Ten years' trend analysis for Taiwanese youth high school students' health behaviors.

PURPOSE: To delineate the 10 years' trend regarding Taiwanese adolescents' health perspectives and compare the differences of six adolescent health aspects between Taiwan and the U.S. METHODS: The anonymous structured questionnaire was done every other year with representative sampling methods as Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System in the United States. Twenty-one questions from six health aspects were extracted for further analysis. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to delineate the relationship among protective factors and risk-taking behaviors, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 22,419 adolescents were recruited. There were decreasing trend in terms of risk-taking behaviors, such as early contact to pornography (< age 16) (70.6%-60.9%), early cigarette use (< age 13) (20.7%-14.0%), and seriously considering suicide (36.0%-17.8%). There was an increasing trend in behaviors harmful to health: current alcohol drinkers (18.9%-23.4%), and staying up late every day (15.2%-18.5%). Multivariate regression analysis after adjusting gender and grade; it disclosed an increasing trend in protective assets, such as having multiple intimate friends (75.8%-79.3%), satisfaction to body weight and body shape (31.5%-36.1% and 34.5%-40.7%), as well as always wearing a helmet while riding a bike (1.8%-3.0%). CONCLUSION: We should continuously monitor the health status trend of the adolescents to provide them with a healthier environment and well-being.

Extrarenal Wilms tumor with hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy in an infant: A report of an unusual case.

While Wilms tumors are the most frequently detected kidney cancer type in children, extrarenal Wilms tumors (ERWTs) remain rare. This report is the first to describe hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy in a patient with an ERWT. A 6-month-old male infant presented with an abdominal mass and paroxysmal hypertension; echocardiography revealed dilated cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction of 34%, as well as substantially increased plasma renin activity. Pathology yielded a definitive diagnosis of ERWT. Cardiac function and blood pressure gradually returned to normal after tumorectomy. The early diagnosis of such a tumor together with efficient oncologic treatment are vital to optimal patient outcomes.

A Novel Based-Network Strategy to Identify Phytochemicals from Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Danshen) for Treating Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disease that strikes millions worldwide. Herein, we demonstrate a new approach based on network target to identify anti-AD compounds from Danshen. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to establish the DS-AD network, which mainly involved apoptosis of neuron cells. Then network scoring was confirmed via Connectivity Map analysis. M308 (Danshenxinkun D) was an anti-AD candidate with a high score (p < 0.01). Furthermore, we conducted ex vivo experiments with H2O2-treated PC12 cells to verify the neuroprotective effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza-containing plasma (SMP), and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and RT-qPCR were performed to demonstrate the anti-AD activity of M308 from SMP. Results revealed that SMP could enhance cell viability and level of acetylcholine. AO/EB staining and Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) analysis showed that SMP significantly suppressed apoptosis, which may be due to anti-oxidative stress activity. Moreover, the effects of M308 and SMP on expressions of PSEN1, DRD2, and APP mRNA were consistent, and M308 can significantly reverse the expression of PSEN1 and DRD2 mRNA in H2O2-treated PC12 cells. The strategy based on the network could be employed to identify anti-AD compounds from Chinese herbs. Notably, M308 stands out as a promising anti-AD candidate for development.

Dydrogesterone has no effect on uterine fibroids when used to prevent miscarriage in pregnant women with uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the effect of dydrogesterone use during pregnancy on uterine fibroids, pregnancy complications, and pregnancy outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In all, 372 pregnant women with uterine fibroids who were treated at the Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Shandong University were included in this study. Thirty-three of these women received dydrogesterone and constituted the treatment group, and the 27 women who were found to have uterine fibroids during the first trimester but did not receive intervention to prevent miscarriage composed the control group. The changes in uterine fibroids before and after pregnancy and the pregnancy complications were recorded; immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of progesterone receptor (PR) and proliferation- and apoptosis-related proteins in the uterine fibroid tissue. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the change in uterine fibroid volume during pregnancy between the treatment group and the control group (p > 0.05). The percentage of uterine fibroids with red degeneration was lower in the treatment group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference was observed in newborn weight, height, Apgar score, threatened miscarriage, or premature birth, among other characteristics, between the two groups (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed no significant difference in the expression of PR, cyclinD1, insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), or B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dydrogesterone during pregnancy has no significant effect on uterine fibroids, pregnancy progression, or pregnancy outcomes in pregnant patients with uterine fibroids.

State- and frequency-dependence in autonomic rebalance mediated by intradermal auricular electroacupuncture stimulation.

Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improves diseases such as refractory epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression, likely by rebalancing the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Intradermal auricular electro-acupuncture stimulation (iaES) produces similar effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different iaES frequencies on the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions in different states of ANS imbalance. Methods: We measured heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) of non-modeled (normal) rats with the treatment of various frequencies to determine the optimal iaES frequency. The optimized iaES frequency was then applied to ANS imbalance model rats to elucidate its effects. Results: 30 Hz and 100 Hz iaES clearly affected HRV and HR in normal rats. 30 Hz iaES increased HRV, and decreased HR. 100 Hz iaES decreased HRV, and increased HR. In sympathetic excited state rats, 30 Hz iaES increased HRV. 100 Hz iaES increased HRV, and decreased HR. In parasympathetic excited state rats, 30 Hz and 100 Hz iaES decreased HRV. In sympathetic inhibited state rats, 30 Hz iaES decreased HRV, while 100 Hz iaES decreased HR. In parasympathetic inhibited rats, 30 Hz iaES decreased HR and 100 Hz iaES increased HRV. Conclusion: 30 Hz and 100 Hz iaES contribute to ANS rebalance by increasing vagal and sympathetic activity with different amplifications. The 30 Hz iaES exhibited positive effects in all the imbalanced states. 100 Hz iaES suppressed the sympathetic arm in sympathetic excitation and sympathetic/parasympathetic inhibition and suppressed the vagal arm and promoted the sympathetic arm in parasympathetic excitation and normal states.

[Parasympathetic innervation contributes to the increase of survival rate and anti-inflammatory effect of electroacupuncture at "Ciliao"(BL32) in rats with lethal endotoxemia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Ciliao" (BL32) on the survival rate and serum inflammatory cytokine levels in rats with lethal endotoxemia, and to explore its parasympathetic mechanism in suppressing severe systemic inflammation. METHODS: A total of 82 male SD rats were used in the present study. In the first part of this study, 40 rats were randomized into model and EA-BL32 groups (n=20/group). The endotoxemia model was established by intraperitoneal injection of lethal amount of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg). EA (30 Hz, 6 mA) was applied to bilateral BL32 for 30 min before and after LPS injection. The survival rate in 7 days was then recorded. In the second part of this study, 42 rats were randomized into normal control, model, EA-BL32, EA-BL32+cervical vagotomy, EA-BL32+truncal (subdiagrammatical) vagotomy and EA-BL32+pelvic neurectomy groups (n=7/group). The endotoxemia model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (6 mg/kg) 30 min after the neurectomy. Rats of the control group received intraperitoneal injection of 6 mg/kg saline. EA with the same parameters mentioned above was applied to bilateral BL32 for 30 min before and after LPS injection. Blood sample was collected from the abdominal aorta 3 h after LPS injection for detecting the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 by ELISA. RESULTS: ① The EA survival rate was 25% in the model group and 60% in the EA -BL32group, being significantly improved after EA (P<0.05). ② The contents of serum TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 were significantly higher in the model group than those in the control group (P<0.000 1). After EA intervention, and compared with the model group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the EA-BL32, EA-BL32+cervical vagotomy, EA-BL32+truncal vagotomy and EA-BL32+pelvic neurectomy groups (P<0.000 1，P<0.01). After neurectomy and compared to the EA-BL32 group, the contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in the EA+cervical vagotomy and EA+pelvic neurectomy groups, IL-1ß in the EA+pelvic neurotomy group were significantly higher (P<0.0000 1, P<0.05), suggesting an elimination of EA effects after neurectomy. No significant differences were found among the 3 neurectomy groups in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of BL32 can improve the survival rate and attenuate the level of inflammatory cytokines in rats with lethal endotoxemia, which is closely related to the intact of parasympathetic pathway including the vagus nerve and pelvic nerve.

Diversity and function of culturable actinobacteria in the root-associated of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge.

The root-associated actinobacteria play important roles in plant growth, nutrient use, and disease resistance due to their functional diversity. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a critical medicinal plant in China. The root actinobacterial community structure has been studied; however, the functions of root-associated actinobacteria of S. miltiorrhiza have not been elucidated. This study aimed to decipher the diversity and function of the culturable root-associated actinobacteria in plant growth using culture-dependent technology and culturable microbe metagenomes. We isolated 369 strains from the root-associated actinobacteria, belonging to four genera, among which Streptomyces was dominant. Besides, the functional prediction revealed some pathways related to plant growth, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism, and antagonistic pathogens. We systematically described the diversity and functions of the culturable root-associated actinobacteria community. Our results demonstrated that the culturable root-associated actinobacteria of S. miltiorrhiza have rich functionalities, explaining the possible contribution of culturable root-associated actinobacteria to S. miltiorrhiza's growth and development. This study provides new insights into understanding the function of the culturable root-associated actinobacteria and can be used as a knowledge base for plant growth promoters and biological control agent development in agriculture.

Telehealth-Based Family Conferences with Implementation of Shared Decision Making Concepts and Humanistic Communication Approach: A Mixed-Methods Prospective Cohort Study.

Smartphone-enabled, telehealth-based family conferences represent an attractive and safe alternative to deliver communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some may fear that the therapeutic relationship might be filtered due to a lack of direct human contact. The study aims to explore whether shared decision-making model combining VALUE (Value family statements, Acknowledge emotions, Listen, Understand the patient as a person, Elicit questions) and PLACE (Prepare with intention, Listen intently and completely, Agree on what matters most, Connect with the patient's story, Explore emotional cues) framework can help physicians respond empathetically to emotional cues and foster human connectedness in a virtual context. Twenty-five virtual family conferences were conducted in a national medical center in Taiwan. The expression of verbal emotional distress was noted in 20% of patients and 20% of family members, while nonverbal distress was observed in 24% and 28%, respectively. On 10-point Likert scale, the satisfaction score was 8.7 ± 1.5 toward overall communication and 9.0 ± 1.1 on meeting the family's needs. Adopting SDM concepts with VALUE and PLACE approaches helps physicians foster connectedness in telehealth family conferences. The model has high participant satisfaction scores and may improve healthcare quality among the pandemic.

