Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Antidepressant mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine: Involving regulation of circadian clock genes.
Numerous studies have demonstrated an intimate relationship between circadian rhythm disorders and the development and prevention of depression. The biological clock genes, which constitute the molecular basis of endogenous circadian rhythms, hold promising prospects for depression treatment. Based on an extensive review of recent domestic and international research, this article presents a comprehensive analysis of how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervenes in depression by regulating circadian rhythms. ⋯ However, most current research is still confined to basic experimental studies, lacking clinical double-blind control trials to further validate these viewpoints. Furthermore, there is insufficient research on the signal transduction pathway between biological clock genes and pathological changes in depression. Additionally, further clarification is needed regarding the specific targets of TCM on the biological clock genes.
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Serum galactomannan (GM) and β-D-glucan (BG) are known markers of invasive aspergillosis (IA). The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficiency of serum GM and BG as diagnostic markers of symptomatic IA infection and compare the performance of the combined tests with that of either test individually. ⋯ Serum GM and BG tests had a relatively high accuracy for IA diagnosis in suspected patients. The diagnostic accuracy of both assays is comparable, and the diagnostic sensitivity is further improved by the combined detection of the 2 markers.
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Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has emerged as a highly effective therapeutic modality for the management of intracranial meningiomas. However, the role of GKRS in treating growing meningiomas detected during active surveillance remains unclear. This study seeks to investigate the long-term outcomes of GKRS treatment for growing meningiomas. ⋯ In multivariate analysis, factor predicting new or worsening neurological function was preexisting calcification (HR, 5.297; 95% CI, 1.328-21.124; P = .018). GKRS demonstrates a promising level of tumor control with minimal risk of neurological deterioration when applied to growing meningiomas. These findings provide compelling support for considering GKRS as a valuable therapeutic option following an initial period of active surveillance for these tumors.
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The goal of this study was to determine whether high-definition white light endoscopy with random biopsies (HD-WLR) or chromoendoscopy (HDCE) yielded a higher dysplasia detection rate in ulcerative colitis patients. Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients have a 2.4-fold increased future risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to the general population and require careful dysplasia screening modalities. Both HD-WLR and HDCE are regularly used, and recent guidelines do not suggest a preference. ⋯ Median withdrawal time was 9.0 ± 2.7 minutes (HD-WLR) vs 9.6 + 3.9 minutes (HDCE). HDCE is associated with higher dysplasia detection rates compared to HD-WLR in a UC patient population. Given the former technique is less tedious and costly, our findings complement existing studies that suggest HDCE may be considered over HD-WLR for UC dysplasia surveillance.
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Case Reports
The role of vestibular function tests in nontuberculous mycobacterial otomastoiditis: A case report.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), an extremely rare pathogen causing cervicofacial infections, may result in permanent hearing impairment or intracranial complications. Due to the lack of specific manifestations during the initial onset of NTM otomastoiditis, physicians may misdiagnose it as cholesteatoma or other common bacterial infections. ⋯ The clinical condition of NTM otomastoiditis may be evaluated using vestibular tests if patients have symptoms of dizziness.