Chinese Articles Research Articles

The prevalence, temporal trends, and geographical distribution of HIV-1 subtypes among men who have sex with men in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a comprehensive overview of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 subtypes and to investigate temporal and geographical trends of the HIV-1 epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Chinese and English articles published between January 2007 and December 2017 were systematically searched. Pooled HIV-1 prevalence was calculated, and its stability was analysed using sensitivity analysis. Subgroups were based on study time period, sampling area and prevalence. Publication bias was measured using Funnel plot and Egger's test. A total of 68 independent studies that included HIV-1 molecular investigations were eligible for meta-analysis. Circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE (57.36%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 53.76-60.92) was confirmed as the most prevalent HIV-1 subtype among MSM in China. Subgroup analysis for time period found that CRF01_AE steadily increased prior to 2012 but decreased during 2012-2016. Further whereas CRF07_BC increased over time, B/B' decreased over time. CRF55_01B has increased in recent years, with higher pooled estimated rate in Guangdong (12.22%, 95% CI 10.34-13.17) and Fujian (8.65%, 95% CI 4.98-13.17) provinces. The distribution of HIV-1 subtypes among MSM in China has changed across different regions and periods. HIV-1 strains in MSM are becoming more complex. Long-term molecular monitoring in this population remains necessary for HIV-1 epidemic control and prevention.

"Swimming in Poison": Reimagining Endocrine Disruption through China's Environmental Hormones

This article analyzes media responses to a 2010 Greenpeace China report titled Swimming in Poison. Among other alarming data, the report states that fish from collection points along the Yangtze River showed elevated levels of harmful "environmental hormones" (huanjing jisu), also referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Scholars have critiqued EDC science and activism for its heteronormative pathologizing of inter-sexuality, nonreproductive sexual activity, and impaired fertility, drawing attention to the "sex panic" at work in EDC discourse. This article shows that such sex panic is neither necessary nor universal in anxieties surrounding EDCs. Unlike media responses to EDC events in Europe and North America, Chinese news articles that followed the report did not focus on anxieties surrounding sexual transgression. Instead, media reactions focused on food safety, industrial capitalism, and the ecological scope of pollution. Based on this analysis, the author argues that the disruptive quality and analytic potential of China's environmental hormones has less to do with a defense of sexual purity or bodily integrity, and more to do with acknowledging the depths to which human and nonhuman bodies in today's China are suffused with the sometimes toxic social, economic, political, and chemical environments in which people eat, grow, and live.

Infant deaths in Pudong, Shanghai, China: A retrospective study of the police data and comparison with the centre for disease control data

In China, every year many infants (<1 year) are abandoned, but abandonment related deaths are rarely reported. In this study, the police records of infant deaths in Pudong, Shanghai have been explored, then, the police data were compared with the corresponding Centre for Disease Control (“CDC”) data. During the period 2004–2017, a total of 297 infant deaths were recorded by the police, including 87 sudden natural deaths (occurred outside hospitals) and 210 unnatural deaths. The CDC data were retrieved from a Chinese article. Joinpoint Trend Analysis was used to evaluate the trend of the police records on infant deaths, and Poisson regression was used to calculate the mortality rate ratio (“RR”) by gender and places of origin (local, migrant, unknown identity). It is observed that infants born to migrant mothers were more vulnerable to sudden natural deaths than their local counterparts (RR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.8 to 8.1). 8 abandonment deaths and 187 suspicious abandonment deaths were spotted. Births to unmarried mothers, severe illnesses, and deformities could be important risk factors resulting in abandonments. However, the female gender was not a reason that led to the abandonments. Infant deaths related to abandonments/suspicious abandonments rapidly declined during the period 2004–2017. The CDC data showed that 27 infants died of unnatural causes during the period 2002–2013, while the police data recorded 182 unnatural infant deaths during the period 2004–2013, a shorter period but more unnatural deaths. Thus, the CDC data could have underreported the infant deaths.

Transitions of the Understanding and Definition of Primary Glaucoma.

