Purpose: Although patient-related factors affect surgical outcomes, preoperative functional status is not measured by any cardiac risk score. Functional status can, however, be objectively measured using validated out...Purpose: Although patient-related factors affect surgical outcomes, preoperative functional status is not measured by any cardiac risk score. Functional status can, however, be objectively measured using validated outcome tools such as the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). The purpose of this study was to determine 1) if there was a change over time in functional status, as measured by the LLFDI, in patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery, and if so, 2) what specific aspect(s) of functional status changed. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study of one year was conducted on elective cardiac surgery patients (n = 43) using the self-reported LLFDI, which measures Disability Frequency (frequency of participation in social tasks), Disability Limitation (ability to participate in social tasks) and Function Total (ease in performing routine activities). Higher scores indicate increased function and decreased disability. LLFDI scores were compared at three times (preoperative, six-week and one-year postoperative) using repeated measures ANOVA. Post hoc pairwise comparison was conducted for specific interactions. Results: Both Function Total and Disability Frequency significantly changed over time (p = 0.047 and p = 0.013, respectively). Specifically, patients’ function level was significantly higher one-year postoperative compared to preoperative (M difference = +3.48, SE = 1.48, p = 0.026). Likewise, Disability Frequency scores were significantly higher (i.e. more active) at one-year postoperative versus preoperative (M difference= +5.98, SE = 2.19, p = 0.033). Disability Limitation scores were not significantly different between any time points (p > 0.05). Conclusion: By one-year postoperative, patients demonstrated increased ease in their routine physical activities and were more participatory in social life tasks. Individuals who underwent elective cardiac surgery took more than six weeks to detect notable improvement in functional status, which was expected with a sternotomy approach. This study provides support for the use of the LLFDI as an effective tool to capture functional status in the cardiac population. These findings may assist cardiac patients in recovery timeline expectations.展开更多
BACKGROUND Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) was known to have benefits of function-preserving surgery compared to laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). However, in clinical setting...BACKGROUND Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) was known to have benefits of function-preserving surgery compared to laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). However, in clinical settings, delayed gastric emptying and esophageal reflux following LAPPG can be serious issues, making surgeons reluctant to perform LAPPG. It is unclear that LAPPG had better longterm functional outcomes and quality of life compared to LADG. AIM To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and patient-reported quality of life of LAPPG compared to those of LADG. METHODS We reviewed the clinicopathological data of 195 patients who underwent LADG with Billroth II anastomosis and 101 patients who underwent LAPPG for cT1N0 gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach between 2012 and 2015. Postoperative complications, nutritional parameters, and survey results of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire C30 and STO22 questionnaire were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The serum hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the LAPPG group than in the LADG group (P < 0.001). In the endoscopic findings, incidence of bile reflux was lower (P < 0.001);however, the incidence of residual food was higher in the LAPPG group than in the LADG group (P < 0.001). Regarding the quality of life score, the LAPPG group had a better physical functioning score (86.7 vs 90.0, P = 0.032) but also greater pain and reflux when compared to the LADG group [8.3 vs 16.7 in pain, 11.1 (interquartile range, 0, 22.2) vs 11.1 (interquartile range, 11.1, 33.3) in reflux, P = 0.034 and 0.001, respectively]. CONCLUSION LAPPG is beneficial to recovery of anemia and to bile reflux, however, it might be unfavorable in terms of pain and reflux symptoms compared to LADG with Billroth II anastomosis.展开更多
