Objective To Investigate the efficacy of modified electroconvulsive therapy(MECT)in patients with schizophrenia across different genders.Methods From May 2018 to August 2022,481 patients with schizophrenia were recruited from three psychiatric hospitals in Luzhou,Zigong,and Yibin.According to gender grouping,both groups received adjunctive MECT treatment for two consecutive weeks for a total of six treatments.The differences in positive and negative syndrome scale(PANSS)scores before and after treatment,UKU adverse reaction rating scale(UKU),and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale(GSRS)scores were compared between the two groups.Results After quality control,463 cases were followed up for analysis including 246 males and 217 females.Compared with pre-treatment,the total PANSS score and scores on each subscale were significantly reduced in both genders after treatment(P<0.001).When comparing the reduction rates between the groups,the male patients showed a higher reduction rate in negative symptoms than the female patients(31.24%±30.24%vs.25.80%±33.96%,P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences between the two groups in the reduction rates of the total score,positive symptoms,and general psychopathology(P>0.05).The comparison of adverse reactions showed that the frequency of other types of adverse reactions was higher in female patients than in male patients(47.47%vs.37.80%,P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in the adverse reactions related to the mental,neurological,autonomic nervous system,and gastrointestinal systems(P>0.05).Correlation analysis revealed that the reduction rate of the PANSS total score was positively correlated with smoking history(r=0.135,P=0.034)and alcohol history(r=0.160,P=0.012)in male patients,while the reduction rate of the PANSS total score was negatively correlated with the disease duration(r=-0.210,P=0.002)and positively correlated with the age of onset(r=0.145,P=0.032)in female patients.Conclusion MECT is significantly effective for both male and female patients with schizophrenia.Compared to female patients,MECT shows a more pronounced effect on negative symptoms in male patients.Additionally,the factors related to the efficacy of MECT differ between genders,indicating that it is necessary to consider the clinical characteristics of patients comprehensively when selecting an MECT treatment plan.

Objective To Investigate the efficacy of modified electroconvulsive therapy(MECT)in patients with schizophrenia across different genders.Methods From May 2018 to August 2022,481 patients with schizophrenia were recruited from three psychiatric hospitals in Luzhou,Zigong,and Yibin.According to gender grouping,both groups received adjunctive MECT treatment for two consecutive weeks for a total of six treatments.The differences in positive and negative syndrome scale(PANSS)scores before and after treatment,UKU adverse reaction rating scale(UKU),and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale(GSRS)scores were compared between the two groups.Results After quality control,463 cases were followed up for analysis including 246 males and 217 females.Compared with pre-treatment,the total PANSS score and scores on each subscale were significantly reduced in both genders after treatment(P<0.001).When comparing the reduction rates between the groups,the male patients showed a higher reduction rate in negative symptoms than the female patients(31.24%±30.24%vs.25.80%±33.96%,P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences between the two groups in the reduction rates of the total score,positive symptoms,and general psychopathology(P>0.05).The comparison of adverse reactions showed that the frequency of other types of adverse reactions was higher in female patients than in male patients(47.47%vs.37.80%,P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in the adverse reactions related to the mental,neurological,autonomic nervous system,and gastrointestinal systems(P>0.05).Correlation analysis revealed that the reduction rate of the PANSS total score was positively correlated with smoking history(r=0.135,P=0.034)and alcohol history(r=0.160,P=0.012)in male patients,while the reduction rate of the PANSS total score was negatively correlated with the disease duration(r=-0.210,P=0.002)and positively correlated with the age of onset(r=0.145,P=0.032)in female patients.Conclusion MECT is significantly effective for both male and female patients with schizophrenia.Compared to female patients,MECT shows a more pronounced effect on negative symptoms in male patients.Additionally,the factors related to the efficacy of MECT differ between genders,indicating that it is necessary to consider the clinical characteristics of patients comprehensively when selecting an MECT treatment plan.

