hypogonadism was for sure higher (by 1.6 times). In conclusion, the study showed that ED and hypogonadism are associated with MetS by a high degree of certainty in young men with LUTSs. In men of the older age group with LUTSs, the presence of MetS is not so clearly associated with ED and hypogonadism due to the fact that the incidence of these urogenital diseases is also high in men without MetS.

Update summarising the conclusions of the international consultation on male lower urinary tract symptoms

The International Consultation on Urological Disease have recently published comprehensive conclusions, based on evidence reviewed by eight committees, on aspects of male lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS). In this review, we summarise the conclusions from fourof the committees, namely, the evidence regarding the epidemiology of male LUTS, patient assessment, nocturia and medical management. It is indisputable that with an expanding and ageing global population the prevalence of male LUTS is likely to increase. Therefore symptom prevention and preservation of quality of life(Qo L) feature highly in the guidelines. There are now a number of different medical options, proven to lead to significant improvements in symptom scores, flow rate and Qo L available to men with LUTS. Metaanalyses have shown the benefits for alpha blockers, antimuscarinics, 5-α reductase and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. High level evidence also exists for combinations of all of the above with alpha blockers and so men with concomitant storage symptoms, prostate volume > 30 mL, PSA > 1.4 or erectile dysfunction may be considered for combination treatment of an alpha blocker with an antimuscarinic, 5-α reductase inhibitor or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor respectively. In an era of personalised medicine, appropriate patient selection is likely to provide the key to the most effective clinical management strategy.

Liquid Subcutaneous Levodopa-Carbidopa ND0612 Effects on Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: In the manuscript titled “Liquid subcutaneous Levodopa-Carbidopa ND0612 effects on motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis”, the objective was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the effects ND0612 24-hour dosing regimen has on motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Introduction: ND0612 is a novel minimally invasive continuous subcutaneous delivery system of liquid Levodopa-Carbidopa being investigated for the treatment of PD in individuals experiencing motor symptoms. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, and EBSCO databases to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of ND0612 on motor symptoms in individuals with PD. Outcomes included the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part II and Part III scores. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model with the DerSimonian and Laird method to estimate the effects of the ND0612 24-hour dosing regimen on UPDRS Part II and Part III scores. Results: Three studies were included in our review. There were statistically significant reductions in UPDRS Part II scores (mean difference (MD) −3.299;95% confidence interval (CI) −3.438, −3.159) and in UPDRS Part III scores (MD −12.695;95% CI −24.428, −0.962) in the ND0612 24-hour dosing regimen. Results were based on very low certainty of evidence. Conclusion: Based on very low certainty evidence, the ND0612 24-hour dosing regimen is effective at improving motor symptoms in individuals with PD. Our findings suggest that ND0612 is more effective at improving UPDRS Part II and Part III scores in individuals with PD than other pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, warranting further study.

Symptom experience and symptom burden of patients following first-ever stroke within 1 year： a cross-sectional study

Symptoms that are multidimensional and concurrent should be assessed from different dimensions and managed together. Few studies have evaluated concurrent and multidimensional symptoms in patients with stroke. Most studies of stroke focused on dysfunctions and complications. We hypothesize that patients with stroke have a heavy symptom burden within 1 year. This study aimed to describe multidimensional and concurrent symptoms within 1 year after stroke. This study recruited 230 patients with stroke from the Rehabilitation Department of Xuhui District Center Hospital of Shanghai and the Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center in China from March to September 2017. The patients＇ multidimensional symptom experience and symptom burden were analyzed using a self-made structured questionnaire and the influential factors for symptom burden were identified. The mean number of symptoms in patients with stroke was 11.7 ± 3.5. More than two thirds of the participants suffered from at least 10 co-occurring symptoms. Unilateral limb weakness had the highest prevalence and frequency. Participation restriction had the highest symptom dimensions of severity and distress. Lack of self-care ability（severity）, memory deterioration（frequency）, imbalance of body（distress）, moodiness（distress）, being unable to move limbs at will（distress）, shoulder pain（distress）, and slower response（frequency） were independent factors of the total symptom burden score. These findings can provide essential information for efficient symptom management of patients with stroke.

