Adjuncts to colonic cleansing before colonoscopy

Pre-procedural cleansing of the bowel can maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of colonoscopy.Yet,efficacy of the current gold standard colonic preparation method-high-volume oral administration of purgative agents 12-24 h prior to the procedure-is limited by several factors,such as patient compliance(due to poor palatability and inconvenience of the dosing regimen)and risks of complications(due to drug interactions or intolerance).Attempts to resolve these limitations have included providing adjunctive agents and methods to promote the colonic cleansing ability of the principal purgative agent,with the aim of lessening unpleasant side effects(such as bloating)and reducing the large ingested volume requirement.Several promising adjunctive agents are bisacodyl,magnesium citrate,senna,simethicone,metoclopramide,and prokinetics,and each are being investigated for their potential.This review provides an up to date summary of the reported investigations into the potencies and weaknesses of the key adjuncts currently being applied in clinic as supplements to the traditional bowel preparation agents.While the comparative analysis ofthese adjuncts showed that no single agent or method has yet achieved the goal of completely overcoming the limitations of the current gold standard preparation method,they at least provide endoscopists with an array of alternatives to help improve the suboptimal efficacy of the main cleansing solutions when used alone.To aid in this clinical endeavor,a subjective grade was assigned to each adjunct to indicate its practical value.In addition,the systematic review of the currently available agents and methods provides insight into the features of each that may be overcome or exploited to create novel drugs and strategies that may become adopted as effective bowel cleansing adjuncts or alternatives.

The Syntactic Position of Adverbial Adjuncts in Chinese

In modern Chinese,adjuncts can be classified into adjective adjuncts(also attributes)and adverbial adjuncts(also adverbials).This paper firstly attempts for a reasonable definition and classification of adjunct in modern Chinese,then analyzes the syntactic position of adverbial adjunct,and finally tries to find a general mechanism for the position of adverbial adjunct in the phrase level and the sentence level.

Role of artificial intelligence in colorectal cancer

The sphere of artificial intelligence(AI)is ever expanding.Applications for clinical practice have been emerging over recent years.Although its uptake has been most prominent in endoscopy,this represents only one aspect of holistic patient care.There are a multitude of other potential avenues in which gastrointestinal care may be involved.We aim to review the role of AI in colorectal cancer as a whole.We performed broad scoping and focused searches of the applications of AI in the field of colorectal cancer.All trials including qualitative research were included from the year 2000 onwards.Studies were grouped into pre-operative,intra-operative and post-operative aspects.Preoperatively,the major use is with endoscopic recognition.Colonoscopy has embraced the use for human derived classifications such as Narrow-band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic,Japan Narrow-band Imaging Expert Team,Paris and Kudo.However,novel detection and diagnostic methods have arisen from advances in AI classification.Intra-operatively,adjuncts such as image enhanced identification of structures and assessment of perfusion have led to improvements in clinical outcomes.Post-operatively,monitoring and surveillance have taken strides with potential socioeconomic and environmental savings.The uses of AI within the umbrella of colorectal surgery are multiple.We have identified existing technologies which are already augmenting cancer care.The future applications are exciting and could at least match,if not surpass human standards.

Research progress in spasmodic torticollis rehabilitation treatment

Spasmodic torticollis(ST)is a focal dystonia that affects adults,causing limited muscle control and impacting daily activities and quality of life.The etiology and curative methods for ST remain unclear.Botulinum toxin is widely used as a firstline treatment,but long-term usage can result in reduced tolerance and adverse effects.Rehabilitation therapy,with its minimal side effects and low potential for harm,holds significant clinical value.This article explores the effectiveness of adjunctive therapies,including exercise therapy,transcranial magnetic stimulation,shockwave therapy,neuromuscular electrical stimulation,vibration therapy,electromyographic biofeedback,and acupuncture,in the treatment of ST.The aim is to provide clinicians with additional treatment options and to discuss the efficacy of rehabilitation therapy for ST.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty as adjunctive treatment for open-angle glaucoma vs following incisional glaucoma surgery in Chinese eyes

