The Effectiveness of Albumin Combined with Diuretics in Treating Ascites in Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis often leads to various complications during its progression,with ascites being one of the most common.Among these cases,5%to 10%are classified as refractory ascites.In recent years,clinical research on the treatment of cirrhotic ascites has yielded increasingly enriched results.In this paper,a large number of clinical data on the treatment of ascites using albumin combined with diuretics were collected,and it was found that there were more results in group control studies.It was believed that albumin combined with diuretic therapy could effectively improve symptoms,reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions,ensure the safety of patients,and have a good clinical application prospect.This paper reviews the efficacy of albumin combined with diuretics in the treatment of ascites in cirrhosis.

Vitamin D,selenium,and antidiabetic drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

BACKGROUND Diabetes and thyroiditis are closely related.They occur in combination and cause significant damage to the body.There is no clear treatment for type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT).While single symptomatic drug treatment of the two diseases is less effective,combined drug treatment may improve efficacy.AIM To investigate the effect of a combination of vitamin D,selenium,and hypoglycemic agents in T2DM with HT.METHODS This retrospective study included 150 patients with T2DM and HT treated at The Central Hospital of Shaoyang from March 2020 to February 2023.Fifty patients were assigned to the control group,test group A,and test group B according to different treatment methods.The control group received low-iodine diet guidance and hypoglycemic drug treatment.Test group A received the control treatment plus vitamin D treatment.Test group B received the group A treatment plus selenium.Blood levels of markers of thyroid function[free T3(FT3),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),free T4(FT4)],autoantibodies[thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAB)and thyroid globulin antibody(TGAB)],blood lipid index[low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),total cholesterol(TC),triacylglycerol(TG)],blood glucose index[fasting blood glucose(FBG),and hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)]were measured pre-treatment and 3 and 6 months after treatment.The relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3[25(OH)D3]level and each of these indices were analyzed.RESULTS The levels of 25(OH)D3,FT3,FT4,and LDL-C increased in the order of the control group,test group A,and test group B(all P<0.05).The TPOAB,TGAB,TC,TG,FBG,HbA1c,and TSH levels increased in the order of test groups B,A,and the control group(all P<0.05).All the above indices were compared after 3 and 6 months of treatment.Pre-treatment,there was no divergence in serum 25(OH)D3 level,thyroid function-related indexes,autoantibodies level,blood glucose,and blood lipid index between the control group,test groups A and B(all P>0.05).The 25(OH)D3 levels in test groups A and B were negatively correlated with FT4 and TGAB(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The combination drug treatment for T2DM with HT significantly improved thyroid function,autoantibody,and blood glucose and lipid levels.

Effect of a systemic intervention combined with a psychological intervention in stroke patients with oropharyngeal dysfunction

BACKGROUND Stroke frequently results in oropharyngeal dysfunction(OD),leading to difficulties in swallowing and eating,as well as triggering negative emotions,malnutrition,and aspiration pneumonia,which can be detrimental to patients.However,routine nursing interventions often fail to address these issues adequately.Systemic and psychological interventions can improve dysphagia symptoms,relieve negative emotions,and improve quality of life.However,there are few clinical reports of systemic interventions combined with psychological interventions for stroke patients with OD.AIM To explore the effects of combining systemic and psychological interventions in stroke patients with OD.METHODS This retrospective study included 90 stroke patients with OD,admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College(January 2022–December 2023),who were divided into two groups:regular and coalition.Swallowing function grading(using a water swallow test),swallowing function[using the standardized swallowing assessment(SSA)],negative emotions[using the selfrating anxiety scale(SAS)and self-rating depression scale(SDS)],and quality of life(SWAL-QOL)were compared between groups before and after the intervention;aspiration pneumonia incidence was recorded.RESULTS Post-intervention,the coalition group had a greater number of patients with grade 1 swallowing function compared to the regular group,while the number of patients with grade 5 swallowing function was lower than that in the regular group(P<0.05).Post-intervention,the SSA,SAS,and SDS scores of both groups decreased,with a more significant decrease observed in the coalition group(P<0.05).Additionally,the total SWAL-QOL score in both groups increased,with a more significant increase observed in the coalition group(P<0.05).During the intervention period,the total incidence of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia in the coalition group was lower than that in the control group(4.44%vs 20.00%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Systemic intervention combined with psychological intervention can improve dysphagia symptoms,alleviate negative emotions,enhance quality of life,and reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in patients with OD.

