OBJECTIVETo comparatively study the clinical effect of electrical plum-blossom needle on ametropic amblyopia and anisometropic amblyopia.

METHODSSixty children (107 eyes) with ametropic amblyopia or anisometropic amblyopia were randomly assigned to two groups at their first visit on the basis of optometry. They had never received any treatment before. Patients in one group were treated with electrical plum-blossom needle (as the treatment group) and those in the other group were treated with physical comprehensive therapy (as the control group). The 1-month clinical effect was observed.

RESULTSThe 1-month total effective rate was 79.6% (43/54) in the treatment group and 58.5% (31/53) in the control group. Statistical significance was shown in clinical effect after statistical management. The electrical plum-blossom needle showed better effect than the comprehensive therapy.

CONCLUSIONThe electrical plum-blossom needle for treatment of amblyopia in children could initiate faster with good compliance. Its short-term effect was definite with no side effect.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Amblyopia ; therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Needles

OBJECTIVETo investigate the impact of infertility on men's self-esteem, self-confidence, sexual satisfaction and overall relationship with their spouses.

METHODSUsing Self-Esteem and Relationship questionnaire (SEAR), we conducted an investigation among 253 infertile men and 52 fertile male controls. We divided the infertile men into four subgroups according to their perceived causes of infertility: male (M) factors, female (F) factors, both M and F factors, and unknown factors, and compared the SEAR scores among different groups.

RESULTSIn the infertile men, the total SEAR score was significantly higher in those with < 3 years than in those with > or = 3 years of infertility duration (75.50 +/- 17.05 vs 68.66 +/- 17.19, P < 0.05) and so was it in those with above-high-school than in those with high-school or lower education background (81.42 +/- 13.99 vs 67.61 +/- 17. 8, P < 0.01), but showed no significant difference between the > or = 30- and < 30-year-olds (71.77 +/- 17.42 vs 72.74 +/- 18.38, P > 0.05). The total SEAR scores in the M factor, M & F factor, unknown factor and F factor groups were 65.69 +/- 18.68, 68.52 +/- 17.68, 74.85 +/- 15.19 and 83.21 +/- 12.61, respectively, with significant differences between the first two and the latter two groups (P < 0.05), as well as between the unknown factor and F factor groups (P < 0.05). In the fertile male controls, the total SEAR score and subdomain scores on sexual relationship, self-confidence, self-esteem and overall relationship were 90.04 +/- 9.85, 88.40 +/- 10.74, 92.23 +/- 9.41, 91.95 +/- 10.67 and 90.38 +/- 14.14, respectively, all remarkably higher than in the M factor, M&F factor and unknown factor groups of the infertile men after adjustment of their infertility duration and education levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONInfertility reduces men's self-esteem, self-confidence, sexual satisfaction and relationship with their spouses, and the degree of its impact is correlated with the patients' infertility duration and education level.

Adult ; Erectile Dysfunction ; psychology ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; psychology ; Male ; Personal Satisfaction ; Self Concept ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Previous studies have revealed that mast cells (MCs) may activate the protease-activated receptors and release of neuropeptides involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The levels of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) and tryptase can contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of IBS. METHODS: Colonoscopic biopsies were performed of 38 subjects (20 with IBS-diarrhea [IBS-D], eight with IBS-constipation [IBS-C], and 10 healthy volunteers). The mRNA and protein levels of tryptase and PAR-2 were assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot. The levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were measured by immunohistochemistry, and MCs were counted by toluidine blue staining. RESULTS: Significant increases in the mRNA expression of tryptase (p<0.05, IBS-D, IBS-C vs control) and PAR-2 (p<0.05, IBS-D, IBS-C vs control) and in the tryptase protein level (p<0.05, IBS-D, IBS-C vs control) were detected in IBS. Elevations of MCs, CGRP, VIP and SP (p<0.05, IBS-D vs control) were observed for IBS-D only. CONCLUSIONS: Tryptase levels may upregulate the function of PAR-2, resulting in the release of neuropeptide and they were correlated with clinical symptoms associated with IBS.
Biopsy ; Blotting, Western ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inflammation ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome* ; Mast Cells ; Neuropeptides ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptor, PAR-2* ; Receptors, Proteinase-Activated ; RNA, Messenger ; Substance P ; Tolonium Chloride ; Tryptases* ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of nimotuzumab combined with palitaxel liposome and carboplatin (LP) regimen for treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to observe the changes of tumor markers and toxicities in the treatment. METHODS Forty-one patients with advanced NSCLC were randomly divided into 2 groups: 21 patients in the observation group were treated with nimotuzumab (200 mg per week for 6 weeks), palitaxel liposome 160 mg/m2 and carboplatin (AUC = 6). 20 patients in the control group were given LP regimen. Each group completed two cycles of chemotherapy. The level of tumor markers (CEA, CYFR21-1 and NSE) and toxicities were checked at one week before and after the treatment. Thoracic CT examinations were taken before treatment and at the fourth week and eighth week after treatment.

