Evaluation of sinonasal-related quality of life of 49 patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the sinonasal-related Quality of Life (QoL) in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery. Methods A retrospective study was performed, including patients with benign and malignant tumors at a single institution. Each patient completed the 22-Item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and the Empty Nose Syndrome 6 Item Questionnaires (ENS6Q) to assess their perceived QoL at least 2-months after treatment. Results Forty-nine patients were enrolled in this study. The average score was 25.1 (Stander Deviation [SD] 14.99) for SNOT-22 and 6.51 (SD = 5.58) for ENS6Q. Analysis of the overall results for the SNOT-22 showed that olfactory damage was the most serious syndrome. The most frequently reported high-severity sub-domains in SNOT-22 were nasal symptoms and sleep symptoms. Nasal crusting was the most severe item in ENS6Q according to the report. Nine patients (18.4%) had a score higher than 10.5 which indicates the high risk of Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). SNOT-22 score was related to the history of radiotherapy (p < 0.05), while the ENS6Q score was not. Conclusions The possibility of patients suffering from ENS after nasal endoscopic skull base surgery is at a low level, although the nasal cavity structure is damaged to varying degrees. Meanwhile, patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery were likely to suffer nasal problems and sleep disorders. Patients who had received radiotherapy have a worse QoL than those without a history of radiotherapy. Level of evidence Level 3.

Incidence of falls among empty nesters in China: a meta-analysis / 预防医学

Objective@#To systematically evaluate the incidence of falls among empty nesters in China, so as to provide the evidence for preventing falls among empty nesters.@*Methods@#Publications pertaining to cross-sectional studies of falls among empty nesters in China were retrieved from international and national databases, including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PubMed from inception to August, 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using the software Stata 15.1, and the combined incidence and 95%CI of falls among empty nesters in China was analyzed. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method to evaluate the stability of outcome indicators. In addition, the publication bias was evaluated using Funnel plot. @*Results@#Initially, 795 articles were screened in the literature, and 17 articles were finally included, covering 5 468 participants. Meta-analysis revealed that the incidence of falls among empty nesters in China was 23.0% (95%CI: 16.6%-29.5%). Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of falls among empty nesters published from 2016 to 2022 was higher than that from 2008 to 2015 (20.4% vs. 17.3%; P<0.05). The incidence of falls among empty nesters in western regions was higher than that in eastern and central regions (27.4% vs. 15.9% and 15.0%; P<0.05). The incidence of falls among empty nesters in urban areas was higher than that in rural areas (20.8% vs. 9.9%; P<0.05). Sensitivity analysis showed that the study results were stable, and the funnel plot identified some publication bias. @*Conclusion@#The incidence of falls among empty nesters in China was 16.6% to 29.5%, and it is recommended to strengthen the assessment and prevention of risk factors of falls among empty nesters.

Survey and analysis of the current status and needs of health management for hypertension among empty-nest elderly / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To survey and analyze the current status and needs of health management for hypertension in empty-nest elderly.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 677 cases of empty-nest elderly with hypertension who underwent health checkups at the Health Management Center of Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital from March 1st to June 30th, 2022 were selected consecutively by convenience sampling method to conduct a questionnaire survey. The questionnaires included general demographic information, and the current status and needs of health management for hypertension. A total of 677 questionnaires were distributed, and all the questionnaires were recalled, of which 675 (99.7%) were valid. According to the Classification and Definition of Blood Pressure Levels in the Guidelines for Primary Care of Hypertension (2019) the elderly with mean systolic blood pressure controlled between 90 and 139 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and mean diastolic blood pressure controlled between 60 and 89 mmHg were set as normal blood pressure group (257 cases), and the ones with mean systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or mean diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg were set as abnormal blood pressure group (418 cases). The current management status and needs of hypertension between the two groups was compared, and the χ2 test and multi-factor logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing the health management level of hypertension among empty-nest elderly. Results:Most of the empty-nest elderly had their blood pressure monitored once a week (40.30%), most of them had their blood pressure reviewed in outpatient setting for no more than one time per year (40.89%), their blood pressure was mainly controlled by medication (48.30%), more than half of them took medication very regularly (51.84%), and the proportion of the elderly with abnormal blood pressure was much higher than that of those with normal blood pressure (61.93% vs 38.07%). Compared with living with or nearby their children, empty-nest elderly preferred to live alone or with their spouses (63.11% vs 15.85% and 21.04%), and the proportion of those who wanted to be taken care of by their children was much lower than those who wanted to be taken care of by the community and mutual care among the elderly (7.70% vs 58.07% and 34.22%); and the people they wanted to talk to were mainly their children (53.19%). In terms of community services, the needs for medical services in empty-nest elderly was higher than the needs for old-age security and cultural entertainment (43.11% vs 36.15% and 20.74%), and the needs for community medical services was focused on blood pressure measurement (89.04%). The proportions of education level of college and above, high household income, regular medication taking, daily blood pressure monitoring, and desire for frequent child care were significantly lower in the abnormal blood pressure group than those in the normal blood pressure group (34.91% vs 58.35%, 5.17% vs 24.16%, 34.89% vs 63.72%, 28.47% vs 44.75%, and 3.35% vs 10.12%), and the proportion without medical insurance was significantly higher than that in the normotensive group (8.13% vs 3.11%) (all P<0.05). The presence of medical insurance (employee medical insurance, OR=1.986, 95% CI: 1.130-3.492; resident medical insurance, OR=1.291, 95% CI: 1.044-1.598) was positively associated with the health management level of hypertension among empty-nest elderly, while low frequency of blood pressure monitoring (once a week, OR=0.243, 95% CI: 0.101-0.583;≤once a month, OR=0.210, 95% CI: 0.067-0.661) and irregular medication taking (occasionally forget, OR=0.430, 95% CI: 0.186-0.996; often forget, OR=0.361, 95% CI: 0.147-0.886) were negatively associated with the health management level of hypertension among empty-nest elderly (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The health management level of hypertension in empty-nest elderly needs to be improved. Community care, medical services and communication with children are the main needs in the empty-nest elderly. The type of medical insurance, frequency of blood pressure monitoring and medication-taking status are correlated with the hypertension management level in empty-nest elderly.