BACKGROUND Selective laser trabeculoplasty(SLT)is a relatively safe and effective therapy in lowering intraocular pressures(IOP)for glaucoma.AIM To study the long-term effects of SLT on IOP and number of glaucoma medications used in Chinese eyes.METHODS This is a retrospective study in which 75 eyes of 70 patients with open-angle glaucoma(OAG,n=36)and eyes with prior glaucoma surgery(PGS,n=39)were included.Changes in mean IOP and number of glaucoma medications used evaluated at 1 d,1 wk,1 mo,3 mo,6 mo,12 mo,and 36 mo after laser treatment.RESULTS All patients(33 male,37 female)were Chinese.The mean age was 44.34±16.14years.Mean pre-SLT IOP was 22.75±2.08 mmHg in OAG and 22.52±2.62 mmHg in PGS.Mean IOP was significantly reduced 1 d,1 wk,1 mo and 3 mo after laser treatment(P<0.05,respectively).Whereas,there were no significant differences between baseline and SLT treated groups at the 6th month both in OAG(P=0.347,P>0.05)and in PGS(P=0.309,P>0.05).Six months after SLT treatment,some patients received retreatment of SLT or were given more topical IOP-lowering medication to control the IOP.By the end of our study,the average IOP decreased to 20.73±1.82 mmHg in OAG and 20.49±1.53 mmHg in PGS groups.The number of glaucoma medications used was significantly reduced until the end of 3 years compared to baseline.CONCLUSION SLT could reduce IOP as adjunctive treatment both in OAG and PGS groups.SLT significantly reduced the number of glaucoma medications used 3-years following treatment in glaucoma patients.

Semaglutide’s Trail of Success in Weight Loss Management and HbA1c Reduction: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Obesity is a preventable health condition, yet it remains a complex relapsing global health conundrum, triggering an array of comorbidities, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and mental health decline. This review intends to highlight the success of semaglutide for its therapeutic intervention for weight loss management in diabetics and non-diabetics and HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetics. Methods: We searched and systematically reviewed the literature from within the past ten years on semaglutide utilization for weight loss and HbA1c reduction. Databases investigated included PMC, JAMA, Nature Medicine, and The Lancet, resulting in four original research articles that were systematically reviewed. Web consultations with WHO, CDC, and Healthy People 2030 were conducted to ascertain epidemiological obesity and diabetes data. AAFP and USPSTF references were included for obesity management and preventive care guidelines. Results: Based on results from systematically reviewing four original research studies, semaglutide can effectively reduce elevated weight and HbA1c, using the once-weekly subcutaneous injection formulation. A composite average percent weight loss of 8.27% (16 - 20 pounds) and an average HbA1c percent reduction rate of 1.07% (3 - 4 points) were attained. There were no major adverse events reported from any of the four original research studies related to the drug. Discussion: With evidence from several studies after its FDA approval, semaglutide delivers a promise for weight loss management and HbA1c reduction for appropriate patient populations. Clinician and patient education on its proper use should be continuously revisited.

Role of adjunctive nonpharmacological strategies for treatment of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder(RCBD)is a phase of bipolar disorder defined by the presence of≥4 mood episodes in a year.It is a common phenomenon characterized by greater severity,a predominance of depression,higher levels of disability,and poorer overall outcomes.It is resistant to treatment by conventional pharmacotherapy.The existing literature underlines the scarcity of evidence and the gaps in knowledge about the optimal treatment strategies for RCBD.However,most reviews have considered only pharmacological treatment options for RCBD.Given the treatment-refractory nature of RCBD,nonpharmacological interventions could augment medications but have not been adequately examined.This review carried out an updated and comprehensive search for evidence regarding the role of nonpharmacological therapies as adjuncts to medications in RCBD.We identified 83 reviews and meta-analyses concerning the treatment of RCBD.Additionally,we found 42 reports on adjunctive nonpharmacological treatments in RCBD.Most of the evidence favoured concomitant electroconvulsive therapy as an acute and maintenance treatment.There was preliminary evidence to suggest that chronotherapeutic treatments can provide better outcomes when combined with medications.The research on adjunctive psychotherapy was particularly scarce but suggested that psychoeducation,cognitive behavioural therapy,family interventions,and supportive psychotherapy may be helpful.The overall quality of evidence was poor and suffered from several methodological shortcomings.There is a need for more methodologically sound research in this area,although clinicians can use the existing evidence to select and individualize nonpharmacological treatment options for better management of RCBD.Patient summaries are included to highlight some of the issues concerning the implementation of adjunctive nonpharmacological treatments.

拟连续Domain及其子范畴间的伴随关系

基于Smyth幂 Domain的构造,本文证明了连续半格范畴 CSL（分别地,有界完备连续Domain范畴CBD）是拟连续Domain范畴QCONT（分别地,Coherent拟连续 Domain范畴QCCOH）的反射子范畴.反例表明,连续 Domain范畴CONT作为范畴 QCONT的真子范畴并非其反射子范畴.所有结果均被进一步推广到拟代数Domain范畴.

