[Objectives]To evaluate the intervention effect and safety of self-created Lung Health Breathing Exercise on TCM syndromes,6-min walk test(6MWT)and quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary...[Objectives]To evaluate the intervention effect and safety of self-created Lung Health Breathing Exercise on TCM syndromes,6-min walk test(6MWT)and quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).[Methods]76 cases of outpatient or inpatient patients who were diagnosed with stable COPD in Nanchong Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2020 to March 2021 were selected,randomly divided into experimental group and control group,38 cases in each group.Both groups were given conventional western medicine treatment and nursing measures.The experimental group was added with the self-created Lung Health Breathing Exercise.After 12 weeks of treatment,the TCM syndrome score,6MWT distance,quality of life score and the incidence of adverse events were observed in the both groups.[Results]After treatment,the 6MWT distance and quality of life scores in both groups were significantly improved(P<0.01),and the TCM syndrome scores were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.01).[Conclusions]Lung Health Breathing Exercise can benefit patients in terms of symptom improvement,quality of life and exercise ability,and is a safe and effective rehabilitation measure for patients with stable COPD.展开更多
Background: International research and innovation efforts for neglected tropical diseases have increased in recent decades due to disparities in overall health research funding in relation to global burden of disease....Background: International research and innovation efforts for neglected tropical diseases have increased in recent decades due to disparities in overall health research funding in relation to global burden of disease. However, within the field of neglected tropical diseases some seem far more neglected than others. In this research the aim is to investigate the distribution of resources and efforts, as well as the mechanisms that underpin funding allocation for neglected tropical diseases. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted to establish a comprehensive overview of known indicators for innovation efforts related to a wide range of neglected tropical diseases. Articles were selected based on a subjective evaluation of their relevance, the presence of original data, and the breadth of their scope. This was followed by thirteen in-depth open-ended interviews with representatives of private, public and philanthropic funding organizations, concerning evaluation criteria for funding research proposals. Results: The findings reveal a large difference in the extent to which the individual diseases are neglected with notable differences between absolute and relative efforts. Criteria used in the evaluation of research proposals relate to potential impact, the probability of success and strategic fit. Private organizations prioritize strategic fit and economic impact;philanthropic organizations prioritize short-term societal impact;and public generally prioritize the probability of success by accounting for follow-up funding and involvement of industry. Funding decisions of different types of organizations are highly interrelated. Conclusions: This study shows that the evaluation of funding proposals introduces and retains unequal funding distribution, reinforcing the relative neglect of diseases. Societal impact is the primary rationale for funding but application of it as a funding criterion is associated with significant challenges. Furthermore, current application of evaluation criteria leads to a primary focus on short-term impact. Through current practice, the relatively most neglected diseases will remain so, and a long-term strategy is needed to resolve this.展开更多
Background: China has not established social security system for rare diseases. Rare diseases could easily impoverish patients and their families. Little research has studied the equity and accessibility of health se...Background: China has not established social security system for rare diseases. Rare diseases could easily impoverish patients and their families. Little research has studied the equity and accessibility of health services for patients with rare diseases in China. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence health expenditure of rare diseases and evaluate its equity. Methods: Questionnaire survey about living conditions and cost burden of patients with rare diseases was conducted. Individual and family information, health expenditure and reimbursement in 2014 of 982 patients were collected. The impact of medical insurance, individual sociodemographic characteristics, family characteristics, and healthcare need on total and out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditures was analyzed through the generalized linear model. Equity of health expenditure was evaluated by both concentration index and Lorenz curve. Results: Of all the surveyed patients, 11.41% had no medical insurance and 92.10% spent money to seek medical treatment in 2014. It was suggested female (P = 0.048), over 50 years of age (P = 0.062), high-income group (P = 0.021), hospitalization (P- 0.000), and reimbursement ratio (RR) (P = 0.000) were positively correlated with total health expenditure. Diseases not needing long-term treatment (P = 0.000) was negatively correlated with total health expenditure. Over 50 years of age (P = 0.065), high-income group (P = 0.018), hospitalization (P = 0.000) and having Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) (P - 0.022) were positively correlated with OOP health expenditure. Patient or the head of the household having received higher education (P = 0.044 and P = 0.08 l) and reimbursement ratio (P = 0.078) were negatively correlated with OOP health expenditure. The equity evaluation found concentration indexes of health expenditure before and after reimbursement were 0.0550 and 0.0539, respectively. Conclusions: OOP health expenditure of patients with UEBMI was significantly more than that of patients without medical insurance. However, for any other medical insurance, there was no difference between OOP health expenditure of the insured patients and patients without insurance. The current reimbursement policies have increased the equity of health expenditure, but are biased toward high-income people.展开更多