Abundant material with low cost was utilized to raise medium function of producing carpet turf by life rubbish. The results showed that the material used could strikingly raise water retentiveness and ventilating of ...Abundant material with low cost was utilized to raise medium function of producing carpet turf by life rubbish. The results showed that the material used could strikingly raise water retentiveness and ventilating of medium. Through the determination of the effect of each growth index of several turfgrass, emergence density, plant height, root growth and individual plant′s net primary production were all positively related to the material′s amount mixed, showing that the mixture of material could promote turfgrass growth, further proving that the material used raised medium function of producing carpet turf by life rubbish and made most use of life rubbish resources. It provided a scientific base is for application of environmental engineering by using life rubbish to produce carpet turf. So the study had both important theoretic meaning and applied value.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate long-term endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function,quality of life and health care costs after mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:Patients prospectively included in 20...AIM:To evaluate long-term endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function,quality of life and health care costs after mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:Patients prospectively included in 2001-2005 were followed-up after 42(36-53)mo.Pancreatic function was evaluated with laboratory tests,the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),fecal elastase-1 and a questionnaire.Short Form(SF)-36,was completed.RESULTS:Fourteen patients with a history of SAP and 26 with mild acute pancreatitis were included.Plasma glucose after OGTT was higher after SAP(9.2 mmol/L vs 7.0 mmol/L,P=0.044).Diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance in fasting plasma glucose and/or 120 min plasma glucose were more common in SAP patients(11/14 vs 11/25,P=0.037).Sick leave,time until the patients could take up recreational activities and time until they had recovered were all longer after SAP(P <0.001).No significant differences in SF-36 were seen between the groups,or when comparing with age and gender matched reference groups.Total hospital costs,including primary care,follow-up and treatment of complications,were higher after SAP(median€16572 vs €5000,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Endocrine pancreatic function was affected,especially after severe disease.SAP requires greater resource use with long recovery,but most patients regained a good quality of life.展开更多
Euphemism,as a unique form in language expression,conveys a lot about the society and culture in which it exits.This paper studies the functions of euphemism and its application of euphemisms in social-cultural activi...Euphemism,as a unique form in language expression,conveys a lot about the society and culture in which it exits.This paper studies the functions of euphemism and its application of euphemisms in social-cultural activities.展开更多
· AIM: To investigate the visual function and the relationship with vision-related quality of life(VRQOL)after macular hole repair surgery.· METHODS: Prospective case series. Thirty-six consecutive eyes in 3...· AIM: To investigate the visual function and the relationship with vision-related quality of life(VRQOL)after macular hole repair surgery.· METHODS: Prospective case series. Thirty-six consecutive eyes in 36 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) and internal limiting membrane(ILM) peeling were included. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire(VFQ-25) was answered by the participants before and 3 and 12 mo after operation. Follow-up visits examinations included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), clinical examination,and central macular thickness(CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography(OCT).·RESULTS: Macular-hole closure was achieved in 35 of36 eyes(97.2%). At baseline and months 3 and 12, the log MAR BCVAs(mean±SD) were 1.15±0.47, 0.68±0.53(P 【0.0001 versus baseline), and 0.55 ±0.49(P 【0.001 versus baseline, P =0.273 versus month 3), respectively; the CMTs(μm) were 330 ±81, 244 ±62(P 【0.001 versus baseline), and 225±58(P 【0.001 versus baseline, P =0.222 versus month 3), respectively; the median preoperative VFQ-25 composite score of 73.50(63.92-81.13) increased postoperatively to 85.50(80.04-89.63) at 3mo(P 【0.001)and 86.73(82.50-89.63) at 12mo(P 【0.001) respectively.The improved BCVA was correlated with improvements in five subscales(r =-0.605 to-0.336, P 【0.001 to P =0.046) at 12 mo.· CONCLUSION: PPV with ILM peeling improved anatomic outcome, visual function, and VRQOL. Theimproved BCVA was an important factor related to the improved VRQOL.展开更多
Objectives: Although lung function decline is a normal ageing process, it can be potentiated by risk factors. However, the potential impact of early life factors on lung function decline has been scarcely studied. The...Objectives: Although lung function decline is a normal ageing process, it can be potentiated by risk factors. However, the potential impact of early life factors on lung function decline has been scarcely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between birth season and adult lung function. Methods: We enrolled 1008 South Korean patients (530 men and 478 women;age range, 40 - 80 years) who were hospitalized for urological surgery, irrespective of respiratory disease. All patients underwent the pulmonary function test before any surgery or procedure. Based on their birth season, the patients were divided into two groups (spring, summer, and fall vs. winter). Results: Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1 % predicted of men born in winter were lower than those of men born in other seasons. Univariate and multivariate analyses using linear regression models also showed that birth season was a significant predictive factor for FVC, FEV1, and FEV1 % predicted in men. However, birth season was not correlated with lung function in women. Among male ever-smokers, FEV1 and FEV1 % predicted were lower for men born in winter than for those born in other seasons. Conclusions: Unlike women, men born in winter had lower lung function than did men born in other seasons. These results suggest that birth season might be an early life factor that predicts airway function. Furthermore, birth season has different effects on adult lung function depending on the patient’s sex.