Clinical effect of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride on mild-to-moderate depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common,chronic,and recurrent mood disorder that has become a worldwide health hazard.Fluoxetine hydrochloride,a common treatment method,can inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)recycling in the presynaptic membrane;however,the efficacy of a single drug is inadequate.At present,mildto-moderate depression can be treated with acupuncture of ghost caves,but the clinical curative effect of combined therapy with fluoxetine hydrochloride has not been sufficiently reported.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression.METHODS This retrospective study included 160 patients with mild-to-moderate depression who were admitted to Shanghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,between January 2022 and June 2023.Patients were separated into a single-agent group(fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment,n=80)and a coalition group(fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment combined with acupuncture at ghost points,n=80).Pre-treatment symptoms were recorded,and the clinical curative effect and adverse reactions[Asberg Antidepressant Side Effects Scale(SERS)]were assessed.Depression before and after treatment[Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-24],neurotransmitter levels[5-HT,norepinephrine(NE),dopamine(DA)],oxidative stress indicators[superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA)],and sleep quality[Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)]were compared.RESULTS The total efficacy rate was 97.50%in the coalition group and 86.25%in the single-agent group(P<0.05).After 2,4,6,and 8 wk of treatment,the HAMD,self-rating depression scale,and SERS scores of the coalition and single-agent groups decreased compared with pre-treatment,and the decrease was more significant in the coalition group(P<0.05).After 8 wk of treatment,the levels of NE,DA,5-HT,and SOD in the coalition and single-agent groups increased,while the levels of MDA decreased;the increases and decrease in the coalition group were more significant(P<0.05).The PSQI scores of the coalition and single-agent groups decreased,and the decrease was more significant in the coalition group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture at ghost points combined with paroxetine tablets can safely improve depressive symptoms and sleep disorders,regulate neurotransmitter levels,and reduce stress responses in patients with mild-to-moderate depression.

Comparing pharmacotherapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of anxiety and depression after aortic dissection surgery

BACKGROUND Aortic coarctation is a potentially fatal condition that is primarily treated surgically.Despite successful procedures,patients frequently experience postoperative anxiety and depression,which can hinder recovery and worsen outcomes.Pharmacological interventions,such as 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors,are commonly prescribed;however,their efficacy alone or in combination with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques,such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS),remains unclear.AIM To assess the effect of medications and TMS on post-aortic surgery anxiety and depression.METHODS We analyzed the outcomes of 151 patients with anxiety and depression who were hospitalized for aortic dissection between January 2020 and September 2022.Using the random number table method,75 and 76 patients were allocated to the normal control and study groups,respectively.All the patients were treated using routine procedures.The control group was administered anti-anxiety and antidepression drugs,whereas the study group was treated with TMS in addition to these medications.The patients in both groups showed improvement after two courses of treatment.The Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)and the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)were used to assess anxiety and depression,respectively.The serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and 5-HT were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)was used to estimate sleep quality,and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status(RBANS)was used to assess cognitive function.RESULTS The HAMD and HAMA scores reduced in 2 groups,with the study group achieving a lower level than control(P<0.05).In the control group,43 patients recovered,17 showed improvement,and 15 were deemed invalid.In the study group,52 recovered,20 improved,and four were invalid.The efficacy rate in study group was 94.74%compared to 80.00%in control(P<0.05).The BDNF and 5-HT levels increased in both groups,with higher levels observed in the experimental group(P<0.05).Moreover,the PSQI scores decreased in 2 groups,but were lower in the intervention group than control(P<0.05).The scores of the RBANS items increased,with the study group scoring higher than control(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Combining anti-anxiety and anti-depressive drugs with repetitive TMS after aortic surgery may enhance mood and treatment outcomes,offering a promising clinical approach.

Discussion on the Application Effect of Simplified Vacuum Sealing Drainage(VSD)in the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Wounds

Objective:To analyze the effect of simplified vacuum sealing drainage(VSD)in the treatment of chronic refractory wounds.Methods:A total of 90 patients with chronic refractory wounds treated from May 2022 to May 2023 were randomly divided into groups.The simplified VSD treatment was employed in group A,and conventional treatment was employed in group B,and the wound healing of both groups were compared.Results:Group A showed better wound healing compared to group B,P<0.05;the wound healing rate,wound healing duration,visual analog scale(VAS)score,wound dressing times and other indicators in group A were better than those in group B,P<0.05.The SF-36 score of group A was higher than that of group B,P<0.05;the complication rate of chronic refractory wounds in group A was no different from that in group B,P>0.05.Conclusion:Simplified VSD treatment is effective in treating patients with chronic refractory wounds,and it reduces the number of wound dressing changes and promote wound healing.