Analysis of influencing factors for multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in Hainan Province from 2014 to 2020 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To investigate the occurrence of multidrug-resistance among tuberculosis patients in Hainan Province from 2014 to 2020 and to analyze the influencing factors, aiming to provide reference for formulating drug-resistant tuberculosis control strategies in this region. Methods This study collected sputum samples from the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from 2014 to 2020, and performed isolation and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and drug susceptibility testing. After the strains were identified as positive, drug sensitivity tests were conducted, and multi-drug resistant patients were found. Clinical data was retrospectively collected, and chi-square test and unconditioned logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of multidrug resistance. Results A total of 2 672 patients underwent sputum culture, strain identification, and drug susceptibility testing in TB designated hospitals in Hainan Province from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020. Among them, 1 942 patients with available drug susceptibility test results and complete clinical data were enrolled, among which 398 cases with drug-resistant TB were included in the case group, and 1 544 cases without drug resistance were included in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that farmers, rural residence, treatment history of retreatment, irregular medication history, number of pulmonary cavities ≥3, and BMI<18.5 were independent risk factors for MDR-TB. The risk of MDR-TB in farmers was higher than that in non-farmers (OR=1.542, 95%CI: 1.150-2.020); patients living in rural areas had a higher risk of multidrug resistance than those living in urban areas (OR=1.445, 95%CI: 1.095-1.907); the risk of MDR in the retreatment patients was higher than that in the initial treatment patients (OR=5.616, 95%CI: 4.250-7.421); the risk of multi-drug resistance in patients with irregular medication was higher than that in patients with regular medication (OR=2.665, 95%CI: 2.012-3.531); the risk of multidrug resistance in patients with pulmonary cavity number ≥3 was higher than that in patients with pulmonary cavity number <3 (OR=5.040, 95%CI: 3.768-6.740); compared with patients with BMI<18.5, patients with BMI=18.5-24.0 and BMI≥24.0 had a lower risk of multidrug resistance (OR=0.735, 95%CI: 0.555-0.975 and OR=0.447，95%CI:0.225-0.888, respectively). Conclusions Retreatment, farmer occupation, rural residence, irregular medication and low BMI may be the risk factors for multidrug resistance in Hainan Province.

Diabetes insípida, panhipofisitis y silla turca vacía. Presentación de un caso / Diabetes insipidus, panhypophysitis, and empty sella turcica. Presentation of a case

RESUMEN La diabetes insípida central se produce por déficit de síntesis o secreción de hormona antidiurética. Es una entidad de muy baja prevalencia que se puede ver asociada a hipofisitis linfocítica y silla turca vacía. Sin embargo, el diagnóstico histopatológico solo se realiza cuando es necesaria la cirugía debido a un compromiso neurológico. Se presentó el caso de un paciente masculino de 41 años que acudió a consulta porque orinaba frecuentemente y bebía mucha agua. Se le realizó prueba de supresión de líquidos, seguida de prueba de la vasopresina, que fueron consistente con el diagnóstico de diabetes insípida central. La resonancia magnética de la hipófisis reveló silla turca vacía parcial y signos de infundíbulo-neurohipofisitis, coincidencia que ha sido escasamente reportada. En el seguimiento se evidenció hipogonadismo hipogonadotrópico y baja reserva adrenal. Se indicó tratamiento de reemplazo hormonal con desmopresina y testosterona, con lo cual el paciente ha mantenido buena calidad de vida. Se concluye que la diabetes insípida puede ser la primera manifestación de una panhipofisitis. La asociación de estas enfermedades con el síndrome de silla turca vacía es infrecuente, pero puede ser el curso natural de la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Central diabetes insipidus is caused by a deficiency in the synthesis or secretion of antidiuretic hormone. It is a very low prevalence entity that can be seen associated with lymphocytic hypophysitis and empty sella turcica. However, histopathological diagnosis is only made when surgery is necessary due to neurological compromise. The case of a 41-year-old male patient who came to the clinic because he urinated frequently and drank a lot of water was presented. A fluid suppression test was performed, followed by a vasopressin test, the results of which were consistent with a diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland revealed partial empty sella turcica and signs of infundibulo-neurohypophysitis, a coincidence that has been rarely reported. In the follow-up, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and low adrenal reserve were revealed. Hormone replacement treatment with desmopressin and testosterone was indicated, with which the patient has maintained a good quality of life. It is concluded that diabetes insipidus may be the first manifestation of panhypophysitis. The association of these diseases with the empty sella syndrome is rare, but it may be the natural course of the disease.