展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong> It is a fact that the elderly population has been increasing all around the world and also in Brazil. This has been a challenge for governments and managers in the developmen...<strong>Introduction:</strong> It is a fact that the elderly population has been increasing all around the world and also in Brazil. This has been a challenge for governments and managers in the development of public policies to promote healthy and quality aging. And one of the conditions for healthy aging is to assess the functional capacity and quality of life of elderly people. <strong>Objective:</strong> The aim of the present study was to evaluate the factors that influence the loss of functional capacity and the worsening of the quality of life of a representative sample of elderly people from a medium-sized city in the inner of S<span style="white-space:nowrap;">ã</span>o Paulo State, Brazil. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Questionnaires about activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), Flanagan quality of life scale (FQOLS), sociodemographic and morbidities aspects were applied to the elderly people. In order to assess associated factors to functional capacity and quality of life, chi-square tests and logistic regression models were fitted including variables: gender, age group, marital status, income, education level, body mass index, abdominal circumference and some morbidities reported by the elderly people. The level of significance adopted for the statistical tests was 5%. <strong>Results:</strong> Elderly with age over 75 years old and not married had more risk to be dependent on ADL, while elderly with more than 75 years old, not married, income below one minimal wage, cardiovascular disease and be diabetic had more risk to be dependent by IADL. Already, people with excess of weight had smallest risk to be dependent by IADL, paradoxically. The elderly not married and with an income below a minimum wage had the worst quality of life. <strong>Conclusions: </strong>Population aging in Brazil is an evident factor, so it is hoped that this study will contribute to the greatest diligence on the issues of the elderly and related social problems.展开更多
Living kidney transplantation is now a widely accepted treatment for end stage renal disease(ESRD) because it provides excellent outcomes for recipients. However, long-term outcomes of living kidney donors have not be...Living kidney transplantation is now a widely accepted treatment for end stage renal disease(ESRD) because it provides excellent outcomes for recipients. However, long-term outcomes of living kidney donors have not been well understood. Because securing the safety of the donor is essential to the continued success of this procedure, we reviewed articles discussing long-term outcomes of living kidney donors. Most studies found no decrease in long-term survival or progressive renal dysfunction in previous kidney donors. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension was comparable to that expected in the general population, although some did report otherwise. Urinary protein showed small increases in this population and was associated with hypertension and a lower glomerular filtration rate. Quality of life following living kidney donation seems to be better than the national norm. We also encountered several reports of ESRD in previous living kidney donors. Regular follow-up of kidney donors is recommended and future controlled, prospective studies will better delineate risk factors which cause health problems following living kidney donation.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A)is mostly to be used to treat various diseases of motor disorders,whereas its effect on muscle spasm after stroke and brain injury needs further observation.OBJECTIVE:To observe...BACKGROUND:Botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A)is mostly to be used to treat various diseases of motor disorders,whereas its effect on muscle spasm after stroke and brain injury needs further observation.