Effect of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis on Efficacy of 131I Ablation Therapy in Intermediate- and High-Risk of Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on efficacy of 131I ablation in intermediate- and high-risk of thyroid papillary carcinoma patients. The findings will help to develop a personalized treatment plan for patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma complicated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Material and Methods: From January 2016 to December 2020, patients who were diagnosed with intermediate- and high-risk PTC with lymph node metastasis were analyzed retrospectively, excluding patients with incomplete clinical data, distant metastasis, positive TGAb, TSH Results: A total of 525 patients (166 males and 359 females) were included in the study, including 368 patients in ER group (70.1%) and 157 patients in NER group (29.9%). Eleven factors including combining Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, pre-ablative Tg levels, sex, tumor diameter, extraglandular invasion, multifocal, bilateral lesions, central lymph node metastasis, lateral lymph node metastasis, lymph node metastasis rate, thyroglobulin were statistically different between ER group and NER group with significance at P Conclusion: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Ps-Tg level and lateral lymph node metastasis are potential predictors for short-term efficacy of 131I treatment in intermediate- and high-risk thyroid papillary carcinoma. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, high Ps-Tg level and increased number of lateral lymph node metastasis reduce the efficacy of 131I therapy in patients with intermediate and high risk thyroid papillary carcinoma.

Clinical Effect of Omeprazole Combined with Amoxicillin in the Treatment of Gastric Ulcer

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of omeprazole+amoxicillin in patients with gastric ulcers.Methods:62 cases of patients with gastric ulcers who were treated from January 2022 to December 2022 were recruited and randomly divided into groups.Omeprazole+amoxicillin treatment was included in the study group,and amoxicillin treatment was included in the control group.The score of gastric ulcer symptoms,time of symptom resolution,gastrointestinal hormone index,and adverse reactions were compared.Results:The gastric ulcer symptom scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);the gastric ulcer symptoms and Helicobacter pylori-negative time in the study group were shorter than those in the control group(P<0.05);the gastrointestinal hormone indexes in the study group were better than those in the control group(P<0.05);the adverse reaction rate of gastric ulcer in the study group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Omeprazole+amoxicillin in the treatment of gastric ulcers can regulate gastrointestinal hormones,relieve gastric ulcer symptoms,and shorten the duration of ulcers,which is highly effective and feasible.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CONCENTRATION OF METHIMAZOLE IN PLASMA AND INTRATHYROID AND ITS CURATIVE EFFECT

In order to investigate the relationship between concentration of methimazole(MMTand clinical curative efficacy,the concentration of MMI in Plasma and thyroid tissue was measuredin 26 patients with Graves' disease by HPLC,meanwhile their T-lymphocyte subsets,thyroid autoimmune antibodies and serum immunoglobulin were also measured.The results showed: ① The plasmaand intrathyroid concentrations of MMI of recovery group were much higher than those of unrecovery group(P<0.001).② The hardness of thyroid had a significant effect on the concentration ofMMI in thyroid.③Plasma concentration of MMI in the patients with no or 1￣2-degree enlargement of thyroid was much higher than that in the patients with 3-degree enlargement of thyroid(P<0.001). In addition, the plasma concentration of MMI in the subjects with soft thyroid was mudhigher than that in those with hard thyroid(P<0.001).Our study demonstrated that MMI playeda role in the immune supression of thyroid autoimmune antibodies and the immune regulation of Tand B-lymphocytes.Effective MMI concentration in the plasma and intrathyroid is the key of thesuccessful clinical treatment and correlates with the size and hardness of thyroid.