Estrategias para mejorar los resultados reproductivos tras síndrome del folículo vacío: a propósito de un caso clínico

El síndrome del folículo vacío (SFV) es el fracaso total para recuperar los ovocitos después de la estimulación ovárica, a pesar de un desarrollo folicular aparentemente normal y una esteroidogénesis folicular adecuada. Se han descrito dos variantes de SFV: la forma genuina, que ocurre en presencia de niveles adecuados de hCGβ circulante o de LH en el momento de la aspiración de ovocitos, y la forma 'falsa', que se asocia a niveles séricos de hCG/LH por debajo de un umbral crítico. En nuestra paciente, tras un protocolo aceptado de estimulación ovárica con gonadotropina menopáusica humana y folitropina alfa y posterior maduración folicular con coriogonadotropina alfa no se obtuvieron cúmulos ovocitarios en la punción ecoguiada, con lo que se trató de emplear otras estrategias encaminadas a corregir esta situación. El tratamiento y el pronóstico de estas pacientes aún no se conocen bien. Se necesitan grandes estudios multicéntricos y revisiones sistemáticas para aumentar la comprensión del SFV y así, su manejo, diseñando mejores estrategias como tratamos de hacer con nuestra paciente con el empleo de doble descarga para maduración ovocitaria.

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is the complete failure to retrieve oocytes after ovarian stimulation, despite apparently normal follicular development and adequate follicular steroidogenesis. Two variants of EFS have been described: the genuine form, which occurs in the presence of adequate circulating βhCG or LH levels at the time of oocyte aspiration, and the 'false' form, which is associated with serum hCG/ LH levels below a critical threshold. In our patient, after an accepted protocol of ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin and follitropin alfa and subsequent follicular maturation with choriogonadotropin alfa, no oocyte clusters were obtained in the ultrasound-guided puncture, so an attempt was made to use other strategies aimed at correcting this situation. The treatment and prognosis of these patients are still poorly understood. Large multicenter studies and systematic reviews are needed to increase understanding of EFS and thus its management, designing better strategies as we tried to do with our patient with the use of double discharge for oocyte maturation.

Statistical Validation of LENS: A Smartphone-based Empty Nest Syndrome Screening and Monitoring Biomarker Tool

Background: Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) is a complex grief state, observed in the affected parents when their children leave home. Studies show ENS may progress to clinical-grade depression and anxiety if left uncared for. Methodology: In this double-blind case-control cross-sectional study, 80 subjects are recruited by a panel of psychologists and psychiatrists. Subjects are divided into two equal groups – case (with ENS symptoms) and control (without symptoms). Three instruments are applied – a) ENS interpretation by the psychologists based on the symptoms, b) Lyfas smartphone-based biomedical application to capture the cardiovascular optical biomarkers (COB) from the index finger non-invasively with the help of arterial photoplethysmography technique, and c) Hamilton’s depression scales (HAM-D), which psychiatrists have used to check the mental health of the subjects. The COB (e.g., SD1/SD2, LF/HF, HRVScore, and ENERGY) and a set of physical parameters (e.g., Body mass index or BMI, Heart rate or HR, Systolic blood pressure or SBP, Diastolic blood pressure or DBP, Glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH, Estradiol or E2, and Testosterone or TST) consist the independent variables, while ENS scores interpreted by the psychologists and HAM-D scores interpreted by the psychiatrists are the dependent variables. Spearman’s rank correlation and Bland Altman’s reliability tests are performed to mine the significant independent variables and reliability of Lyfas ENS (LENS) application. Results: The study observes that SD1/SD2, LF/HF, HRVScore, ENERGY, DBP, BMI, HR, HbA1c, TSH, and Estradiol have significant roles in ENS. Bland Altman's reliability measure shows that LENS (novel instrument under trial) has a high agreement of 92.85% and 93.86%, respectively with ENS scoring done by senior psychologists (champion instrument1) and HAM-D grading performed by psychiatrists (champion instrument2). Conclusions: LENS can be used as a clinical-graded pocket application for screening and monitoring ENS.

