ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Social isolation and loneliness are major public health concerns. Informal dementia caregivers are particularly vulnerable, as many are older adults themselves and at elevated risk of adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Technology-based interventions could offer accessible, affordable, and convenient solutions. A previous review included Internet-based supportive interventions for informal dementia caregivers published up to 2013; however, new publications, technological advances, and targeted outcomes justify conducting this scoping review. Here, we identified and synthesized recent technology-based interventions that addressed social isolation and loneliness among informal dementia caregivers. DESIGN: Scoping review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Informal dementia caregivers in the community. METHODS: Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, we conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed studies across 6 databases within the last 11 years, including identifying research questions, selecting relevant studies, charting data, and summarizing results. RESULTS: From the 2937 articles identified, 10 eligible studies were included in this review. The intervention type, format, and duration varied widely. Three categories of interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among informal dementia caregivers included technology-assisted peer support, newly developed Web-based multicomponent psychoeducational programs and platforms, and virtual adaptation and modification of existing programs. Predominantly qualitative evidence suggests that technology-based interventions have the potential to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve caregiver well-being. Quantitative evidence tends to be preliminary and inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings offer preliminary evidence for technology-based interventions to reduce or prevent social isolation and loneliness in informal dementia caregivers. Technology-based interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness in informal dementia caregivers have the potential to overcome barriers to low uptake of services and withdrawal from interventions and improve the sustainability of the interventions. In the long run, by reducing or preventing social isolation and loneliness in informal dementia caregivers, the transition from home care to facility-based care might be delayed.
Subject(s)
Caregivers , Dementia , Loneliness , Humans , Caregivers/psychology , Social Isolation , TechnologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Older adults are vulnerable to social exclusion and its detrimental health outcomes. However, few existing studies focus on the social exclusion of older adults as immigrants and ethnic-minority individuals. To fill the gap, drawing on the conceptual framework of old-age vulnerability, this study explored the multi-dimensional experience of social exclusion for older Chinese immigrants in the U.S. and investigated how old age and immigration exacerbated older adults' experiences of social exclusion. METHOD: The study included 24 in-depth face-to-face individual interviews in Los Angeles and employed thematic analysis on the qualitative data. Themes were identified until consensus was reached among the research-team members. Triangulation of multiple analysts was used to avoid analytic bias. FINDINGS: Findings showed that older Chinese immigrants experienced social exclusion in the following dimensions: basic services; material and financial resources; social relations and activities; socio-cultural aspects; and neighborhood/territory/community. In addition to age-related factors, immigration-related factors, including changes in physical and socio-cultural environments and legal status, also contributed to older immigrants' extra vulnerabilities to social exclusion. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides useful information and strategies for human and healthcare service providers to find ways to overcome social exclusion and enhance older Chinese immigrants' social inclusion in the U.S.
Subject(s)
East Asian People , Emigrants and Immigrants , Social Isolation , Aged , Humans , United StatesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: It is well-established that racial discrimination influences quality of life, but there is scarce evidence about how racial discrimination affects oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Furthermore, the pathways linking racial discrimination and OHRQoL remain unknown. Guided by the integrative framework of immigration, ageing, and oral health, psychosocial stressors and resources exert influences on OHRQoL. In addition, according to the compensatory model of resilience, resilient resources could counteract risk exposures to stressors given specific outcomes. Hence, this study examined the relationship between experiences of discrimination and OHRQoL and investigated resilience as a mediator in such a relationship among older Chinese immigrants. METHODS: Data came from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago collected between 2017 and 2019. The working sample included 3054 foreign-born older Chinese Americans aged 60 years or older. OHRQoL was measured by seven items from the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Experiences of discrimination (yes or no) were measured by the 9-item Experiences of Discrimination instrument. Resilience was measured by the 10-item Connor Davidson Resilience Scale. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the direct and indirect pathways towards OHRQoL. RESULTS: Experiences of discrimination were directly associated with poorer OHRQoL (b = -0.98, P < .05). Resilience partially mediated the relationship between discrimination experiences and OHRQoL. Specifically, discrimination experiences were associated with weaker resilience (b = -1.58, P < .05), and weaker resilience was associated with poorer OHRQoL (b = 0.06, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings illustrate the importance of studying racial discrimination and resilience in OHRQoL. Interventions need to consider individuals' discrimination experiences and stress coping abilities to promote OHRQoL.
