The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Liver Diseases

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Chinese Medicines as an Adjuvant Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma during Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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Two Years versus One Year of Tianjiu Therapy in Sanfu Days for Chronic Asthma: A Clinical Efficacy Observation Trial

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Psychometric properties of the Chalder Fatigue Scale revisited: an exploratory structural equation modeling approach

Objective Previous validation studies of the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS) suffer methodological shortcomings. The present study aimed to re-evaluate its psychometric properties using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Methods A Chinese sample of 1259 community-dwelling residents completed the 11-item Chinese CFS and a variety of health measures (anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleep disturbance, and quality of life). In addition to traditional confirmatory factor analysis, ESEM was performed to assess the fit of two- and three-factor models using robust maximum likelihood estimation and oblique geomin rotation. Convergent validity of the CFS was examined via associations with five covariates (gender, age, exercise, perceived health, and life event) and the health measures in the ESEM model. Results The ESEM models displayed a superior fit to confirmatory factor models. The three-factor ESEM model showed a satisfactory model fit to the data but not for the two-factor model. The three factors were physical fatigue (three items, a = .800), low energy (four items, a = .821), and mental fatigue (four items, a = .861). The factors exhibited convergent validity with the model covariates and health measures. Conclusion The results demonstrate the satisfactory reliability and convergent validity for the three-factor structure of the CFS as a valid measure of fatigue symptoms in the general population. Future psychometric studies could adopt the ESEM approach as a practical alternative to traditional confirmatory factor analysis.published_or_final_versio

Treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome with lopinavir/ritonavir: A multicentre retrospective matched cohort study

Objectives. To investigate the possible benefits and adverse effects of the addition of lopinavir/ritonavir to a standard treatment protocol for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Design. Retrospective matched cohort study. Setting. Four acute regional hospitals in Hong Kong. Patients and methods. Seventy-five patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome treated with lopinavir/ritonavir in addition to a standard treatment protocol adopted by the Hospital Authority were matched with controls retrieved from the Hospital Authority severe acute respiratory syndrome central database. Matching was done with respect to age, sex, the presence of co-morbidities, lactate dehydrogenase level and the use of pulse steroid therapy. The 75 patients treated with lopinavir/ritonavir were divided into two subgroups for analysis: lopinavir/ritonavir as initial treatment, and lopinavir/ritonavir as rescue therapy. These groups were compared with matched cohorts of 634 and 343 patients, respectively. Outcomes including overall death rate, oxygen desaturation, intubation rate, and use of pulse methylprednisolone were reviewed. Results. The addition of lopinavir/ritonavir as initial treatment was associated with a reduction in the overall death rate (2.3%) and intubation rate (0%), when compared with a matched cohort who received standard treatment (15.6% and 11.0% respectively, P<0.05) and a lower rate of use of methylprednisolone at a lower mean dose. The subgroup who had received lopinavir/ritonavir as rescue therapy, showed no difference in overall death rate and rates of oxygen desaturation and intubation compared with the matched cohort, and received a higher mean dose of methylprednisolone. Conclusion. The addition of lopinavir/ritonavir to a standard treatment protocol as an initial treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome appeared to be associated with improved clinical outcome. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial is recommended during future epidemics to further evaluate this treatment.published_or_final_versio

A pilot controlled trial of a combination of dense cranial electroacupuncture stimulation and body acupuncture for post-stroke depression

Our previous studies have demonstrated the treatment benefits of dense cranial electroacupuncture stimulation (DCEAS), a novel brain stimulation therapy in patients with major depression, postpartum depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The purpose of the present study was to further evaluate the effectiveness of DCEAS combined with body acupuncture and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD).published_or_final_versio

Glucose and lipid metabolism with triphasic oral contraceptive in women with history of gestational diabetes

The glucose and lipid metabolism in a group of 20 women with a previous history of gestational diabetes were evaluated before and after 6 months of treatment with a low-dose triphasic oral contraceptive (OC). Another group of 5 women, also with a history of gestational diabetes but who were given an IUD, served as controls. 26.7% of the women in the triphasic OC group developed impaired glucose tolerance; however, values reverted to normal in all but 1 woman after OC discontinuation. The IUD group showed no change in glucose tolerance. The integrated insulin response to a 75 gm oral glucose tolerance test increased by 48.3% at 6 months in the OC group compared with an increase of 23.4% for the same period in the control group. Also recorded in the OC group but not among controls was a significant increase in serum total cholesterol without changes in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It was concluded that even low-dose triphasic OCs can cause glucose intolerance in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus. Thus, the theoretical risk of precipitating permanent diabetes should be weighed against the risk of pregnancy. In cases where OCs are the only reliable method possible, careful and frequent monitoring of carbohydrate metabolism should be performed. Older, heavier women with a family history of diabetes are in particular need of close surveillance and constant monitoring of their glucose and lipid metabolism.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Atypical presentation of female genital tract tuberculosis

Three patients with atypical presentation of female genital tract tuberculosis are reported. Tuberculous hydrosalpinx with abdominal peritonitis, concomitant ectopic gestation with active salpingitis and tuberculous endometritis presenting as postmenopausal vaginal discharge are uncommon clinical manifestations. The age distribution, the importance of careful histological examination and the available methods for follow-up are discussed in the appropriate cases.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Health-related quality of life associated with imbalanced body constitution

Oral Session 302: Quality of Life and Health Evaluatio

Pregnancy in patients with mitral valve prolapse

The obstetrical performances and outcomes of 37 pregnancies in women with mitral valve prolapse between 1979 and 1982 are reviewed. Thirteen patients were diagnosed before pregnancy and 24 patients were detected at antenatal examinations. Three ended in cesarean sections for obstetrical complications and 34 in uneventful vaginal deliveries at term. No cardiac complications occurred in these patients. There was no maternal mortality. Thirty-six babies were born without congenital abnormalities. One baby was hydropic due to haemoglobinopathy and died. Prophylactic antibiotics is recommended in selected cases. Early detection and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is mandatory.link_to_subscribed_fulltex