Research on the cognitive neural mechanism of privacy empowerment illusion cues regarding comprehensibility and interpretability for privacy disclosures.

In the era of artificial intelligence, privacy empowerment illusion has become a crucial means for digital enterprises and platforms to "manipulate" users and create an illusion of control. This topic has also become an urgent and pressing concern for current research. However, the existing studies are limited in terms of their perspectives and methodologies, making it challenging to fully explain why users express concerns about privacy empowerment illusion but repeatedly disclose their personal information. This study combines the associative-propositional evaluation model (APE) and cognitive load theory, using event-related potential (ERP) technology to investigate the underlying mechanisms of how the comprehensibility and interpretability of privacy empowerment illusion cues affect users' immediate attitudes and privacy disclosure behaviours; these mechanisms are mediated by psychological processing and cognitive load differences. Behavioural research results indicate that in the context of privacy empowerment illusion cues with low comprehensibility, users are more inclined to disclose their private information when faced with high interpretability than they are when faced with low interpretability. EEG results show that in the context of privacy empowerment illusion cues with low comprehensibility, high interpretability induces greater P2 amplitudes than does low interpretability; low interpretability induces greater N2 amplitudes than does high interpretability. This study extends the scopes of the APE model and cognitive load theory in the field of privacy research, providing new insights into privacy attitudes. Doing so offers a valuable framework through which digital enterprises can gain a deeper understanding of users' genuine privacy attitudes and immediate reactions under privacy empowerment illusion situations. This understanding can help increase user privacy protection and improve their overall online experience, making it highly relevant and beneficial.

Prediction of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease and simultaneous feature selection and grouping using Medicaid claim data.

BACKGROUND: Due to the heterogeneity among patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), it is critical to predict their risk of converting to Alzheimer's disease (AD) early using routinely collected real-world data such as the electronic health record data or administrative claim data. METHODS: The study used MarketScan Multi-State Medicaid data to construct a cohort of MCI patients. Logistic regression with tree-guided lasso regularization (TGL) was proposed to select important features and predict the risk of converting to AD. A subsampling-based technique was used to extract robust groups of predictive features. Predictive models including logistic regression, generalized random forest, and artificial neural network were trained using the extracted features. RESULTS: The proposed TGL workflow selected feature groups that were robust, highly interpretable, and consistent with existing literature. The predictive models using TGL selected features demonstrated higher prediction accuracy than the models using all features or features selected using other methods. CONCLUSIONS: The identified feature groups provide insights into the progression from MCI to AD and can potentially improve risk prediction in clinical practice and trial recruitment.

Combined simultaneous transsphenoidal and transcranial regimen improves surgical outcomes in complex giant pituitary adenomas: A longitudinal retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of complex giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs) presents significant challenges. The efficacy and safety of combining transsphenoidal and transcranial approaches for these tumors remain controversial. In this largest cohort of patients with complex GPAs, we compared the surgical outcomes between those undergoing a combined regimen and a non-combined regimen. We also examined the differences in risks of complications, costs, and logistics between the two groups, which might offer valuable information for the appropriate management of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted at 13 neurosurgical centers. Consecutive patients who received a combined or non-combined regimen for complex GPAs were enrolled. The primary outcome was gross total resection, while secondary outcomes included complications, surgical duration, and relapse. A propensity score-based weighting method was used to account for differences between the groups. RESULTS: Out of 647 patients (298 [46.1%] women, mean age: 48.5 ± 14.0 years) with complex GPAs, 91 were in the combined group and 556 were in the non-combined group. Compared with the non-combined regimen, the combined regimen was associated with a higher probability of gross total resection (50.5% vs. 40.6%, odds ratio [OR]: 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-3.63, P = 0.003). The proportion of patients with life-threatening complications was lower in the combined group than in the non-combined group (4.4% vs. 11.2%, OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.78, P = 0.017). No marked differences were found between the groups in terms of other surgical or endocrine-related complications. However, the combined regimen exhibited a longer average surgery duration of 1.3 h (P < 0.001) and higher surgical costs of 22,000 CNY (approximate 3,000 USD, P = 0.022) compared with the non-combined approach. CONCLUSIONS: The combined regimen offered increased rates of total resection and decreased incidence of life-threatening complications, which might be recommended as the first-line choice for these patients.

Human amniotic MSCs-mediated anti-inflammation of CD206hiIL-10hi macrophages alleviates isoproterenol-induced ventricular remodeling in mice.

