Physical symptoms and anxiety and depression in older patients with advanced cancer in China: a network analysis.

Background: Little is understood about the association between psychosomatic symptoms and advanced cancer among older Chinese patients.

Methods: This secondary analysis was part of a multicenter cross-sectional study based on an electronic patient-reported outcome platform. Patients with advanced cancer were included between August 2019 and December 2020 in China.

Machine learning based prognostic model of Chinese medicine affecting the recurrence and metastasis of I-III stage colorectal cancer: A retrospective study in China.

Background: To construct prognostic model of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence and metastasis (R&M) with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) factors based on different machine learning (ML) methods. Aiming to offset the defects in the existing model lacking TCM factors.

Methods: Patients with stage I-III CRC after radical resection were included as the model data set.

Association between Oral Chinese Herbal Medicine and Recurrence and Metastasis in Patients with Stages II and III Colorectal Cancer: A Cohort Study in China.

Background: To evaluate the associations between long-term oral Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and recurrence and metastasis (R&M) in patients with stage II and III colorectal cancer (CRC). Furthermore, we aimed to determine the correlation between different syndrome patterns and prognosis and summarized the regularities among CHMs prescriptions, providing reference for clinical practice.

Methods: An ambispective cohort study was conducted.

Machine Learning-Based Prognostic Prediction Models of Non-Metastatic Colon Cancer: Analyses Based on Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Database and a Chinese Cohort.

Purpose: The present study aimed to develop prognostic prediction models based on machine learning (ML) for non-metastatic colon cancer (CRC), which can provide a precise quantitative risk assessment and serve as an assistive method for treatment strategy development. The possibility of improving prediction accuracy using nonlinear methods compared to linear methods was investigated.

Patients And Methods: A cancer-specific survival (CSS) model constructed using logistic regression, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and random forest algorithms was trained on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results datasets for 15,254 patients with non-metastatic CRC (split into training [70%] and internal validation [30%] datasets) and externally validated with an outpatient cohort of 311 cases from Xiyuan Hospital in China.

Oral Chinese Patent Medicine Combined With Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy Regimen for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To access the comparative effectiveness and safety of different oral Chinese patent medicine (OCPM) versus oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen (C) alone for colorectal cancer (CRC) through network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods: Several electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concentrated on the use of OCPM to treat CRC with C from the inception of the databases to January 10, 2021. We performed frequentist NMA and indirect comparison to compare study outcomes from the included RCTs.

Effect of Jianpi Bushen Sequential Formula on Adjuvant Chemotherapy of Colon Cancer: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The side effects of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and myelosuppression reduce the cancer patients' adherence to chemotherapy. Many Chinese patients choose Chinese medicine (CM) during chemotherapy to reduce side effects; however, the evidence is lacking. The efficacy of a CM herbal treatment protocol, Jianpi Bushen Sequential Formula (, JBSF) will be evaluated on chemotherapy completion rate among patients with colon cancer.

Effectiveness of Herbal Medicine for Leukopenia/Neutropenia Induced by Chemotherapy in Adults with Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) on leukopenia/neutropenia induced by chemotherapy in adults with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched from their inception to June 2020. Randomized controlled trials with clarified sequence generation were qualified.

Artificial intelligence mobile health platform for early detection of COVID-19 in quarantine subjects using a wearable biosensor: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: There is an outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide. As there is no effective therapy or vaccine yet, rigorous implementation of traditional public health measures such as isolation and quarantine remains the most effective tool to control the outbreak. When an asymptomatic individual with COVID-19 exposure is being quarantined, it is necessary to perform temperature and symptom surveillance.

SARS-CoV-2 shedding and seroconversion among passengers quarantined after disembarking a cruise ship: a case series.

Background: A cruise ship is a closed-off environment that simulates the basic functioning of a city in terms of living conditions and interpersonal interactions. Thus, the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined because of an onboard outbreak of COVID-19 in February, 2020, provides an opportunity to define the shedding pattern of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and patient antibody responses before and after the onset of symptoms.

Methods: We recruited adult (≥18 years) passengers from Hong Kong who had been on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan in February, 2020.

Choice of resin cement shades for a high-translucency zirconia product to mask dark, discolored or metal substrates.

Purpose: The aim was to study the masking ability of high-translucency monolithic zirconia and provide guidance in selecting resin luting cements in order to mask discolored substrates.

