Medicine
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The short-video application TikTok shows great potential for disseminating health information. We assessed the content, sources, and quality of information in videos related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on TikTok. Our study aims to identify upload sources, content, and characteristic information for NAFLD videos on TikTok and further evaluate factors related to video quality. ⋯ In general, the quality of NAFLD video information from professional content and professional sources was higher than that of nonprofessional sources and nonprofessional content, the video quality of general surgeons was better than that of other department physicians, and the video quality of junior physicians was better than that of senior physicians. In terms of video correlation, durations, the number of fans, and the total number of works were negatively correlated with DISCERN scores (R < 0, P < .05), while likes, comments, collections, shares, and days since upload were not significantly correlated with DISCERN and GQS scores (P > .05). The medical information on TikTok is not rigorous enough to guide patients to make accurate judgments, platforms should monitor and guide publishers to help promote and disseminate quality content.
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Experimental pain studies have revealed inter-individual variations in pain perception that are influenced by age, sex, and country of origin. This study aimed to explore the age and sex differences in pressure pain thresholds within the Iranian general population. To assess the pressure pain thresholds, a handheld pressure algometer was applied bilaterally to the middle fingers of both hands. ⋯ However, the interaction between sex and age was not significant. No significant differences in pain detection thresholds were observed between the right and left hand (P = .11). This study underscores the potential utility of algometry as a valuable tool for objectifying pain in the Iranian population.
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Hepatic viral infections and breast cancer (BC) constitute major global health challenges, yet the interconnection between these hepatic infections and BC continues to be ambiguous. Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the link between hepatitis virus infection and the incidence of BC and leveraging data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey covering the period from 1999 to March 2022, we utilized logistic regression and subgroup analysis, among other methodologies, to execute a cross-sectional investigation. The univariate logistic regression analysis elucidates that individuals classified as non-Hispanic White exhibit a markedly higher incidence of BC at 2.620 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.117-7.676; P = .045); moreover, advanced age at 1.063 (95% CI, 1.036-1.093; P < .001), elevated educational attainment at 1.962 (95% CI, 1.17-3.366; P = .012), and higher income levels at 2.835 (95% CI, 1.303-7.439; P = .017) emerge as significant predisposing factors for BC. ⋯ The multivariate logistic regression analysis further reveals a negative association between hepatitis B infection and BC incidence, whereas hepatitis B vaccination shows a positive correlation with the disease incidence. After adjusting for all covariates, model 3 delineates odds ratios (95% CI) as follows: 0.14 (0.02-0.50; P = .009) and 1.92 (0.99-3.62; P = .046). Our investigation uncovers that within the general populace, there exists an inverse correlation between hepatitis B infection and BC incidence; in addition, the administration of the hepatitis B virus vaccine is potentially positively associated with the prevalence of BC.
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The efficacy and safety of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma are known. We explored ICI rechallenges with direct switching from 1 ICI regimen to another. This retrospective study included 16 patients who received atezolizumab-bevacizumab (Atezo+Bev) and durvalumab-tremelimumab (Dur+Tre) as the first-line and second-line combination therapy, respectively, at Hiroshima University Hospital. ⋯ Regarding liver function, ALBI score significantly decreased during Atezo+Bev, but not Dur+Tre, treatment. In patients with colitis following Atezo+Bev, subsequent Dur+Tre treatment may induce colitis recurrence or exacerbation. For immune-related adverse events other than colitis, Dur+Tre could provide relatively safe disease control while maintaining liver function.
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To explore the effects of Du Meridian moxibustion combined with ear acupuncture on clinical symptoms and serum neurotransmitters in patients with coronary heart disease and insomnia. This study is a retrospective study. From June 2021 to May 2023, 116 patients with coronary heart disease and insomnia treated at our hospital were selected as subjects. ⋯ Furthermore, the experimental group had higher serum melatonin, 5-HT, and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels compared to the control group, and lower serum leptin, dopamine, and glutamate levels compared to the control group (P < .05). The serum traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score and Pittsburgh sleep quality index score of the 2 groups decreased after treatment, and the experimental group was lower than the conventional group (P < .05). The combination of Du Meridian acupuncture with ear acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia in coronary heart disease can regulate the expression of serum melatonin, leptin, and neurotransmitters, alleviate symptoms, and improve therapeutic efficacy.