Analysis of drug use in community empty-nest and non-empty-nest elderly hypertension patients / 药学实践杂志

Objective To explore the needs of community pharmacy services in elderly hypertensive patients in the community, especially empty-nest elderly patients. Methods Elderly hypertensive patients living in Ouyang street were randomly selected and divided into empty-nest and non-empty-nest groups by cluster random sampling method. The basic information of the respondents, the frequency of hypertension monitoring, the taking of hypertensive drugs, and the taking of other drugs were compared and analyzed. Results In term of “blood pressure monitoring frequency”, the daily pressure measurement of the empty-nest group and the non-empty-nest group accounted for 33.6% and 19.3%, respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).In term of “the varieties of hypertension drugs” and taking 3 kinds of hypertension drugs at the same times, the empty-nest group accounted for 28.8% and the non-empty-nest group accounted for 16.7%, and the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05)；In term of “the varieties of drugs” and taking 1-2 kinds of Chinese patent drugs at the same time, the empty-nest group accounted for 39.6% and the non-empty-nest group accounted for 26.0% , and the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05)。Conclusion Community elderly patients with hypertension, especially empty-nest elderly patients have an urgent need for community pharmacy services，Community pharmacy services personnel should provide personalized and targeted medication education and guidance to elderly patients, especially empty-nest elderly patients, to promote the rational drug use in elderly patients.

Do restinga cnemidophorine lizards run on empty along the Brazilian coast? / Os lagartos cnemidophorine de restinga correm no vazio ao longo da costa brasileira?

Abstract The number of individuals with empty stomachs in a population (i.e. the proportion of individuals "running on empty") can be used as a simple index of instantaneous energy balance of some organisms such as lizards and fishes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the proportion of empty stomachs in 16 populations of five cnemidophorine species (Glaucomastix abaetensis, Ameivula ocellifera, Glaucomastix littoralis, Contomastix lacertoides and Ameivula nativo) along approximately 5,000 km the Brazilian coast. A total of 550 individuals had their stomach contents removed and identified in the laboratory. Our results showed that the proportion of individuals "running on empty" varied from 0 to 11.1% among the different populations and species. These proportions are suggestive that the five studied species would be in an overall positive energy balance at the time of the study.

Resumo O número de indivíduos com estômagos vazios em uma população (i.e. a proporção de indivíduos "correndo no vazio") pode ser usado como um índice simples do balanço energético instantâneo de organismos como lagartos e peixes. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a proporção de estômagos vazios em 16 populações pertencentes a cinco espécies de cnemidophorines (Glaucomastix abaetensis, Ameivula ocellifera, Glaucomastix littoralis, Contomastix lacertoides e Ameivula nativo) ao longo de cerca de 5,000 km da costa leste do Brasil. Um total de 550 indivíduos tiveram seus conteúdos estomacais removidos e analisados em laboratório. Nossos resultados mostraram que a proporção de indivíduos "correndo no vazio" variou entre 0 a 11.1% entre as diferentes populações e espécies. Essas proporções sugerem que as cinco espécies estudadas estariam em geral em um balanço energético positivo, quando da realização deste estudo.

Síndrome do ninho vazio: experiências de idosos integrantes da universidade da maturidade do amapá

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar como idosos integrantes do Projeto Universidade da Maturidade do Amapá (UMAP) vivenciam o fenômeno da Síndrome do Ninho Vazio. Material e Método: Trata-se de estudo exploratório e descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu com sete idosos, com idades entre 63 e 83 anos, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, contemplando uma questão central: conte-me como foi a sua experiência mediante a saída dos filhos de casa? Para análise dos dados adotou-se a análise de conteúdo de Bardin, subsidiada pelo software ATLAS.ti versão 8.0 que por meio de uma matriz de análise originou três categorias temáticas. Resultados: As categorias resultaram de um processo analítico e explicativo da experiência vivenciada pelos idosos e compreenderam três momentos: A vida sendo invadida pela solidão, Beneficiando se da liberdade e Alçando novos voos. Conclusão: Em resposta ao objetivo do estudo, foi possível identificar que a experiência do ninho vazio vivenciada pelos idosos perpassou por diferentes fases, entretanto o convívio na UMAP viabilizou superar a solidão e transformar esta experiência em oportunidade de fortalecimento e crescimento.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify how elderly members who participate of the Project University of Maturity (UMAP), of the Federal University of Amapá in Brazil, experience the Empty Nest Syndrome phenomenon. Materials and Methods: Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study, using narratives to understand the story of the participants. Data collection took place with seven elderly people, aged between 63 and 83 years, through semi-structured interviews, an focusing on a central question: How was your experience when your children grew up and left home? For data analysis, Bardin's content analysis was adopted, supported by the software ATLAS. ti version 8.0. To guarantee methodological rigor, the principles of credibility, reliability, confirmability and transferability were respected. Results: The resulting categories emerged from an analytical and explanatory process of the experience lived by the elderly and consisted of three moments: life invaded by loneliness, benefiting from freedom and taking new chances. Conclusion: The study shows that the empty nest experience undergoes different phases. However, the experience at UMAP made it possible to overcome loneliness and transform this experience into an opportunity for strengthening and growth.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar cómo los adultos mayores que participan en el Proyecto Universidad de Madurez de Amapá (UMAP) experimentan el fenómeno del Síndrome del Nido Vacío. Material y Método: Estudio con enfoque cualitativo, exploratorio y descriptivo, que a través de la narrativa buscó comprender el relato de los participantes. La recopilación de datos se llevó a cabo con siete personas mayores, de edades comprendidas entre 63 y 83 años, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, contemplando una pregunta central: cuénteme ¿cómo fue su experiencia cuando sus hijos crecieron y se fueron de casa? Se adoptó el análisis de contenido de Bardin, subsidiado por el software ATLAS.ti versión 8.0. Para garantizar el rigor metodológico se cumplieron los principios de credibilidad, confiabilidad, confirmabilidad y transferibilidad. Resultados: Las tres categorías originadas resultaron de un proceso analítico y explicativo de la experiencia vivida por los ancianos y comprendió tres momentos: la vida invadida por la soledad, el beneficio de la libertad y la toma de nuevos vuelos. Conclusión: La experiencia del nido vacío experimentada por las personas mayores pasó por diferentes fases, sin embargo, la experiencia en UMAP permitió superar la soledad y transformar esta experiencia en una oportunidad de fortalecimiento y crecimiento.