Materials And Methods: 160 high-translucency zirconia specimens were divided into 32 groups depending on their thickness and shades. Using five shades of try-in paste, the specimens were luted onto the sub strates (Co-Cr, precious-metal, opaque porcelain-sintered Co-Cr, opaque porcelain-sintered precious-metal, and 5M3-shade zirconia).

Traditional Chinese Medicine Prolongs Progression-Free Survival and Enhances Therapeutic Effects in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (EGFR-TKI)Treated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients Harboring EGFR Mutations.

BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine combining EGFR-TKIs in treatment of NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutations. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study involved 153 advanced-stage NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutations.

The impact of mating competitiveness and incomplete cytoplasmic incompatibility on Wolbachia-driven mosquito population suppressio.

To control mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and Zika, {\it Wolbachia}-infected male mosquitoes have been released in open areas to suppress wild mosquito population driven by cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). In this work, we initiate a preliminary assessment on how the CI intensity $\xi$, and the mating competitiveness $\mu$ of released males relative to wild males, impact the suppression efficacy by a delay differential equation model. Our analysis identifies a threshold CI intensity $\xi_0\in (0, 1)$ as an increasing function of the natural reproduction rate of the wild mosquitoes, and a threshold value $r^*$ for the ratio $r(t)$ between the numbers of released males and wild males.

Inhibition effects of Yuxiao San combined with cisplatin on transplanted tumor growths via upregulation of nm-23 and downregulation of K-ras in Lewis lung cancer mice.

Traditional Chinese medicine applied to cancer therapy has a long history. This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine, Yuxiao San, in combination with cisplatin, on Lewis lung cancer mice. Lewis lung cancer mouse models were were established in mice, and were randomly divided into model (normal saline + egg white), cisplatin (cisplatin injection + egg white), traditional Chinese medicine (Yuxiao San + egg white) and combined medication (Yuxiao San + cisplatin injection + egg white) groups.

College men's depression-related help-seeking: a gender analysis.

Background: Men's health help-seeking behaviours vary considerably depending on the context. The current empirical literature on the influence of masculinity on college men's attitudes towards mental health-related help-seeking is largely limited to investigations involving psychology students.

Aim: To describe the connections between masculinities and college men's depression-related help-seeking.

Impacts of ventricular rate regularization pacing at right ventricular apical vs. septal sites on left ventricular function and exercise capacity in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

Aims: The deleterious effects of right ventricular apex (RVA) pacing may offset the potential benefit of ventricular rate (VR) regularization during atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent studies suggested that right ventricular septal (RVS) pacing may prevent the potential deleterious effects of RVA pacing and enhance the VR regularization (VRR) with ventricular pacing due to closer proximity of the pacing site to the retrograde atrioventricular conduction.

Methods And Results: We randomized 24 patients with permanent AF and symptomatic bradycardia to undergo RVA (n = 12) or RVS (n = 12) pacing.

Angiographic and clinical implications of combined ST-segment elevation in anterior and inferior leads in acute myocardial infarction.

Background: The clinical and angiographic findings of patients suffered from acute myocardial infarction (MI) and presented with combined ST elevation in both anterior and inferior leads remain unclear.

Hypothesis: These patients might have >/= 1 coronary arteries occluded.

Methods: From January 2002 to December 2006, 49 consecutive patients were found to have ST elevation in both anterior and inferior leads during myocardial infarction.

The Hong Kong diastolic heart failure study: a randomised controlled trial of diuretics, irbesartan and ramipril on quality of life, exercise capacity, left ventricular global and regional function in heart failure with a normal ejection fraction.

Background: Although heart failure with a preserved or normal ejection fraction (HFNEF or diastolic heart failure) is common, treatment outcomes on quality of life and cardiac function are lacking. The effect of renin-angiotensin blockade by irbesartan or ramipril in combination with diuretics on quality of life (QoL), regional and global systolic and diastolic function was assessed in HFNEF patients.

Methods: 150 patients with HFNEF (LVEF >45%) were randomised to (1) diuretics alone, (2) diuretics plus irbesartan, or (3) diuretics plus ramipril.

The incremental benefit of rate-adaptive pacing on exercise performance during cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of using rate-adaptive pacing and atrioventricular interval (AVI) adaptation on exercise performance during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Background: The potential incremental benefits of using rate-adaptive pacing and AVI adaptation with CRT during exercise have not been studied.