Analysis of the Curative Effect of Cold-Dampness Epidemic Prescription(寒湿疫方)on the Main Symptoms of Quarantined People in Community

Objective:To evaluate the curative effect of"Cold-Dampness Epidemic Prescription(寒湿疫方)"on the main symptoms of quarantined people in community based on real-world research data,and to provide scientific basis for Chinese medicine to fight Coronavirus disease 2019 under the"Wuchang Model".Methods:From February 4,2020 to March 5,2020,the data of community quarantined people who only took"Cold-Dampness Epidemic Prescription(寒湿疫方)"under the management of"Wuchang Model"were collected,and the demographic characteristics,basic diseases,distribution of sick people,treatment process,disappearance time of eight clinical symptoms,adverse reactions and clinical outcomes of patients were statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 951 quarantined people in COVID-19 community were included,including 440 males(46.27%)and 511 females(53.73%),the oldest was 89 years old,the youngest was 2 years old,and the average age was 43.34 years old;Among the quarantined population in the community,there were 141 cases diagnosed by CDC(14.83%),CDC excluded 810 cases(85.17%);106 cases of CDC were diagnosed as COVID-19,accounting for 47.96%of the self-reported cases,and 311 cases(32.70%)had previous medical history;696(73.19%)had no obvious symptoms,and 255(26.81%)developed fever,fatigue,cough,sputum,shortness of breath,loss of appetite,diarrhea and mood,of which 187(19.66%)had cough symptoms,followed by sputum coughing(14.30%)and fever(13.56%).Conclusion:"Cold-Dampness Epidemic Prescription(寒湿疫方)"is effective in treating the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 without obvious adverse reactions.

Application Status of Infrarde Thermography in the Evaluation of Curative Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Infrarde thermography is a kind of functional imaging technology to detect the surface temperature of human body.To a certain extent,it provides a scientific basis for the datamation,visualization and objectification of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).It has the characteristics of noninvasive,accuracy and predictability.In this paper,infrarde thermography was applied,and summed up its advantages and disadvantages,so as to play a more important role in the field of TCM infrarde thermography.

Volatility Spillover Effect of the International Crude Oil Futures Price on Composite and Sector Indices between the Chinese and Australian Stock Markets

As a type of non-renewable industrial resource,petroleum is of great strategic significance to the development of each nation.Ever since the 19th century,an array of oil crises have incurred certain downturn of the world economy.Pertinent studies have implied that financial crisis is always prone to be accompanied with oil crisis,yet the relevance of crude oil to the stock market,the barometer of the macro-economy,is ambiguous.In order to avoid the risks induced by the volatility of oil price,the oil futures market has appeared,and at the same time,the financial property of crude oil has become far more evident.Owing to lack of mature mining and refining technology,China still imports large amounts of oil from abroad at present.Thus,the economy of China is susceptible to fluctuation in petroleum price.As for Australia,the only net importer among the member countries of the International Energy Agency(IEA),it fails to attain the target of holding 90 days of fuel reserves set by the agency.However,in 2013,Australian Lincoln Energy announced that a gigantic shale oil field with an estimated value of 21 trillion US dollars was found in the South of Australia,and that if that field is mined,Australia has the possibility to turn into a net exporter of crude oil.It can be expected that the Australia’s economic conditions would be closely related to the international oil to a certain extent.Based on the approaches of the first difference and co-integration,this paper delves into the volatility spillover effect of crude oil futures on the Chinese and Australian stock markets.According to the empirical findings,in the short run,the price of crude oil futures has a greater impact on the Australian composite index than on the Chinese composite index.However,crude oil futures are negatively related to the Chinese composite index in the long run.The price of crude oil futures has no significant impact on the Chinese sector indices,but it has a certain impact on the Australian utilities,energy,materials,and industrial sector indices.In the Chinese stock market,the movement of short-run effect to long-run effect of crude oil futures on sector indices is in the reverse direction.Finally,the price of crude oil futures has a significant volatility spillover effect only on the Australian utilities sector index.

Control study of short-term curative effect of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty using metal-on-metal large-diameter femoral head for the elderly patients with femoral neck fractures

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

Sea level change and forecast in the future — climate of the past,today and the future