Objective:In previous decades, glaucoma has been primarily attributed to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), but this has gradually been replaced by the development of optic neuropathy as the central concept of glaucoma in developed countries. However, there still remain strong controversies in the definition of glaucoma in China. In this current review, we are going to discuss these controversies and elaborate on the historical transitions of the definition of glaucoma both in China and developed countries. Furthermore, we will briefly describe the “ocular-cranial pressure gradient” theory and discuss the relationship between glaucoma and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in order to show the complex pathogenesis of glaucoma and the importance for the modification to the definition of glaucoma.Data Sources:We performed a comprehensive search in both PubMed and SinoMed using the following keywords: (a) “primary glaucoma” and “guideline,” (b) “ocular-cranial pressure gradient,” and (c) “glaucoma,” “Alzheimer's disease,” and “Parkinson's disease.” The literature search included the related articles with no restrictions on publication date.Study Selection:The primary references were Chinese and English articles including (a) original guidelines and expert consensuses of primary glaucoma, (b) reviews focusing on the differences between various versions of these guidelines and consensuses, and (c) papers about ocular-cranial pressure gradient theory and the relationship between glaucoma and CNS degenerative diseases.Results:The definitions and classifications of both primary open-angle glaucoma and primary angle-closure glaucoma differ between Chinese glaucoma consensuses and international primary glaucoma guidelines. Chinese definitions and classifications put more emphasis on the IOP, while international guidelines put more emphasis on the presence of optic neuropathy. The ocular-cranial pressure gradient theory and the research on the relationship between glaucoma and CNS degenerative diseases have provided new directions for exploring the pathogenesis of glaucoma.Conclusions:As regards the definition and classification of primary glaucoma, we find that there are still some discrepancies between Chinese expert consensuses and international guidelines. Glaucoma is a disease with complex etiologies, while its common characteristic is a specific optic neuropathy. The current definition and understanding of glaucoma is an ongoing and evolving process, reflecting our latest available evidence on its pathogenesis. Chinese ophthalmology community may need to update our guidelines, accommodating these latest developments.

Comparison of anchor screw fixation versus mini-plate fixation in unilateral expansive open-door laminoplasty for the treatment of multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Study design:Systematic review and meta-analysis.Background:Anchor screw fixation and mini-plate fixation are widely used in unilateral open-door laminoplasty. There is a great controversy over the preferred fixation method. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes between anchor screw fixation and mini-plate fixation for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM).Methods:Related studies that compared the clinical effectiveness of anchor screw fixation and mini-plate fixation in cervical laminoplasty for the treatment of MCSM were acquired by a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, CNKI, VIP, and WANFANG up to March, 2018. Included studies were evaluated according to eligibility criteria. The main end points included: preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, postoperative JOA scores, JOA scores improvement rate, preoperative and postoperative cervical range of motion (ROM), preoperative and postoperative cervical curvature index (CCI), lamina open angle, operation time, blood loss, C5 nerve palsy rate and axial symptoms rate.Results:Papers in English and Chinese were searched for the initial review, but only 12 articles in Chinese were included in this meta-analysis. All of the selected studies were of high quality as indicated by the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). Among 809 patients, 372 underwent anchor screw fixation and 437 underwent mini-plate fixation. The results of this meta-analysis indicated that no significant difference was found in preoperative JOA score, JOA scores improvement rate, preoperative CCI, preoperative ROM, C5 palsy rate and blood loss. However, compared with mini-plate fixation, anchor screw fixation patients showed higher axial symptoms rate [RR = 1.75, 95% CI (1.31, 2.35), P <.05], lower postoperative JOA scores [SMD = −0.38, 95% CI (−0.62, −0.15), P <.05], lower postoperative CCI [SMD = −0.64, 95% CI (−0.94, −0.33), P <.05], lower postoperative ROM [SMD = −1.11, 95% CI (−2.18, −0.04), P <.05], smaller lamina open angle [SMD = −1.98, 95% CI (−3.71, −0.24), P <.05], shorter operation time [SMD = −0.33, 95% CI (−0.59, −0.07), P <.05].Conclusions:Compared with anchor screw fixation, mini-plate fixation in cervical laminoplasty appears to achieve better clinical and radiographic outcomes with fewer surgical complications. However, future well-designed, randomized controlled trials are still needed to further confirm our results.