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of BTX-A plus rehabilitative training on treating muscle spasm after stroke and brain injury.DESIGN:A randomized controlled observation.SETTINGS:Department of Rehabilitation,Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery,the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University.PARTICIPANTS:Sixty inpatients with brain injury and stroke were selected from the Department of Rehabilitation,Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery,the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2001 to August 2006.They were all confirmed by CT and MRI,and had obvious increase of spastic muscle strength in upper limbs,their Ashworth grades were grade 2 or above.The patients were randomly divided into treatment group(n=30)and control group(n=30).METHODS:①Patients in the treatment group undertook comprehensive rehabilitative trainings,and they were administrated with domestic BTX-A,which was provided by Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products,Ministry of Health(S10970037),and the muscles of flexion spasm were selected for upper limbs,20-25 IU for each site.②Patients in the treatment group were assessed before injection and at 1 and 2 weeks,1 and 3 months after injection respectively,and those in the control group were assessed at corresponding time points.The recovery of muscle spasm was assessed by modified Ashworth scale(MAS,grade 0-Ⅳ;Grade 0 for without increase of muscle strength;GradeⅣfor rigidity at passive flexion and extension);The recovery of motor function of the upper limbs was evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA,total score was 226 points,including 100 for exercise,14 for balance,24 for sense,44 for joint motion,44 for pain and 66 for upper limb);The ADL were evaluated with Barthel index,the total score was 100 points,60 for mild dysfunction,60-41 for moderate dysfunction,<40 for severe dysfunction).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Changes of MAS grade,FMA scores and Barthel index before and after BTX-A injection.RESULTS:All the 60 patients with brain injury and stroke were involved in the analysis of results.①FMA scores of upper limbs:The FMA score in the treatment group at 2 weeks after treatment was higher than that before treatment[(14.98±10.14),(13.10±9.28)points,P<0.05],whereas there was no significant difference at corresponding time point in the control group.The FMA scores at 1 and 3 months in the treatment group[(23.36±10.69),(35.36±11.36)points]were higher than those in the control group[(20.55±10.22),(30.33±10.96)points,P<0.01].②MAS grades of upper limbs:There were obviously fewer cases of gradeⅢin MAS at 2 weeks after treatment than before treatment in the treatment group(0,9 cases,P<0.05),whereas there was no obvious difference in the control group.There were obviously fewer cases of gradeⅢin MAS at 2 weeks and 1 month after treatment in the treatment group(0,0 case)than the control group(5,2 cases,P<0.01).③Barthel index of upper limbs:The Barthel index at 2 weeks after treatment was higher than that before treatment in the treatment group[(30.36±22.25),(28.22±26.21)points,P<0.05],whereas there was no significant difference in the control group.The Barthel indexes at 1 and 3 months after treatment in the treatment group were obviously higher than those in the control group[(20.55±10.22),(30.33±10.96)points,P<0.01].CONCLUSION:BTX-A has obvious efficacy on decreasing muscle tension after stroke and brain injury,and relieving muscle spasm;Meanwhile,the combination with rehabilitative training can effectively ameliorate the motor function of upper limbs and ADL of the patients.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Bazhen Pills on quality of life and immune function of patients undergoing chemotherapy after gallbladder cancer surgery. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with gallbladder cance...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Bazhen Pills on quality of life and immune function of patients undergoing chemotherapy after gallbladder cancer surgery. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with gallbladder cancer treated by surgery and postoperative basic nutritional support and symptomatic treatment in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group, with 32 cases in each group.The control group was treated with chemotherapy from 4^(th) to 6^(th) week after surgery. The observation group was treated by Bazhen Pills on the basis of the treatment in the control group. The blood cell count, immune function,TCM symptom scores, KPS scores, quality of life and adverse reactions were compared between the 2 groups.RESULTS: The WBC and PLT in 2 groups were decreased after the treatment, and the data in the observation group were higher than that in the control group(P < 0.05). The levels of CD3^+, CD4^+ and CD8^+ in the 2 groups were increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the data in the observation group were higher than that in the control group(P < 0.05). TCM syndrome scores of the 2 groups were decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05),and the KPS scores were increased after the treatment(P < 0.05). The improvement degrees of the 2 scores in the observation group were higher than that of the control group(P < 0.05). The fatigue symptom scores of the 2 groups were decreased while scores of physical function, role function and overall health were increased after the treatment(P < 0.05). The scores of the observation group were better than those of the control group(P < 0.05). The total incidence of grade I-II hematological toxicity and grade I-II gastrointestinal reactions in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(21.88% vs 50.00%)(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bazhen Pills can effectively relieve clinical symptoms of patients undergoing chemotherapy after gallbladder cancer surgery, and improve their immune function and quality of life, with safety.展开更多