This paper described and discussed the important literature and ideas about the concepts, types and measurement of body constitution, in terms of healthy,sub-healthy and disease status. In view of traditional Chinese ...This paper described and discussed the important literature and ideas about the concepts, types and measurement of body constitution, in terms of healthy,sub-healthy and disease status. In view of traditional Chinese medicine, ‘‘healthy" state is a status of relative balance of Yin and Yang to keep our bodily homeostasis. If there are significant physical and/or psychological stressors, such as loss of a beloved one and failure in study or work, the body can no longer keep its own bodily condition balanced and subsequently enter a state of ‘‘sub-health"(sub-optimal health).‘‘unhealthy" body constitution such as ‘‘Dampnessheat", ‘‘Cold-dampness" and ‘‘Heat- or Cold- dryness"with a subnormal body temperature and humidity and clinical manifestations such as insomnia, malaise and overweight will be presented. Immediate, appropriate strategies such as modification of life-style and seeking medical treatment can prevent evolution of an illness.Otherwise, the body will enter a disease status with a‘‘pathological" body constitution of ‘‘Yin or Yang deficiency'', ‘‘Blood-stasis" and/or ‘‘Phlegm-dampness". To be complimentary with health promotion and disease prevention in Western medicine, understanding about an individual's body constitution, together with itsdeterminants(e.g., healthy eating and lifestyle behaviors), can contribute to a more proactive, holistic and individualized healthcare.展开更多
Objective: Present a new screening approach for ocular diseases. Method: Transversal, retrospective, single center study that analyzed medical records of patients from a social project on the prevention of blindness a...Objective: Present a new screening approach for ocular diseases. Method: Transversal, retrospective, single center study that analyzed medical records of patients from a social project on the prevention of blindness and amblyopia, which aimed at: 1) Detect the main ocular disorders such as amblyopia, primary angle-closure suspect (PACS);glaucoma suspect (GS);predisposing retinal detachment lesions (PRDL);age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR);2) Perform cataract diagnosis;3) Provide guidance and treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. 4) Prescribe glasses for children until 14 years of age. Participants were examined by a single specialist, holder of a post-doctoral degree in ophthalmology, with 36 years of experience and a sub-specialization in retina and vitreous. All data were analyzed in 2022. Results: The examiner diagnosed 42 cases of PACS, 21 of GS, 8 of PRDL, 14 of AMD, 3 of DR, 40 of cataract and 31 cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Thirty-three participants younger than 14 were prescribed glasses. Other pathologies included retinal detachment, papilledema, corneal ulcer, suspected conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, retinal vasculitis, strabismus, uveitis, bilateral papilla paleness and lacrimal duct obstruction. Out of the 297 cases examined, 168 participants presented some type of alteration that could compromise their vision. Conclusion: The examiner’s experience and knowledge were decisive factors for the quick diagnosis, advice, screening and/or treatment of several ocular diseases. The social project results reveal that the primary care and/or the screening performed by a specialist are likely to reduce blindness cases.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the relationship between peptic ulcer disease(PUD) and acute pancreatitis.METHODS:A cohort of 78 patients with acute pancreatitis were included in this study.The presence of PUD and the Helicobacter py...AIM:To evaluate the relationship between peptic ulcer disease(PUD) and acute pancreatitis.METHODS:A cohort of 78 patients with acute pancreatitis were included in this study.The presence of PUD and the Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) status were assessed by an endoscopic method.The severity of acute pancreatitis was assessed using Ranson's score,the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE) □ score,computed tomography severity indexand the clinical data during hospitalization,all of which were compared between the patients with and without PUD.The risk factors for PUD were also evaluated.RESULTS:Among 78 patients,41 patients(52.6%) with acute pancreatitis suffered from PUD,but only 13(31.7%) patients with PUD were infected by H.pylori.On univariate analysis,male gender,an etiology of alcohol-induced pancreatitis,a history of smoking or alcohol consumption,elevated triglyceride and C-reactive protein levels,and high APACHE □ score were signif icantly associated with PUD.However,on multivariate logistic regressionanalysis,the APACHE □ score(odds ratio:7.69;95% conf idence interval:1.78-33.33;P < 0.01) was found to be the only independent risk factor for PUD.CONCLUSION:Patients with acute pancreatitis are liable to suffer from PUD.PUD is associated with severeacute pancreatitis according to the APACHE □ score,and treatment for PUD should be considered for patients with severe acute pancreatitis.展开更多