BACKGROUND: Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) derived from amniotic membrane have multilineage differentiation, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammation which makes them suitable for the treatment of various diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of hAMSCs in ventricular remodeling (VR). METHODS: hAMSCs were characterized by a series of experiments such as flow cytometric analysis, immunofluorescence, differentiative induction and tumorigenicity. Mouse VR model was induced by isoproterenol (ISO) peritoneally, and the therapeutic effects and the potential mechanisms of hAMSCs transplantation were evaluated by echocardiography, carboxy fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) labeled cell tracing, histochemistry, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. The co-culturing experiments were carried out for further exploring the mechanisms of hAMSCs-derived conditioned medium (CM) on macrophage polarization and fibroblast fibrosis in vitro. RESULTS: hAMSCs transplantation significantly alleviated ISO-induced VR including cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis with the improvements of cardiac functions. CFSE labeled hAMSCs kept an undifferentiated state in heart, indicating that hAMSCs-mediated the improvement of ISO-induced VR might be related to their paracrine effects. hAMSCs markedly inhibited ISO-induced inflammation and fibrosis, seen as the increase of M2 macrophage infiltration and the expressions of CD206 and IL-10, and the decreases of CD86, iNOS, COL3 and αSMA expressions in heart, suggesting that hAMSCs transplantation promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages and inhibited the polarization of M1 macrophages. Mechanically, hAMSCs-derived CM significantly increased the expressions of CD206, IL-10, Arg-1 and reduced the expressions of iNOS and IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Interestingly, RAW264.7-CM remarkably promoted the expressions of anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-10, IDO, and COX2 in hAMSCs. Furthermore, the CM derived from hAMSCs pretreated with RAW264.7-CM markedly inhibited the expressions of fibrogenesis genes such as αSMA and COL3 in 3T3 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that hAMSCs effectively alleviated ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and improved the cardiac functions in mice, and the underlying mechanisms might be related to inhibiting the inflammation and fibrosis during the ventricular remodeling through promoting the polarization of CD206hiIL-10hi macrophages in heart tissues. Our study strongly suggested that by taking the advantages of the potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, hAMSCs may provide an alternative therapeutic approach for prevention and treatment of VR clinically.

The Impact of Shared Information Presentation Time on Users' Privacy-Regulation Behavior in the Context of Vertical Privacy: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Combining data-sharing models and algorithm technologies has led to new data flow structures and usage patterns. In this context, the presentation time of shared low-sensitivity information across platforms has become a crucial factor that affects user perception and privacy-regulation behavior. However, previous studies have not conducted an in-depth exploration of this issue. Based on privacy process theory, this study discusses the impact and potential mechanism of the presentation time (immediate or delayed) of shared low-sensitivity information across platforms on privacy-regulation behavior. Through a pre-study and two online survey experimental studies, which included 379 participants in total, we verified that the immediate information presentation time has a significantly higher impact on online vigilance and privacy-regulation behavior than the delayed condition, ßdirect = 0.5960, 95% CI 0.2402 to 0.9518; ßindirect = 0.1765, 95% CI 0.0326 to 0.3397, and users' perceived control as the moderating role influences online vigilance and privacy-regulation behaviors (preventive or corrective), ßpreventive = -0.0562, 95% CI -0.1435 to -0.0063; ßcorrective = -0.0581, 95% CI -0.1402 to -0.0065. Based on these results, we suggest that the presentation time of using shared low-sensitivity information across platforms should be concerned by companies' recommendation algorithms to reduce users' negative perceptions and privacy behaviors and improve user experience.

Development and validation of a specialized system for self-tapping medical bone screw testing.

A specialized system for accurate self-tapping medical bone screw testing is developed, fully meeting the requirements of ASTM F543-A4 (YY/T 1505-2016). The onset of self-tap is identified automatically according to a change in the slope of the torque curve. Precise load control is applied to determine the self-tapping force accurately. A simple mechanical platform is embedded to ensure the automatic axial alignment of a tested screw with the pilot hole in a test block. In addition, comparative experiments are conducted on different self-tapping screws to verify the system's effectiveness. By the automatic identification and alignment method, both torque curves and axial force curves for each screw exhibit significant consistency. The self-tapping time point derived from the torque curve agrees well with the turning point of the axial displacement curve. The determined self-tapping forces' mean values and standard deviations are both small, which are proved to be effective and accurate in the insertion tests. This work contributes to improving the standard test method for accurate determination of the self-tapping performance of medical bone screws.