目的评价虚拟现实技术用于维持性血液透析患者的效果分析。方法计算机检索Cochrane Library、PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、CINAHL、中国知网、中国生物医学文献数据库、维普数据库、万方数据库中关于虚拟现实技术用于维持性血液透...目的评价虚拟现实技术用于维持性血液透析患者的效果分析。方法计算机检索Cochrane Library、PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、CINAHL、中国知网、中国生物医学文献数据库、维普数据库、万方数据库中关于虚拟现实技术用于维持性血液透析患者的随机对照试验和类实验性研究,由2名研究人员独立进行文献筛选和资料提取,根据纳入和排除标准进行评估,并进行交叉核对。采用RevMan 5.4软件对纳入的文献进行Meta分析。结果最终纳入文献7篇,共涉及315例患者。Meta分析结果显示,虚拟现实技术可以显著改善血液透析患者生活质量中的生理功能[MD=11.68,95%CI(5.38,17.98),P<0.01]、生理职能[MD=18.41,95%CI(9.93,26.89),P<0.01]、躯体疼痛[MD=8.75,95%CI(2.12,15.37),P=0.01]、一般健康状况[MD=9.23,95%CI(3.77,14.68),P<0.01]、精力[MD=11.90,95%CI(5.71,18.08),P<0.01]、精神健康[MD=19.14,95%CI(8.80,29.47),P<0.01];虚拟现实技术能够改善身体功能中的60 s内坐-站-坐次数[MD=4.61,95%CI(0.41,8.82),P=0.03]。结论虚拟现实技术能够改善维持性血液透析患者总体生活质量以及部分身体功能,但对抑郁的影响并不显著。展开更多
文摘Purpose: Although patient-related factors affect surgical outcomes, preoperative functional status is not measured by any cardiac risk score. Functional status can, however, be objectively measured using validated outcome tools such as the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). The purpose of this study was to determine 1) if there was a change over time in functional status, as measured by the LLFDI, in patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery, and if so, 2) what specific aspect(s) of functional status changed. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study of one year was conducted on elective cardiac surgery patients (n = 43) using the self-reported LLFDI, which measures Disability Frequency (frequency of participation in social tasks), Disability Limitation (ability to participate in social tasks) and Function Total (ease in performing routine activities). Higher scores indicate increased function and decreased disability. LLFDI scores were compared at three times (preoperative, six-week and one-year postoperative) using repeated measures ANOVA. Post hoc pairwise comparison was conducted for specific interactions. Results: Both Function Total and Disability Frequency significantly changed over time (p = 0.047 and p = 0.013, respectively). Specifically, patients’ function level was significantly higher one-year postoperative compared to preoperative (M difference = +3.48, SE = 1.48, p = 0.026). Likewise, Disability Frequency scores were significantly higher (i.e. more active) at one-year postoperative versus preoperative (M difference= +5.98, SE = 2.19, p = 0.033). Disability Limitation scores were not significantly different between any time points (p > 0.05). Conclusion: By one-year postoperative, patients demonstrated increased ease in their routine physical activities and were more participatory in social life tasks. Individuals who underwent elective cardiac surgery took more than six weeks to detect notable improvement in functional status, which was expected with a sternotomy approach. This study provides support for the use of the LLFDI as an effective tool to capture functional status in the cardiac population. These findings may assist cardiac patients in recovery timeline expectations.
基金Supported by the National Cancer Center,No.NCC-1810304-1 and No.1710120-1
文摘BACKGROUND Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) was known to have benefits of function-preserving surgery compared to laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). However, in clinical settings, delayed gastric emptying and esophageal reflux following LAPPG can be serious issues, making surgeons reluctant to perform LAPPG. It is unclear that LAPPG had better longterm functional outcomes and quality of life compared to LADG. AIM To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and patient-reported quality of life of LAPPG compared to those of LADG. METHODS We reviewed the clinicopathological data of 195 patients who underwent LADG with Billroth II anastomosis and 101 patients who underwent LAPPG for cT1N0 gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach between 2012 and 2015. Postoperative complications, nutritional parameters, and survey results of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire C30 and STO22 questionnaire were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The serum hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the LAPPG group than in the LADG group (P < 0.001). In the endoscopic findings, incidence of bile reflux was lower (P < 0.001);however, the incidence of residual food was higher in the LAPPG group than in the LADG group (P < 0.001). Regarding the quality of life score, the LAPPG group had a better physical functioning score (86.7 vs 90.0, P = 0.032) but also greater pain and reflux when compared to the LADG group [8.3 vs 16.7 in pain, 11.1 (interquartile range, 0, 22.2) vs 11.1 (interquartile range, 11.1, 33.3) in reflux, P = 0.034 and 0.001, respectively]. CONCLUSION LAPPG is beneficial to recovery of anemia and to bile reflux, however, it might be unfavorable in terms of pain and reflux symptoms compared to LADG with Billroth II anastomosis.