Subject(s)
East Asian People , Oral Health , Quality of Life , Aged , Humans , Asian , Geriatric Assessment , Quality of Life/psychology , ChicagoABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between acculturation and subsequent oral health problems in older Chinese Americans and to further test the moderating role of neighborhood disorder in such a relationship. METHODS: The working sample included 2,706 foreign-born community-dwelling older Chinese Americans aged 60 years or older who participated in the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago at baseline between 2011 and 2013 and the 2-year follow-up between 2013 and 2015. Stepwise Poisson regressions with lagged dependent variable were conducted. RESULTS: Behavioral acculturation was protective against subsequent oral health problems, and the protective role was stronger among individuals reporting lower levels of neighborhood disorder. Residence in Chinatown was associated with an increase in the risk of subsequent oral health problems. DISCUSSION: To reduce oral health symptoms and related burdens, it is important to consider, in practice and policy, the role of acculturation and the neighborhood on subsequent oral health outcomes.
Subject(s)
Acculturation , Asian , Aged , Humans , Independent Living , Oral Health , Residence CharacteristicsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to develop and validate a deep learning approach based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for automatic detection of the mandibular third molar (M3) and the mandibular canal (MC) and evaluation of the relationship between them on CBCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dataset of 254 CBCT scans with annotations by radiologists was used for the training, the validation, and the test. The proposed approach consisted of two modules: (1) detection and pixel-wise segmentation of M3 and MC based on U-Nets; (2) M3-MC relation classification based on ResNet-34. The performances were evaluated with the test set. The classification performance of our approach was compared with two residents in oral and maxillofacial radiology. RESULTS: For segmentation performance, the M3 had a mean Dice similarity coefficient (mDSC) of 0.9730 and a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 0.9606; the MC had a mDSC of 0.9248 and a mIoU of 0.9003. The classification models achieved a mean sensitivity of 90.2%, a mean specificity of 95.0%, and a mean accuracy of 93.3%, which was on par with the residents. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach based on CNNs demonstrated an encouraging performance for the automatic detection and evaluation of the M3 and MC on CBCT. Clinical relevance An automated approach based on CNNs for detection and evaluation of M3 and MC on CBCT has been established, which can be utilized to improve diagnostic efficiency and facilitate the precision diagnosis and treatment of M3.
Subject(s)
Deep Learning , Spiral Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Mandibular Canal , Molar , Molar, Third/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Guided by the intergenerational solidarity theory, this study examined how different dimension of intergenerational solidarity of adult children associated with their choice of being a primary caregiver for aging parents in the Chinese American families. METHODOLOGY: Secondary data from PIETY study were used. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the relationships between each dimension of intergenerational solidarity and the likelihood of being a primary caregiver to mother or father. RESULTS: Associational solidarity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, for father, OR = 1.27, for mother), normative solidarity (OR = 1.06, for both father and mother), and structural solidarity (OR = 0.95, for father, OR = 0.64, for mother) were significant associates of high chances of being primary caregivers for older parents. DISCUSSION: Results from this study confirmed the importance of cultural construct of solidarity in caregiving choice. Practice implications for health care professionals, in particular the nurses were discussed.
Subject(s)
Asian , Caregivers , Adult , Female , Humans , Adult Children , Intergenerational Relations , MothersABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Focusing on a less studied aspect of friendship and an overlooked type of loss, this study examined associations between loss of friends and psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants and whether such associations are moderated by age, gender, marital status, and social connection. RESEARCH METHODS: This study used baseline data from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago. Linear and logistic regressions tested whether the loss of friends was associated depressive symptoms, loneliness, and quality of life . Interaction terms were created to test the moderating effects . RESULTS: Losing friends was associated with a greater sense of loneliness but also a higher chance of reporting good quality of life. The association between the loss of friends and loneliness was stronger among married and young-old (59-69) participants . The association between the loss of friends and quality of life was stronger among young-old and old-old (70-79) participants and the participants with the high level of social connection. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings shed light on the importance of the loss of friends in shaping psychological well-being among older immigrants. More research is needed to understand the needs of older friend survivors and develop relevant interventions.