BackgroundCombination of antipsychotic drugs and modified electroconvulsive therapy （MECT） is currently a commonly used method for treating schizophrenia， but its efficacy varies among different patient groups. ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effects of MECT on schizophrenia patients living in different urban versus rural environments， so as to provide references for the selection of treatment plans based on patients' residence. MethodsA total of 587 patients hospitalized at Luzhou Mental Health Center， Zigong Mental Health Center and Yibin Fourth People's Hospital from May 2018 to August 2022， who met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5） ，were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups： medication-only group （n=106） and MECT combined with medication group （n=481）. In MECT combined with medication group， 24 rural patients residing in urban areas were excluded， leaving the remaining patients divided into urban group （n=103） and rural group （n=354） based on their place of residence. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale （PANSS） was used to assess the severity of symptoms. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using PANSS score reduction rate， and covariance analysis was used to compare the therapeutic effects of different patients. ResultsThe differences of reduction rate of PANSS total score， positive symptom scale score and negative symptom scale score as well as treatment effectiveness rate between MECT combined with medication group and medication-only group were statistically significant （F=11.149， 12.111， 31.725， χ²=14.010， P<0.01）. Statistically significant differences were also observed in reduction rate of PANSS total score and positive symptom subscale score as well as treatment effectiveness rate between urban and rural patients in MECT combined with medication group （F=3.946， 4.523， χ²=4.033， P<0.05）. ConclusionThe efficacy of MECT combined with medication may be superior to medication alone in the treatment of schizophrenia， and the combined therapy may be more effective in urban patients than that in rural patients， with potentially more pronounced improvements in positive symptoms.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with a high risk of mortality and amputation. However,many PAD patients remain asymptomatic or present with atypical symptoms,leading to low awareness and diagnostic rates. With an aging population and the increasing prevalence of risk factors,the burden of PAD is expected to grow. Artificial intelligence (AI),encompassing machine learning,deep learning,natural language processing,and computer vision,refers to machines and algorithms capable of simulating human intelligence and performing human-like tasks. Although the application of AI in PAD is still in its early stages,its potential is substantial. This article reviews the current clinical applications and limitations of AI in the management of PAD patients.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with a high risk of mortality and amputation. However,many PAD patients remain asymptomatic or present with atypical symptoms,leading to low awareness and diagnostic rates. With an aging population and the increasing prevalence of risk factors,the burden of PAD is expected to grow. Artificial intelligence (AI),encompassing machine learning,deep learning,natural language processing,and computer vision,refers to machines and algorithms capable of simulating human intelligence and performing human-like tasks. Although the application of AI in PAD is still in its early stages,its potential is substantial. This article reviews the current clinical applications and limitations of AI in the management of PAD patients.

The vagina contains at least a billion microbial cells,dominated by lactobacilli.Here we perform metagenomic shotgun sequencing on cervical and fecal samples from a cohort of 516 Chinese women of reproductive age,as well as cervical,fecal,and salivary samples from a second cohort of 632 women.Factors such as pregnancy history,delivery history,cesarean section,and breastfeeding were all more important than menstrual cycle in shaping the microbiome,and such information would be necessary before trying to interpret differences between vagino-cervical micro-biome data.Greater proportion of Bifidobacterium breve was seen with older age at sexual debut.The relative abundance of lactobacilli especially Lactobacillus crispatus was negatively associated with pregnancy history.Potential markers for lack of menstrual regularity,heavy flow,dysmenor-rhea,and contraceptives were also identified.Lactobacilli were rare during breastfeeding or post-menopause.Other features such as mood fluctuations and facial speckles could potentially be predicted from the vagino-cervical microbiome.Gut and salivary microbiomes,plasma vitamins,metals,amino acids,and hormones showed associations with the vagino-cervical microbiome.Our results offer an unprecedented glimpse into the microbiota of the female reproductive tract and call for international collaborations to better understand its long-term health impact other than in the settings of infection or pre-term birth.

OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of collagen and elastin fibers in the rectum of patients with obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS), and to explore the possible role of these fibers in the pathogenesis of ODS.

METHODSThe rectum specimens of 20 patients with ODS were collected. These patients had undergone stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) surgery in our hospital since 2012. Full-thickness rectal specimens were stained with Masson and EVG staining to show collagen and elastin fibers. As the control, rectum specimens of 20 patients with severe prolapsed hemorrhoids also undergoing STARR surgery in our hospital during the same period were collected.

RESULTSMasson staining showed that the structure of collagen fibers in submucosa was slender, area decreased [(13.88±7.02)% vs. (30.98±3.46)%, P<0.01], and the expression level was significantly lower in ODS group compared with control group. EVG staining also showed that collagen fiber area of ODS patients was reduced compared with control group [(17.18±7.24)% vs. (27.04±9.65)%, P<0.01]. Meanwhile EVG staining revealed that elastic fibers were fragmented in ODS group and the expression level was lower compared with control group [(1.20±1.39)% vs. (1.47±1.06)%], whereas the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression level of collagen fibers in patients with ODS is significantly reduced, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ODS.

OBJECTIVETo explore the safety and efficacy of Shaobei injection in the management of I(-II( degree rectal prolapse.

METHODSA total of 80 patients eligible for the inclusion criteria were divided into 2 groups: 40 patients in the treatment group (treated with Shaobei injection) and 40 cases in the control group (treated with Xiaozhiling) respectively. The short-term efficacy was identified by the length of rectal prolapse and the depth of rectocele demonstrated by the defecography while the long-term efficacy was evaluated by the length of rectal prolapse. In addition, the safety was assessed by the occurrence of postoperative complications.