Cryptotanshinone: A review of its pharmacology activities and molecular mechanisms.

As a natural quinone compound, the medicinal value of cryptotanshinone (CT) has received increasing attentions, but there is no systematic literature review that describes the pharmacological activity of CT. This paper reviewed the pharmacology researches of CT, with a primary focus on its anti-tumor activity. We also discussed the underlying molecular mechanisms, and proposed future outlooks. In addition to anti-tumor activity, CT was found to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, visceral protective, anti-metabolic disorders and other abilities. Furthermore, the potential molecular mechanisms contributing to the anti-tumor effect of CT likely involve the following aspects: the induction of apoptosis, targeting of ER and AR, reversion of MDR, combined pharmacotherapy, and the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We also found that different pharmacological effects involved various signaling pathways. Among them, STAT3-related signaling pathways played a vital role in the CT-mediated induction of tumor cell apoptosis and proliferation, while NF-κB signal pathway also was essential for inhibition of inflammation by CT. Furthermore, CT could significantly enhance the activities of several anticancer drugs and reverse their resistances in tumors. Therefore, we proposed suggestions for future studies of CT, including enhancing anti-tumor activity by targeting STAT3-related receptors, targeting NF-κB-related pathways to inhibit inflammatory responses, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy by combining with anti-tumor drugs, and further studying the dose-effect relationship to ensure safer and more effective applications of CT.

Neonatal pulmonary sequestration (PS) with rhabdomyomas-like hyperplasia: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare pulmonary congenital malformation characterized by disconnection with the tracheobronchial tree or the pulmonary arterial blood supply thus impeding the connection to the arterial blood supply from systemic circulation, ultimately resulting in a non-functional lung. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 73-day-old boy with rhabdomyomatoid hyperplasia was hospitalized for cough and fever 2 months after birth. DIAGNOSES: Routine B-ultrasound revealed a cystic malformation in the right lung. CT showed increased volume of the right lung accompanied with cystic low-density shadows of different sizes and a blood vessel leading from the abdominal aorta into the lesion lung. Thus, he was diagnosed with PS. INTERVENTIONS: The boy underwent an entire lobectomy of the lower lobe of the right lung. The operation field revealed several malformed blood vessels from the apposition to the right lower lobe. Most of the lung had cystic adenomatoid malformations. Other parts consisted of well-differentiated cystic dilated bronchus and striated muscles. Histopathological examination revealed rhabdomyus fibroblasts distributed throughout the bronchi. Nuclei were located at the margins of the cells. Striated muscle fibers observed as immunological markers (myogenin and desmin) of striated muscles were positively detected. OUTCOMES: The boy recovered uneventfully after his operation and no abnormal clinical findings were found at the 10-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: PS can not only accompany other developmental abnormalities, but can also associate with rhabdomyomatoid hyperplasia. This lesion is not a fatal congenital malformation and instead is a benign lesion affecting only a single lobe. It has a relatively good prognosis.

Smartphone-Enabled, Telehealth-Based Family Conferences in Palliative Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pilot Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: In the palliative care setting, infection control measures implemented due to COVID-19 have become barriers to end-of-life care discussions (eg, discharge planning and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments) between patients, their families, and multidisciplinary medical teams. Strict restrictions in terms of visiting hours and the number of visitors have made it difficult to arrange in-person family conferences. Phone-based telehealth consultations may be a solution, but the lack of nonverbal cues may diminish the clinician-patient relationship. In this context, video-based, smartphone-enabled family conferences have become important. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish a smartphone-enabled telehealth model for palliative care family conferences. Our model integrates principles from the concept of shared decision making (SDM) and the value, acknowledge, listen, understand, and elicit (VALUE) approach. METHODS: Family conferences comprised three phases designed according to telehealth implementation guidelines-the previsit, during-visit, and postvisit phases. We incorporated the following SDM elements into the model: "team talk," "option talk," and "decision talk." The model has been implemented at a national cancer treatment center in Taiwan since February 2020. RESULTS: From February to April 2020, 14 telehealth family conferences in the palliative care unit were analyzed. The patients' mean age was 73 (SD 10.1) years; 6 out of 14 patients (43%) were female and 12 (86%) were married. The primary caregiver joining the conference virtually comprised mostly of spouses and children (n=10, 71%). The majority of participants were terminally ill patients with cancer (n=13, 93%), with the exception of 1 patient with stroke. Consensus on care goals related to discharge planning and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments was reached in 93% (n=13) of cases during the family conferences. In total, 5 families rated the family conferences as good or very good (36%), whereas 9 were neutral (64%). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone-enabled telehealth for palliative care family conferences with SDM and VALUE integration demonstrated high satisfaction for families. In most cases, it was effective in reaching consensus on care decisions. The model may be applied to other countries to promote quality in end-of-life care in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.