Subject(s)
Emigrants and Immigrants , Friends , Aged , Chicago , China , Humans , Loneliness , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in imaging characteristics and the diagnostic accuracy of 225 intraosseous jaw lesions on panoramic radiographs (PAN) versus cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: 225 sets of PAN and CBCT images with biopsy-proven histopathological diagnoses were retrospectively compared in terms of radiographic features and diagnostic accuracy. The imaging characteristics of PAN and CBCT were independently evaluated by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists who were required to answer 12 questions and provided up to three differential diagnoses with their confidence scores. RESULTS: Odds ratios (ORs) were statistically significant for border cortication (OR = 1.521; p = .003) and border continuity (OR = 0.421; p = .001), involvement on neurovascular canals (OR = 2.424; p < .001), expansion (OR = 7.948; p < .001), cortical thinning (OR = 20.480; p < .001) as well as its destruction (OR = 25.022; p < .001) and root resorption (OR = 2.477; p < .001). Furthermore, imaging features in the posterior and mandibular regions showed better agreement than those in the anterior and maxillary regions, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the first differential diagnosis was higher on CBCT than on PAN (Observer 1:78.7 vs 64.4%; Observer 2: 78.7 vs 70.2% (p < .001)). The observers' confidence scores were also higher at CBCT interpretation compared with PAN. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT demonstrated a greater number of imaging characteristics of intraosseous jaw lesions compared with PAN, especially in the anterior regions of both jaws and in the maxilla. Diagnostic accuracy is improved with CBCT compared to PAN, especially for lesions in the maxilla. Radiologists have greater confidence when using CBCT.
Subject(s)
Spiral Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Humans , Maxilla , Radiography, Panoramic , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the dynamic interplay between instrumental support from children and self-rated health (SRH) among older adults over time in rural China. Methods: Data came from a regional representative, longitudinal study The Well-Being of Older People in Anhui Province collected in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012. At baseline, 1636 respondents reported having at least one child. Bivariate latent change score modeling was conducted, and sequential model comparison was used to assess the directionality of the reciprocal association. Results: Older adults who received higher levels of help with household chores from children tended to experience improvement in subsequent SRH, irrespective of gender. There is no evidence to support the influence of SRH on subsequent changes in instrumental support. Discussion: This study sheds light on the sequence of changes between support and health processes using population-based data within a specific sociocultural context.
Subject(s)
Adult Children/psychology , Diagnostic Self Evaluation , Parent-Child Relations , Rural Population , Social Support , Aged , China , Female , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Rural Population/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Older immigrants tend to experience rapid deterioration in health after immigration. Changes in health behaviors over the course of acculturation are considered attributable factors. However, much remains unknown when it comes to acculturation experiences and health behaviors among older immigrants. This study explored acculturation in three domains (behavioral, cognitive, and identificational) and described how each domain of acculturation could influence various health behaviors among community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants in the United States. In this qualitative descriptive study, trained bilingual interviewers conducted in-depth individual interviews with 24 participants in the greater Los Angeles area. Acculturation experiences emerged from qualitative content analysis, such as high dependence on Chinese behavioral patterns and intraethnic networks and limited intergroup interactions (behavioral acculturation), strong maintenance of Chinese cultural values and some American cultural learning (cognitive acculturation), and strong identification with Chinese ethnicity (identificational acculturation). Behavioral acculturation and cognitive acculturation may influence various health behaviors, including eating/diet, exercise, chronic disease, and mental health management. By recognizing the unique acculturation experiences, interventions could be developed to promote healthy behaviors in achieving optimal health in this population.