Review on Geumnaeng Method - Focus on Chinese Medical Articles -

Review on Geumnaeng Method - Focus on Chinese Medical Articles -

Progress and challenges in improving maternal health in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

BackgroundThe maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of the Tibet Autonomous Region (hereinafter “Tibet”) is still five times higher than the national average. This study aims to identify the successes and pitfalls of the health system that might be related to the high mortality rate based on the WHO health system building blocks, focusing on human resources for health and health infrastructure and the impact on maternal health and outcomes.MethodsSources of information include China’s central government and Tibet’s local government policies and regulations, health statistical yearbooks, maternal and child health routine reporting system, and English and Chinese online research articles. Joinpoint analysis was applied for MMR and maternal health service trends, and correlation test was used to test the relationship between maternal health services and outcomes.ResultsBetween 2000 and 2015, public health spending in Tibet increased 67-fold, the hospital delivery rate increased 70.1%, and the MMR dropped from 466.9 to 100.1 per 100,000 live births. However, the total number of health workers, qualified medical doctors, and registered nurses per 1,000 people were 4.4, 1.4, and 1.0, respectively, much lower than the national average (5.8, 1.8, and 2.4). In Tibet, there were 80 basic and 16 comprehensive emergency obstetric care (EOC) centers. On average, there were 12 basic and 2.5 comprehensive EOC centers per 500,000 of the population. Though it met the WHO’s recommendation, it might remain inadequate in the low population density of the area like Tibet.ConclusionThe shortage of health professionals and EOC centers and health information in predominantly remote rural areas with a scattered population still needs to be rectified.

The story behind Oncotarget? A bibliometric analysis

Being the most proliferative journal of oncology a cancer research of the past decade, the Open Access journal Oncotarget had reached more than 20,000 publications and a relatively high impact factor score in the past years. In 2018, the journal citation report decided to withdraw the status of an impact factor journal. Since there was a large discussion in the scientific community and specific reasons for the withdrawal were not stated, this bibliometric analysis was performed to assess if Oncotarget exhibits any differences in its bibliometric structure compared to other journals. For this purpose, we used the “New Quality and Quantity Indices in Sciences” platform and analyzed 20,000 Oncotarget articles. Density equalizing mapping technique helps to construct maps of cancer research in Oncotarget and shows that it has led to a unique global landscape which is not asymmetrically dominated by the Western hemisphere but exhibits a publishing architecture with a pronounced emphasis on Chinese articles.

Factors influencing the choice of health system access level in China: a systematic review

BackgroundIn China, patients increasingly choose to access severely overcrowded higher level hospitals, whereas the lower level facilities often have low frequencies of use. This situation undermines effectiveness and efficiency of the health system. Moreover, the situation tends to worsen despite policy measures aimed at improvement. We therefore aimed to systematically review the factors affecting patient choice of health system access in China to synthesise scientific understanding. MethodsWe did a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature that investigated Chinese patients' choice of health-care facilities at different levels. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PubMed for English language articles, and three large Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang) for articles in Chinese between April 1, 2009, and Jan 28, 2016, using search terms related to patients' choice of health-care facility access level, and how these factors affect the choice of level, such as health care access, decision making in health care, and health seeking behaviour. The primary outcome was to identify the factors that influenced patient choices of health system access level in China. Two structured forms were used to extract data from eligible studies, regarding the study characteristics, methodology, and factors. We appraised the methodological quality of the studies using Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). FindingsWe identified and included 45 studies into our analysis. We identified four types of factors related to patient, provider, context, and composite factors from multiple types. Patient factors are mentioned in 31 (69%) of 45 studies, but the evidence on patient factors is mostly inconclusive. Context factors were the least frequently mentioned, and were reported in four (9%) studies. Evidence suggests that the provider factors, such as drug variety and equipment, and composite factor, such as perceived quality, push patients from lower levels towards higher levels. The MMAT quality score was 100% for 13 studies, 75% for 25 studies, 50% for six studies, and 25% for one study. InterpretationThis systematic review provides an evidence base for measures to redirect patient flow from high level health-care facilities to lower level facilities, thus improving effectiveness and efficiency of the Chinese health system. The underuse of primary care facilities in the Chinese health system compromises the effectiveness and efficiency, and are likely to be amplified by current demographic trends. Evidence suggests that improving the drug availability, equipment, and perceived quality of primary care services can improve the situation. Our evidence suggests that further experimental research is needed, which also considers interactions between factors. FundingThis study was partly funded by the China Scholarship Council (grant number 201507720036).

