OBJECTIVE This objective of this study was to investigate intranasal anatomic abnormalities in cases of contact point headaches caused by contact between the nasal septum and the lateral nasal wall,as well as the clinical outcomes in these cases treated by endoscopic sinonasal surgery. METHODS A retrospective review was performed on 58 cases that met the criteria of having contact points between the septum and the lateral nasal wall, as demonstrated by CT scans of the sinuses and endoscopic examinations. These patients underwent surgical intervention in order to correct the contact points. They were re-evaluated for clinical parameters three months after the surgical correction of their anatomic abnormalities. RESULTS Abnormal nasal septa, enlarged turbinates and other anatomic abnormalities were the most common findings in contact point headaches. Fifty-eight patients underwent surgical correction of intranasal anatomic abnormalities. After follow-up periods of 3-18 mouths, 32 patients were cured, 23 were relieved to an extent, and 3 did not benefit. A significant decrease in the severity and frequency of headaches was noted after surgery. CONCLUSION Pressure from mucosal contact between the septum and lateral nasal wall mucosa is the key cause of contact point headaches, as seen in CT scans of the sinuses and endoscopic examinations. Clinically significant pain may improve after surgical correction of intranasal anatomic abnormalities.

OBJECTIVETo study the variation tendency of hypertension in two rural areas in Gansu, and provide epidemiological evidence to evaluate the hypertension of rural residents.

METHODSUsing equidistant random sampling method and cross-sectional sentinel monitoring, two remote natural villages, Yangzhuang and Xiangming, at Yellow river and Yangtze river valley were selected as hypertension monitoring site. From 1990 to 2012, clinical examination to the resident above 18 years old was carried out continuously for 23 years, 11 164 cases were included.

RESULTSHypertension prevalence of tested cases increased with years, Yangzhuang monitoring site increased from 6.9% (16/232) in 1990 to 36.7% (216/597) in 2012 with an increase of 29.8%, and Xiangming monitoring site increased from 3.4% (16/474) in 1995 to 20.6% (120/582) in 2011 with an increase of 17.2%. Total prevalence of Yangzhuang (24.1%, 1505/6240) was significantly higher than Xiangming (11.4%, 578/4924) (χ(2) = 277.9, P < 0.01). Total hypertension prevalence of 18 - 35 years old group was 9.9% (292/2944) in Yangzhuang and 4.2% (63/1495) in Xiangming, Yangzhuang was higher than Xiangming (χ(2) = 43.7, P < 0.01). Total hypertension prevalence of above 35 years old group was 36.8% (1213/3296) in Yangzhuang and 14.1% (515/3429) in Xiangming, Yangzhuang was higher than Xiangming (χ(2) = 417.7, P < 0.01). The growth rates of hypertension prevalence in 18 - 35 years old group of both areas (Yangzhuang: 823.5%, Xiangming: 614.3%) were higher than 35 years old group (Yangzhuang:310.5%, Xiangming: 368.0%), but the hypertension prevalence of above 35 years old group was higher than 18 - 35 years old group. Hypertension prevalence of male was 25.4% (761/2992) in Yangzhuang and 11.7% (238/2047) in Xiangming, Yangzhuang was higher than Xiangming (χ(2) = 145.8, P < 0.01), hypertension prevalence of female was 22.7% (738/3248) in Yangzhuang and 11.2% (340/2877)in Xiangming, Yangzhuang was higher than Xiangming (χ(2) = 125.1, P < 0.01). While the difference between male and female had no statistical significance in both areas.

CONCLUSIONHypertension of the two monitoring points was in high epidemic trend, but with different epidemic trend. From different region and environment research to discuss the cause of hypertension can provide scientific evidence for prevention and control.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Male ; Obesity ; epidemiology ; Population Surveillance ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the value of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters and metabolic heterogeneity for predicting the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in patients with gastric cancer. Methods A total of 45 patients with gastric cancer confirmed by surgical pathology between September 2016 and May 2021 were enrolled in this study.All the patients underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT examination before surgery.The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax),metabolic tumor volume (MTV),and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary gastric cancer were measured,and the linear regression slope of MTV corresponding to different SUVmax thresholds (40% SUVmax and 80% SUVmax) was calculated.The absolute value of the slope was deemed to represent the metabolic heterogeneity of primary gastric cancer,termed the heterogeneity index (HI).Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the correlations of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters and HI with HER2 expression. Results The 45 patients included 10 with positive HER2 expression and 35 with negative result.The MTV (P=0.043) and HI (P=0.048) were lower in the patients with positive HER2 expression than in the patients with negative HER2 expression.The MTV and HI had the optimal thresholds of 12.10 cm³ and 3.71,respectively,which respectively showed the accuracy of 62.2% and 57.8% for predicting HER2 expression.The univariate Logistic regression showed that the tumor differentiation degree,MTV,and HI were correlated with HER2 expression,while the multivariate Logistic regression showed that only the tumor differentiation degree (OR=20.130,95%CI=1.843-219.860,P=0.014) was an independent predictor for HER2 expression.A further stratified analysis of the tumor differentiation degree showed that HER2 expression only varied among different MTV threshold groups in patients with moderately/well differentiated gastric cancer (P=0.031). Conclusions MTV and HI were associated with HER2 expression in gastric cancer,whereas neither played an independent predictive role.Therefore,these factors should be combined with clinicopathological characteristics of patients to jointly guide treatment decisions.
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Humans ; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods* ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging*

The prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among preschool children was reported to be low based on a 5-year screening program in Taipei City, Taiwan. The Taipei City government intended to terminate the E. vermicularis screening program among preschool children. Thus, we were entrusted with confirming whether pinworm infections among preschool children in Taipei City had truly declined. From each of 12 administrative districts 2-3 kindergartens were randomly selected for investigation. In total, 4,349 children were examined, of which 2,537 were boys and 1,812 were girls. The cellophane tape adhered to a glass slide was used, and all examinations were done by certified medical technologists. Results indicated that the overall prevalence rate of pinworm infections was 0.62% (27/4,349). Although the infection rate was higher among boys (0.67%, 17/2,537) than in girls (0.55%, 10/1,812), no significant difference was found (chi2 = 0.399, P = 0.62). According to the administrative district, the infection rate ranged from no positive cases of E. vermicularis infection in the Xinyi, Zhongzhen, and Wanhua Districts (0%; 0/299, 0/165, and 0/358, respectively), to 0.26% (1/131) in Songshan District, with the highest rate of 1.88% (7/373) in Wenshan District. Because the overall infection rate (0.62%, 27/4,349) in the present study was unchanged compared to that (0.40%, 197/49,541) previously reported in 2005, we propose that regular pinworm screening and treatment programs should be continued in some parts of Taipei City.
Animals ; Child Day Care Centers ; Child, Preschool ; Enterobiasis/*epidemiology ; Enterobius/*isolation & purification ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microscopy/methods ; Prevalence ; Taiwan/epidemiology

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and computed tomography (CT) appearances of liver abscesses caused by non-Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial pathogens in elderly and nonelderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with confirmed non-Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses (non-KPLAs) were enrolled and divided into two age groups: elderly (age > or =65 years, n=42) and nonelderly (age <65 years, n=38). Diagnosis of non-KPLA was established by pus and/or blood culture. We compared clinical presentations, outcomes, and CT characteristics of the two groups, and performed multivariate analysis for significant variables and receiver-operating-characteristic analysis to determine the cutoff value of abscess diameter for predicting non-KPLA. RESULTS: Elderly patients with non-KPLA were associated with a longer hospital stay (p<0.01). Regarding etiology, biliary sources had a strong association in the elderly group (p<0.01), and chronic liver diseases were related to the nonelderly group (p<0.01). Non-KPLAs (52.5%) tended to show a large, multiloculated appearance in the elderly group and were associated with bile duct dilatation (p<0.01), compared with the nonelderly group. The abscess diameter (cutoff value, 5.2 cm; area under the curve, 0.78) between the two groups was predicted. In multivariate analysis, underlying biliary tract disease [odds ratio (OR), 3.58, p<0.05], abscess diameter (OR, 2.40, p<0.05), and multiloculated abscess (OR, 1.19, p<0.01) independently predicted elderly patients with non-KPLA. CONCLUSION: In the elderly patients with non-KPLA, a large, multiloculated abscess with a diameter greater than 5.2 cm was the predominant imaging feature.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bacterial Infections/*complications/*radiography ; Female ; Humans ; Klebsiella Infections/microbiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Length of Stay ; Liver Abscess/complications/microbiology/*radiography ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Microscopy ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; ROC Curve ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and computed tomography (CT) appearances of liver abscesses caused by non-Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial pathogens in elderly and nonelderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with confirmed non-Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses (non-KPLAs) were enrolled and divided into two age groups: elderly (age > or =65 years, n=42) and nonelderly (age <65 years, n=38). Diagnosis of non-KPLA was established by pus and/or blood culture. We compared clinical presentations, outcomes, and CT characteristics of the two groups, and performed multivariate analysis for significant variables and receiver-operating-characteristic analysis to determine the cutoff value of abscess diameter for predicting non-KPLA. RESULTS: Elderly patients with non-KPLA were associated with a longer hospital stay (p<0.01). Regarding etiology, biliary sources had a strong association in the elderly group (p<0.01), and chronic liver diseases were related to the nonelderly group (p<0.01). Non-KPLAs (52.5%) tended to show a large, multiloculated appearance in the elderly group and were associated with bile duct dilatation (p<0.01), compared with the nonelderly group. The abscess diameter (cutoff value, 5.2 cm; area under the curve, 0.78) between the two groups was predicted. In multivariate analysis, underlying biliary tract disease [odds ratio (OR), 3.58, p<0.05], abscess diameter (OR, 2.40, p<0.05), and multiloculated abscess (OR, 1.19, p<0.01) independently predicted elderly patients with non-KPLA. CONCLUSION: In the elderly patients with non-KPLA, a large, multiloculated abscess with a diameter greater than 5.2 cm was the predominant imaging feature.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bacterial Infections/*complications/*radiography ; Female ; Humans ; Klebsiella Infections/microbiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Length of Stay ; Liver Abscess/complications/microbiology/*radiography ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Microscopy ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; ROC Curve ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a 20-mm diameter dual-design expandable colorectal stent for malignant colorectal obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study series included 34 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction who underwent implantation of a 20-mm dual-design expandable colorectal stent in our department between March 2009 and June 2010. The 20-mm dual-design expandable colorectal stent was placed by using a 3.8-mm delivery system that had 28-mm diameter proximal and distal ends. Among the 34 patients, stent placement for palliation was performed in 20 patients, while stent placement for bridge to surgery was performed in 14 patients. RESULTS: A 97% (33 of 34) success rate was achieved for the stent placement. The perforation rate in the bridge to surgery group was 7% (1 of 14), compared to 0% (0 of 19) in palliative group. Migration occurred in one of 33 patients (3%) at 30 days after stent placement. CONCLUSION: The placement of a 20-mm diameter dual-design stent appears to be clinically safe and effective for the management of colorectal obstruction, with low perforation and migration rates.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Colorectal Neoplasms/*complications ; Female ; Foreign-Body Migration/etiology ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction/*etiology/*therapy ; Intestinal Perforation/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Palliative Care ; Prospective Studies ; Prosthesis Design ; *Stents ; Treatment Outcome