文摘Abundant material with low cost was utilized to raise medium function of producing carpet turf by life rubbish. The results showed that the material used could strikingly raise water retentiveness and ventilating of medium. Through the determination of the effect of each growth index of several turfgrass, emergence density, plant height, root growth and individual plant′s net primary production were all positively related to the material′s amount mixed, showing that the mixture of material could promote turfgrass growth, further proving that the material used raised medium function of producing carpet turf by life rubbish and made most use of life rubbish resources. It provided a scientific base is for application of environmental engineering by using life rubbish to produce carpet turf. So the study had both important theoretic meaning and applied value.
基金Supported by Skane county council research and development foundation
文摘AIM:To evaluate long-term endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function,quality of life and health care costs after mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:Patients prospectively included in 2001-2005 were followed-up after 42(36-53)mo.Pancreatic function was evaluated with laboratory tests,the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),fecal elastase-1 and a questionnaire.Short Form(SF)-36,was completed.RESULTS:Fourteen patients with a history of SAP and 26 with mild acute pancreatitis were included.Plasma glucose after OGTT was higher after SAP(9.2 mmol/L vs 7.0 mmol/L,P=0.044).Diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance in fasting plasma glucose and/or 120 min plasma glucose were more common in SAP patients(11/14 vs 11/25,P=0.037).Sick leave,time until the patients could take up recreational activities and time until they had recovered were all longer after SAP(P <0.001).No significant differences in SF-36 were seen between the groups,or when comparing with age and gender matched reference groups.Total hospital costs,including primary care,follow-up and treatment of complications,were higher after SAP(median€16572 vs €5000,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Endocrine pancreatic function was affected,especially after severe disease.SAP requires greater resource use with long recovery,but most patients regained a good quality of life.
文摘Euphemism,as a unique form in language expression,conveys a lot about the society and culture in which it exits.This paper studies the functions of euphemism and its application of euphemisms in social-cultural activities.
文摘· AIM: To investigate the visual function and the relationship with vision-related quality of life(VRQOL)after macular hole repair surgery.· METHODS: Prospective case series. Thirty-six consecutive eyes in 36 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) and internal limiting membrane(ILM) peeling were included. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire(VFQ-25) was answered by the participants before and 3 and 12 mo after operation. Follow-up visits examinations included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), clinical examination,and central macular thickness(CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography(OCT).·RESULTS: Macular-hole closure was achieved in 35 of36 eyes(97.2%). At baseline and months 3 and 12, the log MAR BCVAs(mean±SD) were 1.15±0.47, 0.68±0.53(P 【0.0001 versus baseline), and 0.55 ±0.49(P 【0.001 versus baseline, P =0.273 versus month 3), respectively; the CMTs(μm) were 330 ±81, 244 ±62(P 【0.001 versus baseline), and 225±58(P 【0.001 versus baseline, P =0.222 versus month 3), respectively; the median preoperative VFQ-25 composite score of 73.50(63.92-81.13) increased postoperatively to 85.50(80.04-89.63) at 3mo(P 【0.001)and 86.73(82.50-89.63) at 12mo(P 【0.001) respectively.The improved BCVA was correlated with improvements in five subscales(r =-0.605 to-0.336, P 【0.001 to P =0.046) at 12 mo.· CONCLUSION: PPV with ILM peeling improved anatomic outcome, visual function, and VRQOL. Theimproved BCVA was an important factor related to the improved VRQOL.