Mediating effect of resilience and depression between social support and self-neglect in empty-nest community-dwelling elderly / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the mediating effects of resilience and depression on the relationship between social support and self-neglect.Methods:From July to October 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 549 empty-nest community-dwelling elderly in the community using the social support rating scale, Connor and Davidson resilience scale, geriatric depression scale and elderly self-neglect scale. SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 24.0 were used for data analysis, including descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling.Results:The scores of social support, resilience and self-neglect of the empty-nest elderly were (38.63±7.47), (64.30±14.57) and (3.72±2.67) respectively, and 31.70% (174/549) of the subjects had depressive symptoms. The score of self-neglect was negatively correlated with the score of social support ( r=-0.597, P<0.01) and resilience ( r=-0.557, P<0.01), and positively correlated with depression score ( r=0.675, P<0.01). The score of social support was positively correlated with resilience score ( r=0.531, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with depression ( r=-0.597, P<0.01). Social support could affect self-neglect directly ( β=-0.485, P<0.05), and it could also influence self-neglect indirectly through the partial mediating effect of resilience ( β=-0.451, P<0.05). The mediating effect of resilience and depression accounted for 12.18% and 36.00% of the total effects respectively. Conclusion:Social support could influence self-neglect directly or indirectly through resilience and depression. The empty-nesters should be encouraged to participate more in social activities so as to improve their resilience, reduce the occurrence of self-neglect.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Dihuangyin on Vascular Dementia Due to Kidney Empty Phlegm and Blood Stasis Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of modified Dihuangyin on vascular dementia due to kidney empty phlegm and blood stasis syndrome，and its effect on phosphoinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway ［PI3K，microtuble-associated protein 1 light chain 3（LC3）Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ，Akt，phosphorylatedprotein kinase B（p-Akt）］ in peripheral blood. Method:Totally 100 cases were randomly divided into control group （50 cases） and observation group （50 cases），and were given donepezil，modified Dihuangyin combined with donepezil for 30 d，respectively. The main efficacy indicators ［mini-mental state examination （MMSE），clinical dementia rating （CDR），activity of daily living scale （ADL），traditional Chinese medcine（TCM） syndrome］ were compared in two groups. The cerebral blood flow dynamics ［middle cerebral artery （MCA），basilar artery （BA），anterior cerebral artery （ACA），posterior cerebral artery （PCA）］ speed，serum inflammatory factors ［tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>），interleukin-6 （IL-6），transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic> （TGF-<italic>β</italic>），C-reactive protein （CRP）］，oxidative stress indicators ［malondialdehyde （MDA），superoxide dismutase （SOD），glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） ，homocysteine （Hcy）］，peripheral blood PI3K/Akt signaling pathway （PI3K，LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ，Akt，p-Akt） were tested. The efficacy and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared. Result:The total effective rate was 95.9% in observation group was higher than that 72.3% in control group （<italic>χ</italic>²=5.673，<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment，the MMSE，ADL，SOD，GSH-Px，TGF-<italic>β</italic>，PI3K，Akt and p-Akt in the observation group were increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05），CDR，MCA，BA，ACA and PCA were increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05），and the TCM syndromes，MDA，Hcy，TNF-<italic>α</italic>，IL-6，CRP，LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ were decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. There was no significant difference incidence of adverse reactions between two groups. Conclusion:Modified Dihuangyin can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with vascular dementia due to kidney empty phlegm and blood stasis syndrome，and the mechanism of action may be related to PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in peripheral blood.

Snake bite induced delayed hypopituitarism: a rare case report

Hypopituitarism following snake bite induced AKI and dialysis is an uncommon complication. Often the presentation is delayed and Can present with a myriad of features. We present a case of a 27 year old male patient, with past history of snake bite and acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis and which subsequently resolved, presenting to us with fatigability and weakness, absence of secondary sexual character and poor academic performance. On examination, the patient had pale white and coarse skin. Hoarseness of voice was present. There was proximal upper and lower limb muscle weakness present with pseudo myotonia on examination. There was loss of axillary and pubic hair with low testicular volume. Routine reports suggested mildly elevated creatinine with severely elevated Triglyceride levels. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was raised. Hormonal profile revealed low free thyroxine (FT4) and serum 8 a.m. Cortisol but an inadequate increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were suggestive of central hypopituitarism. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were reduced. Neuroimaging revealed empty sella suggestive of pituitary apoplexy. The above were suggestive of delayed hypopituitarism following post snake bite dialysis mediated pituitary apoplexy. In all cases of snake bite, a common occurrence in our country the possibility of hypopituitarism should be kept in mind and the hormonal profile followed up closely along with the renal parameters.

