Stress and depression have a reciprocal relationship, but the neural underpinnings of this reciprocity are unclear. We investigated neuroimaging phenotypes that facilitate the reciprocity between stress and depressive symptoms.

In total, 22 195 participants (52.0% females) from the population-based UK Biobank study completed two visits (initial visit: 2006–2010, age = 55.0 ± 7.5 [40–70] years; second visit: 2014–2019; age = 62.7 ± 7.5 [44–80] years). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the longitudinal relationship between self-report stressful life events (SLEs) and depressive symptoms. Cross-sectional data were used to examine the overlap between neuroimaging correlates of SLEs and depressive symptoms on the second visit among 138 multimodal imaging phenotypes.

Longitudinal data were consistent with significant bidirectional causal relationship between SLEs and depressive symptoms. In cross-sectional analyses, SLEs were significantly associated with lower bilateral nucleus accumbal volume and lower fractional anisotropy of the forceps major. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with extensive white matter hyperintensities, thinner cortex, lower subcortical volume, and white matter microstructural deficits, mainly in corticostriatal-limbic structures. Lower bilateral nucleus accumbal volume were the only imaging phenotypes with overlapping effects of depressive symptoms and SLEs (B = −0.032 to −0.023, p = 0.006–0.034). Depressive symptoms and SLEs significantly partially mediated the effects of each other on left and right nucleus accumbens volume (proportion of effects mediated = 12.7–14.3%, p < 0.001−p = 0.008). For the left nucleus accumbens, post-hoc seed-based analysis showed lower resting-state functional connectivity with the left orbitofrontal cortex (cluster size = 83 voxels, p = 5.4 × 10−5) in participants with high v. no SLEs.

The nucleus accumbens may play a key role in the reciprocity between stress and depressive symptoms.

Patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) are prone to engage in risk-taking behaviours and self-harm, contributing to higher risk of traumatic injuries requiring medical attention at the emergency room (ER).We hypothesize that pharmacological treatment of BPD could reduce the risk of traumatic injuries by alleviating symptoms but evidence remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between pharmacological treatment and the risk of ER admissions due to traumatic injuries.

Individuals with BPD who received mood stabilizers and/or antipsychotics were identified using a population-based electronic healthcare records database in Hong Kong (2001–2019). A self-controlled case series design was applied to control for time-invariant confounders.

A total of 5040 out of 14 021 adults with BPD who received pharmacological treatment and had incident ER admissions due to traumatic injuries from 2001 to 2019 were included. An increased risk of traumatic injuries was found 30 days before treatment [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 4.44 (3.71–5.31), p < 0.0001]. After treatment initiation, the risk remained increased with a smaller magnitude, before returning to baseline [IRR 0.97 (0.88–1.06), p = 0.50] during maintenance treatment. The direct comparison of the risk during treatment to that before and after treatment showed a significant decrease. After treatment cessation, the risk was increased [IRR 1.34 (1.09–1.66), p = 0.006].

This study supports the hypothesis that pharmacological treatment of BPD was associated with a lower risk of ER admissions due to traumatic injuries but an increased risk after treatment cessation. Close monitoring of symptoms relapse is recommended to clinicians and patients if treatment cessation is warranted.

This study investigated the audiometric and sound localisation results in patients with conductive hearing loss after bilateral Bonebridge implantation.

Eight patients with congenital microtia and atresia supplied with bilateral Bonebridge devices were enrolled in this study. Hearing tests and sound localisation were tested under unaided, unilateral and bilateral aided conditions.

Mean functional gain was higher with a bilateral fitting than with a unilateral fitting, especially at 1.0–4.0 kHz (p < 0.05, both). The improvement in speech reception threshold in noise with a bilateral fitting was a 2.3 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio compared with unilateral fitting (p < 0.05). Bilateral fitting had better sound localisation than unilateral fitting (p <0.001). Four participants who attended follow up showed improved sound localisation ability after one year.

Patients demonstrated better hearing threshold, speech reception thresholds in noise and directional hearing with bilateral Bonebridge devices than with a unilateral Bonebridge device. Sound localisation ability with bilateral Bonebridge devices can be improved through long-term training.

The clinical value of tonsillectomy continues to cause much debate, despite tonsil disease representing a significant burden to patients, caregivers and healthcare systems. This study assessed the long-term effect of adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy on the Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test (‘T-14’), a validated tool used to objectively assess obstructive and infective symptoms in paediatric throat disorders.