文摘Objectives: Although lung function decline is a normal ageing process, it can be potentiated by risk factors. However, the potential impact of early life factors on lung function decline has been scarcely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between birth season and adult lung function. Methods: We enrolled 1008 South Korean patients (530 men and 478 women;age range, 40 - 80 years) who were hospitalized for urological surgery, irrespective of respiratory disease. All patients underwent the pulmonary function test before any surgery or procedure. Based on their birth season, the patients were divided into two groups (spring, summer, and fall vs. winter). Results: Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1 % predicted of men born in winter were lower than those of men born in other seasons. Univariate and multivariate analyses using linear regression models also showed that birth season was a significant predictive factor for FVC, FEV1, and FEV1 % predicted in men. However, birth season was not correlated with lung function in women. Among male ever-smokers, FEV1 and FEV1 % predicted were lower for men born in winter than for those born in other seasons. Conclusions: Unlike women, men born in winter had lower lung function than did men born in other seasons. These results suggest that birth season might be an early life factor that predicts airway function. Furthermore, birth season has different effects on adult lung function depending on the patient’s sex.
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> It is a fact that the elderly population has been increasing all around the world and also in Brazil. This has been a challenge for governments and managers in the development of public policies to promote healthy and quality aging. And one of the conditions for healthy aging is to assess the functional capacity and quality of life of elderly people. <strong>Objective:</strong> The aim of the present study was to evaluate the factors that influence the loss of functional capacity and the worsening of the quality of life of a representative sample of elderly people from a medium-sized city in the inner of S<span style="white-space:nowrap;">ã</span>o Paulo State, Brazil. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Questionnaires about activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), Flanagan quality of life scale (FQOLS), sociodemographic and morbidities aspects were applied to the elderly people. In order to assess associated factors to functional capacity and quality of life, chi-square tests and logistic regression models were fitted including variables: gender, age group, marital status, income, education level, body mass index, abdominal circumference and some morbidities reported by the elderly people. The level of significance adopted for the statistical tests was 5%. <strong>Results:</strong> Elderly with age over 75 years old and not married had more risk to be dependent on ADL, while elderly with more than 75 years old, not married, income below one minimal wage, cardiovascular disease and be diabetic had more risk to be dependent by IADL. Already, people with excess of weight had smallest risk to be dependent by IADL, paradoxically. The elderly not married and with an income below a minimum wage had the worst quality of life. <strong>Conclusions: </strong>Population aging in Brazil is an evident factor, so it is hoped that this study will contribute to the greatest diligence on the issues of the elderly and related social problems.
文摘Living kidney transplantation is now a widely accepted treatment for end stage renal disease(ESRD) because it provides excellent outcomes for recipients. However, long-term outcomes of living kidney donors have not been well understood. Because securing the safety of the donor is essential to the continued success of this procedure, we reviewed articles discussing long-term outcomes of living kidney donors. Most studies found no decrease in long-term survival or progressive renal dysfunction in previous kidney donors. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension was comparable to that expected in the general population, although some did report otherwise. Urinary protein showed small increases in this population and was associated with hypertension and a lower glomerular filtration rate. Quality of life following living kidney donation seems to be better than the national norm. We also encountered several reports of ESRD in previous living kidney donors. Regular follow-up of kidney donors is recommended and future controlled, prospective studies will better delineate risk factors which cause health problems following living kidney donation.
