Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Review
Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of polysaccharides from Antrodia cinnamomea: A review.
Antrodia cinnamomea ( Ac ), also known as "Niu-Chang-Chih" in Chinese, is a valuable fungus that has been widely used as medicine and food among indigenous people in Taiwan. Ac is rich in polysaccharides ( Ac -PS), making it a promising candidate for adjunctive therapy in cancer and inflammation conditions. There are two types of Ac -PS: general (non-sulfated) PS ( Ac -GPS) and sulfated PS ( Ac -SPS). ⋯ Clinically, Ac -GPS has been used as an adjunctive therapy for advanced lung cancer, as noted in recent reports. However, given the numerous studies emphasizing its anticancer mechanisms, Ac -SPS may exhibit greater efficacy, warranting further investigation. This review concludes that Ac -derived Ac -GPS or Ac -SPS have the potential to be developed into functional health supplements or adjunctive therapies, providing dual benefits of anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
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Review
Clinical characteristics and treatment of psychosis in Parkinson's disease: A narrative review.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder whose clinical presentation consists of motor and non-motor signs and symptoms. Among the non-motor symptoms, psychosis can occur in the later stages of the disease. Psychosis in PD (PDP) is a common, complex, and significantly disabling disorder associated with poorer quality of life, accelerated cognitive decline, need for hospitalization or institutionalization, and mortality. ⋯ After the exclusion of comorbid conditions as a possible cause of psychosis, correction of antiparkinsonian therapy may be required, and if necessary, the introduction of antipsychotics. The latest therapeutic recommendations include the use of pimavanserin, if available, otherwise second-generation or atypical antipsychotics. Although PDP has long been recognized as a possible complication in the course of the disease, further clinical studies are needed to fully understand its etiopathogenesis and pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Review
Sarcopenia in the era of precision health: Towards personalized interventions for healthy longevity.
Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, significantly impacts health outcomes in older adults. This review explores the evolving landscape of sarcopenia research, with a particular focus on its unique characteristics in Asian populations and emerging pharmaceutical interventions. Recent studies have revealed distinct patterns of muscle mass decline in Asian adults, particularly in women, challenging the universal application of global sarcopenia diagnostic criteria. ⋯ However, the unique dietary patterns, cultural contexts, and potentially distinct drug responses in Asian populations necessitate tailored interventions and Asia-specific clinical trials. Future directions include refining Asian-specific diagnostic criteria, conducting large-scale epidemiological studies across multiple Asian countries, developing culturally appropriate interventions, integrating sarcopenia management into chronic disease care, and advancing pharmaceutical research with a focus on Asian populations. In conclusion, sarcopenia emerges as a critical nexus in the aging process, intricately linked with multiple organ systems and chronic conditions, underscoring the imperative for its recognition as a cornerstone in person-centered care and the holistic management of age-related health challenges.
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Meta Analysis
Associated factors of osteoporosis in Chinese rheumatoid arthritis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the factors associated of osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. ⋯ Osteoporosis in patients with RA is associated with various factors. Therefore, patients with RA should be monitored in a timely manner and targeted interventions should be taken. In addition, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the direct link between multiple factors and osteoporosis.
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Cluster headache (CH) is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by severe, unilateral pain, and ipsilateral autonomic symptoms. Chronic CH is exceedingly rare in Taiwan, constituting approximately 1% of all CH cases. This narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of the acute and preventive treatment strategies for CH in Taiwan, focusing on currently available pharmacological options in the country. ⋯ Neuromodulatory therapies, such as noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation, show promise for chronic and refractory CH but have limited availability in Taiwan. In conclusion, despite the availability of various acute and preventive treatment options, unmet needs in the management of CH in Taiwan remain. In particular, increased awareness and education among healthcare professionals to improve the diagnosis and management of CH in Taiwan should be implemented.