Could Sequential Residual Centering Resolve Low Sensitivity in Moderated Regression? Simulations and Cancer Symptom Clusters

Multicollinearity constitutes shared variation among predictors that inflates standard errors of regression coefficients. Several years ago, it was proven that the common practice of mean centering in moderated regression cannot alleviate multicollinearity among variables comprising an interaction, but merely masks it. Residual centering (orthogonalizing) is unacceptable because it biases parameters for predictors from which the interaction derives, thus precluding interpretation of moderator effects. I propose and validate residual centering in sequential re-estimations of a moderated regression—sequential residual centering (SRC)—by revealing unbiased multicollinearity conditioning across the interaction and its related terms. Across simulations, SRC reduces variance inflation factors (VIF) regardless of distribution shape or pattern of regression coefficients across predictors. For any predictor, the reduced VIF is used to derive a lower standard error of its regression coefficient. A cancer sample illustrates SRC, which allows unbiased interpretations of symptom clusters. SRC can be applied efficiently to alleviate multicollinearity after data collection and shows promise for advancing synergistic frontiers of research.

Dietary Modification of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms with Fermented Whey Product

After the age of 50, the prostate begins to increase in size. This is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Compression of urethra by enlarged prostate causes dribbling reduced force of the urinary stream, pain and occasional bleeding or infection. This causes difficulty in urinating and requires many men to get up several times during the night to urinate. The aim of our study was to evaluate an influence of new fermented whey based product (FWP) to several biochemical parameters and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Patients from the outpatient department of Andrology Center were randomized. This study involved the patients with minor to moderate LUTS, International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) range 3 - 19 but not prostatitis (NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) 4 and 2-glass test negative for prostate inflammation and infection). Consumption of the FWP decreased the IPSS score in patients with moderate LUTS/BPH (p 0.001) whereas irritative and obstructive symptoms changed in parallel. There was a correlation between LUTS symptoms change and level of inflammation- and oxidative stress-related indices (blood high-sensitive C-reactive protein, hsCRP;glycated haemoglobin, HbA1c;oxidized low density lipoprotein, oxLDL;interleukine-10, IL-10 and 8-isoprostanes in the urine). Statistically significant changes in mentioned parameters occurred only in study group. Compression of urethra by enlarged prostate explains LUTS in BPH patients. Elevated oxidative stress (OxS) intensifies peroxidation of cell membrane phospholipids. This generates 8-isoprostanes (8-EPI), the prostaglandin-like compounds that can exaggerate LUTS. 8-isoprostanes may cause constriction of bladder and urethra in nanomolar concentrations. Consuming the whey-based product fermented by special lactobacilli strains may improve LUTS as well as OxS and diminish LUTS-related inflammatory response.

gastrointestinal symptom prevalence depends on disease duration and gastrointestinal region in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM To unravel relationships between gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms impairing quality of life(QOL)and clinical profiles of diabetes mellitus(DM)patients. METHODS We enrolled 134 outpatients with type 2 DM.Mean age was 64.7 years,mean body mass index was 24.7 RESULTS Lower abdominal symptoms were found to be more frequent than those affecting the upper abdomen.Diabetic duration and medications showed associations with GI symptoms.We identified differences in peak prevalences of the five symptoms.Gastralgia(P=0.02vs 10-14 years)and total GI symptoms(P=0.01 and P=0.02 vs 5-9 years and 10-14 years,respectively)peaked at a diabetes duration of 15-19 years.Heartburn(P=0.004)and postprandial fullness(P=0.03)tended to increase with disease duration.Constipation and diarrhea showed bimodal peaks,with the first early and the second late(e.g.,P=0.03 at 15-19 years vs 10-14years for diarrhea)in the disease course.Finally,GI symptoms showed clustering that reflected the region of the GI tract affected,i.e.,constipation and diarrhea had similar frequencies(P<0.0001). CONCLUSION Our study highlights the importance of questioning patients about QOL impairment due to abdominal symptoms,especially in the early and the late periods of diabetes.

Influence of transcatheter arterial embolization on symptom distress and fatigue in liver cancer patients

