Medicine
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Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a rare mesenchyme-derived tumor, which usually occurs in head, neck (especially tongue and mouth), and limbs. In this report, we described a case of gastric LGMS by F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), which has not been reported previously. ⋯ F-FDG PET/CT scan showed local thickening of the gastric wall, invasion of adjacent soft tissue, diaphragmatic and peritoneal metastasis at early stage, absence of regional lymph node metastasis, and increased F-FDG metabolism in primary tumor and metastatic tumor.
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This study aims to evaluate the value of electrophysiological examination and high frequency ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of radial nerve torsion and radial nerve compression. Patients with radial nerve torsion (n = 14) and radial nerve compression (n = 14) were enrolled. The results of neurophysiological and high frequency ultrasonography were compared. ⋯ On ultrasound images, the nerve was thinned at torsion site whereas thickened at the distal ends of torsion. The diameter and cross-sectional area of torsion or compression determined the nerve damage, and ultrasound could locate the nerve injury site and measure the length of the nerve. Electrophysiological examination and high-frequency ultrasonography can diagnose radial neuropathy, with electrophysiological examination reflecting the neurological function, and high-frequency ultrasound differentiating nerve torsion from compression.
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The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) gene to the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in a Chinese Han population. We studied 138 patients with radiographically proven IDD and 136 healthy volunteers with no history of back problems. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were obtained for all the patients and controls. ⋯ The 2 SNPs (rs6422747 and rs6422748) in the THBS2 gene were associated with susceptibility of IDD but not severity of IDD in a Chinese Han population. Our results indicated that THBS2 gene polymorphisms might be the risk factors for IDD. More studies with larger sample size need to be perfected to make sure the functions of THBS2 gene polymorphisms in IDD development.
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China has experienced rapid urbanization over the past several decades. Social capital is considered a vital human resource, and quality of life (QoL) is an important measure of human health embedded in a physical, mental, and social context. No studies have reported on the association between social capital and QoL in Chinese urban residents. ⋯ After adjusting for socioeconomic status (SES) and risk factors, SC2 and SC3 were still significantly associated with MCS. Social capital was not significantly associated with physical components of QoL in any of the 3 logistic regression models. In conclusion, social capital is related to MCS of QoL, and increasing it may be an effective way to promote health.
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Many studies have estimated the association between the adherence to antiretroviral therapies and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients' virologic/immunologic outcomes. However, evidence is lacking on the causal effect of adherence on the outcomes. The goal of this study is to understand whether near perfect adherence is necessary to achieve optimal virologic outcome and also to investigate the effect of initial adherence to antiretroviral therapies on initial viral suppression by different regimens. ⋯ Data showed that lower adherence caused lower viral suppression rate, with the association differentiated by the regimen. Patients on integrase strand transfer had the highest viral suppression rate, with patients on protease inhibitors having the lowest rate. Regardless of regimens, the viral suppression rate among patients at initial adherence of 75 to <95% was not statistically different from patients at adherence of ≥95%; however, the differences might be clinically significant.