In this study, we isolated and purified the extracts of the whole plant of Crotalaria sessiliflora L. by column chromatographic. Twelve compounds were isolated and identified as followings: sessiliflorin B (1), quercetin (2), kaempferol (3), soyasapogenol B (4), fernenol (5), neoechinulin A (6), ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (7), ethyl caffeate (8), 5,7-dihydroxychromone (9), crotadihydrofuran A (10), butesuperin B (11) and aurantiamide acetate (12). Compound 1 is a new compound, compound 3-12 were isolated from the plant for the first time.

Background: and Purpose The rate of donepezil discontinuation and the underlying reasons for discontinuation in Asian patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are currently unknown. We aimed to determine the treatment discontinuation rates in AD patients who had newly been prescribed donepezil in routine clinical practice in Asia. Methods: This 1-year observational study involved 38 institutions in seven Asian countries, and it evaluated 398 participants aged 50–90 years with a diagnosis of probable AD and on newly prescribed donepezil monotherapy. The primary endpoint was the rate of donepezil discontinuation over 1 year. Secondary endpoints included the reason for discontinuation,treatment duration, changes in cognitive function over the 1-year study period, and compliance as assessed using a clinician rating scale (CRS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Donepezil was discontinued in 83 (20.9%) patients, most commonly due to an adverse event (43.4%). The mean treatment duration was 103.67 days in patients who discontinued. Among patients whose cognitive function was assessed at baseline and 1 year, there were no significant changes in scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Trail-Making Test–Black and White scores, whereas the Clinical Dementia Rating score increased significantly (p<0.001). Treatment compliance at 1 year was 96.8% (306/316) on the CRS and 92.6±14.1% (mean±standard deviation) on the VAS. Conclusions In patients on newly prescribed donepezil, the primary reason for discontinuation was an adverse event. Cognitive assessments revealed no significant worsening at 1 year, indicating that continuous donepezil treatment contributes to the maintenance of cognitive function.

Background: and Purpose The rate of donepezil discontinuation and the underlying reasons for discontinuation in Asian patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are currently unknown. We aimed to determine the treatment discontinuation rates in AD patients who had newly been prescribed donepezil in routine clinical practice in Asia. Methods: This 1-year observational study involved 38 institutions in seven Asian countries, and it evaluated 398 participants aged 50–90 years with a diagnosis of probable AD and on newly prescribed donepezil monotherapy. The primary endpoint was the rate of donepezil discontinuation over 1 year. Secondary endpoints included the reason for discontinuation,treatment duration, changes in cognitive function over the 1-year study period, and compliance as assessed using a clinician rating scale (CRS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Donepezil was discontinued in 83 (20.9%) patients, most commonly due to an adverse event (43.4%). The mean treatment duration was 103.67 days in patients who discontinued. Among patients whose cognitive function was assessed at baseline and 1 year, there were no significant changes in scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Trail-Making Test–Black and White scores, whereas the Clinical Dementia Rating score increased significantly (p<0.001). Treatment compliance at 1 year was 96.8% (306/316) on the CRS and 92.6±14.1% (mean±standard deviation) on the VAS. Conclusions In patients on newly prescribed donepezil, the primary reason for discontinuation was an adverse event. Cognitive assessments revealed no significant worsening at 1 year, indicating that continuous donepezil treatment contributes to the maintenance of cognitive function.