The missing gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger leading to missing oocytes

Authors present a case of Genuine EFS in a young woman where no oocytes were retrieved in the first stimulation cycle after single ovulation trigger. However, a repeat stimulation performed with double ovulation trigger yielded enough oocytes.

Hiponatremia asociada a hipopituitarismo en síndrome de silla turca vacía

RESUMEN Paciente femenino de 53 años de edad, que ingreso por cuadro clínico de 10 días de evolución caracterizado por mialgias y edema en extremidades inferiores. Al examen físico: facie abotagada, piel seca, cabello fino, disminución del vello axilar y púbico. En laboratorio se evidencia elevación de enzimas musculares (mioglobina 3000 U/L, CPK 2876 U/L), alteración del Na sérico 112 mEq/L, perfil tiroideo alterado (TSH normal a baja 1,14 UI/mL y FT4 baja 0,08 UI/ml), cortisol AM de 7,2 mcg/dL. Se solicito resonancia magnética con protocolo de silla turca se observa; hipófisis disminuida de tamaño en todos sus diámetros que confirma el hallazgo de un síndrome de silla turca parcialmente vacía. La hiponatremia asociada a hipopituitarismo es poco común.

ABSTRACT A 53-year-old female patient was admitted by a clinical case of 10 days of evolution characterized by myalgia and edema in the lower extremities. On physical examination: facial swelling, dry skin, fine hair, decreased axillary and pubic hair. In the laboratory there is evidence of elevation of muscle enzymes (myoglobin 3000 U/L, CPK 2876 U/L), alteration of serum Na 112 mEq/L, altered thyroid profile (normal to low TSH 1.14 IU/mL and FT4 low 0.08 IU/ml), AM cortisol 7.2 mcg/dL. Magnetic resonance imaging is requested with sella Turcica protocol. It is observed a decreased pituitary gland in all its diameters confirming the finding of a partially empty sella syndrome. Hyponatremia associated with hypopituitarism is uncommon.

Effect of icariin on early steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rabbits / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of icariin on early steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rabbits. Methods: Fifty mature New Zealand rabbits (weighing, 2.5-3.0 kg) were randomly divided into control group ( n=10), model group ( n=20), and experimental group ( n=20). The rabbits of model and experimental groups were injected with lipopolysaccharide and methylprednisolone to establish the animal model of early steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The rabbits of experimental group were feeded with icariin solution once a day for 6 weeks since the first injection of methylprednisolone, whereas the rabbits of control and model groups were given normal saline at the same time points. The left femoral heads were removed after 6 weeks and gross morphological features were evaluated. Micro-CT scan was performed to analyze the trabecular microstructure with the following parameters: trabecular bone volume to total volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Tn), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). The Micro-CT scan was also converted to three-dimensional reconstruction images for observation. HE staining was applied to observe the trabecular structure and morphological changes of osteocytes and marrow adipocytes. It was also used to determine whether the samples of femoral heads occurred osteonecrosis based on the criteria for pathological diagnosis, and calculate the rate of empty lacunae. Results: Seven rabbits died during the study, and 9, 16, and 18 rabbits in the control, model, and experimental groups, respectively, enrolled the final analysis. Compared with control group, the femoral head collapse and trabecular breaks were more obvious, and the trabeculae were sparse with irregular arrangement in the model group according to the results of gross observation, Micro-CT scan, and three-dimensional reconstruction images. But in the experimental group, the surface of femoral head was slight shrinking without obvious collapse, and the degeneration of trabecular structure was mild. According to bone microstructures analysis, the Tb.N, Tb.Tn, and BV/TV of femoral head in model and experimental groups were lower than those in control group, while the Tb.Sp in the model and experimental groups were significantly higher. The Tb.N, Tb.Tn, and BV/TV of femoral head in experimental group were higher than those in model group, while the Tb.Sp in the experimental group was significantly lower. The differences between groups were all significant ( P<0.05). In the model group, HE staining showed that the number of osteocytes reduced, the number of empty lacunae increased, and the marrow adipocytes piled up in the space between femoral trabeculae, some even mashed together like a cyst. In the experimental group, the trabecular structure was still relatively complete compared with model group, no obvious apoptosis of osteocytes was observed, the size and number of adipocytes were basically normal. None of the animals in control group occurred osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on the criteria for pathological diagnosis, and the incidence of osteonecrosis were 81.3% (13/16) in the model group and 66.7% (12/18) in the experimental group, and the difference was not significant ( P=0.448). The rate of empty lacunae of osteonecrotic femoral heads in the model group was 33.1%±1.4%, which was higher than that in experimental group (18.9%±0.8%) and in control group (12.7%±1.5%), and the differences between groups were significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion: The icariin has a protective effect on the early steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rabbits, which can decrease osteocytes apoptosis, improve the bone microstructure, and delay such disease processes.