RESULTSIn the observation group, there were 2 cases of CR, 7 cases of PR, 9 cases of SD and 3 cases of PD. The objective response rate (RR) was 42. 9% in the observation group. In the control group, there were 1 case of CR, 6 cases of PR, 8 cases of SD and 5 cases of PD, with a RR of 35.0% in this group. There was no significant difference in the RR between the two groups (P = 0.751). The time to progression (TIP) was 6. 9 months in the observation group and 5. 7 months in the control group, with a significant difference (P = 0.027). The levels of NSE decreased significantly in both groups and showed a significant difference (P = 0.039). The levels of CEA and CYFRA21 in both groups were decreased after treatment, but did not show a significant difference before and after treatment, respectively. Except 3 cases had I-II skin toxicities on the faces in the observation group, there was no significant difference in toxicities between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONNimotuzmab combined with LP regimen shows a synergistic effect, can increase the efficacy and prolong TFP in advanced NSCLC patients. The toxicities are mild and tolerable.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Carboplatin ; administration & dosage ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Exanthema ; chemically induced ; Female ; Humans ; Keratin-19 ; metabolism ; Liposomes ; administration & dosage ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; metabolism ; Remission Induction

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of mediastinoscopy in preoperative staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on survival analysis.

METHODS152 cases of potentially operable NSCLC were enrolled in this study. All cases underwent CT scan and mediastinoscopy for assessment of the mediastinal lymph node status before initial treatment. The definitive treatment was decided on the basis of mediastinoscopy and the survival rate was analyzed with a median follow-up of 30.5 months. Survival analysis was conducted by comparing the lymph node status which was determined by final pathology (groups pN0, pN1, pN2, pN3), CT scan (group cN0-1, cN2-3) and mediastinoscopy (group mN0-1, mN2, mN3).

RESULTSThe 5-year survival rates in group pN0, pN1, pN2 and pN3 were 61.7%, 75.0%, 32.4% and 16.1%, respectively. Both groups pN0 and pN1 had significantly higher survival rates than those in groups pN2 and pN3 (P < 0.05). There were not significant differences between survival rates in groups cN0-1 and cN2-3 (P = 0.670), while the survival rate in group mN0-1 was significantly higher than that in groups mN2 and mN3 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMediastinoscopy is of great value in preoperative staging of NSCLC. Not only does it detect lymph node metastasis more precisely but also better predict the prognosis than CT scan.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Mediastinoscopy ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; methods ; Pneumonectomy ; Preoperative Period ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the change of intestinal mucosa barrier in chronic severe hepatitis B patients and clinical intervention.

METHOD(1) 30 normal healthy controls and 60 chronic severe hepatitis B patients were enrolled in this study. The change of intestinal permeability was determined by urine lactulose/ mannitol ratio (L/M), and the serum diamine oxidase (DAO) was measured. (2) 60 chronic severe hepatitis B patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the treated group, each group has 30 cases. Patients in the control group received standard treatment for 2 weeks, however, in addition to standard treatment, patients in the treated group also received glutamine 10g tid. Endotoxin (ET), DAO and L/M were compared between the two group.

RESULTS(1) Compared to healthy controls, the level of L/M and DAO was significantly increased in chronic severe hepatitis B patients (t = 2.762, P less than 0.01 or t = 6.326, P less than 0.01). (2) Compared to the control group, ET, DAO and L/M were significantly lower 2 weeks after treatment (F = 11.662, P less than 0.01; F = 12.699, P less than 0.01; F = 19.981, P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSION(1) There is an early intestinal mucosa barrier damage in chronic severe hepatitis B patients. (2) Compared to standard treatment, adding glutamine can reverse intestinal mucosa barrier damage.