Chemo-profiling of eucalyptus and study of its hypoglycemic potential

Constant escalations in the number of diabetics worldwide and the failure of conventional therapy to restore normoglycemia without adverse effects,in spite of tremendous strides in modern medicine,calls for naturopathy and alternative medicine.Because diabetes is multi-factorial and has secondary complications,prevention of hyperglycemia is the central dogma for its management.To date,no oral hypoglycemic exists which can achieve tight glycemic control without side effects.Dietary adjuncts,lifestyle interventions and a resurgence of interest in phyto-therapy have consequently gained ground.Natural hypoglycemics have attracted attention due to ease of incorporation in everyday diet,affordability,less adverse effects,and long term safety.Ethno botanical literature reports more than 800 anti-diabetic plants species.Eucalyptus is well represented in the Aboriginal Pharmacopoeias for its various pharmacological activities.Its hot aqueous decoction has been used as a hypoglycemic in various regions of world.This editorial attempts to summarize the data on the hypoglycemic potential of the different eucalyptus species,highlight the value of its natural biomolecules for the prophylaxis and treatment of type2 diabetes,describe their mechanistic actions,shed light on the posology and safety aspects of eucalyptusand assess its applicability as a reinforcement to currently used therapy.

An Analysis on the BRICS TALK from the Perspective of Modality System

The tenth BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg,South Africa in 2018,which attracted attention from the whole world.Especially,it is of great importance to the BRICS nations,for it is the first ten years of BRICS,which marks its growth.Meanwhile,this year the Trump administration imposed more strict policies on protectionism.Particularly,the trade war between China and the United States is so intensive.China,as the core member of BRICS has great clout on BRICS,so the trade war between China and US also arouse a heat discussion among the BRICS nations.During the Summit,CGTN invited experts from the five BRICS nations to discuss related topics.Systemic Functional Linguistics,as one of the most influential branches of Linguistics,was firstly established by M.A.K.Halliday,and it has been greatly developed over the past decades.Interpersonal meaning is one of the three meta-functions,which focuses on how addressers use language to communicate,establish and maintain relationships with addressees,and express their opinions.Mood and modality are two basic resources to the realization of interpersonal meaning.Mood is used to represent the interaction of the language users,while modality reflects the utterers’attitudes and judgments.The paper discusses the three aspects of modality:modal operators,modal adjuncts and metaphors of modality.The paper applies the modality system to the analysis of the transcript of BRICS TALK.The author selects the experts’speeches on the trade war between China and US as the data.The research questions are as followed:(1)the characteristics of the modality resources appeared in their talks;(2)the BRICS nations attitudes and stance on trade war and America’s protectionism.

Analysis of "heh-heh "1 from the Perspective of Interpersonal Metafunction

This paper attempts to analyze the function of the increasingly popular "heh-heh" by correlating it with Comment Adjuncts, a term used by H.A.K. Halliday in his metafunctions. It is found out that "heh-heh" can serve as both positive and negative Comment Adjuncts. Different from English Comment Adjuncts, "heh-heh" may be subject to the change of pronouns.

Cardioprotection and pharmacological therapies in acute myocardial infarction: Challenges in the current era

In patients with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, timely myocardial reperfusion using primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the most effective therapy for limiting myocardial infarct size, preserving left-ventricular systolic function and reducing the onset of heart failure. Within minutes after the restoration of blood flow, however, reperfusion itself results in additional damage, also known as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. An improved understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying reperfusion injury has resulted in the identification ofseveral promising pharmacological(cyclosporin-A, exenatide, glucose-insulin-potassium, atrial natriuretic peptide, adenosine, abciximab, erythropoietin, metoprolol and melatonin) therapeutic strategies for reducing the severity of myocardial reperfusion injury. Many of these agents have shown promise in initial proofof-principle clinical studies. In this article, we review the pathophysiology underlying myocardial reperfusion injury and highlight the potential pharmacological interventions which could be used in the future to prevent reperfusion injury and improve clinical outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease.

Does mindfulness meditation improve attention in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) manifests by high levels of inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. ADHD starts in childhood and results in impairments that continue into adulthood. While hyperactivity declines over time, inattention and executive function difficulties persist, leading to functional deficits. Adolescents and adults with ADHD have pervasive impairment in interpersonal and family relationships. They may develop addiction, delinquent behavior and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, persistent residual symptoms are common, highlighting the need for novel treatment strategies. Mindfulness training, derived from Eastern meditation practices, may improve self-regulation of attention. It may also be a useful strategy to augment standard ADHD treatments and may be used as a potential tool to reduce impairments in patients with residual symptoms of ADHD. Clinically, this would manifest by an increased ability to suppress task-unrelated thoughts and distractions resulting in improved attention, completion of tasks and potential improvement in occupational and social function.