Although the observed progress in the cardiovascular disease treatment, the incidence of new and recurrent coronary artery disease remains elevated and constitutes the leading cause of death in the developed countries...Although the observed progress in the cardiovascular disease treatment, the incidence of new and recurrent coronary artery disease remains elevated and constitutes the leading cause of death in the developed countries. Three-quarters of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases could be prevented with adequate changes in lifestyle, including increased daily physical activity. New evidence confirms that there is an inverse dose-response relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular disease and mortality risk. However, participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity may not fully attenuate the independent effect of sedentary activities on increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity also plays an important role in secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases by reducing the impact of the disease, slowing its progress and preventing recurrence. Nonetheless, most of eligible cardiovascular patients still do not benefit from secondary prevention/cardiac rehabilitation programs. The present review draws attention to the importance of physical activity in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It also addresses the mechanisms by which physical activity and regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of the disease.展开更多
This study aimed to evaluate dietetic practices for patients with celiac disease and knowledge of celiac disease amongst rural dietitians. This study comprised of two parts: 1) a retrospective file audit of patients w...This study aimed to evaluate dietetic practices for patients with celiac disease and knowledge of celiac disease amongst rural dietitians. This study comprised of two parts: 1) a retrospective file audit of patients with celiac disease attending a rural dietetic outpatient clinic in NSW, Australia from 2007 to 2014 and 2) a cross-sectional survey of 25 dietitians within a rural Local Health District in NSW. Celiac disease related knowledge and diet therapy practices were assessed. Data were reported using descriptive statistics. The patient file audit (n = 17) indicated that the majority of patients (59%) had no follow-up with a dietitian. Education topics provided by dietitians included gluten-free food options (53%) and label reading (41%). Dietitians (n = 18, 72% response rate) achieved a mean score of 73% (range 48% - 90%) for celiac disease related food knowledge and 69% (range 50% - 90%) for screening and diagnosis knowledge. Perceived barriers for compliance with a gluten-free diet included limited access to dietitians, as well as limited availability and cost of gluten-free products. Current practices of rural-based dietitians in NSW are variable for patients with celiac disease, suggesting that evidence-based guidelines and continuing education are needed for rural-based dietitians in the specialized area of celiac disease.展开更多
Objective:Aging caused by a deficiency syndrome can be found in ancient and modern traditional Chinese medicine literature.Qi deficiency syndrome(QDS)is a vital factor in the aging process.This study aimed to establis...Objective:Aging caused by a deficiency syndrome can be found in ancient and modern traditional Chinese medicine literature.Qi deficiency syndrome(QDS)is a vital factor in the aging process.This study aimed to establish a full-scale trial to evaluate the prevalence,symptom severity,frequency,and distribution of QDS in different age groups and varying health status to elucidate the role of qi deficiency in the aging process and deterioration of health.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in four hospitals in China,and data from 1220 participants were included.The participants,aged between 20 and 79 years,completed questionnaires that recorded prevalence of QDS and severity or frequency of relevant symptoms,then were interviewed by investigators.We used frequency analysis and chi-squared tests to perform comparative analysis of prevalence in different age and health groups;we used a ranksum tests for quantitative analysis of symptoms severity and frequency scores;we performed a regression analysis of correlation between syndrome occurrence and potential factors using nonconditional binary logistic stepwise regression of numerical variables.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Prevalence,symptom severity and frequency scores of QDS showed a rising trend when physical condition worsened,rather than when age increased.Health status,fatigue,shortness of breath or no desire to talk,spontaneous sweating,swollen tongue with teeth marks on side,and deficient and weak pulse,rather than increasing age were contributing factors to this syndrome.Distribution of QDS in certain health and age stages showed remarkable irregularities.Conclusions:Qi deficiency may be a contributing factor for sub-health(sub-optimal health)and chronic diseases rather than aging.It may play a crucial role in chronic disease pathogenesis of young and middle-aged people,and in sub-health pathogenesis of older adults.Recognition of the warning signs and symptoms of QDS may lead to early intervention and prevention of subhealth,and chronic diseases.展开更多
Background and Aims:Liver fibrosis is a key risk factor for cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma and end stage liver failure.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for assessment for advanced(...Background and Aims:Liver fibrosis is a key risk factor for cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma and end stage liver failure.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for assessment for advanced(≥F3)liver fibrosis in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease recommend the use of enhanced liver fibrosis(ELF)test,followed by vibration-controlled transient elastography(VCTE).Performance of ELF at predicting significant(≥F2)fibrosis in real-world practice is uncertain.To assess the accuracy of ELF using VCTE;investigate the optimum ELF cutoff value to identify≥F2and≥F3;and develop a simple algorithm,with and without ELF score,for detecting≥F2.Methods:Retrospective evaluation of patients referred to a Community Liver Service for VCTE,Jan-Dec 2020.Assessment included:body mass index(BMI),diabetes status,alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels,ELF score and biopsy-validated fibrosis stages according to VCTE.Results:Data from 273 patients were available.n=110 patients had diabetes.ELF showed fair performance for≥F2 and≥F3,area under the curve(AUC)=0.70,95%confidence interval(CI)0.64-0.76 and AUC=0.72,95%CI:0.65-0.79 respectively.For≥F2 Youden's index for ELF=9.85 and for≥F3,ELF=9.95.Combining ALT,BMI,and HbA1c(ALBA algorithm)to predict≥F2 showed good performance(AUC=0.80,95%CI:0.69-0.92),adding ALBA to ELF improved performance(AUC=0.82,95%CI:0.77-0.88).Results were independently validated.Conclusions:Optimal ELF cutoff for≥F2 is 9.85 and 9.95 for≥F3.ALT,BMI,and HbA1c(ALBA algorithm)can stratify patients at risk of≥F2.ELFperformance is improved by adding ALBA.展开更多
