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.

Analysis of risk factors leading to anxiety and depression in patients with prostate cancer after castration and the construction of a risk prediction model

BACKGROUND Cancer patients often suffer from severe stress reactions psychologically,such as anxiety and depression.Prostate cancer(PC)is one of the common cancer types,with most patients diagnosed at advanced stages that cannot be treated by radical surgery and which are accompanied by complications such as bodily pain and bone metastasis.Therefore,attention should be given to the mental health status of PC patients as well as physical adverse events in the course of clinical treatment.AIM To analyze the risk factors leading to anxiety and depression in PC patients after castration and build a risk prediction model.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 120 PC cases treated in Xi'an People's Hospital between January 2019 and January 2022.The patient cohort was divided into a training group(n=84)and a validation group(n=36)at a ratio of 7:3.The patients’anxiety symptoms and depression levels were assessed 2 wk after surgery with the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and the Selfrating Depression Scale(SDS),respectively.Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting negative mood,and a risk prediction model was constructed.RESULTS In the training group,35 patients and 37 patients had an SAS score and an SDS score greater than or equal to 50,respectively.Based on the scores,we further subclassified patients into two groups:a bad mood group(n=35)and an emotional stability group(n=49).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that marital status,castration scheme,and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)score were independent risk factors affecting a patient's bad mood(P<0.05).In the training and validation groups,patients with adverse emotions exhibited significantly higher risk scores than emotionally stable patients(P<0.0001).The area under the curve(AUC)of the risk prediction model for predicting bad mood in the training group was 0.743,the specificity was 70.96%,and the sensitivity was 66.03%,while in the validation group,the AUC,specificity,and sensitivity were 0.755,66.67%,and 76.19%,respectively.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed aχ^(2) of 4.2856,a P value of 0.830,and a C-index of 0.773(0.692-0.854).The calibration curve revealed that the predicted curve was basically consistent with the actual curve,and the calibration curve showed that the prediction model had good discrimination and accuracy.Decision curve analysis showed that the model had a high net profit.CONCLUSION In PC patients,marital status,castration scheme,and postoperative pain(VAS)score are important factors affecting postoperative anxiety and depression.The logistic regression model can be used to successfully predict the risk of adverse psychological emotions.

Acupuncture for cervical dystonia associated with anxiety and depression: A case report

BACKGROUND Cervical dystonia(CD)is a type of muscle tone disorder that usually occurs in the neck muscles.Due to the intermittent or continuous involuntary contraction of the neck muscles,the head and neck are twisted and skewed and some postural abnormalities occur.Long-term abnormal posture or pain can cause negative emotions in patients,which can affect their quality of life.CASE SUMMARY This case report included a 37-year-old woman who was diagnosed with CD associated with anxiety and depression;the accompanying symptoms were head and neck tilt of approximately 90°to the right and mental abnormality.After two courses of acupuncture treatment,the patient’s head and neck can be maintained in a normal position,and the negative emotions can be relieved.CONCLUSION This case indicates that acupuncture can effectively improve CD and the emotional state and quality of life of patients,making it an effective alternative treatment for the condition.

Correlation among anxiety and depression,fear of disease progression,and social support in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND The mental well-being of individuals with coronary heart disease(CHD)during the intensive care unit(ICU)transition period is a multifaceted and significant concern.In this phase,the individuals might encounter psychological challenges like anxiety and depression,which can impede their recuperation and potentially have lasting effects on their health.AIM To investigate the correlation among psychological factors in CHD patients in the ICU transition period.METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted with 119 patients admitted to the ICU after coronary artery bypass grafting between March and December 2023.Variations in Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)and Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form(Fop-Q-SF),and Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS)were collected and analyzed among diverse populations.We used Pearson’s correlation analysis to examine the correlation.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore whether these indicators influenced depression and anxiety in the patients.RESULTS The total scores for anxiety,depression,fear of disease progression,and social support were(7.50±1.41)points,(8.38±1.62)points,(35.19±8.14)points,and(36.34±7.08)points,respectively(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that both the level of disease progression and social support affected the level of postoperative depression and anxiety in patients.CONCLUSION The anxiety and depression levels were positively related to each dimension of phobia disease progression and negatively related to each dimension of social support among patients with CHD.