Steroids in Maxillofacial Space Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Maxillofacial space infection (MSI) is one of the most common conditions encountered in oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics. Early recognition and proper management of MSI could prevent a life-threatening event. Objectives: To report a series of MSI managed with antibiotics, surgical intervention and exogenous steroids as an adjunct, highlighting functional improvement following steroid administration. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out from December 2013 to September 2016, involving 30 patients (n = 30, 22 males, 8 females) diagnosed with MSI. All patients were initially managed with intravenous empirical antibiotics, analgesics and removal of potential source of infection. A course of 3 doses of IV Dexamethasone 8 mg at an interval of 8 hours was started during the first day of hospital admission. Results: This series reports 30 patients presenting with MSI, who received prompt antibiotics and 3 doses of steroids as inpatients. Significant clinical improvement was noted in the form of amelioration of pain, rapid reduction in edema, and improved trismus, shortening hospital stay to an average of 3.5 days, and omission of surgical intervention in 50% of our cases. No adverse effects or drug reaction was noted. Conclusion: In conclusion, the value of synergistic use of corticosteroids with antibiotics in management of MSI is significant. Despite these promising findings, there is scarce evidence in the literature to fully support the use of corticosteroids in abscess management. The role of corticosteroids in treatment of MSI should be explored further.

Adjunctive Peony-Glycyrrhiza decoction for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia:a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background Hyperprolactinaemia is a common adverse effect of antipsychotics(APs). The results of PeonyGlycyrrhiza decoction(PGD) as a potentially useful adjunctive treatment for hyperprolactinaemia are inconsistent.Aim This meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials(RCTs) examined the efficacy and safety of adjunctive PGD therapy for AP-induced hyperprolactinaemia.Methods English(PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library,PsycINFO) and Chinese(Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data) databases were systematically searched up to 10 June 2018. The inclusion criteria were based on PIC0 S一/^rticipants: adult patients with schizophrenia; Aitervention: PGD plus APs; Cbmparison: APs plus placebo or AP monotherapy;(Xjtcomes: efficacy and safety; Study design: RCTs. The weighted mean difference(WMD) and risk ratio(RR) along with their 95% CIs were calculated using Review Manager(RevMan) V.5.3 software.Results Five RCTs(n=450) were included and analysed.Two RCTs(n=140) were double-blind and four RCTs(n=409) reported ‘random' assignment with specific description. The PGD group showed a significantly lower serum prolactin level at endpoint than the control group(n=380, WMD:-32.69 ng/mL(95% Cl-41.66 to 23.72),/X0.00001, ^=97%). Similarly, the superiority of PGD over the control groups was also found in the improvement of hyperprolactinaemia-related symptoms. No difference was found in the improvement of psychiatric symptoms assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(n=403,WMD:-0.62(95% Cl-2.38 to 1.15), p=0.49, ^=0%). There were similar rates of all-cause discontinuation(n=330, RR0.93(95% Ci 0.63 to 1.37),/t=0.71, ^=0%) and adverse drug reactions between the two groups. According to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, the level of evidence of primary and secondary outcomes ranged from ‘very low'(14.3%),‘low'(42.8%),‘moderate'(14.3%),to ‘high,(28.6%>.Conclusions Current evidence supports the adjunctive use of PGD to suppress elevated prolactin and improve prolactininduced symptoms without significant adverse events in adult patients with AP-induced hyperprolactinaemia. Highquality RCTs with longer duration are needed to confirm these findings.Trial registration number 42016037017.

Role of adjunctive treatment strategies in COVID-19 and a review of international and national clinical guidelines

The coronavirus disease(COVID-19)pandemic has led to a global struggle to cope with the sheer numbers of infected persons,many of whom require intensive care support or eventually succumb to the illness.The outbreak is managed by a combination of disease containment via public health measures and supportive care for those who are affected.To date,there is no specific anti-COVID-19 treatment.However,the urgency to identify treatments that could turn the tide has led to the emergence of several investigational drugs as potential candidates to improve outcome,especially in the severe to critically ill.While many of these adjunctive drugs are being investigated in clinical trials,professional bodies have attempted to clarify the setting where the use of these drugs may be considered as off-label or compassionate use.This review summarizes the clinical evidence of investigational adjunctive treatments used in COVID-19 patients as well as the recommendations of their use from guidelines issued by international and national organizations in healthcare.