Subject(s)
Acculturation , Adaptation, Psychological , Emigrants and Immigrants/psychology , Health Behavior/ethnology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , China/ethnology , Emigrants and Immigrants/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Male , Qualitative Research , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite an increasing, yet still limited amount of research on social determinants of oral health, the influences of neighborhood characteristics remain understudied, especially within the context of immigration. Acculturation is multidimensional, and its influences on the oral health of immigrants vary across age and ethnic groups. This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood cohesion and oral health problems among older Chinese American immigrants, and whether and to what extent acculturation indicators moderate the relationship between such cohesion and oral health. METHODS: The research design and working sample included 3,157 older Chinese American immigrants aged 60 years or older from the baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago. Neighborhood cohesion was measured by a six-item scale. Oral health problems were measured by the presence or absence of such problems. Acculturation included residence in ethnic enclaves, length of stay, and behavioral acculturation. Stepwise logistic regression models with interaction terms (Neighborhood cohesion × Acculturation) were conducted to examine the association between neighborhood cohesion and oral health problems, accounting for sociodemographics, health conditions, and health behaviors. RESULTS: Individuals experiencing higher levels of neighborhood cohesion reported a lower likelihood of having oral health problems. The protective effect of neighborhood cohesion against having oral health problems was stronger when individuals resided in ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: To promote optimal oral health, interventions need to account for individuals' perceptions and levels of integration into their neighborhoods and communities.
Subject(s)
Acculturation , Oral Health/ethnology , Social Determinants of Health , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Asian/statistics & numerical data , Chicago/ethnology , Emigrants and Immigrants/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Residence CharacteristicsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Dry mouth is a common condition among older adults that negatively influences oral health, general health, and quality of life. The role of psychosocial factors in oral health conditions and diseases remains largely unknown. We conducted a study to examine the relationship between perceived stress and dry mouth among US older Chinese adults and further investigated the potential moderating role of social support and social strain from different sources in the relationship. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: Baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago, a community-engaged, population-based longitudinal study of health and well-being among community-dwelling US older Chinese adults. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals 60 years or older (N = 3157). MEASUREMENTS: Perceived stress was measured by the 10-item Chinese Perceived Stress Scale to evaluate the degree to which life situations were perceived as stressful during the preceding month on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 ("never") to 4 ("very often"). Dry mouth was a binary self-reported outcome variable (1 = "dry mouth"). Social support was measured by the Health and Retirement Study's social support and strain scale from sources including spouse, other family members, and friends with a 3-point response set, ranging from 0 ("hardly ever") to 2 ("often"). Sociodemographics and disease processes were assessed as covariates. We conducted stepwise logistic regressions with interaction terms. RESULTS: Having higher levels of perceived stress was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of reporting dry mouth (odds ratio = 1.03; 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.04). The effect of perceived stress on dry mouth may vary by levels of family and friend support. CONCLUSION: Perceived stress may influence dry mouth either directly or indirectly. To prevent or reduce dry mouth, in addition to disease processes, interventions need to consider psychosocial factors in dry mouth, especially perceived stress and social support, in this growing population. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S551-S556, 2019.
Subject(s)
Asian/statistics & numerical data , Oral Health/statistics & numerical data , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Xerostomia/epidemiology , Activities of Daily Living/psychology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Asian/psychology , Chicago/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Quality of Life , Risk Factors , Social Support , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Xerostomia/psychologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Limited research is available on the relationship between oral health symptoms and cognitive function among community-dwelling US Chinese older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between tooth/gum symptoms and changes in cognitive function. DESIGN: Two-wave epidemiological study. SETTING: Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). PARTICIPANTS: US Chinese older adults (N = 2713; mean age = 72.6 y; 58.4% women). MEASUREMENTS: We selected self-reported oral (tooth and gum) symptoms as independent variables. To examine changes in cognitive function (wave 2: Baseline), we chose the following three domains: episodic memory (East Boston Memory Test); executive function (Symbol Digit Modalities Test); and working memory (Digit Span Backwards). In addition, we assessed global cognitive function by constructing a composite measure. RESULTS: At baseline, 1297 participants (47.8%) reported having teeth symptoms, and 513 participants (18.9%) reported having gum symptoms. Adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, participants who reported having teeth symptoms at baseline experienced their global cognition decrease by 0.07 units (estimate = -0.07; p = .003) and their episodic memory decrease by 0.07 units (estimate = -0.07; p = .026). Participants who reported having teeth symptoms at baseline experienced a faster rate of decline in global cognition for every additional year (estimate = 0.02; p = .047). However, this effect disappeared once we adjusted for all covariates (estimate = 0.02; p = .069). We found no significant relationship between baseline gum symptoms and change of cognitive function. CONCLUSION: Having teeth symptoms was associated with a decline in cognitive function among US Chinese older adults. Developing policy measures aimed at ameliorating health and improving cognition in this high-risk fast-growing population in the United States would need to include oral health preventive and dental care services. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S532-S537, 2019.