Effects of the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Surgery and Injections on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

Background: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and of anxiety and depression in primary care practice are high. Different studies had shown an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in CTS patients. Nevertheless, few papers had been published studying the anxiety and depression scales in the treatment of CTS, either with corticosteroid injections (I) or with surgical decompression (S). Objective: To assess whether clinical improvement observed after the treatment of CTS either with I or with S correlates with an improvement in the punctuations of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales (HADS), at 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Methods: Randomized and open-label clinical trial, comparing I and S. Patients with symptoms suggestive of CTS (nocturnal paraesthesias) of at least 3 months duration and neurophysiological confirmation were included. Patients with clinically apparent motor impairment were excluded. The subjective evaluation of symptoms was carried out using the visual-analogue scale of pain (VAS-p). Clinical reviews were performed 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Each patient completed the HADS questionnaire and a VAS-p at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical significance was established using the Student’s t test and the Mann-Whitney U test when necessary. A linear regression analysis was used to know the effect of the treatment adjusted for the initial score of both scales. Results: 65 patients were included (30 in group I and 35 in group S). There was no statistical difference between both groups in terms of age, gender distribution, disease duration, VAS-p, neurophysiological testing severity of CTS or the 8 subscales of HADS. Both groups improved significantly in relation to the baseline VAS-p values, in the reviews at 3, 6 and 12 months, with no significant differences between I and S. At 6 months, the reduction in the anxiety scale was around 3 points for both treatments (S = 3.6 and I = 3.2), without reaching significant differences. At 12 months, it was somewhat higher for those treated with I, but always around 3 points and without significant differences. The Depression scale score was slightly reduced at 6 months, and in a similar way for both groups (I = 1 and S = 1.19;p = 0.8). After 12 months, group I doubled the previous reduction, with group S experiencing a very slight change (I = 1.96 and S = 1.03;p = 0.3). When analysing the effect of group S on group I, the result was a reduction of 0.25 points for Anxiety (p = 0.7) and of 0.02 points for Depression (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Treatment of CTS with I or S results in a similar and discrete improvement in Anxiety scores on the HADS scale at 6 and 12 months. For both types of treatment, the Depression scores barely changed at 6 months, being somewhat higher in group I after 12-month follow-up. The independent effect of the S on both scales is small and not significant.

Impact of comorbid anxiety and depression on quality of life and cellular immunity changes in patients with digestive tract cancers

AIM:A study was performed to investigate the impact of comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD) on quality of life (QOL) and cellular immunity changes in patients with digestive tract cancers. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six cases of both sexes with cancers of the digestive tract admitted between March 2001 and February 2004 in the Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were randomly enrolled in the study. Depressive and anxiety disorder diagnoses were assessed by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. All adult patients were evaluated with the Hamilton depressive scale (HAMD, the 24-item version), the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA, a modified 14-item version), quality of life questionnaire-core 30 (QLQ-C30), social support rating scale (SSRS), simple coping style questionnaire (SCSQ), and other questionnaires, respectively. In terms of HAMD ≥ 20 and HAMA ≥ 14, the patients were categorized, including CAD (n = 31) in group A, anxiety disorder (n = 23) in group B, depressive disorder (n = 37) in group C, and non-disorder (n = 65) in group D. Immunological parameters such as T-lymphocyte subsets and natural killer (NK) cell activities in peripheral blood were determined and compared among the four groups. RESULTS: The incidence of CAD was 21.15% in patients with digestive tract cancers. The average scores of social support was 43.67±7.05 for 156 cases, active coping 20.34±7.33, and passive coping 9.55±5.51. Compared with group D, subjective support was enhanced slightly in group A, but social support, objective support, and utilization of support reduced, especially utilization of support with significance (6.16 vs7.80, P<0.05); total scores of active coping decreased, while passive coping reversed; granulocytes proliferated, monocytes declined, and lymphocytes declined significantly (32.87 vs 34.00, P<0.05); moreover, the percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD56 in T lymphocyte subsets was in lower level, respectively, and CD56 showed a significant decline in group A (26.02 vs 32.20, P<0.05), however, CD4/CD8 ratio increased. Physical function, role function, fatigue, sleeplessness and constipation had significant changes among different groups by one-way ANOVA, and group A was in poor QOL. It revealed that global health-related quality of life (QL) were positively correlated with active coping and CD56; CAD was negatively correlated with QL, active coping and CD56. Furthermore, the step-wise regression analysis suggested that utilization of support, CD56, active coping, fatigue, sleeplessness and depression were significant factors contributing to QOL. CONCLUSION: CAD, which can impair QOL and cellular immunity, occurs with a higher incidence in patients with digestive tract cancers. Hence, it is essential to improve mental health for them with specifically tailored interventions.

