Medicine
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The purpose of this review was to analyze treatments for hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), exploring the potential mechanisms and latest advances, as well as potential future directions. ⋯ Currently, studies in TCM syndromes are relatively limited, and although the field of TCM in HLD is rapidly developing with established networks of teams and collaborations, large-scale collaboration is still in its infancy. Looking toward the future, despite the deficiencies in this field, it is crucial to further explore the advantages of integrative medicine for treating HLD.
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Since 2007, the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab, comprising an immune checkpoint inhibitor and a molecularly targeted agent, has become the first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Predicting prognosis prior to systemic chemotherapy remains a critical concern. This study included 84 advanced HCC patients who underwent enhanced computed tomography (CT) and Gd-EOB-DTPA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the systemic therapy were included. ⋯ Prognostic factors associated with progression-free survival were identified using statistical analysis. RER on HBP MRI correlated with prognosis in systemic chemotherapy. Conversely, other image features on HBP MRI and CT histogram provided consistent treatment effect.
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Synchronous distance education (SDE) has recently been widely used for medical students. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of SDE with traditional face-to-face education (TE) on the learning outcomes of undergraduate medical students. Participants were class enrolled in 2015 and class enrolled in 2016. ⋯ The attendance rate and concentration in the class of the SDE group were comparable to the TE group. Students in the SDE group spoke more often in class and had a higher level of student-teacher communication than the TE group. The SDE is a teaching tool that can replace TE in the theoretical teaching of medical courses.
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Observational Study
Optimal duration of progesterone before cryopreserved embryo transfer in hormone replacement therapy cycles: A prospective pilot study.
This prospective pilot cohort study aimed to ascertain the optimal duration of progesterone supplementation prior to frozen embryo transfer (FET) in women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles. A total of 127 participants were enrolled and divided into 2 cohorts. The first cohort, comprising of 39 women, was used to determine the peak period of endometrial receptivity. ⋯ Notably, the maximal expression of endometrial receptivity markers was observed on day P + 6 within the HRT cycles, which is consistent with previous research that correlated day 6 embryos with peak endometrial receptivity. Therefore, a 3-day progesterone lead-in may enhance synchrony between D3 embryos and the endometrium. Our findings suggest that initiating D3 embryo transfer after 3 days of progesterone administration may optimize embryo-endometrial synchronization, thereby potentially enhancing clinical outcomes in FET cycles.
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Observational Study
Age-dependent effects of lockdown and post-lockdown periods on HbA1c during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 3-year longitudinal cohort study.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lockdown measures on the metabolic parameters of patients with DM, with particular emphasis on geriatric populations. In this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, 1224 patients were analyzed. ⋯ However, there was no change in HbA1c levels for patients over 85 years old during the lockdown. These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of elderly patients with DM during lockdown periods, facilitated via home care or telehealth services. Structured diet and exercise programs should also be provided for at home adherence.