Relationship between EMG-detected and ultrasound-detected fasciculations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesFasciculation potentials (FP) are an important consideration in the electrophysiological diagnosis of ALS. Muscle ultrasonography (MUS) has a higher sensitivity in detecting fasciculations than electromyography (EMG), while in some cases, it is unable to detect EMG-detected fasciculations. We aimed to investigate the differences of FP between the muscles with and without MUS-detected fasciculations (MUS-fas).MethodsThirty-one consecutive patients with sporadic ALS were prospectively recruited and in those, both needle EMG and MUS were performed. Analyses of the amplitude, duration, and number of phases of EMG-detected FPs were performed for seven muscles per patient, and results were compared between the muscles with and without MUS-fas in the total cohort.ResultsThe mean amplitude and phase number of FP were significantly lower in patients with EMG-detected FP alone (0.39 ± 0.25 mV and 3.21 ± 0.88, respectively) than in those with both FP and MUS-fas (1.22 ± 0.92 mV and 3.74 ± 1.39, respectively; p < 0.0001 and p = 0.017, Welch’s t-test).ConclusionSmall FP may be undetectable with MUS. MUS cannot replace EMG in the diagnostic approach for ALS.SignificanceClinicians should use a combination of EMG and MUS for the detection and quantitative analysis of fasciculation in ALS.     

Gender norms and social norms: differences,similarities and why they matter in prevention science

Two streams of theory and practice on gender equity have begun to elide. The first is work conducted to change social norms, particularly using theory that emerged from studies in social psychology. The second is work done on gender norms, emerging historically from feminist scholars working to counter gender inequality. As these two streams of work intersect, conceptual clarity is needed to understand differences and similarities between these two traditions. Increased clarity will improve efforts to address harmful norms and practices. In this article, we review similarities and differences between social and gender norms, reviewing the history of the concepts and identifying key tension points of contrast. We identified six areas of comparison that might be helpful for practitioners working for the promotion of global health as they make sense of social and gender norms. We then offer a definition of gender norms for practitioners and researchers working at the intersection between these two theories. Our definition draws from the two different streams of thought of how norms influence people's actions, acknowledging the double nature of gender norms: beliefs nested in people's minds and embedded in institutions that profoundly affect health-related behaviours and shape differential access to health services.     

从郁论治儿童性早熟思路探析

从郁证释义、郁证征象、因郁致病、从郁论治4个方面阐述了郁与儿童性早熟之间的关系,指出郁生百病,儿童性早熟常兼夹郁证,治疗当以疏畅气机、调畅情志为主,为临床治疗儿童性早熟提供了新的辨证思路。附典型案例1则,以资验证。     

卿氏湿疹疱洗方2号治疗血虚风燥型手足慢性湿疹临床疗效观察

目的:探讨卿氏湿疹泡洗方2号对血虚风燥型手足慢性湿疹的效果。方法:选取我院2018年1月-2018年9月血虚风燥型手足慢性湿疹患者116例,根据治疗方案不同分为研究组(58例)和参照组(58例),参照组给予卤米松乳膏联合尿素乳膏,研究组给予卿氏湿疹疱洗方2号联合尿素乳膏,比较两组治疗效果、治疗前后湿疹面积及严重度指数(Eczema Area and Severity Index,EASI)、皮肤病生活质量指数(Dermatology life uality Index,DLQI)及不良反应。结果:研究组治疗总有效率为94.83%(55/58),高于参照组82.76%(48/58)(P<0.05);两组治疗后EASI、DLQI评分均低于治疗前,且研究组低于参照组(P<0.05);两组均未见严重不良反应。结论:卿氏湿疹泡洗方2号治疗血虚风燥型手足慢性湿疹患者疗效确切,可明显改善临床症状,缩小湿疹面积,提高患者生活质量,且不增加不良反应,安全性高,值得临床推广应用。     

The pathophysiology and therapy of menopausal symptoms

Menopause is generally experienced as a biopsychosocial process involving physiological changes, and influenced by a wide range of psychological, social and cultural factors. The loss of ovarian oestrogen production may cause debilitating symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, bladder dysfunction, loss of libido, and mood changes. Experience of the menopause transition varies widely between individuals, depending on the age of onset, personal health and wellbeing, social context, environment and culture.Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) remains the most effective treatment for the management of vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness, but has no proven role in the treatment of chronic diseases of ageing. Treatment should be individualized, and for most healthy women aged 50–59 years the risks of HRT are low. An understanding of the pathophysiology of menopausal symptoms and the risks and benefits of both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments assists in the individual management of patients.     

Smartphone applications available to pregnant women in the United Kingdom: An assessment of nutritional information

The importance of diet during pregnancy is critically important for the short‐ and long‐term health of both mother and child. The number of apps targeting pregnant women is rapidly increasing, yet the nutritional content of these tools remains largely unexplored. This review aimed to evaluate the coverage and content of nutrition information in smartphone apps available to U.K. pregnant women. Keyword searches were conducted in iTunes and Google Play stores in November 2018. Candidate apps were included if they targeted pregnant women, provided pregnancy‐specific nutritional information, had a user rating of at least 4+ based on at least 20 ratings, and were available in English. Nutritional content was assessed for accuracy against U.K. recommendations. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were also evaluated. Twenty‐nine apps were included, seven of which originated in the United Kingdom. There was a large variability in the quality of smartphone app nutritional information. The accuracy of nutrition information varied, and several apps conveyed inappropriate information for pregnancy. On average, 10 BCTs were identified per app (range 2–15). Overall, smartphone apps do not consistently provide accurate and useful nutritional information to pregnant women. This study highlights the need for the integration of evidence‐based nutritional information during app development and for increased regulatory oversight. App developers should also make it clear that nutritional content is intended for a specific geographical region or population or modify for the intended audience. These are important considerations for the design of future apps, which are increasingly used to complement existing maternity services.