Psychological intervention based on social cognitive theory: Treating pain, anxiety, and depression in perioperative patients

BACKGROUND Surgery is an effective method for treating certain diseases.Factors such as disease,preoperative fear and tension,surgical stress,postoperative pain,and related complications directly affect the smooth progression and outcome of surgery.Patients may experience a series of psychological and physiological changes during the perioperative period,resulting in anxiety and depression,which may reduce the pain threshold and worsen their prognosis.METHODS We enrolled 200 patients who underwent surgical care at The First People’s Hospital of Lin’an District,Hangzhou between January and December 2023.They were categorized into a routine intervention group(n=103)and a psychological intervention group(n=97),based on the intervention strategies used.Various assessment tools,including the self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),the self-rating depression scale(SDS),and the Connor–Davidson Resilience scale,were used to measure patients’negative states and emotions.The pre-and post-intervention scores for these metrics in the two groups were then analyzed.RESULTS In the psychological intervention group,the SAS and SDS scores(31.56±5.18 and 31.46±4.57,respectively)were significantly reduced compared to the routine intervention group(P<0.05).The visual analog scale pain scores at 12 and 24 hours after intervention(6.85±1.21,4.24±0.72)were notably higher than those in the routine intervention group(P<0.05).The psychological intervention group also demonstrated superior scores in perseverance(36.08±3.29),self-reliance(22.63±2.91),optimism(11.42±1.98),and resilience(70.13±5.37),compared to the routine intervention group(P<0.05).Additionally,the psychological intervention group’s confrontation score(23.16±4.29)was higher(P<0.05).This group also reported lower scores in avoidance(9.28±1.94)and yielding(6.19±1.92)(P<0.05).Lastly,the Short Form 36 Health Survey scores were significantly higher in the psychological intervention group,indicating a better quality of life(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Psychological intervention measures based on SCT can effectively alleviate pain,anxiety,and depression in periop-erative patients.

Effects of strengthening prospective nursing practice on sleep quality,anxiety,and depression of awake patients in intensive care unit

BACKGROUND The intensive care unit(ICU)is a specialized hospital department.Awake patients in the ICU frequently encounter adverse psychological states,such as anxiety and fear,often accompanied by poor sleep quality.This situation has garnered significant attention within the medical community.AIM To investigate the impact of prospective nursing intervention strategies on the sleep quality and negative emotional state of conscious ICU patients.METHODS One hundred and twenty ICU awake patients admitted to our hospital were selected and randomly divided into control(n=60)and observation(n=60)groups.Patients in the control group were cared for using the conventional nursing model,while patients in the observation group were cared for using the prospective nursing model.Sleep improvement was assessed using the International Standardized Sleep Efficiency Formula and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).The PSQI,Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item(GAD-7)scale,Self-Depression Scale(SDS),and satisfaction before and after treatment were used to assess the negative emotional states of patients under the two care models.RESULTS Patient satisfaction in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group.The GAD-7 and SDS scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the total effective rate of sleep improvement in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group.After treatment,the PSQI scores of the two groups significantly decreased(P<0.05).The decrease in the observation group was more significan than that in the control group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant.CONCLUSION Prospective nursing interventions can improve sleep quality and psychological levels and significantly affect conscious patients in the ICU,which is worthy of clinical application.