Patients aged under 16 years undergoing adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy were recruited consecutively from 2018 into our prospective observational study. The Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test questionnaire was completed by the children's caregivers pre-operatively (n = 80), and at 21 days (n = 68) and 2 years (n = 66) post-operatively.

Significant reductions were noted in mean total Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test scores at 21 days and 2 years post-operatively (p ≤ 0.003).

Our results provide supporting evidence that paediatric adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy significantly improves quality of life up to two years post-operatively, and therefore remains a valuable use of healthcare resources.

The location of the vertical segment of the facial nerve varies greatly among patients undergoing otological surgery. Its position relative to the incus determines facial recess width, which has implications for ease of cochlear implantation.

To investigate the variation in facial nerve depth, relative to the incus, on pre-operative computed tomography in patients undergoing cochlear implantation.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of paediatric patients undergoing cochlear implantation at a tertiary referral centre. Distance between the incus short process and facial nerve, in the transverse (medial-lateral) dimension, was measured at six imaging slices, ranging from 1.25 to 7.25 mm below the tip of the incus short process.

Facial nerve depth relative to the incus short process demonstrated significant variability. Among all subjects and at all measurements taken inferior to the incus, the mean dimension between the facial nerve and the incus short process was 1.71 mm.

This paper presents a rapid, repeatable technique to assess the depth of the facial nerve vertical segment on pre-operative computed tomography, as measured relative to the tip of the incus short process. This allows the surgeon to anticipate facial recess width and round window access during cochlear implantation.

More than 50% patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have severe functional impairment. The restoration of patient functioning is a critical therapeutic goal among patients with MDD. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological treatments on self-rated functional outcomes using the Sheehan Disability Scale in adults with MDD in randomized clinical trials.

PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to December 10, 2019. Summary statistics are reported as weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Interventions were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities.

We included 42 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 18 998) evaluating the efficacy of 13 different pharmacological treatments on functional outcomes, as measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Duloxetine was the most effective pharmacological agent on functional outcomes, followed by (ranked by efficacy): paroxetine, levomilnacipran, venlafaxine, quetiapine, desvenlafaxine, agomelatine, escitalopram, amitriptyline, bupropion, sertraline, vortioxetine, and fluoxetine. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors were more effective than other drug classes. Additionally, the comparison-adjusted funnel plot suggested the publication bias between small and large studies was relatively low.

Our results indicate that there may be differences across antidepressant agents and classes with respect to self-reported functional outcomes. Validation and replication of these findings in large-scale RCTs are warranted. Our research results will be clinically useful for guiding psychiatrists in treating patients with MDD and functional impairment. PROSPERO registration number CRD42018116663.

This study aimed to investigate the benefit of Bonebridge devices in patients with single-sided deafness.

Five patients with single-sided deafness who were implanted with Bonebridge devices were recruited in a single-centre study. Participants’ speech perception and horizontal sound localisation abilities were assessed at 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Speech intelligibility in noisy environments was measured in three different testing conditions (speech and noise presented from the front, speech and noise presented from the front and contralateral (normal ear) side separately, and speech presented from the ipsilateral (implanted Bonebridge) side and noise from the contralateral side). Sound localisation was evaluated in Bonebridge-aided and Bonebridge-unaided conditions at different stimuli levels (65, 70 and 75 dB SPL).

All participants showed a better capacity for speech intelligibility in quiet environments with the Bonebridge device. The speech recognition threshold with the Bonebridge device was significantly decreased at both short- and long-term follow up in the speech presented from the ipsilateral (implanted Bonebridge) side and noise from the contralateral side condition (p < 0.05). Additionally, participants maintained similar levels of sound localisation between the Bonebridge-aided and unaided conditions (p > 0.05). However, the accuracy of localisation showed some improvement at 70 dB SPL and 75 dB SPL post-operatively.

The Bonebridge device provides the benefit of improved speech perception performance in patients with single-sided deafness. Sound localisation abilities were neither improved nor worsened with Bonebridge implantation at the follow-up assessments.

The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a Questionnaire to screen insomnia in clinics;so,it has been translated into many languages.

To determine the relaibility and validity of the Chinese Translation of Insomnia Severity Index(C-ISI) in patients with Insomnia and compare it with Chinese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(C-PSQI).

To prove the relaibility and validity of C-ISI for using it in chinese speakers.

English version ISI was translated into Chinese base on standard guidelines then Chinese version was filled in 83 patients with insomnia as a clinical group and 45 persons without sleep complain as the control group by themselves in Neuropsychiatery Department of DongzhiMen hospital. For finding Test-Retest reliability they refilled ISI questionnaire 2 weeks later.