基金a grant from the Tackle Key Problem and Planning Projectin Science and Technology of Hebei Province,No.052761224
文摘BACKGROUND:Botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A)is mostly to be used to treat various diseases of motor disorders,whereas its effect on muscle spasm after stroke and brain injury needs further observation.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of BTX-A plus rehabilitative training on treating muscle spasm after stroke and brain injury.DESIGN:A randomized controlled observation.SETTINGS:Department of Rehabilitation,Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery,the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University.PARTICIPANTS:Sixty inpatients with brain injury and stroke were selected from the Department of Rehabilitation,Department of Neurology and Department of Neurosurgery,the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2001 to August 2006.They were all confirmed by CT and MRI,and had obvious increase of spastic muscle strength in upper limbs,their Ashworth grades were grade 2 or above.The patients were randomly divided into treatment group(n=30)and control group(n=30).METHODS:①Patients in the treatment group undertook comprehensive rehabilitative trainings,and they were administrated with domestic BTX-A,which was provided by Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products,Ministry of Health(S10970037),and the muscles of flexion spasm were selected for upper limbs,20-25 IU for each site.②Patients in the treatment group were assessed before injection and at 1 and 2 weeks,1 and 3 months after injection respectively,and those in the control group were assessed at corresponding time points.The recovery of muscle spasm was assessed by modified Ashworth scale(MAS,grade 0-Ⅳ;Grade 0 for without increase of muscle strength;GradeⅣfor rigidity at passive flexion and extension);The recovery of motor function of the upper limbs was evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA,total score was 226 points,including 100 for exercise,14 for balance,24 for sense,44 for joint motion,44 for pain and 66 for upper limb);The ADL were evaluated with Barthel index,the total score was 100 points,60 for mild dysfunction,60-41 for moderate dysfunction,<40 for severe dysfunction).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Changes of MAS grade,FMA scores and Barthel index before and after BTX-A injection.RESULTS:All the 60 patients with brain injury and stroke were involved in the analysis of results.①FMA scores of upper limbs:The FMA score in the treatment group at 2 weeks after treatment was higher than that before treatment[(14.98±10.14),(13.10±9.28)points,P<0.05],whereas there was no significant difference at corresponding time point in the control group.The FMA scores at 1 and 3 months in the treatment group[(23.36±10.69),(35.36±11.36)points]were higher than those in the control group[(20.55±10.22),(30.33±10.96)points,P<0.01].②MAS grades of upper limbs:There were obviously fewer cases of gradeⅢin MAS at 2 weeks after treatment than before treatment in the treatment group(0,9 cases,P<0.05),whereas there was no obvious difference in the control group.There were obviously fewer cases of gradeⅢin MAS at 2 weeks and 1 month after treatment in the treatment group(0,0 case)than the control group(5,2 cases,P<0.01).③Barthel index of upper limbs:The Barthel index at 2 weeks after treatment was higher than that before treatment in the treatment group[(30.36±22.25),(28.22±26.21)points,P<0.05],whereas there was no significant difference in the control group.The Barthel indexes at 1 and 3 months after treatment in the treatment group were obviously higher than those in the control group[(20.55±10.22),(30.33±10.96)points,P<0.01].CONCLUSION:BTX-A has obvious efficacy on decreasing muscle tension after stroke and brain injury,and relieving muscle spasm;Meanwhile,the combination with rehabilitative training can effectively ameliorate the motor function of upper limbs and ADL of the patients.
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Bazhen Pills on quality of life and immune function of patients undergoing chemotherapy after gallbladder cancer surgery. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with gallbladder cancer treated by surgery and postoperative basic nutritional support and symptomatic treatment in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group, with 32 cases in each group.The control group was treated with chemotherapy from 4^(th) to 6^(th) week after surgery. The observation group was treated by Bazhen Pills on the basis of the treatment in the control group. The blood cell count, immune function,TCM symptom scores, KPS scores, quality of life and adverse reactions were compared between the 2 groups.RESULTS: The WBC and PLT in 2 groups were decreased after the treatment, and the data in the observation group were higher than that in the control group(P < 0.05). The levels of CD3^+, CD4^+ and CD8^+ in the 2 groups were increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the data in the observation group were higher than that in the control group(P < 0.05). TCM syndrome scores of the 2 groups were decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05),and the KPS scores were increased after the treatment(P < 0.05). The improvement degrees of the 2 scores in the observation group were higher than that of the control group(P < 0.05). The fatigue symptom scores of the 2 groups were decreased while scores of physical function, role function and overall health were increased after the treatment(P < 0.05). The scores of the observation group were better than those of the control group(P < 0.05). The total incidence of grade I-II hematological toxicity and grade I-II gastrointestinal reactions in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(21.88% vs 50.00%)(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bazhen Pills can effectively relieve clinical symptoms of patients undergoing chemotherapy after gallbladder cancer surgery, and improve their immune function and quality of life, with safety.