Regional healthcare platforms collect clinical data from hospitals in specific areas for the purpose of healthcare management.It is a common requirement to reuse the data for clinical research.However,we have to face ...Regional healthcare platforms collect clinical data from hospitals in specific areas for the purpose of healthcare management.It is a common requirement to reuse the data for clinical research.However,we have to face challenges like the inconsistence of terminology in electronic health records (EHR) and the complexities in data quality and data formats in regional healthcare platform.In this paper,we propose methodology and process on constructing large scale cohorts which forms the basis of causality and comparative effectiveness relationship in epidemiology.We firstly constructed a Chinese terminology knowledge graph to deal with the diversity of vocabularies on regional platform.Secondly,we built special disease case repositories (i.e.,heart failure repository) that utilize the graph to search the related patients and to normalize the data.Based on the requirements of the clinical research which aimed to explore the effectiveness of taking statin on 180-days readmission in patients with heart failure,we built a large-scale retrospective cohort with 29647 cases of heart failure patients from the heart failure repository.After the propensity score matching,the study group (n=6346) and the control group (n=6346) with parallel clinical characteristics were acquired.Logistic regression analysis showed that taking statins had a negative correlation with 180-days readmission in heart failure patients.This paper presents the workflow and application example of big data mining based on regional EHR data.展开更多
Background:Health personnel face challenges in diagnosing vector-borne and other diseases of poverty in urban settings.There is a need to know what rapid diagnostic technologies are available,have been properly assess...Background:Health personnel face challenges in diagnosing vector-borne and other diseases of poverty in urban settings.There is a need to know what rapid diagnostic technologies are available,have been properly assessed,and are being implemented to improve control of these diseases in the urban context.This paper characterizes evidence on the field validation and implementation in urban areas of rapid diagnostics for vector-borne diseases and other diseases of poverty.Main body:A scoping review was conducted.Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched using terms describing the targeted infectious diseases,diagnostics evaluations,rapid tests,and urban setting.The review was limited to studies published between 2000 and 2016 in English,Spanish,French,and Portuguese.Inclusion and exclusion criteria were refined post hoc to identify relevant literature regardless of study design and geography.A total of 179 documents of the 7806 initially screened were included in the analysis.Malaria(n=100)and tuberculosis(n=47)accounted for the majority of studies that reported diagnostics performance,impact,and implementation outcomes.Fewer studies,assessing mainly performance,were identified for visceral leishmaniasis(n=9),filariasis and leptospirosis(each n=5),enteric fever and schistosomiasis(each n=3),dengue and leprosy(each n=2),and Chagas disease,human African trypanosomiasis,and cholera(each n=1).Reported sensitivity of rapid tests was variable depending on several factors.Overall,specificities were high(>80%),except for schistosomiasis and cholera.Impact and implementation outcomes,mainly acceptability and cost,followed by adoption,feasibility,and sustainability of rapid tests are being evaluated in the field.Challenges to implementing rapid tests range from cultural to technical and administrative issues.Conclusions:Rapid diagnostic tests for vector-borne and other diseases of poverty are being used in the urban context with demonstrated impact on case detection.However,most evidence comes from malaria rapid diagnostics,with variable results.While rapid tests for tuberculosis and visceral leishmaniasis require further implementation studies,more evidence on performance of current tests or development of new alternatives is needed for dengue,Chagas disease,filariasis,leptospirosis,enteric fever,human African trypanosomiasis,schistosomiasis and cholera.展开更多
质量调整生命年(quality adjusted life years,QALYs)作为多维健康效用指标的1种,它在卫生经济学评价和疾病负担评价中的应用越来越广泛。目前,未见详细归纳阐述不同研究类型下QALYs测算方法的报道。该文主要探讨了QALYs计算的基本原理...质量调整生命年(quality adjusted life years,QALYs)作为多维健康效用指标的1种,它在卫生经济学评价和疾病负担评价中的应用越来越广泛。目前,未见详细归纳阐述不同研究类型下QALYs测算方法的报道。该文主要探讨了QALYs计算的基本原理和过程,并进一步归纳总结在具体研究中如何根据研究设计来选择合适的QALYs计算方法,以期为研究者提供参考依据,促进其在我国卫生领域研究中的应用。展开更多
基金Science and Technology Research Project of Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2020LC0151):"Clinical Study on the Effect of Lung Health Breathing Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease"Project of Famous Old Chinese Physicians Case Research Center of Nanchong City Key Research Base of Philosophy and Social Sciences"Study on Chief Physician Xu Shihong s Clinical Experience and Academic Thoughts of Syndrome Differentiation in the Treatment of COPD"(YAZX19-Y-07).
