Chinese Med J Peking
-
We review the targets of the deep brain and the responsive neurostimulation system (RNS) to identify the best optimal stimulation parameters and the best mode of stimulation, whether cyclical, continuous, or smarter. ⋯ Although statistically significant reductions in seizures have been observed using several different stimulation techniques, including vagus nerve stimulation, DBS, and RNS, these effects are currently only palliative and do not approach the efficacy comparable with that seen in resection in appropriately selected patients. More research is needed to determine optimal stimulation targets and techniques as well as to determine which epilepsy patients will benefit most from this technology.
-
Chinese Med J Peking · Jan 2013
ReviewAssociation between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer: the missing link.
This review focuses on current knowledge of specific processes that drive chronic airway inflammation which are important in the pathogenesis of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. ⋯ Both COPD and lung cancer are tobacco smoking-associated chronic diseases that cluster in families and aggravate with age, and 50% - 70% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer have declined spirometric evidence of COPD. Understanding and targeting common pathogenic mechanisms for lung cancer and COPD would have potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications for patients with these lung diseases and for people at risk.