Insuficiencia suprarrenal secundaria: una causa subestimada de hiponatremia euvolemica

RESUMEN Introducción: La hiponatremia por insuficiencia suprarenal secundaria es subestimada tratamiento inapropiados. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas y bioquímicas de pacientes con hiponatremia por insuficiencia suprarrenal secundaria y sus causas. Materiales y Metodos: Revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes consultantes a un hospital de tercer nivel entre Enero 2015 a Septiembre 2017 con hiponatremia y bioquímica de insuficiencia suprarenal secundaria. Los hallazgos fueron comparados con los reportados por estudios previamente publicados. Resultados: Todos los pacientes con insuficiencia suprarrenal secundaria se presentaron con hiponatremia euvolemica hipotónica. 54.5% eran mujeres, la edad promedio fue 57 años. Solo 1 paciente tuvo hiponatremia leve. La mediana de la concentración de cortisol fue 2.8 mcg/dL (RIQ 1.75-3.25 mcg/dL) y la de ACTH fue de 7.7 pg/nL (RIQ 4.5-9.5 pg/nL). Todos los pacientes tuvieron densidad urinaria alta indistinguible del SSIDH. El hipogonadismo hipogonadotrópico y el hipotiroidismo central fueron las alteraciones de ejes hipofisarios mas comúnmente asociados. La presencia de hipoglicemia, hipotensión e hipercaliemia fue baja. La causa más frecuente fue silla turca vacía. Conclusiones: La hiponatremia hipotonica euvolémica es una presentación común de insuficiencia suprarrenal secundaria y no suele acompañarse de otras manifestaciones de deficiencia de glucocorticoides. Es clínica y bioquímicamente indistinguible del SSIDH. Un bajo umbral de sospecha y la medición de cortisol serico matutino es esencial en estos pacientes para evitar un diagnostico y manejo inapropiados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hyponatremia due to secondary adrenal insufficiency is frequently underestimated and underdiagnosed. This paper underscores the importance of an adequate evaluation of euvolemic hyponatremia to avoid an inappropriate treatment and diagnosis. Objectives: To describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with hyponatremia due to secondary adrenal insufficiency and its causes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical records of patients presenting to a third level hospital between January 2015 to September 2017 with hyponatremia and a biochemical profile of secondary adrenal insufficiency. Findings were compared with previously published reports. Results: All patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency presented with hypotonic euvolemic hyponatremia. 54.5% of patients were females, median age was 57 years. Only 1 patient had mild hyponatremia. Cortisol median concentration was 2.8 mcg/dL (IQR 1.75-3.25 mcg/dL) and median ACTH concentration was 7.7 pg/nL (IQR 4.5-9.5 pg/nL). All the patients had high urinary density and features indistinguishable from SIADH. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and central hypothyroidism were the most commonly accompanying hypophyseal axis. Hypoglycemia, hypotension, and hyperkalemia were infrequent findings in these patients. The most frequent etiology identified was empty sella syndrome. Conclusions: Euvolemic hypotonic hyponatremia is a common presentation of secondary adrenal insufficiency and is often not accompanied with other manifestations of glucocorticoid deficiency. This disease is clinical and biochemical indistinguishable from SIADH. A low threshold for suspicion and a serum morning cortisol measurement in these patients is essential to avoid an inappropriate diagnosis and management.

Acromegalia y silla turca vacía: una asociación infrecuente: presentación de un caso / Acromegaly and empty sella syndrome: an infrequent association: presentation of a case

La acromegalia, originada por un exceso de producción de Hormona de crecimiento (Gh), se caracteriza por crecimiento somático exagerado, alto riesgo cardio-metabólico, así como reducción de la expectativa de vida. Tiene una incidencia de 3-4 casos por millón de habitantes. El diagnóstico se retrasa hasta 10 años aumentando la morbi-mortalidad. Las alternativas terapéuticas incluyen medicamentos y cirugía, que van encaminados a reducir los efectos de masa tumoral, normalizar los parámetros bioquímicos y resolver las manifestaciones clínicas. En casos muy infrecuentes, el tumor hipofisario que la origina se asocia a silla turca vacía.

Acromegaly, caused by an excess production of growth hormone (Gh), it is characterized by exaggerated somatic growth, high cardio-metabolic risk, as well as reduction of life expectancy. It has an incidence of 3-4 cases per million population. The diagnosis is delayed up to 10 years increasing morbidity and mortality. The therapeutic alternatives include medications and surgery, which are aimed at reduce the effects of tumor mass, normalize biochemical parameters and resolve clinical manifestations. In very infrequent cases, the pituitary tumor that originates it is associated with empty sella syndrome. Key words: Acromegaly, Empty sella syndrome, Pituitary tumor.