Exploring the Impact of Narrative Nursing on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Middle-aged and Young Dialysis Patients

Objective:To explore the impact of narrative nursing on anxiety,depression,and quality of life in middle-aged and young dialysis patients.Method:Eighty-six middle-aged and young dialysis patients admitted from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected and divided into a control group and a study group,with 43 patients in each group.The control group received general nursing interventions,while the study group received narrative nursing in addition to the general interventions.The levels of anxiety and depression before and after the intervention were compared,and the quality-of-life scores of the two groups were analyzed.Results:After comprehensive intervention,the scores of both groups significantly decreased(P<0.05).After intervention,the scores of the study group were more significant compared to the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the quality-of-life score of the study group showed a significant upward trend,and this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive narrative nursing can effectively reduce anxiety in middle-aged and young dialysis patients,further enhance their quality of life,and is worth promoting in clinical practice.

Effect of continuous nursing on treatment compliance and side effect management of coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND There are relatively few studies on continuing care of coronary heart disease(CHD),and its research value needs to be further clarified.AIM To investigate the effect of continuous nursing on treatment compliance and side effect management in patients with CHD.METHODS This is a retrospective study with patients from January 2021 to 2023.The study was divided into two groups with 30 participants in each group.Self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and Self-rating depression scale(SDS)were used to assess patients'anxiety and depression,and medical coping questionnaire was used to assess patients'coping styles.The pelvic floor dysfunction questionnaire(PFDI-20)was used to assess the status of pelvic floor function,including bladder symptoms,intestinal symptoms,and pelvic symptoms.RESULTS SAS score decreased from 57.33±3.01before treatment to 41.33±3.42 after treatment,SDS score decreased from 50.40±1.45 to 39.47±1.57.The decrease of these two indexes was statistically significant(P<0.05).PFDI-20 scores decreased from the mean 16.83±1.72 before treatment to 10.47±1.3the mean after treatment,which was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that pioneering research in continuous care of CHD has a positive impact on improving patients'treatment compliance,reducing anxiety and depression levels,and improving coping styles and pelvic floor functional status.

Authors' response to “Maternal age as a potential explanation of the role of the L allele of the serotonin transporter gene in anxiety and depression in Asians”

In the letter to the editor, Dr. Comings et al. proposed a potential explanation of our findings that the L allele rather than S allele of 5-HTTLPR was associated with higher anxiety levels and reduced amygdala-prefrontal cortex （PFC） connectivity in Han Chinese[1], which demonstrated an ＇allele reversal＇ in the genetics of the 5-HTTLPR gene in Asians versus Caucasians. The authors alleged that this ＇allele reversal＇ might simply result from maternal age and suggested that we test this on our datasets. Unfortunately,

Research on the prognostic value of adjusting intraperitoneal threedimensional quality evaluation mode in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients

BACKGROUND Benign gallbladder diseases have become a high-prevalence condition not only in China but also worldwide.The main types of benign gallbladder diseases include gallbladder polyps,acute and chronic cholecystitis,and gallstones,with gallstones being the most common,accounting for over 70%of cases.Although the mortality rate of benign gallbladder diseases is low,they carry obvious potential risks.Studies have shown that an increased incidence of benign gallbladder diseases can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gallbladder cancer,resulting in a substantial disease burden on patients and their families.AIM To assess the medical utility of the Configuration-Procedure-Consequence(CPC)three-dimensional quality evaluation model in modulating the prognosis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.METHODS A total of 98 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital from February 2020 to January 2022 were selected as the subjects.According to the random number table method,they were divided into a study group and a control group,with 49 patients in each group.The control group received routine perioperative care,while the study group had the addition of the CPC three-dimensional quality evaluation.The postoperative recovery-related indicators(time to first flatus,time to oral intake,time to ambulation,hospital stay),stress indicators(cortisol and adrenaline levels),distinctions in anxiety and RESULTS The time to first flatus,time to oral intake,time to ambulation,and hospital stay of the study group patients were obviously lower than those of the control group patients,with statistical significance(P<0.05).On the 1st day after admission,there were no obvious distinctions in cortisol and adrenaline levels in blood samples,as well as in the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)scores between the study group and the control group(P>0.05).However,on the 3rd day after surgery,the cortisol and adrenaline levels,as well as SAS and SDS scores of the study group patients,were obviously lower than those of the control group patients(P<0.05).The study group had 2 cases of incisional infection and 1 case of pulmonary infection,with a total incidence of complications of 6.12%(3/49),which was obviously lower than the 20.41%(10/49)in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Implementing the CPC three-dimensional quality evaluation model for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy can help accelerate their perioperative recovery process,alleviate perioperative stress symptoms,mitigate anxiety,depression,and other adverse emotions,and to some extent,reduce the incidence of perioperative complications.

Progress of systematic psychological interventions in elderly patients with femoral fractures:A comprehensive review

This review aims to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological state of elderly patients with femoral fractures and provide more theoretical and practical support for clinical treatment and care.Through a literature analysis,we found that elderly patients with femoral fractures face various psychological issues such as anxiety,depression,sleep disorders,and social isolation.The application of systematic nursing interventions in clinical practice,including cognitivebehavioral therapy,mindfulness therapy,family therapy,art therapy,interpersonal therapy,emotion-focused therapy,and relaxation training,has yielded significant results.Systematic psychological interventions can improve the psychological state and quality of life of elderly patients with femoral fractures.Therefore,promoting the application and practice of systematic psychological interventions in the clinical care of elderly patients with fractures will provide more effective psychological services to a wider group of patients with fractures in the future.

Quality of life and emotional change for middle -aged and elderly patients with diabetic retinopathy

AIM:To evaluate the SF-36, Diabetes Specificity Quality of Life Scale (DSQL) and anxiety and depression symptoms and investigate its changes in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) by vitrectomy interventions. METHODS:The present study included 108 diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients:54 with PDR and 54 with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Each healthy control group (n =54) sociodemographically matched to DR groups was established respectively. The quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated and analyzed on preoperative and postoperative month 1 using SF-36, DSQL and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). · RESULTS:DR patients described impaired HRQL (Health Related Quality of life, SF -36) in 6 out of 8 subscales, including ‘Body Health’, ‘Body RoleFunction’,‘General Health’,‘Society Function’,‘Emotion Role Function’and‘Mental Health’. Compared with controls, DR patients (NPDR and PDR) suffered from statistically significantly impaired HRQL (SF-36 Summary score) (P【 0.05). By surgical intervention, the anxiety and depression score were significantly reduced, while the health and quality of life (SF-36 Summary scores and DSQL scores) was improved in patients with PDR (P 【0.05). CONCLUSION:DR patients were affected in mentation and quality of life. Surgery interventions can improve SF-36, DSQL, anxiety and depression in PDR patients.

Association between gastrointestinal symptoms and affectivity in patients with bipolar disorder