文摘[Objectives]To evaluate the intervention effect and safety of self-created Lung Health Breathing Exercise on TCM syndromes,6-min walk test(6MWT)and quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).[Methods]76 cases of outpatient or inpatient patients who were diagnosed with stable COPD in Nanchong Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2020 to March 2021 were selected,randomly divided into experimental group and control group,38 cases in each group.Both groups were given conventional western medicine treatment and nursing measures.The experimental group was added with the self-created Lung Health Breathing Exercise.After 12 weeks of treatment,the TCM syndrome score,6MWT distance,quality of life score and the incidence of adverse events were observed in the both groups.[Results]After treatment,the 6MWT distance and quality of life scores in both groups were significantly improved(P<0.01),and the TCM syndrome scores were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.01).[Conclusions]Lung Health Breathing Exercise can benefit patients in terms of symptom improvement,quality of life and exercise ability,and is a safe and effective rehabilitation measure for patients with stable COPD.
文摘Background: International research and innovation efforts for neglected tropical diseases have increased in recent decades due to disparities in overall health research funding in relation to global burden of disease. However, within the field of neglected tropical diseases some seem far more neglected than others. In this research the aim is to investigate the distribution of resources and efforts, as well as the mechanisms that underpin funding allocation for neglected tropical diseases. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted to establish a comprehensive overview of known indicators for innovation efforts related to a wide range of neglected tropical diseases. Articles were selected based on a subjective evaluation of their relevance, the presence of original data, and the breadth of their scope. This was followed by thirteen in-depth open-ended interviews with representatives of private, public and philanthropic funding organizations, concerning evaluation criteria for funding research proposals. Results: The findings reveal a large difference in the extent to which the individual diseases are neglected with notable differences between absolute and relative efforts. Criteria used in the evaluation of research proposals relate to potential impact, the probability of success and strategic fit. Private organizations prioritize strategic fit and economic impact;philanthropic organizations prioritize short-term societal impact;and public generally prioritize the probability of success by accounting for follow-up funding and involvement of industry. Funding decisions of different types of organizations are highly interrelated. Conclusions: This study shows that the evaluation of funding proposals introduces and retains unequal funding distribution, reinforcing the relative neglect of diseases. Societal impact is the primary rationale for funding but application of it as a funding criterion is associated with significant challenges. Furthermore, current application of evaluation criteria leads to a primary focus on short-term impact. Through current practice, the relatively most neglected diseases will remain so, and a long-term strategy is needed to resolve this.
文摘Background: China has not established social security system for rare diseases. Rare diseases could easily impoverish patients and their families. Little research has studied the equity and accessibility of health services for patients with rare diseases in China. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence health expenditure of rare diseases and evaluate its equity. Methods: Questionnaire survey about living conditions and cost burden of patients with rare diseases was conducted. Individual and family information, health expenditure and reimbursement in 2014 of 982 patients were collected. The impact of medical insurance, individual sociodemographic characteristics, family characteristics, and healthcare need on total and out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditures was analyzed through the generalized linear model. Equity of health expenditure was evaluated by both concentration index and Lorenz curve. Results: Of all the surveyed patients, 11.41% had no medical insurance and 92.10% spent money to seek medical treatment in 2014. It was suggested female (P = 0.048), over 50 years of age (P = 0.062), high-income group (P = 0.021), hospitalization (P- 0.000), and reimbursement ratio (RR) (P = 0.000) were positively correlated with total health expenditure. Diseases not needing long-term treatment (P = 0.000) was negatively correlated with total health expenditure. Over 50 years of age (P = 0.065), high-income group (P = 0.018), hospitalization (P = 0.000) and having Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) (P - 0.022) were positively correlated with OOP health expenditure. Patient or the head of the household having received higher education (P = 0.044 and P = 0.08 l) and reimbursement ratio (P = 0.078) were negatively correlated with OOP health expenditure. The equity evaluation found concentration indexes of health expenditure before and after reimbursement were 0.0550 and 0.0539, respectively. Conclusions: OOP health expenditure of patients with UEBMI was significantly more than that of patients without medical insurance. However, for any other medical insurance, there was no difference between OOP health expenditure of the insured patients and patients without insurance. The current reimbursement policies have increased the equity of health expenditure, but are biased toward high-income people.