Methods: We studied 20 patients with heart failure, chronotropic incompetence (<85% age-predicted heart rate [AP-HR] and <80% HR reserve), and implanted with CRT.

Intrathoracic impedance monitoring in patients with heart failure: correlation with fluid status and feasibility of early warning preceding hospitalization.

Background: Patients with heart failure are frequently hospitalized for fluid overload. A reliable method for chronic monitoring of fluid status is therefore desirable. We evaluated an implantable system capable of measuring intrathoracic impedance to identify potential fluid overload before heart failure hospitalization and to determine the correlation between intrathoracic impedance and standard measures of fluid status during hospitalization.

Tissue Doppler echocardiographic evidence of reverse remodeling and improved synchronicity by simultaneously delaying regional contraction after biventricular pacing therapy in heart failure.

Background: Biventricular pacing has been proposed to improve symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with advanced heart failure and wide electrocardiographic wave complexes. This study investigated the effect of biventricular pacing on reverse remodeling and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods And Results: Twenty-five patients with NYHA class III to IV heart failure and electrocardiographic wave complex duration >140 ms receiving biventricular pacing therapy were assessed serially up to 3 months after pacing and when pacing was withheld for 4 weeks.

A comparative study on the behavior of three different automatic mode switching dual chamber pacemakers to intracardiac recordings of clinical atrial fibrillation.

Automatic mode switching (AMS) allows patients with dual chamber pacemakers who develop paroxysmal AF to have a controlled ventricular rate. The aim of this study was to (1) compare the rate-controlled behavior of three AMS algorithms in response to AF, in terms of speed and stability of response and resynchronization to sinus rhythm, and (2) compare the influence of pacemaker programming on optimal mode switching. We studied 17 patients (12 men, 5 women; mean age 59 +/- 15 years) who developed AF during electrophysiological study.

Efficacy and tolerability of continuous overdrive atrial pacing in atrial fibrillation.

Overdrive right atrial pacing has been used to prevent atrial fibrillation, but its efficacy in atrial fibrillation prevention and the patient tolerability and quality of life during high rate pacing remain uncertain. The objective of this study was to test the effects of a consistent atrial pacing algorithm that automatically paced the atrium at 30 ms shorter than the sinus P-P interval for atrial fibrillation prevention. Fifteen patients with sick sinus syndrome implanted with a Thera DR (model 7940 or 7960, Medtronic Inc.

Evaluation of CYP2D6 oxidation of dextromethorphan and propafenone in a Chinese population with atrial fibrillation.

The objective of this study was to determine the percentage of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who were poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 in a Chinese population from Hong Kong and to assess the relationship between the dextromethorphan/dextrorphan ratio and the propafenone/5-hydroxypropafenone ratio or the steady-state propafenone concentration. Patients (n = 60) were recruited from the Arrhythmia Clinic at the University of Hong Kong and given dextromethorphan 30 mg. The dextromethorphan and dextrorphan concentrations in urine over the next 8 hours were used to determine metabolizer status.

Automatic optimization of resting and exercise atrioventricular interval using a peak endocardial acceleration sensor: validation with Doppler echocardiography and direct cardiac output measurements.

Peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) measured by an implantable acceleration sensor inside the tip of a pacing lead reflects ventricular filling and myocardial contractility. The contribution of the plateau phase of PEA as an indicator of optimal ventricular filling, hence of the appropriate atrioventricular interval (AVI) at rest and during exercise, was studied in 12 patients (age 69 +/- 6 years) with complete AV block and a PEA sensing DDDR pacemakers (Living 1 Plus, Sorin Biomedica). At a mean resting heart rate of 79 +/- 15 beats/min, the mean AVI optimized by PEA versus Doppler echocardiography (echo) were identical (142 +/- 37 vs 146 +/- 26 ms, P = 0.

Reversal of left ventricular remodeling by synchronous biventricular pacing in heart failure.

Synchronous biventricular pacing is a new nonpharmacological supplemental treatment of advanced heart failure associated with electromechanical conduction delay. However, the role of pacing on left ventricular remodeling is unknown. Eleven patients with New York Heart Association Class III to IV heart failure, a left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%, and a QRS duration > or = 140 ms received a biventricular dual chamber pacemaker.