The occurrence and characteristics of ectopic pituitary adenoma in China / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To determine the occurrence and clinical characteristics of ectopic pituitary adenoma (EPA) in China.Methods The study are done by searching systematically and comprehensively on major Chinese and English medical literature databases and conference papers before 2015,which are only limited to collected,summarized,sorted and analyzed EPA cases that reported by Chinese authors in English or Chinese occurred in China.Results ① Among the 86 Chinese articles and 27 English articles related to ectopic pituitary adenoma (EPA) gathered by the author,except for cases that have been confirmed as repeated reports,a total of 73 EPA cases were found.Of 70 cases with complete data,31 were male cases,accounting for 44.29％;39 were female cases,accounting for 55.71％;the ratio is 1:1.3.The frequency of EPA occurrence according to the location of the lesion,from high to low in turn,was sphenoid sinus (31 cases,42.47％),nasopharynx (7 cases,9.59％),suprasellar region (7 cases,9.59％),clivus (5 cases,6.85％),followed by the third ventricle,sphenoid sinus/clivus,nasal cavity,and the temporal lobe of the brain,with the same incidence of 4.11％.According to the functional properties of EPA,the frequency of different secreting hormones adenoma was PRL-ma(21 cases,28.77％),NF-ma (21 cases,28.77％),ACTH-ma (15 cases,20.55％),GH-ma (10 cases,13.70％),TSH-ma (2 cases,2.74％) and FSH-ma (1 cases.1.37％).Three cases of EPA were uncertain in their property due to lack of information.The incidence of PRL and nonfunctional tumors was the highest,which was different from what was reported in other countries.Among them,one case of EPA was in pineal region and one in parapharyngeal space,which was even more rare and were never reported abroad.(② Except for 3 cases with incomplete medical records,15 out of 70 cases of EPA were accompanied by empty sella,accounting for 21.43％,among which 11 (73.33％) cases involved the sphenoid sinus,and 3 (20％) cases involved clivus.The sphenoid sinus and clivus cases together accounted for 93.33％.(③ 29 out of the 69 cases of EPA with complete record were invasive pituitary adenomas,accounting for 42.03％ and including 1 case of pituitary adenocarcinoma,which accounted for 1.45％.(④ All cases were treated with surgery as the first choice,and some of them were treated with radiotherapy or drug therapy.Conc lusion Ectopic pituitary adenoma is extremely rare.By the end of 2015,the total number of cases reported in China is only 73,which are mostly located in the sphenoid sinus,suprasellar region and nasopharynx.In the functional classification,the most common types are still PRL adenoma and nonfunctional adenoma as in situ pituitary adenoma.42.03％ of EPA adenomas are invasive.Surgical resection of EPA is the first choice and some cases can be treated with radiotherapy and drug therapy.

Effect of extended nursing based on traditional Chinese medicine characteristics to mental status and quality of life in empty nest elderly patients with hypertension / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective@#To explore the effect of continuing nursing intervention with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) characteristics on mental state and quality of life of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension, and to provide evidence-based theoretical basis for the development of continuing nursing care for empty nest elderly patients with hypertension.@*Methods@#Totally 100 cases of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension were randomly divided into study group and control group by random number method, 50 cases in each group; two groups of patients were given regular nursing according to doctor's instructions to adjust blood pressure drugs and hypertension; control group patients were given routine continuing nursing intervention after discharge; study group patients were given traditional Chinese medicine characteristics on the basis of the control group. Sustained nursing intervention; Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was used to measure the degree of anxiety at admission, discharge and 6 months after discharge. The rate of blood pressure control reaching the standard at admission, discharge and 6 months after discharge and the clinical effect at discharge and 6 months after discharge were compared between the two groups. SF-36 was used to assess the quality of life of the 2 groups at admission, at the time of discharge and 6 months after discharge.@*Results@#There was no significant difference in SAS scores between the two groups at admission and discharge (P>0.05). The SAS score in the study group at 6 months after discharge was (44.65 ± 4.32) points and (46.91 ± 4.56) points in the control group, and there was significant difference (t=2.544, P=0.006). There was no significant difference in the control rates of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups at admission and discharge (P>0.05). The control rates of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the study group were better than those in the control group at 6 months after discharge (t=4.762,4.336, P = 0.029, 0.037); there was no significant difference in the clinical efficacy between the two groups at discharge (P>0.05), and the clinical efficacy of the study group at 6 months after discharge was better than that of the control group (u=1.997, P=0.046). There was no significant difference in the scores of SF-36 at discharge (P>0.05); the scores of SF-36 at discharge for 6 months in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (t=4.875-8.975, P=0.000); no cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events occurred in the study group for 6 months, 4 cases of unstable angina pectoris and 4 cases of cerebral infarction occurred in the control group. In 2 cases, the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events was 12.00% (6/50). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=4.433, P=0.035).@*Conclusion@#Continuous nursing intervention with TCM characteristics can significantly improve the anxiety level of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension, is conducive to the control of blood pressure, improve the clinical efficacy, reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, improve the quality of life of patients, and has the advantages of simplicity, safety and reliability, low cost, and so on. It is worth popularizing and applying.