Use of thermobalancing therapy in ageing male with benign prostatic hyperplasia with a focus on etiology and pathophysiology

Introduction: We investigated if “thermobalancing” therapy (TT), using Dr Allen’s therapeutic device (DATD) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can aid in understanding the etiology and pathophysiology of BPH.

Methods: We compared urinary and other parameters of BPH patients who received TT over 6 months (treatment group) with those of healthy volunteers who had not received the treatment (control group). Dynamics of symptoms and indicators in each group were evaluated in comparison with their data at the beginning and end of the study. Parameters were the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for urinary symptoms and quality of life (QoL), ultrasound measurement of prostate volume (PV) and uroflowmetry (maximum flow rate, Q_max). TT effectiveness was examined in 124 men with BPH and PV?<60?mL. We also investigated the data of five patients with BPH and PV?>60?mL.

Results: TT decreased urinary symptoms and PV, increased Q_max and improved QoL in men with BPH, PV?<60?mL, and in men with BPH, PV?>60?mL.

Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that TT is effective for BPH, suggesting that blood circulation plays a crucial role in its cause. The continuous heat exposure that does not exceed the normal body temperature terminates the trigger of BPH development, “micro-focus” of hypothermia, and the following spontaneous expansion of capillaries. TT could be considered to be a useful tool in BPH treatment.     

The efficacy and safety of short-acting testosterone ointment (Glowmin) for late-onset hypogonadism in accordance with testosterone circadian rhythm

Introduction: It is well known that there is a reduction of circadian rhythm in blood testosterone levels with aging. Our previous report revealed that 3?mg of short-acting testosterone ointment (Glowmin: GL) elevated serum testosterone levels to within the physiological range for 4–6?h. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical efficacy and safety of GL used topically once every morning, to enhance the circadian rhythm of testosterone, for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).

Methods: A total of 61 LOH patients received 3?mg of GL topically once a day in the morning on scrotal skin for 24 weeks. The clinical efficacy of GL was evaluated by the aging males symptoms (AMS) scale, and blood sampling tests were measured before and after GL treatment.

Results: Mean patients age was 55.3?±?9.2 years old. Total AMS scores at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after GL treatments significantly decreased. The results of sub-analysis of AMS, including psychological, physical, and sexual factors also significantly improved after GL treatments. No severe adverse reactions or abnormal laboratory data were reported.

Conclusions: This study shows that TRT for LOH with once daily GL treatment supports testosterone circadian rhythm and should be considered to be an effective and safe therapy for LOH.     

Symptoms of Eating Disorders Among Females in Drug Addiction Treatment

The aim of this study is to measure and describe symptoms of eating disorders among females in treatment for drug addiction in Norway. Previous clinical and epidemiological studies have revealed coprevalence between eating disorders and substance use or abuse. However, few studies have measured eating disorders in drug-using samples and even fewer within the context of drug treatment. In this study, 29 females with drug use disorder in residential treatment were tested with the Eating Disorder Inventory–2. A subgroup of 9 females (31%) with significant symptoms of eating disorders was identified. The characteristics of this group and possible clinical consequences are discussed.     

唐君毅对荀子道论特点的分析

唐君毅对荀子道论的研究主要集中在《中国哲学原论·原道篇》一书中。他认为,荀子之道特指人道,是将人区别于一切自然之天地万物的关键性因素。天是人道产生的背景上之根据。人道乃能知能行之道,且能给人的认识提供止息处。人道包含用心之道和人文政治历史之道两个层次,是主观性和客观性的有机统一。在人文政治历史之道的层面上,它又包含理想和现实两个向度。同时,人道也是一人文统类之全体之道。     

书写一种“个别文化”——评黄青松长篇新作《毕兹卡族谱》

黄青松的长篇新作《毕兹卡族谱》,书写的是一种特殊的“个别文化”。小说不仅呈现出毕兹卡族的历史与文化,也将故事讲述与作者阐释同时在文本中展开,以一种综合的形式试探文学写作的限度。《毕兹卡族谱》在处理少数民族生存经验的“常”与“变”主题时,既显示出黄青松的文化自觉,也清晰地标识出这一题材的写作症候。     