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a prevalent malignancy,and transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE)has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic modality.How-ever,TAE may induce symptom distress and fatigue,adversely affecting the quality of life of patients.AIM To investigate symptom distress,fatigue,and associated factors in HCC patients undergoing TAE.METHODS We used a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling to enroll HCC patients who underwent TAE at our institution from January to December 2022.Question-naires were utilized to collect data on symptom distress and fatigue scores from the first to the third day after TAE.RESULTS Our study revealed a significant reduction in fatigue and symptom distress among patients after TAE.Pain,fatigue,insomnia,fever and abdominal dis-tension were the most common symptoms troubling patients during the first 3 d post-TAE.Marital status,presence of family support,physical functional status,age,and symptom distress were identified as predictors of fatigue in patients.CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals should educate HCC patients on symptom distress and INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)ranks as the fifth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally.Surgical intervention remains the cornerstone of HCC treatment;however,due to the challenges associated with early diagnosis and the lack of specific diagnostic markers,a considerable proportion of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages,rendering them ineligible for surgical interventions.Transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE)is an interventional therapeutic approach involving the insertion of a fine catheter via the femoral artery to reach the vasculature near the tumor site.TAE aims to obstruct the arterial supply to the tumor by deploying embolic agents,thereby inducing necrosis in cancer cells.This procedure is suitable for patients with good liver function and overall health,particularly those with large HCCs that have not invaded the portal vein[1,2].Nonetheless,following TAE,hepatocytes incur variable degrees of damage,leading to the development of a constel-lation of symptoms reminiscent of acute hepatitis.These symptoms include fatigue and systemic discomfort,such as nausea,vomiting,fever,abdominal pain,as well as transient elevations in aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),collectively referred to as postembolization syndrome[3,4].These symptoms may arise due to ischemia of the liver and gallbladder,temporary liver enlargement,and peritoneal irritation.While many studies have explored fatigue and symptom distress in cancer patients both nationally and internationally,with some focusing on symptom distress following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,there has been limited in-depth investigation into the fatigue and symptom distress resulting from TAE treatment[5-8].Fatigue and pain are both subjective experiences,typically arising from the gradual depletion of energy reserves during the course of illness[9].Fatigue is particularly prevalent among cancer patients,with rates soaring as high as 90%.Despite extensive research exploring cancer-related fatigue and its influencing factors,a unanimous consensus remains elusive.Hence,the primary objective of this study was to investigate the symptom distress and fatigue experienced by liver cancer patients following TAE treatment and to analyze potential contributing factors.

Association of serum interleukin-6 with negative symptoms in stable early-onset schizophrenia

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6(IL-6)contributes to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders.However,there was no study concerning the relationship between IL-6 concentrations and clinical features in the chronic phase of early-onset schizophrenia(EOS).AIM To investigate the relationship between serum IL-6 concentration and the clinical features of EOS.METHODS We measured serum IL-6 Levels from 74 patients with chronic schizophrenia,including 33 with age at onset<21 years(EOS group)and 41 with onset≥21 years in[adult-onset schizophrenia(AOS)group],and from 41 healthy controls.Symptom severities were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS).RESULTS Serum IL-6 concentrations were higher in both EOS and AOS groups than healthy controls(F=22.32,P<0.01),but did not differ significantly between EOS and AOS groups(P>0.05)after controlling for age,body mass index,and other covariates.Negative symptom scores were higher in the EOS group than the AOS group(F=6.199,P=0.015).Serum IL-6 concentrations in the EOS group were negatively correlated with both total PANSS-negative symptom score(r=-0.389,P=0.032)and avolition/asociality subscore(r=-0.387,P=0.026).CONCLUSION Patients with EOS may have more severe negative symptoms than those with adult-onset schizophrenia during the chronic phase of the illness.IL-6 signaling may regulate negative symptoms and its avolition/asociality subsymptoms among the early-onset chronic schizophrenic patients.

Interaction between catechol-O-methyltransferase Val/Met polymorphism and cognitive reserve for negative symptoms in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve(CR)and the catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT)Val/Met polymorphism are reportedly linked to negative symptoms in schizophrenia.However,the regulatory effect of the COMT genotype on the relationship between CR and negative symptoms is still unexamined.AIM To investigate whether the relationship between CR and negative symptoms could be regulated by the COMT Val/Met polymorphism.METHODS In a cross-sectional study,54 clinically stable patients with schizophrenia underwent assessments for the COMT genotype,CR,and negative symptoms.CR was estimated using scores in the information and similarities subtests of a short form of the Chinese version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.RESULTS COMT Met-carriers exhibited fewer negative symptoms than Val homozygotes.In the total sample,significant negative correlations were found between negative symptoms and information,similarities.Associations between information,similarities and negative symptoms were observed in Val homozygotes only,with information and similarities showing interaction effects with the COMT genotype in relation to negative symptoms(information,β=-0.282,95%CI:-0.552 to-0.011,P=0.042;similarities,β=-0.250,95%CI:-0.495 to-0.004,P=0.046).CONCLUSION This study provides initial evidence that the association between negative symptoms and CR is under the regulation of the COMT genotype in schizophrenia.