Gender differences in the modifying effect of living arrangements on the association of sleep quality with cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Sleep quality is considered to be associated with cognitive function for older adults, but little is known about whether living with others can buffer mild cognitive impairment in older adults with poor sleep quality. The objective of this study was to examine the role of living arrangements in sleep quality and cognitive function among older adults aged 65 and over. Methods: 2,859 older adults over 65 years old were selected by using multi-stage stratified sampling method. Cognitive function and sleep quality were measured using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Binary logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between sleep quality and mild cognitive impairment, and the interaction effects of sleep quality and living arrangements on mild cognitive impairment stratified by gender. Results: Poor sleep quality was associated with mild cognitive impairment among men and women regardless of living arrangements. The significantly protective role of living with others in reducing the incidence of mild cognitive impairment was found in men with poor sleep quality, but not in women. Conclusion: Targeted support for older adults with poor sleep quality may be effective in preventing mild cognitive impairment, and gender differences should be taken into account when promoting cohabitations.

Extracting particle size distribution from laser speckle with a physics-enhanced autocorrelation-based estimator (PEACE).

Extracting quantitative information about highly scattering surfaces from an imaging system is challenging because the phase of the scattered light undergoes multiple folds upon propagation, resulting in complex speckle patterns. One specific application is the drying of wet powders in the pharmaceutical industry, where quantifying the particle size distribution (PSD) is of particular interest. A non-invasive and real-time monitoring probe in the drying process is required, but there is no suitable candidate for this purpose. In this report, we develop a theoretical relationship from the PSD to the speckle image and describe a physics-enhanced autocorrelation-based estimator (PEACE) machine learning algorithm for speckle analysis to measure the PSD of a powder surface. This method solves both the forward and inverse problems together and enjoys increased interpretability, since the machine learning approximator is regularized by the physical law.

Experimental Investigation on the Static Performance of Stud Connectors in Steel-HSFRC Composite Beams.

In this research, high strength fiber reinforced concrete (HSFRC) was used to replace the normal strength concrete (NSC) in steel-concrete composite beams to improve their working performance, which might change the static performance of stud connectors. Firstly, push-out tests were conducted to investigation on the static performance of stud connectors in steel-HSFRC composite beams and compared with steel-NSC composite beams. Studs of 8 sizes, 13 mm, 16 mm, 19 mm and 22 mm in diameter and 80 mm and 120 mm in height were adopted to study the influence of stud dimension. The test phenomenon shown that the crack resistance of HSFRC was better than that of NSC, and there were some splitting cracks on NSC slabs whereas no visible cracks on HSFRC slabs when specimens failed. Next, the load-slip curves of studs were analyzed and a typical load-slip curve was proposed which was divided into four stages. In addition, the effects of test parameters were analyzed according to the characteristic points of load-slip curve. Compared with NSC slab, HSFRC slab could provide greater restraining force to the studs, which improved the shear capacity and stiffness of studs while suppressed the ductility of studs. The shear capacity, stiffness and ductility of studs would significantly increase with the increasement of stud diameter and the studs with large diameter were more suitable for steel-HSFRC composite beams. The stud height had no obvious influence on the static performance of studs. Finally, based on the test results, the empirical formulas for load-slip curve and shear capacity of stud connectors embedded in HSFRC were developed which considered the influence factors more comprehensively and had better accuracy and applicability than previous formulas.

Inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide advanced androgen receptor expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress in prostatitis and prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: To explore the mechanism of prostatic inflammation on prostate cancer (PCa) by comparing the changes of prostate epithelial cells and PCa cells in an inflammatory environment. METHODS: First, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to compare the level of expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TGF-ß between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and PCa. Then primary prostate epithelial cells were sampled from patients who were suspected of PCa and had histological prostatitis (HP) confirmed by pathological biopsy. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or BAY11-7082 were used to investigate the change of androgen receptor (AR) and AR-mediated transcription, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary prostate epithelial cells, and lymph node carcinoma of the prostate (LNCap) cells. RESULTS: TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TGF-ß were significantly increased in HP and PCa compared with those in BPH patients. The proliferation of primary prostate epithelial cells and LNCap cells got the inflection point at LPS 10 µg/mL. In an inflammatory environment with 10 µg/mL LPS, both primary prostate epithelial cell and LNCap cell viability increased, and AR, AR-mediated transcription, and EMT processes were significantly increased. Inhibitors of NF-κB with 10 nM BAY11-7082 decreased AR, AR-mediated transcription, and EMT processes. CONCLUSIONS: NF-κB regulates AR expression and EMT in prostatitis and PCa, and NF-κB inhibitors may have potential therapeutic value.