The sea-level change is resulted from superposition of sun, moon and other planeries, and earth itself, biological process, atmosphere and oceanography, as well as artificial actions. As a result, the sea level change is really a sensitive integral variation value of many variations, or a combined function of coupling effects of various big systems. Therefore the above mentioned superposed action of different systems and the coupling effect of sun earth and biological aspects may be called as sun earth biological coupling effect system. Based on this hypothesis, the corresponding sun dynamic, air dynamic, water dynamic and earth dynamic conceptional models are established in order to research the multiple coupling effects and feedback machsnism between these big systems. In order to determine the relations, effectness and coherent relation of different variations, the quantity, analysis is conducted through collective variation and stage division. The quantity analysis indicates that the earths spindle rotation speed is the dynamic mechanism controlling the sea level change of fluctuation. The change rate of sea level in the world is ＋1.32 ＋ 0.22 mm/a, while the sea level change rate in China is only＋1.39 ＋ 0.26 mm/a in average. If take the CO2 content as the climate marker, eight cold stages （periods） are grouped out since two hundreds years AC. The extreme cold of the eighth cold stage started approximately at 1850 years AC. and if the stage from the extreme cold to extreme warm is determined as long as 200 years, the present ongoing warm stage will end at about 2050 years, there after the temperature will begin to tower. If the stage between cold and warm extremes lasts for 250 years, then the temperature will become lower at about 2100 year. Until to that time, the sea-level is estimated to raise ＋7 - ＋11 ＋ 3.5 cm again, and there after, the sea level will begin the new lowering trend. In the same time, the climate will enter into next new cold stage subsequently.

THE OBSERVATION ON CURATIVE EFFECT OF XIFENGDINGJIAWAN IN TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY AND BA

目的:探讨熄风定癎丸的疗效和脑电地形图的改变。方法:用熄风定癎丸对133例癫癎患者进行治疗并进行脑电地形图检查,同时与对照组进行比较。结果:治疗组的疗效是95.6%,对照组是69.7%。脑电地形图有明显的改变。结论:熄风定癎丸的疗效是明显的,脑电地形图有重要的应用价值。

Efficacy and safety of gastroscopic hemostasis in the treatment of acute gastric hemorrhage: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a malignant tumor with a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide for which acute bleeding is a common clinical complication.Gastro-scopic hemostasis is an important method for treating acute bleeding in GC;however,its efficacy and safety remain controversial.AIM To systematically analyze the efficacy and safety of gastroscopic hemostasis for the treatment of acute gastric hemorrhage.METHODS The PUBMED,Web of Science,Wiley Library,EMBASE,Wanfang,CNKI,and VIP databases were searched for studies related to gastroscopic hemostatic treatment for acute GC published through February 20,2023.The literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,data were extracted,and lite-rature quality was evaluated.The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software(version 5.3),while Begg’s test for publication bias was performed using Stata 13.0 software.RESULTS Six randomized controlled trials and two retrospective analyses were retrieved.Five studies had a low,two had an uncertain,and one had a high risk of bias.Compared with the control group,the hemostatic rate of gastroscopic hemostasis was increased[relative risk(RR)=1.24;95%confidence interval(CI):1.08 to 1.43;P=0.003];the rate of rebleeding(RR=0.27;95%CI:0.09 to 0.80;P=0.02),rate of surgery transfer(RR=0.16;95%CI:0.06 to 0.43;P=0.0003),serum C-reactive protein level[mean difference(MD)=-5.16;95%CI:-6.11 to 4.21;P<0.00001],interleukin-6 level(MD=-6.37;95%CI:-10.33 to-2.42;P=0.002),and tumor necrosis factor-αlevel(MD=-2.29;95%CI:-4.06 to-0.52;P=0.01)were decreased;and the quality of life improvement rate was increased(RR=1.95;95%C I=1.41-2.71;P<0.0001).Begg’s test revealed no significant publication bias.CONCLUSION The efficacy and safety of endoscopic hemostasis were higher than those of the control group,suggesting that it is an effective treatment for acute GC hemorrhage.

Comparative study of the clinical efficacy of all-inside and traditional techniques in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BACKGROUND Many studies have focused on the femoral tunnel technique and fixation method,but few studies have involved the tibial tunnel technique and fixation method.The all-inside technique is one of the new techniques that has been described in recent years.All-inside anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction is based on a tibial socket instead of a full tunnel.This method has many potential advantages.AIM To compare clinical outcomes of knee ACL autograft reconstruction using allinside quadrupled semitendinosus(AIST)and traditional hamstring tendon(TBT)techniques.METHODS From January 2017 to October 2019,the clinical data of 80 patients with ACL reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed,including 67 males and 13 females.The patients had an average age of 24.3±3.1 years(age range:18-33 years).The AIST technique was used in 42 patients and the TBT technique was used in 38 patients.The time between operation and injury,operative duration,postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS)score and knee functional recovery were recorded and compared between the two groups.The International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC)and Lysholm scoring system were used to comprehensively evaluate clinical efficacy.RESULTS Eighty patients were followed for 24-36 mo,with an average follow-up duration of 27.5±1.8 mo.There were no significant differences in the time between surgery and injury,operative duration,IKDC and Lysholm scores of the affected knee at the last follow-up evaluation between the two groups.There were significant differences in VAS scores 1 d,3 d,7 d,2 wk and 1 mo after surgery(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in VAS score at 3 mo,6 mo and 1 year after operation.CONCLUSION The efficacy of the AIST ACL reconstruction technique was comparable to the TBT technique,but the postoperative pain was less with the AIST technique.Thus,the AIST technique is an ideal treatment choice for ACL reconstruction.