Non-motor signs and symptoms in Parkinson’s disease

Motor symptoms are cardinal clinical features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Progress in drug therapy and rehabilitation has been presenting beneficial effect for motor symptoms. However, non-motor symptoms and signs in PD have been accumulated growing attentions and its amelioration may also give beneficial effect for PD patients’ and their care givers’ quality of life. In this mini-review, I overviewed non-motor symptoms and signs in PD.

新兵训练后功能性闭经女兵的心身症状与激素水平

目的:探讨新人伍女兵功能性下丘脑性闭经(FHA)者与月经正常者激素水平及心理健康状况的差异。方法:在某部队新人伍女兵98人接受了为期近4个月的体能训练之后,有54人出现闭经.其中闭经3个月以上者有35人(研究组)。训练后月经正常、在采血时月经周期处于第5～11天者有26人(对照组)。分别测定她们血清中的促卵泡生成素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)、雌二醇(E_2)、孕酮(P)、泌乳素(PRL)、睾酮(T)、ACTH、T_3、T_4的水平,并用SCL-90分别评定她们的心理健康状况。结果:FHA 者血清FSH 值为4.96±1.73 mIU/ml,LH 值为2.63±1.78 mIU/ml,E_2的值为7.23±5.37 pg/ml,对照组血清相应值为10.73±2.30mIU/ml、12.31±2.15mIU/ml、41.67±6.13pg/ml,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),闭经组低于对照组。FHA 组SCL-90的躯体化、人际敏感、抑郁、焦虑及其他因子分大于2的比率分别为:51.4%、42.9%、48.6%、51.4%及37.1%;而对照组这5项分值大于2的比率分别为15.4%、15.4%、19.2%、21.3%及11.5%,两组间这5个因子大于2的人数差异有统计学显著意义(P<0.05),闭经组高于对照组。结论:诊断为FHA 的女兵与月经正常女兵的激素水平有差异,闭经组心身症状的发生率也高于对照组。

The Efficacy and Safety of Yokukansankachimpihange for Treating Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: An Open-Label Pilot Study

Previous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, less evidence is available for the treatment of BPSD with yokukansankachimpihange (YKSCH), which consists of yokukansan and two additional herbal ingredients. The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of YKSCH for treating BPSD in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We enrolled outpatients with mild-to-moderate AD who exhibited BPSD and obtained a Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score of >3 including subscale scores for “agitation”, “anxiety”, “irritability”, and “sleep and night-time behavior change”. A daily YKSCH dose of 7.5 g was administered for 12 weeks with concomitant administration of anti-dementia medication. BPSD was evaluated using the NPI at baseline and every 4 weeks during the intervention. We also examined apathy using the Japanese translation of the Apathy Scale, the short version of the Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and the Modified Crichton Rating Scale for Predicting Activities of Daily Living. Cognitive dysfunction was evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination and the AD Assessment Scale-Cognitive (Japanese version). Five participants were enrolled. The NPI total score tended to decrease between the baseline and 8-week evaluations during the YKSCH intervention (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P = 0.063). In terms of the NPI subscale scores, “apathy”, “agitation”, “delusions”, and “sleep and night-time behavior change” decreased after the intervention in those who exhibited each symptom at baseline. There were no significant differences in the other scores examined. No serious adverse events were observed. YKSCH could ameliorate BPSD in patients with mild-to-moderate AD with agitation, anxiety, irritability, and sleep and night-time behavior change, and it was well-tolerated.

以脑损害为首发症状的系统性红斑狼疮14例临床分析

目的研究以脑损害为首发症状的系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)的临床特点方法对14例以脑损害为首发症状的SLE患者进行回顾分析,对其脑损害首发症状、临床表现、实验室检查及治疗等进行分析总结结果SLE早期发生脑损害多为青年女性(占85.7%),脑损害症状以精神行为异常(42.9%)、癫痫(35.7%)为多见,SLE临床症状以肾脏损害(57.1%)、关节疼痛(50.0%)、面部蝶形红斑(50.0%)多见;免疫学检查抗核抗体阳性14例(100.0%),抗双链DNA抗体阳性10例(71.4%),狼疮细胞阳性8例(57.1%);脑电图检查异常12例(85.7%) 应用激素、免疫抑制剂及对症治疗后均恢复良好,无病例死亡结论以脑损害为首发病状的SLE早期诊断困难,对青年女性不明原因的精神行为异常、癫痫、头痛、偏瘫等症状应进行定期随访,注意排除SLE的可能。