AIM To study if anxiety, depression and experience of stress are associated with gastrointestinal(GI) symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder.METHODS A total of 136 patients with bipolar disorder(mean age 49.9 years; 61% women) and 136 controls from the general population(mean age 51.0 years; 60% women) were included in the study. GI symptoms were assessed with The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-irritable bowel syndrome(GSRS-IBS), level of anxiety and depression with The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS) and stress-proneness with Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Over a ten year period, all visits in primary care were retrospectively recorded in order to identify functional GI disorders.RESULTS In subjects with low total HADS-score, there were no significant differences in GI-symptoms between patients and controls(GSRS-IBS 7.0 vs 6.5, P = 0.513). In the patients with bipolar disorder there were significant correlations between all GSRS and HADS subscores for all symptom clusters except for "constipation" and "reflux". Factors associated to GI symptoms in the patient group were female sex(adjusted OR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.07-5.24) and high HADS-Depression score(adjusted OR = 3.64, 95%CI: 1.07-12.4). These patients had also significantly more visits for IBS than patients with low HADS-Depression scores(29% vs 8%, P = 0.008). However, there was no significant differences in consulting behaviour for functional GI disorders between patients and controls(25% vs 17%, P = 0.108).CONCLUSION Female patients and patients with high HADS depression score reported significantly more GI symptoms, whereas patients with low HADS scores did not differ from control subjects.

One-year outcomes of resveratrol supplement with aflibercept versus aflibercept monotherapy in wet agerelated macular degeneration

AIM:To determine the one-year outcomes of resveratrol oral supplement in patients suffering from wet age-related macular degeneration(AMD).METHODS:Fifty naïve and previously untreated patients suffering from wet AMD,were randomly assigned in two subgroups of 25 patients each.All the participants were treated with 3 monthly intravitreal injections of 2.0 mg aflibercept(IAIs)followed by injections“according to need”,while in one group the patients also received daily two tablets of resveratrol oral supplement.Prior to treatment initiation,a complete ophthalmological examination,including best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and contrast sensitivity evaluation,optical coherence tomography(OCT)scans,fundus autofluorescence(FAF),fluorescein angiography,indocyanine green angiography,and OCT angiography(OCTA),was performed to every participant,while all of them completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)questionnaire,in order to assess their quality of life(QoL)status.The patients were assessed monthly for 1y with FAF,and OCT or OCTA;the main endpoints were the number IAIs,the changes in BCVA,in contrast sensitivity,and in patients’QoL status.RESULTS:No significant differences were present between the groups regarding the baseline demographic and clinical data.Over the 12-month period,a similar number of IAIs was applied in both groups(4.52±1.00 vs 4.28±0.90,P=0.38),while the rest of the clinical data also did not differ significantly after the completion of the study period.However,for HADS Depression(11.88±2.51 vs 8.28±1.54,P<0.001)and HADS Anxiety(11.92±2.52 vs 7.76±1.51,P<0.001)questionnaires values,the score was significantly better in patients who received resveratrol supplements.Moreover,a statistically significant difference was detected in the mean change from baseline values of contrast sensitivity(0.17±0.19 vs 0.35±0.24,P=0.005),HADS Depression(0.08±1.38 vs-3.88±1.48,P<0.001),and HADS Anxiety(0.36±1.98 vs-5.12±2.70,P<0.001)scores,in favour of the patients treated with resveratrol supplements.CONCLUSION:The resveratrol oral supplement is a complementary treatment in cases of wet AMD,highlighting its effectiveness in improving patients’QoL status.

Focus on Effects of Chinese Medicine on Improving Anxiety-Depression and Quality of Life of Patients with Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome

Primary Sjogren’s syndrome(pSS)is a chronic autoimmune disease with a long duration of illness,for which there is no cure.Patients often suffer from anxiety and depression due to various reasons,exhibiting a decline in their quality of life.Chinese medicine(CM)has certain advantages in the treatment of pSS,which not only helps relieve clinical symptoms and improve treatment outcomes,but also reduces anxiety and depression and improves the quality of life.Therefore,CM should be considered as early as possible given its effectiveness and synergistic effects in treating p SS.