Modified Translabyrinthine Approach for Massive Petrous Bone Cholesteatoma Removal and Cochlear Preservation Using Latent Spaces Anterior to the Cochlea.

OBJECTIVE: Microsurgery is the reference standard treatment of petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC). In most cases, radical removal of an extensive PBC can only be achieved at the cost of sacrificing the cochlea. Such treatment will result in the impossibility of future cochlear implantation for hearing rehabilitation purposes. To address this issue, a modification of the traditional translabyrinthine (TL) approach with endoscopic assistance has been developed for radical removal of extensive PBC with preservation of the cochlea. METHODS: From June 2017 to December 2017, 3 patients with a massive PBC underwent surgical removal using the modified TL approach by the senior author in our department. We reviewed the patient characteristics and retrospectively studied the surgical outcomes and postoperative complications. In the present report, we have described our modified TL approach in detail. RESULTS: Complete resection of the PBC and successful cochlea preservation were achieved in all 3 patients. No recurrence had developed during the follow-up period. However, various degrees of cochlear ossification were observed in 2 patients postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This modified TL approach provides the possibility of fully exposing the whole petrous apex without removing the cochlea in selected cases. However, the development of long-term cochlear ossification requires further investigation to allow for successful cochlear implantation.

Genetic Control of Collective Behavior in Zebrafish.

Many animals, including humans, have evolved to live and move in groups. In humans, disrupted social interactions are a fundamental feature of many psychiatric disorders. However, we know little about how genes regulate social behavior. Zebrafish may serve as a powerful model to explore this question. By comparing the behavior of wild-type fish with 90 mutant lines, we show that mutations of genes associated with human psychiatric disorders can alter the collective behavior of adult zebrafish. We identify three categories of behavioral variation across mutants: "scattered," in which fish show reduced cohesion; "coordinated," in which fish swim more in aligned schools; and "huddled," in which fish form dense but disordered groups. Changes in individual interaction rules can explain these differences. This work demonstrates how emergent patterns in animal groups can be altered by genetic changes in individuals and establishes a framework for understanding the fundamentals of social information processing.

αKlotho Regulates Age-Associated Vascular Calcification and Lifespan in Zebrafish.

The hormone αKlotho regulates lifespan in mice, as knockouts die early of what appears to be accelerated aging due to hyperphosphatemia and soft tissue calcification. In contrast, the overexpression of αKlotho increases lifespan. Given the severe mouse phenotype, we generated zebrafish mutants for αklotho as well as its binding partner fibroblast growth factor-23 (fgf23). Both mutations cause shortened lifespan in zebrafish, with abrupt onset of behavioral and degenerative physical changes at around 5 months of age. There is a calcification of vessels throughout the body, most dramatically in the outflow tract of the heart, the bulbus arteriosus (BA). This calcification is associated with an ectopic activation of osteoclast differentiation pathways. These findings suggest that the gradual loss of αKlotho found in normal aging might give rise to ectopic calcification.

Expression of CXC-motif-chemokine 12 and the receptor C-X-C receptor 4 in glioma and theeffect on peritumoral brain edema.

The present study aimed to evaluate the association between CXC-motif-chemokine 12 (CXCL12)/C-X-C receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression and peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) in glioma patients. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to detect the expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in 58 glioma tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate the extent and type of brain edema in preoperative glioma patients. The association between edema and CXCL12/CXCR4 expression was examined by χ2 analysis. The prognostic significance of CXCL12 or CXCR4 was determined by log-rank tests and Cox's proportional hazards model. Expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 was observed in vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells. The degree (P=0.033) and morphology (P=0.033) of PTBE were significantly associated with the level of CXCL12 expression in vascular endothelial cells. The degree (P=0.001) and morphology (P=0.001) of PTBE were associated with the level of CXCR4 expression in tumor cells. CXCR4-positive vascular endothelial cells were significantly associated only with the degree of edema (P=0.030). Therefore, the present study indicated that levels of CXCL12 expression in vascular endothelial cells and CXCR4 expression in tumor cells are associated with PTBE.

PepsinA as a Marker of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Detected in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients.