Partial response to Chinese patent medicine Kangliu pill for adult glioblastoma: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Glioblastoma is the most common type of brain tumor and is invariably fatal,with a mean survival time of 8-15 mo for recently diagnosed tumors,and a 5-year survival rate of only 7.2%.The standard treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma includes surgery followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and further adjuvant temozolomide.However,the prognosis remains poor and longterm survival is rare.This report aimed to demonstrate a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of glioblastoma.CASE SUMMARY A patient was referred to the Department of Neurosurgery with an intracranial space-occupying lesion with a maximum diameter of approximately 5 cm.The tumor was compressing functional areas,and the patient accordingly underwent partial resection and concurrent chemoradiotherapy.The imaging and pathological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of glioblastoma with oligodendroglioma differentiation(World Health Organization IV).The patient was finally diagnosed with glioblastoma.However,the patient discontinued treatment due to intolerable side effects,and was prescribed Kangliu pill(KLP)7.5 g three times/d,which he has continued to date.Significant shrinkage of the tumor(maximum diameter reduced from about 3.5 to about 2 cm)was found after 3 mo of KLP therapy,and the tumor was further reduced to about 1 cm after 3 years.The patient’s symptoms of headache,limb weakness,and left hemiplegia were relieved,with no side effects.CONCLUSION KLP has been a successful intervention for glioblastoma, and the current caseindicates that traditional Chinese medicine may offer effective alternativetherapies for glioblastoma.

A Sort of Gray-scale Morphological Dilations and Erosions

We introduce first a sort of gray-scale morphological dilations and erosions, which might have some further applications in image analysis. Then we show that the dilation and the erosion defined here form adjunctive pairs. The duality between the dilation and the erosion and some other properties, such as the commuting property with translation and homothety, of these operators are discussed as well.

Evaluation of the Protégé^(TM) stent in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis with adjunctive use of a filter Embolic Protection Device (PROCAR)-one-month follow-up data on 77 patients

Objective The trial was designed to evaluate the safety and performance of the ev3 Protégé TM stent in the treatment of de novo or re-stenotic common and/or internal carotid artery stenoses with adjunctive use of a CE-marked filter embolic protection device.Methods This study was a prospective multi-center, single-arm trial. Between June and October 2003, 77 patients were enrolled in 8 investigational centers throughout Europe. The primary endpoint was the incidence of Major Neurological Events (MANE) through one month. Other endpoints were the ability to properly place the stent, and primary patency and MANE after six months. Eligible for the study were patients with a de novo or restenotic target lesion located in the common and/or internal carotid artery (>70% stenosis for asymptomatic and >50% stenosis for symptomatic patients). The ev3 Spider (Embolic Protection Filter was used in 75 of 77 cases. Results In 76 out of the 77 patients (99%), the stent could be successfully implanted with a residual stenosis ≤30% as criterion. Of the 74 patients that had a carotid ultrasound at one month follow-up, none had a re-stenosis of the target lesion. There were three MANEs during or immediately after the procedure (3.9%), two were major and one was a minor stroke. There were eight severe complications (9.1%); six of these happened during or immediately after the procedure and were related to the procedure, none was related to the device. They are resolved without sequelae. No deaths have occurred.Conclusions The Protégé stent is safe and performs well in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. The technical success rate for placement of the Protégé stent as assessed by the residual stenosis post implant was very high and all stents were successfully deployed. The incidence of MANE was comparable with that in other recent carotid stent studies and still lower than standard CEA.

Corrosive upper gastrointestinal strictures in children:Difficulties and dilemmas

Children constitute 80%of all corrosive ingestion cases.The majority of this burden is contributed by developing countries.Accidental ingestion is common in younger children(<5 years)while suicidal ingestion is more common in adolescents.The severity of injury depends on nature of corrosive(alkali or acid),pH,amount of ingestion and site of exposure.There are multiple doubts and dilemmas which exist in management of both acute ingestion and chronic complications.Acute ingestion leads to skin,respiratory tract or upper gastrointestinal damage which may range from trivial to life threatening complications.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is an important early investigation to decide for further course of management.The use of steroids for prevention of stricture is a debatable issue.Upper gastrointestinal stricture is a common longterm sequelae of severe corrosive injury which usually develops after three weeks of ingestion.The cornerstone of management of esophageal strictures is endoscopic bougie or balloon dilatations.In case of resistant strictures,newer adjunctive therapies like intralesional steroids,mitomycin and stents can be utilized along with endoscopic dilatation.Surgery is the final resort for strictures resistant to endoscopic dilatations and adjunctive therapies.There is no consensus on best esophageal replacement conduit.Pyloric strictures require balloon dilatation,failure of which requires surgery.Patients with post-corrosive strictures should be kept in long term follow-up due to significantly increased risk of carcinoma.Despite all the endoscopic and surgical options available,management of corrosive stricture in children is a daunting task due to high chances of recurrence,perforation and complications related to poor nutrition and surgery.