文摘This paper described and discussed the important literature and ideas about the concepts, types and measurement of body constitution, in terms of healthy,sub-healthy and disease status. In view of traditional Chinese medicine, ‘‘healthy" state is a status of relative balance of Yin and Yang to keep our bodily homeostasis. If there are significant physical and/or psychological stressors, such as loss of a beloved one and failure in study or work, the body can no longer keep its own bodily condition balanced and subsequently enter a state of ‘‘sub-health"(sub-optimal health).‘‘unhealthy" body constitution such as ‘‘Dampnessheat", ‘‘Cold-dampness" and ‘‘Heat- or Cold- dryness"with a subnormal body temperature and humidity and clinical manifestations such as insomnia, malaise and overweight will be presented. Immediate, appropriate strategies such as modification of life-style and seeking medical treatment can prevent evolution of an illness.Otherwise, the body will enter a disease status with a‘‘pathological" body constitution of ‘‘Yin or Yang deficiency'', ‘‘Blood-stasis" and/or ‘‘Phlegm-dampness". To be complimentary with health promotion and disease prevention in Western medicine, understanding about an individual's body constitution, together with itsdeterminants(e.g., healthy eating and lifestyle behaviors), can contribute to a more proactive, holistic and individualized healthcare.
文摘Objective: Present a new screening approach for ocular diseases. Method: Transversal, retrospective, single center study that analyzed medical records of patients from a social project on the prevention of blindness and amblyopia, which aimed at: 1) Detect the main ocular disorders such as amblyopia, primary angle-closure suspect (PACS);glaucoma suspect (GS);predisposing retinal detachment lesions (PRDL);age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR);2) Perform cataract diagnosis;3) Provide guidance and treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. 4) Prescribe glasses for children until 14 years of age. Participants were examined by a single specialist, holder of a post-doctoral degree in ophthalmology, with 36 years of experience and a sub-specialization in retina and vitreous. All data were analyzed in 2022. Results: The examiner diagnosed 42 cases of PACS, 21 of GS, 8 of PRDL, 14 of AMD, 3 of DR, 40 of cataract and 31 cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Thirty-three participants younger than 14 were prescribed glasses. Other pathologies included retinal detachment, papilledema, corneal ulcer, suspected conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, retinal vasculitis, strabismus, uveitis, bilateral papilla paleness and lacrimal duct obstruction. Out of the 297 cases examined, 168 participants presented some type of alteration that could compromise their vision. Conclusion: The examiner’s experience and knowledge were decisive factors for the quick diagnosis, advice, screening and/or treatment of several ocular diseases. The social project results reveal that the primary care and/or the screening performed by a specialist are likely to reduce blindness cases.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the relationship between peptic ulcer disease(PUD) and acute pancreatitis.METHODS:A cohort of 78 patients with acute pancreatitis were included in this study.The presence of PUD and the Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) status were assessed by an endoscopic method.The severity of acute pancreatitis was assessed using Ranson's score,the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE) □ score,computed tomography severity indexand the clinical data during hospitalization,all of which were compared between the patients with and without PUD.The risk factors for PUD were also evaluated.RESULTS:Among 78 patients,41 patients(52.6%) with acute pancreatitis suffered from PUD,but only 13(31.7%) patients with PUD were infected by H.pylori.On univariate analysis,male gender,an etiology of alcohol-induced pancreatitis,a history of smoking or alcohol consumption,elevated triglyceride and C-reactive protein levels,and high APACHE □ score were signif icantly associated with PUD.However,on multivariate logistic regressionanalysis,the APACHE □ score(odds ratio:7.69;95% conf idence interval:1.78-33.33;P < 0.01) was found to be the only independent risk factor for PUD.CONCLUSION:Patients with acute pancreatitis are liable to suffer from PUD.PUD is associated with severeacute pancreatitis according to the APACHE □ score,and treatment for PUD should be considered for patients with severe acute pancreatitis.