Objectives We aimed to confirm the presence of pepsinA in the nasal secretions and tissues of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients and reveal the relationship between CRS and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting The study was conducted at the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Subjects and Methods A total of 32 CRS patients with or without nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP, respectively) and 10 normal controls were enrolled in our study. We investigated the expression of pepsinA in the nasal tissues, secretions, and blood plasma from the subjects by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, or ELISA. Additionally, the expressions of MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC8, and pepsinogenA in nasal tissue were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Immunohistochemistry and Western blot revealed that the pepsinA expression levels in the turbinate mucosa in CRSwNP/CRSsNP patients, which were largely restricted to the epithelial layer or glandular mucous cells in nasal tissues, were significantly higher than those in controls and in the polyp tissues of CRSwNP patients ( P < .05). In addition, the concentration of pepsinA in nasal secretions was significantly increased in the CRSwNP (147.85 ± 53.69 ng/mL, P < .001) and CRSsNP (134.12 ± 36.23 ng/mL, P < .001) groups as compared with the controls (68.69 ± 19.28 ng/mL). Although MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC8 expression differed among the groups, no correlation between pepsinA and mucin genes was found. Conclusion The results of this study provided evidence of an association between LPR and CRS, although no correlation was found to exist between LPR and mucin genes in CRS patients.

High IFIT1 expression predicts improved clinical outcome, and IFIT1 along with MGMT more accurately predicts prognosis in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeat 1 (IFIT1) plays a key role in growth suppression and apoptosis promotion in cancer cells. Interferon was reported to induce the expression of IFIT1 and inhibit the expression of O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT).This study aimed to investigate the expression of IFIT1, the correlation between IFIT1 and MGMT, and their impact on the clinical outcome in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The expression of IFIT1 and MGMT and their correlation were investigated in the tumor tissues from 70 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The effects on progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated. Of 70 cases, 57 (81.4%) tissue samples showed high expression of IFIT1 by immunostaining. The χ(2) test indicated that the expression of IFIT1 and MGMT was negatively correlated (r = -0.288, P = .016). Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed high IFIT1 expression as a favorable prognostic indicator for progression-free survival (P = .005 and .017) and overall survival (P = .001 and .001), respectively. Patients with 2 favorable factors (high IFIT1 and low MGMT) had an improved prognosis as compared with others. The results demonstrated significantly increased expression of IFIT1 in newly diagnosed glioblastoma tissue. The negative correlation between IFIT1 and MGMT expression may be triggered by interferon. High IFIT1 can be a predictive biomarker of favorable clinical outcome, and IFIT1 along with MGMT more accurately predicts prognosis in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

The vascular delta-like ligand-4 (DLL4)-Notch4 signaling correlates with angiogenesis in primary glioblastoma: an immunohistochemical study.

Delta-like ligand-4 (DLL4)-Notch signaling is known to play a pivotal role in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis. We had previously found that DLL4 was overexpressed, while Notch1 receptor, which binds to DLL4 during angiogenesis, was absent in the majority of human primary glioblastomas. Thus, DLL4-Notch signaling pathway in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis in primary glioblastoma remains unknown. Tumor tissues from 70 patients with primary glioblastoma were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for expression of components of DLL4-Notch signaling, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and microvessel density (MVD). Immunohistochemistry results showed that the positive staining of DLL4 and Notch4 was primarily distributed in tumor vascular endothelial cells but rarely detected in tumor cells. However, VEGF, hairy/enhancer of split-1 (HES1; a target gene of Notch signaling), and Notch1-3 expression was seen in both tumor vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells. Univariate analysis showed that the expression levels of VEGF and DLL4, HES1, and Notch4 in tumor endothelial cells were significantly associated with MVD in primary glioblastoma (P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that high expression levels of DLL4, HES1, and Notch4 in tumor endothelial cells were associated with a decrease of MVD in primary glioblastoma, while MVD increased with elevated VEGF expression in contrast. In addition, DLL4, Notch4, and HES1 expression were positively correlated in tumor vascular endothelial cells (P < 0.05). We conclude that the vascular DLL4-Notch4 signaling and VEGF signaling complementing each other plays an important role in the progression of tumor angiogenesis in primary glioblastoma. Graphical abstract A, positive staining of DLL4 in human kidney; B, positive staining of VEGF in human breast cancer; C, positive staining of CD34 in human lung cancer; D, positive staining of HES1 in human breast cancer; E-H, positive staining of Notch1-4: E-F in human lung cancer; G-H in human kidney.