Penile schwannoma: one case report and literature review

Objective To evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics and treatment of schwannoma. Methods One case of was reported, and the relevant literature was reviewed to investigate the histogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.Related literature from PubMed and Wanfang databases to date(up to April 2017)with or penile combined with schwannoma or neurilemmoma as search terms was reviewed. Results One 40-year-old male presented in October 2015 with a tumor at the root of the dorsal penis for 1 year.Physical examination revealed a non-tender, easily movable without adhesion to the skin, 1.2cm×0.8cm nodule at the root of the dorsal penis, the overlying skin was smooth and intact.No evidence of neurofibromatosis was found.Hypoechoic well-defined nodule(1.7cm×0.4cm)located between the superficial skin and corpus cavernosum was showed on ultrasound without blood flow signal.Simple excision of the tumor was performed under local anesthesia.Grossly, the tumor was a well-defined, white, soft 1.5cm×1cm×0.7cm nodule.Microscopically, the tumor was composed of Antoni A area with hypercellular and nuclear palisading.Immunohistochemical staining showed S-100(+ + + ), SMA(-), Act(-). The pathological diagnosis was schwannoma.Postoperatively, the patient recovered well without erectile dysfunction.During a follow-up 18 months, the patient had no recurrence.By literature review, we found 14 cases in Chinese articles with one malignant case, while 33 cases in English articles with six malignant cases.The average age of onset was 39.2 years.Most of the tumors are benign and located in the dorsal side of the penis.Penile can be diagnosed properly based on pathological examination, owing to the lack of typical clinical and imaging manifestation.The tumor resection was the treatment of choice for benign without postoperative complications. Conclusion Penile is extreme rarity, but can be diagnosed properly based on postoperative pathological examination, owing to the lack of typical clinical and imaging manifestation.S-100 is a useful marker for the diagnosis of schwannoma.The tumor resection is the treatment of choice for benign without erectile dysfunction or recurrence; for the malignant, the final diagnosis relies on postoperative pathological examination after the secondary operation with local recurrence.The tumor resection combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is reliable treatment, but the prognosis is poor. Key words: Penile neoplasma; Schwannoma

Chinese Medicine for Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

To evaluate the effificacy of oral Chinese medicine (CM) in comparison with donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI), for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been searched, and the effect of CM compared with donepezil in AD has been investigated. An electronic search of MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Library, Chinese Biological Medicine Database (CBMdisc), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify articles in English and Chinese from the inception of the database until October 18, 2015. A modifified Jadad score (7-points) to judge the methodological quality of studies, comprehensive meta-analysis was performed with Cochrane Collaboration Revman 5.3. Dichotomous data were analyzed by relative risk (RR) with a 95% confifidence interval (CI), while continuous variables were analyzed by using mean differences (MD) with 95% CI for effect size. Six studies involving 596 AD patients through Jadad assessment with low bias were included in the meta-analysis. No signifificant difference was observed in cognitive improvement and daily abilities of patients using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) (MD: 0.69, 95% CI:-0.17 to 1.56) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale (MD: 0.94, 95% CI:-1.54 to 3.43). There were no signifificant differences in status of illness or MD for mild-moderate AD patients at 24 weeks (MD: 0.62, 95% CI:-2.99 to 4.23) and 48 weeks (MD:-0.73, 95% CI:-5.02 to 3.56). Severe AD patients were also assessed at 24 weeks (MD: 3.13, 95% CI:-6.92 to 13.18) and 48 weeks (MD: 4.23, 95% CI:-6.38 to 14.84). Furthermore, compared with donepezil, Xin (Heart)-regulating CM and Shen (Kidney)-tonifying groups were observed (MD:-1.50, 95% CI:-3.08 to 0.08; MD:-1.92, 95% CI:-3.50 to-0.33; respectively). CM had fewer side effects in AD patients. Compared with donepezil, oral CM showed no signifificant difference in effectiveness in AD patients, and more evidence is needed to verify the fifindings.