RESULTSThe variation of the lengths of rectal prolapse and the depth of rectocele demonstrated by the defecography at the sixth month follow up in the two groups did not reach significant difference (P>0.05). After 2 year follow up, 37 patients (92.5%) in the treatment group and 35 cases(87.5%) in the control group was cured. Therefore, there was no significant difference in the long term efficacy between the two groups (P>0.05). The adverse events in the therapy group(10%) was less than that in the control group (45%)(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSShaobei injection in the management of I(-II( degree rectal prolapse has a similar efficacy of short-term and long-term higher safety compared to Xiaozhiling injection.

Objective To analyze effect of the syphilis prevention and control work among female sex workers(FSWs), and provide reference data for target intervention in Guangdong province.Methods Syphilis prevalence among FSWs from 2009 to 2013 were analyzed statistically based on the data from Guangdong Provincial high-risk groups in sexually transmit-ted infection(STI)control program.Results A total of 34 338 FSWs were detected,including 23 816(69.36%)FSWs at the high-tier venues,8 811(25.66%)middle-tier,and 1 711(4.98%)low tier.The syphilis prevalence of FSWs at high-, middle-,and low-tier venues in 2009 was 2.60%,7.36%,and 10.54% respectively,and in 2013 was 1.45%,2.75%,and 21.88% respectively.Chi-square test showed a downward trend in the prevalence of syphilis among the high and middle tier FSWs in 2009-2013(χ2 =12.807,52.333 respectively,both P <0.001),and remained high among FSWs at low-tier venues(χ2 =0.027,P =0.87).The difference in syphilis prevalence in 2013 among FSWs from different types of venues was statistically significant (χ2 =190.64,P <0.001 ).No significant difference in syphilis prevalence was found among FSWs from Pearl River Delta,eastern,western and northern Guangdong(χ2 =5.24,P =0.07).Conclusion Significant difference is found in prevalence of syphilis among FSWs from different types of settings.FSWs from low-tier settings have a relatively lower syphilis testing rate but with higher infection rate.

Objective To explore the function of colonic mucosal barrier of patients with colonic slow transit constipation (STC).Methods From June 2008 to June 2012,a total of 136 patients with STC were enrolled.Among them,course of disease of 55 cases was between one and six years,of 43 cases was between six and 10 years,and of 38 cases was over 10 years.The colonic transit time of 66 cases was between three and five days,of 42 cases was between five and seven days,and of 28 cases was over seven days.Altogether,35 cases received subtotal resection of the colon.At same time,individuals who received partial resection of the colon because of single polypus were set as control group.Fasting blood and urine samples of all subjects were collected.The colonic specimens of STC patients who received surgery and control group were harvested.The urinary lactulose and mannitol ratio (L/M) was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The level of blood Dlactic acid (D-LAC) was tested by enzymatic spectrophotometric.The level of blood diamine oxidase (DAO) was determined by speetrophotometry.The level of endotoxin (ET) was detected by azo chromogenic substrate limulus test.The colonic epithelial cells membrane resistance (TER) and paracellular mannitol permeability (PMP) were measured with Ussing perfusion chamber.t-test was performed for comparison between groups.Results Urinary L/M of STC group and control group was 0.16±0.03 and 0.10±0.02,respectively.The level of blood D-LAC was (1.81±0.19) and (1.04±0.13) mmol/L.The level of blood DAO was (17.07±1.81) and (9.78±1.14) U/L.The level of blood ET was (64.20±6.85) and (51.30±5.90) EU/L.The TER of colonic epithelia cell was (61.23±7.76) and (75.87±9.65) Ω/cm2.The PMP of colonic epithelia cell was (3.17±0.35) ％ and (2.14 ±0.22)％.All the differences were statistically significant (t =3.185,3.378,3.863,3.201,3.125 and 3.543,all P＜0.05).Among patients with disease course between one and six years,six to 10 years and over 10 years,colonic transit time of STC between three and five days,five to seven days and over seven days,urinary L/M,blood D-LAC level and blood DAO level increased along with the disease course and colonic transit time and the differences were statistical significantly compared with control group (urinary L/M:t=1.993,2.311,2.356,2.204,2.347 and 3.673; blood D-LAC level:t=2.023,2.886,4.124,1.999,2.998 and 3.465; blood DAO level:t=1.994,2.995,4.423,2.203,3.673 and 5.211; all P＜0.05).Compared with control group,there were significant differences in blood ET level of course of STC between six and 10 years,over 10 years,colonic transit time of STC between five and seven days and over seven days (t=2.121,4.245,3.241 and 4.657,all P＜0.05).Conclusion The permeability of colonic mucosal barrier increased and which was more significant in longer colonic transit time and long course of disease.