Socio-emotional and monetary employee-organization resource exchanges: Measurement and effects on daily employee functioning

ABSTRACT

Daily exchanges between employees and their organisation pertain mainly to socio-emotional resources. We investigate how daily employee-organizational resource exchanges relate to daily strain and work-related self-efficacy. We also examine the role of perceived organisational monetary investments on the relationship between daily employee resource investments and outcomes. To do so, we assess the psychometric properties of the Resource Exchange Scale (RES) that we developed for measuring general and daily employee and organisational resource investments (Study 1 and Study 2). Seventy-six health-care employees completed a general survey and a 10-day diary survey twice: at mid-shift and at the end of their shift (Study 3). Analyses supported the validity of the RES. Findings revealed that daily, under-reciprocal exchange related to increased physical symptoms. Mutual high daily resource investments related to greater work-related self-efficacy. The relationship between daily employee resource investments and self-efficacy was positive under conditions of both high and low perceived monetary investments. Lagged analyses showed that the previous day’s self-efficacy related positively to employees’ next day resource investments. Our findings suggest that socio-emotional resource exchanges matter for daily employee functioning, over and above between-person effects.     

The effect of living in communal homes on the depressive symptoms of older women living in rural areas: the mediating role of the socio-physical environment

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effects of the village communal living model on depressive symptoms, focusing on mediating roles of perceived environment among rural older women in South Korea. Data came from the sample of residents in 18 housings and their peers in the conventional housing (n = 168). Propensity score analysis and structural equation modeling were used. The results showed the effect of living in VCH on depressive symptoms was mediated distinct aspect of socio-physical environment.     

Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms Among U.S. Nursing Home Residents

This study aimed to examine racial and ethnic differences in significant depressive symptoms among long-term nursing home residents. We analyzed the 2014 national Minimum Data Set linked to a nursing home file and estimated multivariable logistic regressions to determine the associations of race and ethnicities with significant depressive symptoms (score ≥ 10 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] scale) and whether associations were explained by resident and nursing home covariates. Stratified analyses further determined independent associations in subgroups of residents. We found that the prevalence rate of PHQ-9 scores ≥ 10 was 8.8% among non-Hispanic White residents (n = 653,031) and 7.4%, 6.9%, and 6.6% among Black (n = 97,629), Hispanic (n = 39,752), and Asian (n = 16,636) residents, respectively. The reduced likelihoods of significant depressive symptoms for minority residents compared to non-Hispanic Whites persisted after sequential adjustments for resident and nursing home covariates, as well as in stratified analyses. The persistently lower rate of significant depressive symptoms among racial and ethnic minority residents suggests that training of nursing home caregivers for culturally sensitive depression screening is needed for improved symptom recognition among minority residents.     

Depressive Symptoms Among Native and Immigrant Adolescents in Norway: The Role of Gender and Urbanization

The study investigates depressive symptoms among 3,431 adolescents aged 13–15 years. The sample comprises both native Norwegian and immigrant adolescents living in Norway. The main finding of the study is that the level of depressive symptoms is significantly higher among the immigrant adolescents than their Norwegian counterparts. When analysed separately for boys and girls, the difference is still significant for boys. Generally depressive symptoms are significantly higher among girls than among boys. Depressive symptoms, especially in boys, may also be related to the degree of urbanization of the area they live in. In cities, there is a significant difference between native Norwegian and immigrant boys, with immigrant boys having a higher level of depressive symptoms than native Norwegians. The implications for future research about immigrant adolescents and their psychosocial adjustment are discussed.

浅谈老年人颈椎病发生的原因及预防和诊治

通过对老年人颈椎病产生的原因进行分析,阐述了老年人颈椎劳损的各种不同症状,提出如何预防老年人颈椎病的发生,和对老年人颈椎劳损症的治疗所采用的活动锻炼、按摩疗法、中药外治疗法等,以达到预防和治愈老年人颈椎劳损疾病的目的。