Cronbach-α coefficient of C-ISI for the clinical group, control group and both of them was 0.72, 0.75 and 0.91 respectively. The C-ISI component and total scores in test were significantly correlated with their related components and total scores in re-test (P < 0.05). Mean Ranks for All C-ISI components, total score were significantly higher in clinical group than control group that presents low sleep quality in clinical group. There are Significant correlations between C-ISI component and total scores and C-PSQI components and Total scores in related Items.

C-ISI has acceptable reliability and good sensitivity for assessing insomnia patients; besides, C-ISI can evaluate the insomnia patients similar to the PSQI-C so it can be used as a good scale to measure sleep quality in Chinese speakers.

There are strong links between circadian disturbance and some of the most characteristic symptoms of clinical major depressive disorder (MDD). However there are no published studies of changes in expression of clock genes or of other neuropeptides related to circadian-rhythm regulation, which may influence recurrent susceptibility after treatment with antidepressant in MDD.

Blood samples were collected from twelve healthy controls and twelve male major depressive patients pre- and post- treated with escitalopram for eight weeks at 4-hour intervals for 24 hours. Outcome measures were the relative expression of mRNA of clock genes (hPERIOD1, hPERIOD2, hPERIOD3, hCRY1, hBMAL1, hNPAS2 and hGSK-3beta) and the levels of serum melatonin, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), cortisol, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1(IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) in twelve healthy controls and twelve pre- and post- treated MDD patients.

Compared with healthy controls, MDD patients showed disruptions in diurnal rhythms of expression of hPERIOD1, hPERIOD2, hCRY1, hBMAL1, hNPAS2 and hGSK-3beta, along with disruptions in diurnal rhythms of release of melatonin, VIP, cortisol, ACTH, IGF-1, and GH. Several of these disruptions (hPER1, hCRY1, melatonin, VIP, cortisol, ACTH, and IGF-1) persisted after eight weeks escitalopram treatment, as did elevation of 24-hour levels of VIP and decreases in 24-hour levels of cortisol and ACTH.

These persisted neurobiological changes may play a role in MDD symptoms that are thought to contribute to recurrence vulnerability and in maintenance therapy for a long term.

The Insomnia Severity Index ISI is a Questionnaire to screen insomnia in clinics;so,it has been translated to many languages.

To determine the Reliability and validity of the Chinese Translation of Insomnia Severity Index(C-ISI) in patients with Insomnia and compare it with Chinese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(C-PSQI).

To show the Reliability and validity of C-ISI for using it in chinese speakers.

English version ISI was translated into Chinese base on standard guidelines then Chinese version was filled in 83 patients with insomnia as a clinical group and 45 persons without sleep complain as the control group by themselves in Neuropsychiatery Department of DongzhiMen hospital. For finding Test-Retest reliability they refilled ISI questionnaire 2 weeks later.

Cronbach-α coefficient of C-ISI for the clinical group, control group and both of them was 0.72, 0.75 and 0.91 respectively. The C-ISI component and total scores in test were significantly correlated with their related components and total scores in re-test (P < 0.05). Mean Ranks for All C-ISI components, total score were significantly higher in clinical group than control group that presents low sleep quality in clinical group. There are Significant correlations between C-ISI component and total scores and C-PSQI components and Total scores in related Items.

C-ISI has acceptable reliability and good sensitivity for assessing insomnia patients ;besides,C-ISI can evaluate the insomnia patients similar to the PSQI-C so it can be used as a good scale to measure sleep quality in Chinese speakers.

Acupuncture, as complementary medicine, has been used since many years ago in china and many researches have proved its effect separately or combined with other treatment methods.

To compare therapeutic effects of Acupuncture plus estazolam and Cognitive - Behavioral Therapies plus estazolam on insomnia.

To determine the efficacy of acupuncture as complementary medicine in treating insomnia.

64 insomnia patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a behavioral group, 30 cases in acupuncture group and 18 cases in behavioral group completed research. The acupuncture group was treated by administration oral estazolam before sleeping each day and needling, three times a week, the behavioral group received Stimulus control as Cognitive - Behavioral Therapy plus oral estazolam before sleeping each day. Treatment course was 3 weeks. The insomnia severity index (ISI) scores before and after treatment were observed in the both groups.

The total effective rate was 86.7% in the acupuncture group and 50% in the behavioral group with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The cured rate of 30% in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than 16.7% in the behavioral group (both P < 0.05).

The therapeutic effect of Acupuncture as a complementary medicine on insomnia is better than stimulus therapy as a Cognitive - Behavioral Therapy.