基金supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology,(UID/DTP/04045/2013)by the European Regional Develop-ment Fund,through COMPETE 2020(POCI--01--0145-FEDER--006969)+4 种基金funded by the European Regional Development Fund,through NORTE 2020(NORTE--01--0145--FEDER--000016)The European Regional Development Fund through the Operational Competitiveness Programthe Foun-dation for Science and Technology(FCT)of Portugal support the research unit CIAFEL within the projects FCOMP--01--0124--FEDER--020180(References FCT:PTDC/DES/122763/2010)and UID/DTP/00617/2013supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology(REF:UID/BIM/04501/2013)FEDER/Compete2020 funds
文摘Although the observed progress in the cardiovascular disease treatment, the incidence of new and recurrent coronary artery disease remains elevated and constitutes the leading cause of death in the developed countries. Three-quarters of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases could be prevented with adequate changes in lifestyle, including increased daily physical activity. New evidence confirms that there is an inverse dose-response relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular disease and mortality risk. However, participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity may not fully attenuate the independent effect of sedentary activities on increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity also plays an important role in secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases by reducing the impact of the disease, slowing its progress and preventing recurrence. Nonetheless, most of eligible cardiovascular patients still do not benefit from secondary prevention/cardiac rehabilitation programs. The present review draws attention to the importance of physical activity in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It also addresses the mechanisms by which physical activity and regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of the disease.
文摘This study aimed to evaluate dietetic practices for patients with celiac disease and knowledge of celiac disease amongst rural dietitians. This study comprised of two parts: 1) a retrospective file audit of patients with celiac disease attending a rural dietetic outpatient clinic in NSW, Australia from 2007 to 2014 and 2) a cross-sectional survey of 25 dietitians within a rural Local Health District in NSW. Celiac disease related knowledge and diet therapy practices were assessed. Data were reported using descriptive statistics. The patient file audit (n = 17) indicated that the majority of patients (59%) had no follow-up with a dietitian. Education topics provided by dietitians included gluten-free food options (53%) and label reading (41%). Dietitians (n = 18, 72% response rate) achieved a mean score of 73% (range 48% - 90%) for celiac disease related food knowledge and 69% (range 50% - 90%) for screening and diagnosis knowledge. Perceived barriers for compliance with a gluten-free diet included limited access to dietitians, as well as limited availability and cost of gluten-free products. Current practices of rural-based dietitians in NSW are variable for patients with celiac disease, suggesting that evidence-based guidelines and continuing education are needed for rural-based dietitians in the specialized area of celiac disease.
文摘Objective:Aging caused by a deficiency syndrome can be found in ancient and modern traditional Chinese medicine literature.Qi deficiency syndrome(QDS)is a vital factor in the aging process.This study aimed to establish a full-scale trial to evaluate the prevalence,symptom severity,frequency,and distribution of QDS in different age groups and varying health status to elucidate the role of qi deficiency in the aging process and deterioration of health.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in four hospitals in China,and data from 1220 participants were included.The participants,aged between 20 and 79 years,completed questionnaires that recorded prevalence of QDS and severity or frequency of relevant symptoms,then were interviewed by investigators.We used frequency analysis and chi-squared tests to perform comparative analysis of prevalence in different age and health groups;we used a ranksum tests for quantitative analysis of symptoms severity and frequency scores;we performed a regression analysis of correlation between syndrome occurrence and potential factors using nonconditional binary logistic stepwise regression of numerical variables.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Prevalence,symptom severity and frequency scores of QDS showed a rising trend when physical condition worsened,rather than when age increased.Health status,fatigue,shortness of breath or no desire to talk,spontaneous sweating,swollen tongue with teeth marks on side,and deficient and weak pulse,rather than increasing age were contributing factors to this syndrome.Distribution of QDS in certain health and age stages showed remarkable irregularities.Conclusions:Qi deficiency may be a contributing factor for sub-health(sub-optimal health)and chronic diseases rather than aging.It may play a crucial role in chronic disease pathogenesis of young and middle-aged people,and in sub-health pathogenesis of older adults.Recognition of the warning signs and symptoms of QDS may lead to early intervention and prevention of subhealth,and chronic diseases.
基金CDB and RMB are supported in part by the Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Center(NIHR203319),UK.