Framing the Issue of Asylum Seekers and Refugees for Tougher Refugee Policy—a Study of the Media’s Portrayal in Post-colonial Hong Kong

Policy-makers often refer to media reports and public opinion polls when advocating immigration policies. A good example of this is provided by Hong Kong, an international financial hub that prides itself on its multiculturalism and pluralism, but whose government officials and pro-establishment legislators have been calling for tougher measures because of a plethora of negative news reports on immigrants. This study examines how print media frames the issue of asylum seekers and refugees, with the findings indicating that the majority of local Chinese news articles portray asylum seekers negatively as “fake refugees” and “criminals.” The study also examines newspapers’ framing of the causes of requests for asylum and their recommendations for dealing with the “problem”: (1) setting up detention camps, (2) enforcing stricter border control, and (3) withdrawing from the UNCAT. It argues that the negative framing provides justifications for anti-refugee policy-makers to suggest tougher policy solutions to the issue of asylum seekers and refugees. Policy implications are discussed which may affect Hong Kong’s position as a first-class global city.

Effect of left ventricular global longitudinal strain on prognosis of septic/septic shock patients: a Meta analysis

To systematically evaluate the effects of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) determined by two dimensional speckle tracking imaging technology (2D-STI) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on the prognosis of patients with sepsis/septic shock. Databases such as the National Library of Medicine PubMed database, Dutch medical abstracts Embase, Cochrane Library, Netherlands Elsevier, Springer and China biomedical literature database (CBMdisc), China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), Wanfang database, China science and technology journal full-text database, Vip Chinese biomedical journal database were searched from the establishment of literature database to April 2018 to study GLS, LVEF and their relationships with mortality of septic/septic shock patients. The literatures screening and data collecting were independently conducted by two researchers, and the quality of the included literature was evaluated. The sensitivity and heterogeneity analysis were performed with RevMan 5.3 software, and the combined effects were calculated. Funnel plot was used to evaluate publication bias. A total of 6 articles including 5 English articles and 1 Chinese article were enrolled. There were 503 patients, 333 in the survival group and 170 in the death group. The quality of the literature was high, and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) score was 8-9. Meta-analysis showed that short-term mortality was associated with higher GLS in patients with sepsis/septic shock [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.47, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = -0.76 to -0.18, Z = 3.16, P = 0.002], and there was no significant difference in LVEF between the survival group and the death group (SMD = 0.18, 95%CI = -0.03-0.39, Z = 1.64, P = 0.10). Sensitivity analysis was carried out for each effect index by removing each document one by one, and the results showed that there was no significant change in the combined effect before and after each document, indicating that the results were stable. The funnel plot showed that the effect points of each literature were roughly in the form of "inverted funnels" with a large symmetric distribution centered on the combined effect, but the number of studies included in this study was too small, so the publication bias could not be completely excluded. Compared with LVEF, GLS might be a more sensitive indicator for detecting myocardial dysfunction in patients with sepsis/septic shock and might have important predictive value for short-term mortality.

Impacts of age and gender at the risk of underlying medical conditions and death in patients with avian influenza A (H7N9): a meta-analysis study.

ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to conduct a series of analyses that examined the impacts of age and gender at the risk of underlying medical conditions (UMCs) and death in patients with influenza A (H7N9).MethodsWe began by searching for potentially relevant articles in English or Chinese before February 28, 2018. Additionally, we reviewed our own files and reference lists of articles identified by this search.ResultsThe association between death and UMCs was significant in H7N9 patients, with an OR of 1.49 (95% CI: 1.24–1.78). Subgroup analyses showed that having two or more UMCs of any type (OR: 2.24; P=0.044), chronic respiratory diseases (OR: 1.81; P=0.032), and chronic cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.63; P=0.013) had an association with increased fatality in H7N9 patients. Age (60 years or older) [adjusted OR (AOR): 1.86; P=0.032] and gender (male: AOR: 1.68, P=0.006; female: AOR: 1.88, P=0.044) were significantly associated with death in H7N9 patients with UMCs compared to H7N9 patients without any UMC. Stratification analyses found statistically significant increased death in H7N9 patients with UMCs who were 60 years of age and older (AOR: 2.72; P<0.001) and gender (male; AOR=1.64; P=0.033), compared to H7N9 patients without these respective conditions.ConclusionImpacts of age are substantial and significant at the risk of UMCs and death in H7N9 patients. This analysis did not find a significant difference in gender comparisons. Efforts should particularly focus on reducing fatality rates in patients with combined risks from UMCs and other significant impact factor such as age (60 years or older).

Effects of aerobic exercise on physical function and life quality among hemodialysis patients: a Meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise during dialysis on physical function and life quality among hemodialysis patients. Methods The randomized controlled trials on aerobic exercise during dialysis published in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WanFang data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and VIP database were retrieved from setting up the database to 31 December 2017. The RevMan 5.1 was used in statistical analysis. Results A total of 13 documents were included consisting of 11 English articles and 2 Chinese articles. Meta analysis showed that the peak oxygen uptake, times of sit-up within one minute, the 6-minute walk distance and grip strength of hemodialysis patients in the group of aerobic exercise during dialysis all improved compared with those of control group (P 12 weeks) . There was no statistical difference in blood pressure and life quality of patients between two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusions Aerobic exercise during dialysis can significantly improve patients' physical function, however, has no significant effects on enhancing patients' life quality. Key words: Renal dialysis; Aerobic exercise; Meta-analysis

Gestational TSH and FT4 Reference Intervals in Chinese Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) change dynamically during pregnancy. Differences in geographic regions, populations, and manufacturer's methodologies can affect the reference intervals for thyroid function tests. The 2017 guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommended 4.0 mU/L as the cut-off point for the upper limit of serum TSH in early pregnancy. A systematic review is called for to establish practical, gestational-specific TSH and FT4 reference intervals for pregnant Chinese women and to explore whether the criteria are suitable for China.Methods: English and Chinese articles published from inception to Aug 2017 were searched in the PubMed, EMBASE, and SCIE English-language databases and the CNKI, WanFang, and CQVIP Chinese databases. The relative descent or ascent rates of serum TSH and FT4 were calculated, after which Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2.0 software was used to analyze the data.Results: Eleven studies (6 in English and 5 in Chinese), five kits and 11,629 Chinese women from nine cities were considered in this meta-analysis. Compared with the reference ranges provided by manufacturers, serum TSH decreased in the first trimester, with the upper limit declining by 21.7% (5.0–36.6%), to a value close to 4.0 mU/L, and the lower limit declining by 85.7% (73.5–97.1%). It continued decreasing in the second trimester, with the upper limit declining by 24.0% (6.4–40.9%) and the lower limit declining by 40.7% (9.0–85.7%). For FT4, the upper limit fluctuated slightly, and the lower limit increased by 6.8% (1.0–14.6%) in the first trimester. Serum FT4 dropped gradually, with the upper limit declining by 21.8% (2.5–31.8%) and the lower limit declining by 12.7% (2.6–19.6%) in the second trimester. During the third trimester, the upper limit decreased by 25.1% (12.7–35.0%), while the lower limit decreased by 20.9% (14.8–27.3%).Conclusions: Various regions, kits and test methods affect the gestational TSH and FT4 levels. The non-pregnant serum TSH upper limit minus 22% is very close to 4.0 mU/L, which can be used as a sub-optimal approach to represent the cut-off value for pregnant Chinese women in the first trimester.