Administration, Oral ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) ; blood ; Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Endotoxins ; blood ; Female ; Glutamine ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Intestine, Small ; Lactulose ; urine ; Male ; Mannitol ; urine ; Middle Aged ; Permeability ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To analyze the death causes of 345 cases with HIV/AIDS in Guangdong area.Methods The situations of 345 hospitalized death cases with HIV/AIDS were conducted by retrospective analysis.Results (1)There were total 3406 hospitalized cases with HIV/AIDS in a hospital from January 2001 to December 2011 and 345 cases died,the fatality rate was 10.13％.Since 2005 the introduction of free anti-viral treatment,the fatality rate of HIV/AIDS declined.The fatality rate of the patients whose CD4+ T lymphocyte counts ＜ 200 cells/μl was 14.61％ (299/2046) and it was significantly higher than that of patients whose CD4 + T lymphocyte counts ≥200 cells/μl (P ＜0.01).(2) 99.42％ of the death cases had more than one kind of opportunistic infections (OI) and there were 924 cases of OI totally.84.64％ of OI related to the death directly.Fungal infection was the most common in OI,followed by bacterial infection.Most OI occurred in the lungs,mouth,other systemic disseminated diseases,gastro intestine,central nerver system,septicemia,skin.The AIDS defining opportunistic infections such as several pneumonia,disseminated penicilliosis marneffei and CNS infections accounted for 29.65％.Other factors that caused HIV/AIDS death included opportunistic tumors,HIV related disease and non AIDS-related disease accounted for 15.36％.No accepted effective highly active antiretroviral therapy (HARRT)also constituted factors of death.Among cases which accepted HARRT treatment,only 6.96％ had the period of treatment over three months.Conclusion The fatality rate of end-stage AIDS patients was high and the opportunistic infections was the most important cause of death.Early diagnosis and treatment for opportunistic infections,timely effective HARRT were the key to improve the quality of life of AIDS patients.

OBJECTIVETo compare the complications of direct and antirefluxing techniques of ureterointestinal anastomosis in continent urinary diversion.

METHODSSixty-three patients underwent continent urinary diversion. Twenty-four patients were treated by the direct ureteroenteric anastomosis and the others treated by the antirefluxing technique. The follow up studies included following-up the information of ureteric stricture, ureteric reflux, renal function and acute urinary infection. It was assessed for 3 months to 6 years with a mean follow up of 26 months after operation.

RESULTSOf 78 ureters reimplanted using antirefluxing technique. A total of 12 ureters had anastomotic stricture formation postoperatively. Only one of 48 ureters reimplanted using direct anastomoses had anastomotic stricture. The difference between the direct and antirefluxing technique groups was remarkable (chi2 = 4.375, P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the direct and antirefluxing technique groups in regard to ureteric reflux, renal function and acute urinary infection.

CONCLUSIONSAntirefluxing anastomoses resulted in obviously higher rate of ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture in comparison with the direct anastomosis. The direct ureteroenteric anastomosis may be the suitable choice for patients undergoing continent urinary diversion.

Adult ; Aged ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intestines ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Ureter ; surgery ; Urinary Diversion ; methods

INTRODUCTION: Haze is a recurrent problem in Southeast Asia. Exposure to haze is linked to ophthalmic, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and mortality. In this study, we investigated the role of demographic factors, knowledge and perceived risk in influencing protective behaviours during the 2013 haze in Singapore. METHODS: We evaluated 696 adults in a cross-sectional study. Participants were sampled via a 2-stage simple random sampling without replacement from a large residential district in Singapore in 2015. The questionnaire measured the participant's knowledge, perceived risk and behaviours during the Southeast Asian haze crisis in 2013. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed using comparative fit index (≥0.96) and root mean square error of approximation (≤0.05). We performed structural equation modelling to examine the relationship between the hypothesised factors and protective behaviours. RESULTS: More than 95% of the individuals engaged in at least 1 form of protective behaviour. Knowledge was strongly associated with protective behaviours via direct effect (β=0.45, 95% CI 0.19-0.69, CONCLUSION Knowledge was associated with protective behaviours, suggesting the importance of public education. Efforts should target those of lower education level and smokers. The wearing of N95 masks correlates with uptake of other protective behaviours.
Adult ; Asia, Southeastern ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Ethnic Groups ; Humans ; Minority Groups ; Reproducibility of Results ; Singapore/epidemiology*