Perceptual learning for treating amblyopia in children based on activation of visual signal pathway Relationship of curative effects and time

BACKGROUND： Conventional methods （such as occlusion therapy, fine manipulation, complementary, and alternative medicine） take effects slowly, are time and labor consuming, and have uncertain curative effects in the treatment of amblyopia. Perceptual learning, a new method for treating amblyopia, improves the ability to process signals from the cerebral optic nerve system by specific visual stimulation and visual learning, as well as activation of the visual signal pathway utilizing brain nervous system plasticity. OBJECTIVE： This study investigated and evaluated the curative effects of perceptual learning, which can directionally increase brain plasticity, on the treatment of amblyopia in children. The relationship between curative effect and time was also analyzed. DESIGN： A self-control experiment. SETTING： Visual Science and Optometry Center, People＇s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 125 amblyopic children （250 amblyopic eyes）, 73 males, 52 females, averaging （6±2） years of age, received treatment at the Visual Science and Optometry Center, People＇s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region between September 2006 and February 2007 and were recruited for this study. All children presented with no structural disease of the eyeballs. Written informed consent for therapeutic regiments was obtained from each child＇s parent. The protocol received approval from the Hospital＇s Ethics Committee. METHODS： Visual function was tested with a perceptual learning system （Research Center for Human Health and Development of Sun Yat-sen University, National Engineering Technique Research Center for Medical Care Implement） for visual noise, position noise, contour discrimination, contrast sensitivity, grating stereogram, and random-dot fusion. These tests helped to evaluate the efficiency of visual information processing of these children, and to determine the degree of defects of the optic nerve cells and the connections of visual cortical neurons. According to results of visual function tests, individualized treatment was adopted for each amblyopia patient using perceptual learning system. One course of treatment lasted one month, and treatment was performed twice every day with two training procedures （each training procedure lasted for ten minutes）. There was a ten-minute time interval between the two training procedures. The training treatment was performed in a quiet and dark environment. Visual acuity and recovery of visual function were tested every month. Original training procedure was continued or adjusted according to the results of visual function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Visual function change; relationship of curative effects and curative time. RESULTS： A total of 125 amblyopia children were included in the final analysis. The total efficiency of perceptual learning for treating amblyopia in children was 75.2%. Visual acuity began to greatly increase 3 months after treatment （P 〈 0.05）. Visual acuity was best corrected from 0.60 ± 0.23 before treatment to 0.86 ± 0.26 after treatment （P 〈 0.05）. The mean time to reach improved levels with curative effects was （2.82 ± 1.30） months, and to reach a basically cured level was （2.87 ±1.40） months. Percentage of improved visual acuity was the highest [98% （39/40）] in children that received 3 months of treatment and the lowest [55% （31/56）] in children that received 1 month of treatment （P 〈 0.05）. The percentage of basically cured levels with curative effects increased with length of learning time and was the greatest in children that received 4 months of treatment [67% （31/46）, P 〈 0.05]. CONCLUSION： Perceptual learning rapidly and remarkably improves visual function of amblyopia children; however, the curative effects are first apparent two and three months after intervention.

Inflammatory bowel disease: Traditional knowledge holds the seeds for the future

Despite the level of sophistication they have reached nowadays, the available tools for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) can at best chronicize the disease but not cure it. Chances to make leap forward from this hold-back may include designs to reach personalized treatment strategies taking advantage of modern genome associated studies, and shift resources towards unfolding inciting pathogenetic steps rather than continuing to develop drugs that address down-stream phenomena. We have arbitrarily chosen to scrutinize a few projects that may make their way in 2015 and mark the history of IBD research. The list includes: the role of appendix as a regulating factor in pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis/proctitis; the reappraisal of(auto)immune phenomena in the era of microbiome; projects to treat IBD by stem cell infusion; recognition of the crucial pathogenetic role of gut microbiome, and attempts to modify it to treat enteric diseases, from clostridium difficile infection to IBD.