A meta-analysis of Kangai injection combined with chemotherapy in treating colorectal cancer

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of Kangai injection combined with Chemotherapy in treating Colorectal cancer. Methods The CNKI, Wanfang, CBM, VIP, Medline and Cochrane Library from inception to the August 17th 2017 were searched, and all the relevant journals, and the literature of RCTs were enrolled. The quality of RCTs was assessed by Jadad scores, meta-analyses were performed by Review Manager 5.3 software. Results 21 Chinese articles were enrolled, including three high quality article, and the Jadad average score is 2.7. 1 879 patients were included. The result of Meta-analyses showed that intervention could improve the quality of life [OR=3.29, 95% CI (2.53-4.27), P<0.01]; improve the short-term effects [OR=1.79, 95% CI (1.36-2.37), P<0.001]; reduce the gastrointestinal reactions [OR=0.36, 95% CI (0.29-0.45), P<0.01], reduce bone marrow suppression reaction [OR=0.35, 95% CI (0.27-0.44), P<0.01]. reduce the peripheral neurotoxicity [OR=0.57, 95% CI (0.41-0.78), P<0.01], improve the abnormal liver function [OR=0.0.41, 95% CI (0.26-0.65), P<0.01], and improve the abnormal renal function [OR=0.55, 95% CI (0.31-0.98), P=0.04]. Conclusions The combination of Kangai injection and Chemotherapy in treating Colorectal cancer is better than only using chemotherapy. However, we need more high-quality RCTs to improve the research. Key words: Intestinal neoplasms; Kangai injection; Chemotherapy; Injectio (TCD); Meta-analysis

An overview of cruise tourism research through comparison of cruise studies published in English and Chinese

The concept of cruise tourism should be examined given the rapid growth of this segment of travel worldwide. Rapid increases in cruise tourists and port construction have been observed in China, but systematic research on cruise tourism in China remains unavailable. Hence, this study conducts a thorough review of cruising studies published in top English tourism and hospitality journals and eminent Chinese journals. A content analysis of 62 cruising studies in English and 26 cruising-related articles in Chinese identifies trends in research and methodology and the differences between English and Chinese cruise tourism literature. Significant research topics and methodology trends are discussed and future research directions are also presented.

Research Methods of American Scholars Studying the China Road

ABSTRACTIn the United States, the China Road is a hot research topic. The most popular research methods for American scholars studying the China Road can be divided into four categories. The method of historical interpretation involves presenting the historical context of Chinese development trends. Literature research is the method of carefully selecting the relevant literature published by the Chinese government or authoritative newspaper articles and periodical materials in China. The comparative research method involves comparing the various components of Chinese thinking on the subject and comparing it with the ruling ideas of other countries in the world. Some other American researchers adopt the method of field investigation touring cities and rural areas of China to conduct in-depth empirical studies.

КОРПУСНО-ОРИЕНТИРОВАННЫЙ ПОДХОД В ИССЛЕДОВАНИИ КИТАЕЯЗЫЧНОГО ДИСКУРСА (НА ПРИМЕРЕ НОВОСТНЫХ СТАТЕЙ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ТЕМАТИКИ)

By the material of the Chinese language the article examines the efficiency of corpus-oriented methods in discourse analysis. The study is conducted by the tools of the Sketch Engine system on the basis of Chinese news articles on ecological issues. The comprehensive study of “Thesaurus” , “Sketch diff” and “Word sketch” tools allowed the author to discover the potential of the mentioned corpus manager for analyzing isolate languages and to identify the most efficient techniques to apply functional elements of this system.