文摘Background and Aims:Liver fibrosis is a key risk factor for cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma and end stage liver failure.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for assessment for advanced(≥F3)liver fibrosis in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease recommend the use of enhanced liver fibrosis(ELF)test,followed by vibration-controlled transient elastography(VCTE).Performance of ELF at predicting significant(≥F2)fibrosis in real-world practice is uncertain.To assess the accuracy of ELF using VCTE;investigate the optimum ELF cutoff value to identify≥F2and≥F3;and develop a simple algorithm,with and without ELF score,for detecting≥F2.Methods:Retrospective evaluation of patients referred to a Community Liver Service for VCTE,Jan-Dec 2020.Assessment included:body mass index(BMI),diabetes status,alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels,ELF score and biopsy-validated fibrosis stages according to VCTE.Results:Data from 273 patients were available.n=110 patients had diabetes.ELF showed fair performance for≥F2 and≥F3,area under the curve(AUC)=0.70,95%confidence interval(CI)0.64-0.76 and AUC=0.72,95%CI:0.65-0.79 respectively.For≥F2 Youden's index for ELF=9.85 and for≥F3,ELF=9.95.Combining ALT,BMI,and HbA1c(ALBA algorithm)to predict≥F2 showed good performance(AUC=0.80,95%CI:0.69-0.92),adding ALBA to ELF improved performance(AUC=0.82,95%CI:0.77-0.88).Results were independently validated.Conclusions:Optimal ELF cutoff for≥F2 is 9.85 and 9.95 for≥F3.ALT,BMI,and HbA1c(ALBA algorithm)can stratify patients at risk of≥F2.ELFperformance is improved by adding ALBA.
基金Supported by the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project for"Significant New Drugs Development’’(No.2018ZX09201008)Special Fund Project for Information Development from Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information(No.201701013)
文摘Regional healthcare platforms collect clinical data from hospitals in specific areas for the purpose of healthcare management.It is a common requirement to reuse the data for clinical research.However,we have to face challenges like the inconsistence of terminology in electronic health records (EHR) and the complexities in data quality and data formats in regional healthcare platform.In this paper,we propose methodology and process on constructing large scale cohorts which forms the basis of causality and comparative effectiveness relationship in epidemiology.We firstly constructed a Chinese terminology knowledge graph to deal with the diversity of vocabularies on regional platform.Secondly,we built special disease case repositories (i.e.,heart failure repository) that utilize the graph to search the related patients and to normalize the data.Based on the requirements of the clinical research which aimed to explore the effectiveness of taking statin on 180-days readmission in patients with heart failure,we built a large-scale retrospective cohort with 29647 cases of heart failure patients from the heart failure repository.After the propensity score matching,the study group (n=6346) and the control group (n=6346) with parallel clinical characteristics were acquired.Logistic regression analysis showed that taking statins had a negative correlation with 180-days readmission in heart failure patients.This paper presents the workflow and application example of big data mining based on regional EHR data.
基金This study was funded by WHO/TDR Special program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases and by Universidad del Valle,Cali-Colombia.
文摘Background:Health personnel face challenges in diagnosing vector-borne and other diseases of poverty in urban settings.There is a need to know what rapid diagnostic technologies are available,have been properly assessed,and are being implemented to improve control of these diseases in the urban context.This paper characterizes evidence on the field validation and implementation in urban areas of rapid diagnostics for vector-borne diseases and other diseases of poverty.Main body:A scoping review was conducted.Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched using terms describing the targeted infectious diseases,diagnostics evaluations,rapid tests,and urban setting.The review was limited to studies published between 2000 and 2016 in English,Spanish,French,and Portuguese.Inclusion and exclusion criteria were refined post hoc to identify relevant literature regardless of study design and geography.A total of 179 documents of the 7806 initially screened were included in the analysis.Malaria(n=100)and tuberculosis(n=47)accounted for the majority of studies that reported diagnostics performance,impact,and implementation outcomes.Fewer studies,assessing mainly performance,were identified for visceral leishmaniasis(n=9),filariasis and leptospirosis(each n=5),enteric fever and schistosomiasis(each n=3),dengue and leprosy(each n=2),and Chagas disease,human African trypanosomiasis,and cholera(each n=1).Reported sensitivity of rapid tests was variable depending on several factors.Overall,specificities were high(>80%),except for schistosomiasis and cholera.Impact and implementation outcomes,mainly acceptability and cost,followed by adoption,feasibility,and sustainability of rapid tests are being evaluated in the field.Challenges to implementing rapid tests range from cultural to technical and administrative issues.Conclusions:Rapid diagnostic tests for vector-borne and other diseases of poverty are being used in the urban context with demonstrated impact on case detection.However,most evidence comes from malaria rapid diagnostics,with variable results.While rapid tests for tuberculosis and visceral leishmaniasis require further implementation studies,more evidence on performance of current tests or development of new alternatives is needed for dengue,Chagas disease,filariasis,leptospirosis,enteric fever,human African trypanosomiasis,schistosomiasis and cholera.
文摘质量调整生命年(quality adjusted life years,QALYs)作为多维健康效用指标的1种,它在卫生经济学评价和疾病负担评价中的应用越来越广泛。目前,未见详细归纳阐述不同研究类型下QALYs测算方法的报道。该文主要探讨了QALYs计算的基本原理和过程,并进一步归纳总结在具体研究中如何根据研究设计来选择合适的QALYs计算方法,以期为研究者提供参考依据,促进其在我国卫生领域研究中的应用。