Subject(s)
Asian/psychology , Cognitive Dysfunction/ethnology , Independent Living , Oral Health/ethnology , Oral Hygiene/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Chicago/epidemiology , Cognition , Epidemiologic Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Memory, Episodic , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare the hippocampal internal architecture (HIA) between 3 and 7â¯Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and to investigate the relationship between HIA and hippocampal volume, and postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine TLE patients were recruited with 3 and 7â¯T MRI scans and a semi-quantitative assessment of the HIA was performed. Differences in HIA scores between 3 and 7â¯T MRI were evaluated. HIA and hippocampal volume asymmetry were also calculated and compared. The utility of HIA and hippocampal volume asymmetry in epilepsy lateralization, and the predictive value between these two indicators were compared. The relationship between HIA and postoperative outcomes was investigated in 25 patients with amygdalohippocampectomy. RESULTS: HIA scores of epileptogenic hippocampi were lower than those of non-epileptogenic hippocampi at 3 and 7â¯T MRI. Higher HIA scores were observed at 7â¯T MRI. The HIA asymmetry and hippocampal volume asymmetry were both strong predictors for epilepsy lateralization and did not show difference in predictive value. No statistical differences in HIA asymmetry were observed between seizure-free patients (ILAE 1) compared to patients with seizures (ILAE 2-5). CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of hippocampal internal architecture (HIA) may be improved at 7â¯T MRI. HIA asymmetry is a significant predictor of laterality of seizure onset in TLE patients and has similar predictive value as hippocampal volume asymmetry, however, HIA asymmetry at 7â¯T does not have extra value in determining epilepsy lateralization and neither does predict surgical outcomes.
Subject(s)
Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/diagnostic imaging , Hippocampus/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/standards , Neuroimaging/standards , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/surgery , Female , Hippocampus/pathology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Outcome Assessment, Health Care/standards , Predictive Value of Tests , Retrospective Studies , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether geographical proximity is a predictor of depressive symptoms, and whether family and friend support can moderate the relationship between geographical proximity and depressive symptoms. METHOD: A survey of 557 adult child primary caregivers was conducted in Shanghai, China in 2013. Geographical proximity was measured as a categorical variable: coresidence, short distance (less than 30 minutes' travel time), and long distance (more than 30 minutes' travel time). Family and friend support were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center on Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multiple regression analyses and interaction terms were used to test the moderating roles of family and friend support. RESULTS: Adult child caregivers who live more than 30 minutes away from care recipients experienced higher depressive symptoms than coresiding caregivers (ß = .114, p < .01). Family support (ß = -.408, p < .05) and friend support (ß = -.235, p < .05) were protective factors that lessened depressive symptoms for long-distance adult child caregivers. CONCLUSION: This study adds spatial dimension to caregiving literature and extends stress process theory. These findings have important implications for service planning and social support for adult child caregivers.
Subject(s)
Adult Children/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Depression/psychology , Family/psychology , Friends/psychology , Residence Characteristics , Social Support , Adult , China , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the dynamic relationship between multidimensional intergenerational instrumental support and health over time. This approach is of theoretical, methodological, and practical significance in gerontological research. METHOD: Data came from The Well-Being of Older People in Anhui Province in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012. Of the 1,636 participants at baseline, a working sample of 1,557 older adults was used. Trajectories and correlated change were estimated using parallel latent growth curve modeling with maximum likelihood estimation. RESULTS: "Received household-chore help" decreased over time, whereas "received personal-care help" increased over time. "Provided household-chore help" and "provided personal-care help" increased and then decreased over time. Increasing receipt of "household-chore help" and "personal-care help" were associated with faster decline in health over time. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest distinctive patterns of changes for different dimensions of intergenerational instrumental support and their relationship with changes in perception of health over time in later life.
Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Household Work , Intergenerational Relations , Adult Children , Aged , China , Diagnostic Self Evaluation , Health Status , Health Surveys , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Middle Aged , Rural PopulationABSTRACT
International migration creates important consequences both for migrants and the family members they leave behind. Prior research has noted not only the adverse effects of children's migration on parents' mental health but also the fact that family ties and closeness can persist because of supportive exchange despite geographical distances. This study examined the associations between economic and emotional support from migrant children living abroad and depressive symptoms among Chinese elders in transnational families and whether such associations were moderated by the elders' physical health status and the presence of children remaining in China. The data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of 293 older Chinese in transnational families in Beijing, China. The results of linear regression show that more emotional support from migrant children was associated with lower depressive symptoms among these elders. The association between emotional support and depressive symptoms was stronger among the elders who did not have children remaining in China and who had functional limitations. The findings suggest that maintaining emotionally supportive relationships with their migrant children abroad may help to prevent depressive symptoms among these elders, especially among the older adults who have functional limitations and who have no children remaining in the home country.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the characteristic features of CT images of diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TSGCT) from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to understand CT imaging diagnosis of the disease. METHODS: CT images and clinical information from 10 patients with D-TSGCT of TMJ were recruited for retrospective analysis from March 2013 to March 2017 in Peking University Hospital of Stomatology. All cases were treated by surgery and confirmed by pathology. RESULTS: CT scan demonstrated hyperdense soft-tissue masses and various kinds of calcification in all of the 10 subjects. Contrast-enhanced scan exhibited obvious enhancement in six patients. Bone destruction of the mandibular condyles and skull base was found in seven and six subjects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CT appearance of D-TSGCT of the TMJ is characterized by hyperdense soft tissue with calcification, further enhancement in contrast-enhanced scan, and bone destruction in the mandibular condyles and skull base in some cases.
Subject(s)
Synovitis, Pigmented Villonodular , Temporomandibular Joint , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Retrospective Studies , Synovitis, Pigmented Villonodular/diagnostic imaging , Temporomandibular Joint/diagnostic imaging , Temporomandibular Joint/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of mind-body interventions in depressive symptoms treatment among older Chinese adults (>60 years of age). METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chongqing VIP for eligible studies until September 2016. We reviewed randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of mind-body interventions for depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. Two authors independently conducted screening, and risk of bias assessment. Data were extracted by one author and crosschecked by the research team. Cohen's d standardized mean differences were calculated to represent intervention effects. RESULTS: A comprehensive search yielded 926 records; 14 articles met inclusion criteria. Relative to the control groups, mind-body interventions had large short-term effects in reducing depressive symptoms in older Chinese adults (standardized mean differences = -1.41; 95% CI [-1.82, -0.99]). Most studies did not report the long-term effects of mind-body interventions. Subgroup analyses by type of mind-body interventions, participants' age group, and control condition yielded different effect sizes; however, these differences did not all reach a statistically significant level. The interpretation of the subgroup analysis should be considered with caution given its observational nature and a small number of included studies. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review suggests that mind-body interventions had short-term effects in alleviating depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults. Further research (randomized controlled trials with active controls and follow-up tests) are needed to assess the effects of mind-body interventions on depressive symptoms among this population. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subject(s)
Depressive Disorder/therapy , Mind-Body Therapies , Adult , China , Depressive Disorder/psychology , Humans , Mind-Body Therapies/standardsABSTRACT
Little longitudinal data exist on grandparent caregivers and few studies have examined their physical health outcomes. This study examined the effect of caring for grandchildren on grandparents' physical health and the role of intergenerational support from adult children. Longitudinal data derived from a survey on the well-being of older adults in China were used to conduct path analysis of previous grandparent caregivers (vs. noncaregivers) and repeated grandparent caregivers (vs. noncaregivers). The final sample was 799 grandparents aged 60 or older living in rural China. Three aspects of intergenerational support were measured: financial, emotional, and instrumental support. Repeated grandparent caregivers had better self-rated health (SRH) and fewer limitations than noncaregivers. Previous grandparent caregivers had better SRH compared to noncaregivers. Emotional support mediated the relationship between caregiving and SRH among repeated caregivers. Findings suggest that any caregiving experience (previous or repeated) provides health benefits to grandparents.