Analysis of the application of Chinese medicine nursing technology in obstetrics

Objective:To analyze the application value of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)nursing technology in obstetrics.Methods:204 patients with obstetrics were enrolled in the study and entered into the Chinese medicine group and thereference group according to the random number(n=102).The reference group received routine care,and the Chinesemedicine group received Chinese medicine nursing.The anxiety and depression scores of the two groups of patientsand the patient's nursing satisfaction status were compared.Results:There was no difference in the scores betweenthe pre-treatment groups.The value of the reduction in anxiety and depression scores in the TCM group wassignificantly higher than that in the reference group.The numerical comparison was statistically significant(P<0.05).The comprehensive nursing satisfaction rate of patients in the Chinese medicine group was 99.02%,and the comprehensivenursing satisfaction rate of the reference group was 80.39%.The numerical comparison was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of TCM nursing technology in obstetrics helps to improve the negativeemotions of patients and improve the overall satisfaction rate of patients.The value of nursing intervention is higher

Effects of Biologics on Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Psoriasis:A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in Chinese Population

Objective:Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease that severely impacts patients’ quality of life (QoL) and psychological health.While biologics have been shown to be effective in treating psoriatic lesions,thus improving QoL,real-life data regarding such effects remain scant.We administered a repeated cross-sectional survey to assess the effects of 8 weeks of biologics treatment on the QoL and mental health status of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.Methods:From March to May 2022,patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were enrolled and treated with biologics in the outpatient clinic at the Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University.Assessments were performed before treatment and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment with biologics.Psoriasis severity,QoL,and mental health status were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI),Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI),36-Item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36),and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).A multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis was used to account for repeated measures and to determine the effects of treatment duration and type of biological agent on relevant indicators.Results:Among the 78 enrolled patients,the ranges of pretreatment scores were 4.6 to 46.8 for the PASI,1 to 30 for the DLQI,31.5 to 100.0 for the physical component score (PCS) of the SF-36,16.6 to 100.0 for the mental component score (MCS) of the SF-36,0 to 15 for the HADS-A,and 0 to 17 for the HADS-D.After 8 weeks of biologics treatment,98.7% (77/78) of patients had obtained PASI 75.All assessed scores changed over time (GEE,P < 0.001).Moreover,there were group-by-time interaction effects for the DLQI score (GEE,P = 0.023) and PCS (GEE,P = 0.029).The HADS-A and HADS-D scores were both decreased at week 8 compared with pretreatment values.Correlation analyses revealed that higher DLQI scores were associated with lower levels of QoL and higher levels of anxiety or depression.Conclusion:Biologics are not only effective in the treatment of skin lesions but also exert beneficial effects upon the QoL and mental health of patients with psoriasis as determined in the short-term assessments conducted in this study.

Impact of Adverse Events Associated With Acitretin Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis:Based on an Observational,Single-Center Study in Shanghai,China

Objective:Acitretin is a widely used systemic retinoid that is to treat psoriasis but has significant variations in efficacy and adverse events(AEs)among individuals.This study aimed to determine the impact of AEs associated with acitretin treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis on the Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI)and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)scores.Methods:This prospective,observational,single-center study was conducted from March 2021 to June 2022 and analyzed 116 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with acitretin who were followed up for 12 weeks.The primary outcome was the incidence of AEs related to acitretin,and the secondary objective was to investigate the effect of AEs on the DLQI and HADS scores.The generalized linear models were used to assess the association between AEs related to acitretin and DLQI scores or HADS scores,and the association between the involved system/tissue and DLQI scores or HADS scores.Results:A final total of 45 patients were included in the analysis,and a total of 157 treatment-related AEs involving nine organs or systems were reported in 41 patients.The most common AE was skin-or mucosa-related,with 72 cumulative events in 31 patients.AEs also commonly affected the endocrine,digestive,and genitourinary systems.Compared with the group with 0-2 AEs,the group with 3-5 AEs had a significantly increased DLQI score by 5.49 points(95%CI,1.47-9.51)(P=0.0089).Compared with AEs involving 0 to 1 system,AEs affecting 2 to 3 systems resulted in a significant increase in the DLQI score by 5.75 points(95%CI,1.67-9.83)(P=0.0071).Generalized linear models showed no statistically significant associations between AEs and the HADS scores.Conclusion:Our study demonstrates a high incidence of acitretin-related AEs.These AEs may affect quality of life but rarely cause psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.