[Acupuncture Stimulation of Acupoints of Multiple Meridians for Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve of Both Yin and Yang Deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture stimulation of acupoints of the Conception Vessel, Kidney Meridian, Spleen Meridian, and Bladder Meridian on menstrual cycles and duration, and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen 2 (E(2)) levels in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). METHODS: A total of 96 patients with DOR of both yin and yang deficiency were randomly divided into medication group and acupuncture group (n = 48 cases in each group). Patients of the medication group were treated by Estradiol Valerate tablets, 2 mg/d on the first 10 days, and Estradiol Cyproterone, 3 mg/d from day 11 to 21, followed by 5 -7 days' rest, and the next therapeutic course, continuously for 6 months. For patients of the acupuncture group, filiform acupuncture needles were separately inserted into every 5 points of the Conceptional Vessel, Kidney, Spleen and Bladder Meridians, manipulated with uniform reinforcing and reducing methods till Deqi, and retained for 40 min. The treatment was conducted once daily for consecutive 10 days in one menstrual cycle, beginning from the 10(th) day on after menstruation, which was repeated for 6 months. The integrative scores (normal = 0, mild=2, moderate=4 and severe=6 points) of menstrual cycle, menstrual duration, amount, color, quality [blood blot or ame- nia, symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)] were assessed according to "Guiding Principles for Clinical Trials of New Drugs of Chinese Materia Medica". Serum FSH, LH and E(2) contents were detected by Roche's electrochemical luminescence method. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the two 48 cases in the medication and acupuncture groups, 12 (25.0%) and 20 (4.7) were cured, 11 (22.9 %) and 12 (25.0 %) experienced marked improvement in their symptoms, 20 (41.7%) and 10 (20.8%) were effective, and 5 (10.4%) and 6 (12.5%) failed, with the effective rate being 89.6% and 87.5%, respectively. The integral score of TOM symptoms, menstrual cycle, serum FSH, LH and E2 contents were considerably diminished in both groups after 6 months of treatment (P<0.05), and the TOM symptom score, menstrual cycle, and serum FSH, LH and E2 levels were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the medication group 6 months after cease of the treatment (P<0.05), while the menstrual duration in each cycle was notably longer in both groups after the treatment, and evidently longer in the acupuncture group than in the medication group 6 months after cease of the treatment (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the effective rate, score of TOM symptoms, menstrual cycle and duration, and serum FSH, LH and E(2) contents following the treatment (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture stimulation of acupoints of the Conception Vessel, Kidney, Spleen, and Bladder Meridians is effective in improving clinical symptoms of DOR patients with deficiency of both yin and yang, and has a longer effect, which may be closely associated with its functions in lowering serum FSH, LH and E(2) levels through regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

[The anatomical research progress of extended endoscopic endonasal approach to the clivus].

The clival region refers to the skull base between dorsum sellae and anterior border of foramen magnum. It is located in central area of skull base and is in close proximity to pons, medulla oblongata, basilar artery and other crucial intracranial structures. Although there are various microsurgical approaches using craniotomy to reach this region, there are still a lot of difficulty in exposure of clivus. With the increasing development in extended endoscopic endonasal approach, a new route to clivus, as well as meticulous endoscopic anatomy studies is emerging. This article reviewed related researches progress of the detailed anatomical studies from endoscopic perspective.

Peritumoral edema on magnetic resonance imaging predicts a poor clinical outcome in malignant glioma.

Peritumoral edema (PTE), one of the main characteristics of malignant glioma, is a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality from glioma, however, a recent systematic review suggested that controversy remains with regard to its prognostic value. To further determine whether PTE was a potential prognostic factor on routine pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for malignant glioma, the association between survival and PTE was investigated in the present retrospective review of 109 patients with newly diagnosed supratentorial malignant glioma using MRI data from these routine scans. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS) in univariate analysis, and COX proportional hazards model was applied to evaluate the effect of pre-operative MRI features on OS in multivariate analysis. The PTE extent, edema shape, degree of necrosis, enhancement extent, pathological grade, patient age, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and post-operative chemoradiotherapy were associated with OS in the patients with malignant glioma on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis indicated that the extent of PTE and degree of necrosis shown by pre-operative MRI were independent predictors of OS, in addition to pathological grade, patient age, KPS and post-operative chemoradiotherapy. Moreover, patients with two unfavorable factors (major edema and severe necrosis) exhibited a poorer OS compared with the remainder. In summary, PTE and degree of necrosis, which are easily determined from routine MRI, can be useful for predicting a poor clinical outcome in patients with newly diagnosed malignant glioma.